JP2020061196A - Input processing device and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To eliminate the need for an information analysis function required for an input processing device to monitor a state of each settlement device.SOLUTION: A checkout system is configured by connecting an input processing device and a plurality of settlement devices via a network. The input processing device waits for input of data relating to commodity sales, and generates settlement information for the commodity sales on the basis of the input data. The input processing device transmits the settlement information to one set settlement device of the plurality of settlement devices via the network. The settlement device stores the settlement information in a storage area when settlement processing of the settlement information can be performed. The settlement device transfers the settlement information to another settlement device when the settlement processing of the settlement information cannot be performed. The settlement device processes settlement of the settlement information stored in the storage area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a payment apparatus that configures the system, and a control program that causes a computer to function as the payment apparatus.

  As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a product data input processing device and a transaction settlement device are separated. The input processing device waits for input of data relating to product sales. Then, when the data is input by the operator, the input processing device generates payment information based on the data and transmits the payment information to the payment device. The payment device waits for input of payment data for the payment information. Then, when the operator inputs the payment data, the payment device processes the payment based on the payment information and the payment data. A checkout system of a type in which the input processing device and the payment device are separated from each other can employ a so-called semi-self method in which a store clerk operates the input processing device and a shopper operates the payment device.

  In the case of adopting the semi-self method, it is desired to eliminate the situation in which the shopper waits for payment afterward because the shopper takes time to operate the payment device. Therefore, conventionally, the number of payment processing devices is larger than the number of input processing devices. In this case, the input processing device monitors the state of each payment device, automatically selects a free payment device, and transmits the payment information to the payment device, and the state of each payment device. Is displayed on the display, the clerk selects an empty payment device, and sends the payment information to the payment device.

  In either form, the input processing device needs an information analysis function of collecting and analyzing status information (status) from the payment device in order for the input processing device to monitor the status of each payment device.

JP, 2013-242839, A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system in which the input processing device can eliminate the information analysis function for monitoring the state of each payment device.

  In one embodiment, the checkout system is configured by connecting an input processing device including a transmission unit and a notification unit to a plurality of payment devices including a payment unit, a transfer unit, and an error notification unit via a network. The transmitting means transmits the payment information to one set payment device among the plurality of payment devices. The notification means notifies that an error is notified from the payment device after transmitting the payment information. When the payment device is in a state where the payment device can execute the payment process and receives the payment information via the network, the payment means executes the payment process based on the payment information. The transfer means transfers the payment information to another payment device via the network when the payment device is in a state in which the payment processing cannot be executed and receives the payment information via the network. The error notification means is a state in which the payment processing device cannot execute the payment processing, does not transfer the payment information to another payment apparatus, and receives the payment information via the network. Notify the error.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part circuit structure of the goods registration apparatus and the payment apparatus in this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main memory area formed in a RAM of a product registration device. The schematic diagram which shows the main memory areas formed in RAM of a payment apparatus. The flow chart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU of a goods registration device performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the main process which CPU of a goods registration device performs 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 device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transmission screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration device. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the main process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the reception interruption process 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 registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the guidance screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration device.

An embodiment of a checkout system in which the input processing device does not need to collect the status information of each payment device will be described below with reference to the drawings.
It should be noted that this embodiment exemplifies a semi-self check-out system built in a store such as a mass retailer. In this system, a store clerk operates a product registration device, which is one mode of an input processing device, and a shopper operates a payment device.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of product registration devices 11 and a payment device 12 having a larger number than the product registration devices 11. The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged in each checkout lane of the store.

  FIG. 1 shows a case where two product registration devices 11 and six payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes. In FIG. 1, one product registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 are arranged for one checkout lane. It is arbitrary how many checkout systems 10 each include the commodity registration device 11 and the payment device 12. Further, the ratio of the numbers of the product registration devices 11 and the payment devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is also arbitrary.

  The operator of the commodity registration device 11 is a store clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the settlement apparatus 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product sold in a store. The payment device 12 may be operated by the clerk 21.

