JP2020013612A - Commodity registration device and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To always cause a shopper to call a clerk when it is necessary to call the clerk in a settlement device.SOLUTION: A settlement device settles a commercial transaction for a purchased commodity on the basis of settlement information from a commodity registration device. Then, when an event that requires intervention by a clerk occurs during a process of settling the commercial transaction for the purchased commodity, the settlement device stops the process to wait until a clerk call operation is performed. In accordance with the call operation having been performed, the settlement device restarts the process, and transmits a call signal to the commodity registration device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The embodiments of the present invention relate to a semi-self-type checkout system, a product registration device used in the system, and a control program of the product registration device.

  As a checkout system for mass retailers such as supermarkets, a semi-self type system is known. In this system, each process of registration and settlement of a purchased product is performed by a different product registration device and a different payment device. The clerk operates the merchandise registration device, and the shopper operates the payment device. In such a system, the payment information for the payment process is transferred from the merchandise registration device to the vacant payment device. Then, when the settlement processing is completed, a receipt describing information on the purchased product, settlement information, and the like is automatically issued from the settlement apparatus. In addition to the receipt, a receipt can be issued to the store to prove that the money has been received.

  By the way, when a receipt is issued, a work such as a seal is required by a clerk. However, in the case of a semi-self-type checkout system, there are some customers who bring back a receipt issued without calling a clerk because the shopper operates the settlement apparatus by himself / herself. Such receipts are not recognized as legitimate certificates because they are not stamped.

JP 2006-344123 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a semi-self-type checkout system in which a shopper calls a clerk whenever a clerk needs to be called by the settlement device, and to provide a product registration device of this system. Is what you do.

In one embodiment, the checkout system is configured by connecting a plurality of merchandise registration devices that perform a merchandise registration process and at least one payment device that performs a merchandise payment process via a network.
The settlement device includes a calling unit. The calling means notifies the plurality of merchandise registration apparatuses that the calling operation has been performed when the clerk performs the calling operation in the course of the settlement process.
The product registration device includes a notification unit and a confirmation unit. When the notification unit receives the notification that the calling operation has been performed from the settlement apparatus, the notification unit notifies that the calling operation has been performed. When the confirmation operation for the notification is performed, the confirmation unit notifies another commodity registration device that the confirmation operation has been performed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a product registration device and a payment device of the checkout system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main data table formed in each of the RAMs of the product registration device and the payment device shown in FIG. 2. 5 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of a control process executed by a CPU of the product registration device according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a merchandise registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on the touch panel of a merchandise registration apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedure of the control processing which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedure of the control processing which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the call command screen displayed on the touch panel of a settlement apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen during a call displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the receipt issued from the settlement apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the merchandise registration apparatus which received the call signal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a semi-self-type checkout system in which a shopper always calls a clerk when the clerk needs to call the settlement apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two merchandise registration devices 11 and four settlement devices 12. The number of the product registration devices 11 and the settlement devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio between the number of the product registration devices 11 and the number of the settlement devices 12 is also arbitrary. The merchandise registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is operated by a clerk of the store, a so-called clerk 21, who plays a role called a checker. The settlement apparatus 12 is operated by a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the above-mentioned store. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be operated by the clerk 21 in some cases.

  The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 such that the longitudinal directions of the top plate are substantially parallel, a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The merchandise registration device 11 has functions of registering purchased merchandise, generating payment information, performing a payment process, and notifying the payment device 12 of the payment information. The registration process is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settling a commercial transaction of a purchased product. The payment information is information necessary for the payment processing.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. The product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is a network. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used instead of the LAN 13. Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

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

The CPU 11a, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to a central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to realize various functions as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

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

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

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for a control process described later. Generally, the transfer of the commodity registration device 11 is performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, a control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads information of a product and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may correspond to only one of various known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed type or a handy type two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may include a scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technology.

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

  The printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on the receipt paper. As this type of printer 11h, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

  The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data on the card. The card may include a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, and a prepaid card, as well as a membership card called a members card or a point card. The member card records at least information for identifying a member who owns the card. The card reader / writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another product registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The RAM 12c corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

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

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

  The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and bills to be inserted. The automatic change machine 12e discharges coins and bills as change.

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

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

  The printer 12h issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper. As this type of printer, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

  The card reader / writer 12i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data on the card. The card may include a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, and a prepaid card, as well as a membership card called a members card or a point card. The member card records at least information for identifying a member who owns the card. The card reader / writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 12j performs data communication with a plurality of product registration devices 11 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another payment apparatus 12 via the LAN 13.

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

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

  The checkout system 10 including the commodity registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 configured as described above forms the data tables 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAMs 11c and 12c of the commodity registration device 11 and the settlement device 12, respectively. .

  The data table 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records each including data of a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and a price. The product code is a unique code for identifying each product individually. Each product is provided with a product code represented by, for example, a barcode. The product name and unit price are the name of the product specified by the product code of the same record and the price per point. The quantity and price are sales data of the product specified by the product code of the same record, that is, the sales quantity and the sales price for the quantity.

  Although not shown, the checkout system 10 connects a database server via the LAN 13. The database server has a product database for setting product information such as a product name and a unit price in association with a product code of each product. When the merchandise code is acquired in the merchandise registration device 11 or the settlement device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a query the database server for merchandise information using the merchandise code. The database server having received the inquiry accesses the product database, reads the product information associated with the product code from the product database, and notifies the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 via the LAN 13. The CPUs 11a and 12a of the merchandise registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 store the merchandise information notified from the database server in the data table 31.

  Such a data table 31 is called a registered product table. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by a registered product table 31a, and the payment device 12 is represented by a registered product table 31b.

  The data table 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount. The total number is the total number of records stored in the registered product table 31. The total amount is the total amount of each record stored in the registered product table 31.

  Such a data table 32 is called a total table. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by a total table 32a, and the payment device 12 is represented by a total table 32b.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of a control process executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to a control program. FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 and FIG. 15 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 by the control processing. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing main procedures of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. FIGS. 10 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12 by the control process. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a format example of a receipt issued from the settlement apparatus 12. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these drawings. Note that the contents of the processing described below are merely examples, and various processings that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the product registration device 11 will be described.
When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is started in the mode for performing the registration processing of the purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the data tables 31a and 32a (Act1). Next, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 5) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act2).

  The registration screen SC1 shows the contents of the registered product table 31a and the total table 32a, and allows the clerk 21 to confirm the status of the registration process. FIG. 5 shows an example of the registration screen SC1. Registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The display area R1 displays the product name, the number, and the unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, and the total number of products purchased and the total price after the product is registered. The display area R2 displays a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts of products registered for purchase before the product shown on the registration screen SC1.

  Although illustration is omitted, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the registration screen SC1 on the screen of the touch panel 11g. I do.

  In a state where the registration screen SC1 is displayed, the clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f and the product button, for example, and sequentially inputs the product code of the product purchased by the shopper 22. Then, when the input of the product codes of all the purchased products is completed, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

  The CPU 11a displaying the registration screen SC1 waits for the acquisition of the product code of the product to be registered for purchase (Act3). When the product code input via the scanner 11f or the product button is acquired (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a detects the product information such as the product name and unit price set in the product database in association with the product code. I do. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the sales amount by multiplying the unit price by the number of units sold. Then, the CPU 11a registers the merchandise sales data including the merchandise code, the merchandise name, the unit price, the sales quantity, and the sales amount as one record in the registered merchandise table 31a (Act4: registration means). Further, the CPU 11a adds the sales quantity and the sales amount to the total table 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 according to the contents of the registered product table 31a and the total table 32a (Act5).

  After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 6). If the product code has not been acquired (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a checks whether the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the product code has been acquired (Act 6). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired or the subtotal button to be touched as Act6 and Act7. Note that the CPU 11a may check for the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and shift to a process corresponding to the event.

  When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7 (YES in Act 6), the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act 4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  If the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7 (YES in Act 7), CPU 11a generates payment information based on the contents of registered product table 31a and total table 32a at this time (Act 8: Generating means). Then, the CPU 11a displays the transfer destination selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 6) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 9).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen SC2. The transfer destination selection screen SC2 includes display areas R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7.

  The display area R3 displays the total number and the total amount of the total table 32a. The display area R4 displays various messages. The buttons B1 and B2 are for the clerk 21 to specify that the discount is applied to the total amount. The button B3 is for the clerk 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g be returned to the registration screen SC1.