  The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. 1. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage (checkout lane) for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The merchandise registration device 11 has functions of registration of purchased merchandise, generation of payment information, payment processing, and transmission of payment information to the payment device 12. The registration process is a process of registering a product brought by the shopper 22 who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of a transaction, which is an act of buying and selling a product. The payment information is information necessary for payment processing.

  When the payment device 12 receives the payment information 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 showing a circuit configuration of essential parts of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12. The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is a network. As the network, instead of the LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used. Alternatively, the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 may be configured to exchange information via a server.

  The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 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 the transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the 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 the main storage part of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may also store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.

  The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes is stored.

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program 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 transferred by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately registered product registration device 11.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the 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. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type of identifying a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has its display screen as an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A 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 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 kind 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 to 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 membership card records at least information for identifying the member who owns the card. The card reader / writer 11i may be a magnetic type device, a contact type device, or a non-contact type device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 11j performs data communication with the plurality of payment devices 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 system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses to each unit can be used.

  As the hardware of such a product registration device 11, for example, a POS terminal compatible with the existing face-to-face selling system can be used.

  The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change dispenser 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 the transmission system 12k to form a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to realize various operations as the payment 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 the main storage part of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may also store data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes.

  The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 12a for performing various processes is stored.

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. Transfer of the payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program 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 transferred by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, 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 payment device 12 separately transferred.

  The automatic change dispenser 12e receives coins and banknotes to be inserted. The automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and bills as change.

  The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. Various well-known types of scanners can be used as they are as the scanner 12f. 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 type or a handy type two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type of identifying the product from the image of the product by using the image recognition technology.

  The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device sets its screen to an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A 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 12a. A known device can be used as the touch sensor.

  The printer 12h issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on the 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 the card and a function of writing data to 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 membership card records at least information for identifying the member who owns the card. The card reader / writer 12i may be a magnetic type device, a contact type device, or a non-contact type device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 12j performs data communication with the plurality of product registration devices 11 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 12j can also perform data communication with another payment device 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 change dispenser 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 system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and each unit can be used.

  As the hardware of such payment device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-method can be used.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main memory area formed in the RAM 11c of the product registration device 11. In FIG. 3, the memory area 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records each consisting of product code, product name, unit price, number, and amount of data. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. A product code represented by, for example, a bar code is attached to each product. The product name and unit price are the name and price per point of the product specified by the product code of the same record. The number and the amount of money are sales data of the product specified by the product code of the same record, that is, the number of sold products and the sales amount for that product.

  Although not shown, the checkout system 10 connects a database server via the LAN 13. This database server has a product database for setting product information such as product name and unit price in association with the product code of each product. When the product code is acquired by the product registration device 11, the CPU 11a inquires the database server for product information using the product code. The database server receiving this 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 via the LAN 13. The CPU 11 a of the product registration device 11 stores the product information notified from the database server in the memory area 31. Hereinafter, the memory area 31 will be referred to as a registered product table 31.

  The memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount of money. The total number is the total number shown in each record stored in the registered product table 31. The total amount of money is the total amount of money shown in each record stored in the registered product table 31. Hereinafter, the memory area 32 will be referred to as a total table 32.

  The memory area 33 is an area for storing a transmission destination ID for identifying the payment device 12 that is the transmission destination of the payment information. The product registration device 11 transmits the payment information generated based on the registration process of the purchased product to the payment device 12 via the LAN 13. At this time, the merchandise registration device 11 transmits the payment information to the one payment device 12 set in advance via the LAN 13. Specifically, the product registration device 11 transmits the payment information to one payment device 12 determined from a plurality (three in FIG. 1) of payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane. To do. That is, in the memory area 33, an ID for identifying the determined one payment device 12 is stored as a destination ID.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a main memory area formed in the RAM 12c of the payment device 12. In FIG. 4, the memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing the payment information received from the product registration device 11. Hereinafter, the memory area 41 is referred to as a payment buffer 41.