  The display areas R5 to R8 indicate whether or not transfer of the payment information to each of the four payment devices 12 is possible. The buttons B4 to B7 are for the clerk 21 to specify the transfer of the payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept the transfer of the settlement information during execution of the settlement processing. In the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state, "transfer not possible" is displayed. Conversely, “transferable” is displayed in the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the settlement device 12 that is accepting the transfer of the settlement information. The buttons B4 to B7 may have different display modes depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 is accepting the transfer of the payment information. Alternatively, when the associated payment apparatus 12 has not received the transfer of the payment information, the buttons B4 to B7 may be hidden.

  When the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 10). When the product code is not acquired (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred is specified (Act 11). If the settlement device 12 is not specified (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the product code has been acquired (Act 10). Accordingly, the CPU 11a waits for the acquisition of the product code or the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 as Act10 and Act11. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm that another operation, such as another operation, is performed in the standby state, and shift to a process corresponding to the generated event. For example, when one of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the clerk 21, the CPU 11a changes the total amount included in the settlement information in accordance with a subsequent instruction from the clerk 21.

  When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act 10 and Act 11 (YES in Act 10), the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act 12). Thereafter, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 4, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  When any of the buttons B4 to B7 on the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is touched by the clerk 21 in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, the CPU 11a determines that the settlement apparatus 12 has been designated. When the settlement device 12 is designated (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a transmits settlement information to the designated settlement device 12 (Act 13: transmission means).

  Specifically, the CPU 11a transmits the payment information to the LAN 13 using the communication address set in the designated payment apparatus 12 as a destination address and the communication address set in the CPU 11a as a source address. 11j is controlled. Thereby, the settlement information in which the destination address and the source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. Then, the payment information is received by the payment device 12 whose transmission destination address matches the communication address. The payment device 12 that has received the payment information can specify the product registration device that is the transmission source of the payment information by storing the source address of the payment information.

  After transmitting the payment information, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen SC3 (see FIG. 7) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 14). FIG. 7 shows an example of the notification screen SC3. The notification screen SC3 includes display areas R9 and R10 and a button B8.

  The display area R9 displays an image for causing the clerk 21 to recognize that the payment by the semi-self is selected. Note that the settlement by semi-self is a settlement mode in which the settlement device 12 executes a settlement process in accordance with an operation by the shopper 22. The display area R10 indicates the total number and the total amount included in the payment information, and indicates to which of the four payment apparatuses 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred. The button B8 is for the clerk 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC3. The CPU 11a returns to the process of Act1 in response to the touch of the button B8, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  Note that if any of the buttons B4 to B7 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that has not received the transfer of the settlement information is touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept the transfer of the settlement information. Therefore, if all of the settlement apparatuses 12 are in an operation stop state or an operation state in which transfer of settlement information is not accepted, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the settlement apparatus 12.

  The clerk 21 who has confirmed the notification screen SC3 notifies the shopper 22 that the settlement should be performed by the settlement device 12 displayed in the display area R10 among the settlement devices 12. The shopper 22 receiving this notification moves to the designated settlement apparatus 12 and performs an operation for settlement.

Therefore, next, the operation of the settlement apparatus 12 will be described.
When the settlement apparatus 12 is started, the CPU 12a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 21). The standby screen indicates that there is no situation in which a payment process is to be performed, and any information may be displayed. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g as the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive the payment information (Act22).

  As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits the payment information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act 13 in FIG. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 that is the destination (receiving means).

  Upon receiving the payment information (YES in Act 22), the CPU 12a develops the payment information in the registered product table 31b and the total table 32b (Act 23). That is, the CPU 12a stores in the registered product table 31b a list of the product name, unit price, sales quantity, and sales price of the registered product included in the settlement information. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number of purchased products and the total price included in the settlement information in the total table 32b. Thereafter, the CPU 12a displays a payment screen SC4 (see FIG. 10) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 24).

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the payment screen SC4. The payment screen SC4 includes display areas R11, R12 and buttons B11, B12, B13. The display area R11 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R12 displays the total number and the total amount of the total table 32b. Button B11 is for the shopper to specify that the payment method is cash. Button B12 is for the shopper to specify that the payment method is credit. The button B13 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the clerk 21 is called. In the following description, the button B11 is referred to as a cash button B11, the button B12 is referred to as a credit button B12, and the button B13 is referred to as a clerk call button B13.

  The shopper 22 who has confirmed the settlement screen SC4 decides whether to pay by cash or by credit. Then, when paying with cash, the cash button B11 is touched, and cash more than the total amount is put into the automatic change machine 12e. On the other hand, when paying by credit, the credit button B12 is touched, and the data of the credit card is read by the card reader / writer 12i.

  CPU12a which displayed payment screen SC4 waits for cash button B11 or credit button B12 to be touched (Act25). Then, when cash button B11 or credit button B12 is touched (YES in Act 25), CPU 12a executes a payment process using the payment method selected by the touched button (Act 26: payment means). That is, when the cash button B11 is touched, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for cash payment. When the credit button B12 is touched, the CPU 12a executes a payment process for credit payment. Since these payment processes are well-known items in the existing self-POS terminal, description thereof will be omitted.

  When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a displays a payment confirmation screen SC5 (see FIG. 11) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 27).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the settlement confirmation screen SC5 for cash payment. The payment confirmation screen SC5 includes a display area R13 and buttons B14 and B15. Further, the payment confirmation screen SC5 includes a display area R11 for displaying operation guidance for the shopper 22, similarly to the payment screen SC4. Further, the payment confirmation screen SC5 displays the clerk call button B13 at the same position as that of the payment screen SC4.

  The display area R13 displays the total amount, the amount charged to the automatic change machine 12e, and the change amount. The button B14 is for designating that the shopper 22 who has not received the receipt confirms the details of the settlement. The button B15 is for designating that the shopper 22 receiving the receipt has confirmed the contents of the settlement. In the following description, the button B14 will be referred to as a settlement button B12, and the button B15 will be referred to as a receipt button B15. Then, the display area R11 displays a message prompting the shopper 22 to touch either the settlement button B12 or the receipt button B15.

  Although not shown, the payment confirmation screen for the credit payment also includes display areas R11 and R13, a clerk call button B13, a settlement button B14, and a receipt button B15, as in the screen SC5. On the payment confirmation screen for credit payment, the display area R13 displays the number of payments by credit, the name of the credit card issuing company, and the like, in addition to the total amount. The display area R11 displays a message prompting the shopper 22 to touch either the settlement button B12 or the receipt button B15.

  When the payment confirmation screen SC5 is displayed, the CPU 12a confirms whether the settlement button B14 has been touched (Act 28). If the settlement button B14 has not been touched (NO in Act 28), the CPU 12a checks whether the receipt button B15 has been touched (Act 29). If the receipt button B15 has not been touched (NO in Act 29), the CPU 12a checks again whether the settlement button B14 has been touched (Act 28). Therefore, the CPU 12a waits for the settlement button B14 or the receipt button B15 to be touched as Act28 and Act29.

  When the settlement button B14 is touched in the standby state of Act 28 and Act 29 (YES in Act 28), the CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the contents of the registered product table 31b and the total table 32b. Then, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 30). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12b returns to the process of Act 21, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  If the receipt button B15 is touched in the standby state of Act 28 and Act 29 (YES in Act 29), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 31 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a displays the call command screen SC6 (see FIG. 12) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 31).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the call command screen SC6. As is apparent from a comparison between the call instruction screen SC6 and the payment confirmation screen SC5 shown in FIG. 11, the call instruction screen SC6 has the same layout as the payment confirmation screen SC5. However, the content of the guidance displayed in the display area R11 is different from the settlement confirmation screen SC5. That is, the call command screen SC6 displays, on the display area R11, guidance that prompts the shopper 22 to touch the clerk call button B13. The call command screen SC6 displays the checkout button B14 in, for example, a gray scale, and indicates that the shopper 22 touches the receipt button B15.

  When the call command screen SC6 is displayed, the CPU 12a waits for the clerk call button B13 to be touched (Act 32: standby means). When a receipt is issued, a work such as sealing by a clerk is required. Therefore, when the receipt button B15 is touched and the receipt is issued, the settlement apparatus 12 stops the process and waits for the clerk to perform the calling operation.

  When clerk call button B13 is touched (YES in Act 32), CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the contents of registered product table 31b and total table 32b. Then, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt 40 (see FIG. 14) (Act 33). Further, the CPU 12a transmits a calling signal via the LAN 13 to the merchandise registration apparatus 11, which is the transmission source of the settlement information (Act34: calling means). Further, the CPU 12a displays a calling screen SC7 (see FIG. 13) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 35: notification means).