  The memory area 42 is an area for the in-process flag F. The processing flag F is information for identifying whether or not the payment processing based on the payment information is being executed. In the present embodiment, the processing flag F is reset to "0" when the payment information is not being executed, and is set to "1" when the payment information is being executed.

  The memory area 43 is an area for storing a transfer destination ID for specifying another payment device 12 which is a transfer destination of the payment information. When the payment device 12 is performing the payment process based on the payment information stored in the payment buffer 41, the payment device 12 cannot perform the payment process even if another payment information is received. At this time, the settlement apparatus 12 transfers the settlement information received during the settlement process to another settlement apparatus 12 via the LAN 13. Specifically, the payment device 12 sets payment information to another one of the payment devices 12 (three in FIG. 1) arranged in the same checkout lane, which is set in advance. To transfer. That is, in the memory area 43, an ID for identifying the other settled payment apparatus 12 that has been set is stored as a transfer destination ID.

  In addition, among the plurality of payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane, the transfer destination ID is not stored in the memory area 43 in the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred last. Alternatively, information indicating that the transfer destination ID is not set is stored. Further, the communication address of the commodity registration device 11 arranged in the same checkout lane is stored in an area different from the memory area 43.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the main process executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 7, 8 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 by the main processing. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of a main process executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program, and FIG. 10 is a main flowchart of a reception interrupt process executed by the CPU 12a according to the control program. It is a flowchart which shows a procedure. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12 by the main process. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. The content of the processing described below is an example, and various kinds of processing that can obtain the same result can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the product registration device 11 will be described.
When the merchandise registration device 11 is activated in the mode for performing the registration process of the purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table 31 and the total table 32 (Act1). Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 7) to be displayed 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 implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The display area R1 displays the product name, the number of products, and the unit price relating to the product for which the purchase registration has been most recently made, and the total number and total price of the purchased products after the product is registered. The display area R2 displays a list of product names, number of products, unit price, and amount of money related to products registered for purchase before the products 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 area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to be the registration screen SC1. To do.

  With the registration screen SC1 displayed, the clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f or the product button, for example, to sequentially input the product codes of the products purchased by the shopper 22. When the product codes of all the purchased products have been input, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the registration screen SC1 waits for the product code of the product to be registered for purchase to be acquired (Act 3). When the product code input via the scanner 11f or the product button is acquired (YES in Act3), 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. To do. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies this unit price by the sales quantity to calculate the sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers the product sales data including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the sales quantity, and the sales amount as one record in the registered product table 31a (Act4). 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 the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act6). When the product code is not acquired (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether the subtotal button is touched (Act 7). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a checks again whether the product code has been acquired (Act 6). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the product code or the subtotal button to be touched as Act 6 and Act 7. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state, and may shift to a process according to the occurred event.

  When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act4. 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), the CPU 11a generates payment information based on the contents of the registered product table 31a and the total table 32a at this time (Act 8: Generation means). Then, the CPU 11a causes the transmission screen SC2 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act9).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the transmission screen SC2. Transmission screen SC2 includes display areas R3 and R4 and buttons B1, B2, B3 and B4. The display area R3 displays the total number and the total amount of money in the total table 32a. The display area R4 displays various messages. 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 is returned to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is for the clerk 21 to specify that the payment information is transmitted to the payment device 12. In the following description, the button B3 will be referred to as the return button B3, and the button B4 will be referred to as the send button B4.

  When the transmission screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the return button B3 has been operated (Act 10). When the return button B3 is not operated (NO in Act10), the CPU 11a confirms whether the send button B4 has been operated (Act11). When the send button B4 has not been operated (NO in Act11), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the return button B3 has been operated (Act10). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the operation of the return button B3 or the send button B4 as Act10 and Act11. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation in the standby state, and shift to a process corresponding to the occurred event. For example, when one of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the clerk 21, the CPU 11a changes the total amount of money included in the payment information according to a subsequent instruction from the clerk 21.

  When the return button B3 is operated in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act6 and repeats the subsequent processes as described above.

  When the send button B4 is operated in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act13 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a acquires the destination ID set in the memory area 33 (Act 13). Then, the CPU 11a transmits the payment information generated in the process of Act8 to one payment device 12 identified by this destination ID (Act14: transmission means).