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the calling screen SC7. The calling screen SC7 includes a display area R14 and a button B16 in addition to the guidance display area R11. In each of the settlement screen SC4, the settlement confirmation screen SC5, and the call command screen SC6, the clerk call button B13 displayed at the same position is not displayed on the calling screen SC7.

  The display area R14 displays an image indicating that the clerk 21 is being called. The button B16 is for designating that the clerk 21 who has received the call closes the calling screen SC7. Hereinafter, this button B16 is referred to as a close button B16.

  In addition, the procedure of each process of Act33, Act34, and Act35 is not limited to this embodiment. The order of each process can be changed as appropriate.

  When the calling screen SC7 is displayed, the CPU 12a waits for the close button B16 to be touched (Act 36). When the close button B16 is touched, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 21, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, in the checkout system 10, the shopper 22 who has completed the registration of the purchased product by the clerk 21 in the product registration device 11 operates the payment device 12 to settle the purchased product, thereby receiving the receipt. Alternatively, a receipt 40 is issued. Specifically, when the shopper 22 who has confirmed the settlement confirmation screen SC5 touches the settlement button B14, a receipt is issued, and when the shopper 22 touches the receipt button B15, a receipt 40 is issued.

  However, when the receipt button B15 is touched, the settlement device 12 displays the call command screen SC6 before the printing of the receipt 40 is started. Then, the shopper 22 touches the clerk call button B13 according to the guidance on the call command screen SC6. Then, for example, a receipt 40 as shown in FIG. 14 is issued. In addition, a call signal is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12 to the commodity registration apparatus 11 as the settlement information transmission source, and the screen of the touch panel 12g is switched from the call command screen SC6 to the calling screen SC7.

  As shown in FIG. 14, on the receipt 40, an issue date 41, a total amount 42, issuer information (store name, address, telephone number) 43 and the like are printed. However, as it is, there is no seal for certifying the issuer, so it cannot be recognized as a legitimate certificate. The seal is usually made by a clerk. Therefore, it is necessary to call the clerk to the place where the settlement apparatus 12 is installed.

  In the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 touches the clerk call button B13, a receipt 40 is issued, and a call signal is transmitted via the LAN 13 to the commodity registration apparatus 11 that is the transmission source of the settlement information. Is done. In the merchandise registration apparatus 11 that has received the call signal, a display is provided on the touch panel 11g to notify the sales clerk 21 that the settlement apparatus 12 has called.

  FIG. 15 is a display example when a call signal is transmitted from the settlement device 12 to the product registration device 11 displaying the registration screen SC1. As shown in the figure, a display A1 for notifying the clerk 21 that there is a call from the settlement apparatus 12 of the identification information "C" is made in an area not overlapping with the display areas R1 and R2 of the registration screen SC1 (notification means). . Therefore, the clerk 21 who has confirmed the display A1 can easily know that he / she has received a call from the shopper 22 who has instructed the settlement apparatus 12 of the identification information “C” to make the settlement.

  The clerk 21 having received the call goes to the settlement apparatus 12 of the identification information “C” and performs a work such as stamping the receipt 40. By this operation, the receipt 40 is recognized as a legitimate certificate. At this time, the clerk 21 touches the close button B16 on the calling screen SC7. Then, the screen of the settlement apparatus 12 returns to the standby screen.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 instructs the issuance of the receipt 40 by the settlement apparatus 12, the receipt 40 is issued unless the clerk 21 is called. Not done. Therefore, the shopper 22 who brings back the receipt issued without calling the clerk 21 can be eliminated.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 operates the settlement apparatus 12 and performs a call operation of the clerk 21, the call signal indicates that the merchandise purchased by the shopper from the settlement apparatus 12. It is transmitted to the registered product registration device 11. Therefore, for the shopper 22 who has instructed the issuance of the receipt 40, the clerk 21 who has performed the registration operation of the product purchased by the shopper 22 can stamp the receipt 40 with responsibility.

  In addition, the clerk call button B13 for performing the call operation of the clerk 21 is displayed at the same position on the plurality of screens SC4, SC5, and SC6 that are changed in the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product in the settlement apparatus 12. . Therefore, the clerk call button B13 is almost always displayed for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12, so that the clerk call button B13 can be easily found when the clerk 21 is called.

  Further, in the settlement apparatus 12 in which the shopper 22 has performed the calling operation of the clerk 21, the calling screen SC7 is displayed on the touch panel 12g until the clerk 21 comes. Therefore, since the shopper 22 can confirm that the clerk 21 is being called, the shopper 22 can wait with confidence.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, while the call command screen SC6 is displayed, the CPU 12a waits for the touch operation of the clerk call button B13 (Act32), and also waits for the receipt button B15 to be touched again. You may. That is, in the process of Act32, the CPU 12a waits for the clerk call button B13 or the receipt button B15 to be touched. Then, when one of the buttons B13 and B15 is touched, the CPU 12a executes the processes after Act 33. Even with such a configuration, since the clerk 21 is always called when the receipt 40 is issued, the operation and effect of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. In this embodiment, it goes without saying that the clerk call button B13 may be omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the settlement device 12 transmits the calling signal to the commodity registration device 11 that is the transmission source of the settlement information. However, the destination of the call signal is not limited to the product registration device 11 that is the source of the settlement information. For example, a calling signal may be transmitted in parallel to all the merchandise registration apparatuses 11 connected via the network 13. In this case, when one of the clerks 21 who has confirmed the display A1 performs a confirmation operation, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits a confirmation signal to another product registration device 11. The CPU 11a of the other product registration device 11 that has received the confirmation signal deletes the display A1. By doing so, the clerk 21 who first confirms the call from the shopper 22 responds to the call, so that the clerk 21 can go to the shopper 22 under the caller more quickly.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 that has received the call signal notifies the store clerk 21 that there is a call from the shopper 22 by displaying the display A1 on the screen. The notification to the clerk 21 is not limited to the display A1. For example, an image indicating that there is a call may be displayed as a pop-up on the screen being displayed. Further, for example, the display A1 is displayed when the settlement information is transmitted, and when there is a call signal from the settlement apparatus 12 that is the transmission destination of the settlement information, the display A1 is notified by changing the display color. Is also good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the timing at which the call command screen SC6 is displayed is when the issuance of a receipt is commanded. However, in the settlement apparatus 12, the event that requires the call of the clerk is not limited to the receipt issuing command. Even if other events occur, such as when a gift certificate is selected as the payment method, if the clerk needs to be called, the call command screen SC6 is displayed and the clerk is called. The processing may be stopped until the processing is completed.

In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims of the present application will be additionally described.
[1] In a checkout system in which at least one product registration device and at least one settlement device are connected via a network, the product registration device acquires a product code specifying a purchased product, and acquires the purchased product. Registering means for registering the sales data, and settlement information for settling the commercial transaction of the purchased commodity based on the sales data of the purchased commodity registered by the registration means during a registration period until the registration end is instructed. Generating means for generating the payment information, transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to the payment apparatus, and notification means for performing a notification operation in response to receiving a call signal from the payment apparatus, the payment apparatus Receiving means for receiving the payment information from the product registration device; payment means for performing a transaction of the purchased product based on the payment information; When an event that requires the intervention of a clerk occurs in the course of the process of settling the commercial transaction of the product, the standby unit stops the process and waits for the clerk to perform the calling operation, and that the calling operation is performed. Call-out means for resuming the processing in response to the request and transmitting the call-out signal to the product registration device.
[2] The checkout system according to [1], wherein the calling unit transmits the calling signal to the merchandise registration device that is a transmission source of the payment information.
[3] A settlement device that constitutes a checkout system together with a product registration device connected via a network, and a receiving unit that receives payment information for settling a commercial transaction of a purchased product registered by the product registration device. A settlement unit that setstle the commercial transaction of the purchased product based on the settlement information; and an event that requires the intervention of a clerk occurs in the process of settingtle the commercial transaction of the purchased product. Waiting means for waiting for the call operation to be performed, and call means for transmitting the call signal to the product registration device while restarting the processing in response to the call operation being performed. A settlement device characterized by the above-mentioned.
[4] The settlement apparatus according to [3], further comprising: a notifying unit that notifies that the calling signal has been transmitted.
[5] The waiting means waits for an operation of a clerk call button displayed at the same position on a plurality of screens which are changed during the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product. 3] or the settlement apparatus according to [4].
[6] A computer of a payment device that configures a checkout system together with the product registration device and receives payment information for settling a commercial transaction of the purchased product registered by the product registration device, based on the payment information. The settlement means for settling the commercial transaction of the product, and when an event requiring the intervention of a clerk occurs during the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product, the process is stopped and the standby mode waits for the clerk to perform the calling operation. And a control program for functioning as calling means for restarting the processing in response to the execution of the calling operation and transmitting a calling signal to the product registration device.

  10 Checkout system, 11 Product registration device, 11a CPU, 11b ROM, 11c RAM, 11d Auxiliary storage unit, 11e Drawer opening unit, 11f Scanner, 11g Touch panel, 11h Printer, 11i Card reader / writer, 11j Communication unit, 11k Transmission system, 12 Payment device, 12a CPU, 12b ROM, 12c RAM, 12d Auxiliary storage unit, 12e Automatic change machine, 12f Scanner, 12g Touch panel 12h: Printer, 12i: Card reader / writer, 12j: Communication unit, 12k: Transmission system, 31 (31a, 31b): Registered product table, 32 (32a, 32b): Total table, 40: Receipt.

Embodiments of the present invention, a control program of the commodity registration apparatus and the commodity registration apparatus used in a semi-self type of checkout systems.

Problems to be Solved by the embodiment of the present invention are those that always shoppers when clerk of the call at the settlement apparatus is required to attempt to provide a product registration apparatus of semi-self type of check-out system that was to call the clerk It is.

In one embodiment, a product registration device includes a generation unit, a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a notification unit. The generation means generates payment information based on sales data of the purchased product. The transmitting means transmits the payment information to the payment device. The receiving means receives the call signal transmitted by the payment device to the transmission source of the payment information stored in the storage device of the payment device that has received the payment information transmitted by the transmission device. The notifying unit notifies when the calling signal is received by the receiving unit.

Claims (7)

In a checkout system in which a plurality of product registration devices that perform product registration processing and at least one payment device that performs payment processing of the product are connected via a network,
The payment device,
When a call operation of a clerk is performed in the course of the settlement processing, a call unit that notifies the plurality of product registration devices that the call operation has been performed,
The product registration device,
Notifying means for notifying that the calling operation has been performed, upon receiving a notification that the calling operation has been performed from the settlement apparatus,
A check-out system comprising: a confirmation unit that, when a confirmation operation for the notification is performed, notifies another commodity registration device that the confirmation operation is performed. The product registration device,
The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the notification by the notification unit is stopped when receiving a notification that the confirmation operation has been performed from another product registration device. The notifying unit is for displaying an image notifying that the calling operation has been performed,
The product registration device,
The checkout system according to claim 2, wherein the image is deleted when receiving a notification that the confirmation operation has been performed from another product registration device.   The notifying unit displays an image notifying that the calling operation has been performed in an area not overlapping with a display area of the registration screen in a screen area of a display for displaying a registration screen representing the content of the registration processing. 4. The checkout system of claim 3, wherein the checkout system displays.   The notification means displays an image notifying that the calling operation has been performed, superimposed on a display area of the registration screen in a screen area of a display for displaying a registration screen representing the content of the registration processing, The checkout system according to claim 3. A plurality of merchandise registration devices for performing a merchandise registration process and at least one settlement device for performing a merchandise settlement process are connected via a network, and the settlement device performs a call operation of a clerk during the settlement process. A product registration device for a checkout system, comprising: a calling unit configured to notify the plurality of product registration devices that the calling operation has been performed when performed.
Notifying means for notifying that the calling operation has been performed, upon receiving a notification that the calling operation has been performed from the settlement apparatus,
A product registration device comprising: a confirmation unit configured to notify another product registration device that the confirmation operation has been performed when the confirmation operation for the notification is performed. A plurality of merchandise registration devices for performing a merchandise registration process and at least one settlement device for performing a merchandise settlement process are connected via a network, and the settlement device performs a call operation of a clerk during the settlement process. A call means for notifying the plurality of product registration devices that the calling operation has been performed, and a computer of the product registration device of the checkout system comprising:
When receiving a notification that the calling operation has been performed from the settlement apparatus, a notification unit that notifies that the calling operation has been performed, and
A control program for functioning as confirmation means for notifying another commodity registration device that the confirmation operation has been performed when the confirmation operation for the notification is performed.