  Specifically, the CPU 11a uses the communication address set in one payment device 12 identified by the transmission destination ID as the transmission destination address, the communication address set in itself as the transmission source address, and transmits the payment information to the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j is controlled to transmit. As a result, the payment information is transmitted via the LAN 13 to one payment device 12 identified by the destination ID. In this way, the destination ID is associated with the communication address set in the payment device 12. Alternatively, the destination ID may be the communication address itself set in the payment device 12.

  The payment information transmitted via the LAN 13 is received by the payment device 12 whose destination address matches the communication address. The payment device 12 that has received the payment information can specify the product registration device 11 that is the sender of the payment information by storing the sender address of the payment information.

  After transmitting the payment information, the CPU 11a waits for a response signal from the payment device 12 (Act 15). As will be described later, the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the settlement information may return a receipt response signal or an error response signal to the product registration apparatus 11. When the response signal is received via the communication unit 11j (YES in Act15), the CPU 11a identifies whether the response signal is a receipt response or an error response (Act16). In the case of a receipt response (YES in Act 16), the CPU 11a causes the guidance screen SC4 (see FIG. 12) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 17: notification means).

  The guidance screen SC4 causes the clerk 21 to confirm the payment device 12 that is the destination of the payment information. FIG. 12 shows an example of the guide screen SC4. The guidance screen SC4 includes a display area R5 and a button B5. The display area R5 displays a message together with the total number and the total amount of money in the total table 32a. The message causes the clerk 21 to recognize the payment device 12 that is the destination of the payment information, such as “Please make payment with the payment device B”. The content of the message is not particularly limited. For example, it may be “sent to payment device B” or simply “payment device B” or “B”. The button B5 is for the clerk 21 to specify that the guidance screen SC4 be closed. When this button B5 is operated, the CPU 11a closes the guidance screen SC4 and ends the information processing for one transaction. After that, the CPU 11 restarts the process from Act1.

  On the other hand, when the response signal is not the reception response but the error response (NO in Act 16), the CPU 11a executes the transmission disable process (Act 18). The non-transmission process is, for example, a process of notifying the clerk 21 that the payment information transmitted in the process of Act 14 has not been stored in all payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane. Further, it includes, for example, notifying the clerk 21 that the merchandise registration device 11 performs the payment process for the payment information and executing the payment process. Note that the non-transmission process is not limited to the process in which the payment process is executed by the product registration device 11. For example, a payment device sharing each checkout lane may be installed at a service counter of a store, and payment information that cannot be transmitted to this payment device may be transmitted via the LAN 13.

  When the transmission disable process ends, the CPU 11a ends the information processing for one transaction. After that, the CPU 11 restarts the process from Act1.

  The store clerk 21 who receives the receipt response signal from the payment device 12 and confirms the guide screen SC4 displayed on the touch panel 11g indicates to the shopper 22 that the payment device 12 is guided by the guide screen SC4. Notice. The shopper 22 who has received this notification moves to the settlement apparatus 12 and performs an operation for settlement.

Therefore, next, the operation of the settlement apparatus 12 will be described.
When the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the main process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a initializes the in-process flag F of the memory area 42 to "0" (Act 21). Further, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 22). The standby screen indicates that the payment process is not being performed, and what kind of information is displayed may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like as a screen saver.

  The processing procedure of Act21 and Act22 is not limited to the procedure shown in FIG. For example, the process of Act 22 may be executed first, and the process of Act 21 may be executed later.

  On the other hand, the CPU 12a that has started the main processing can execute the reception interrupt processing shown in FIG. 10 in parallel with the main processing. The reception interrupt process is started when the communication unit 12j receives information having a communication address set therein as a transmission destination address.

  When the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12a first identifies whether or not the reception information is payment information (Act31). The received information includes a type code indicating the type of information. The CPU 12a identifies whether or not the received information is payment information based on this type code. When the received information is other than the payment information (NO in Act 31), the CPU 12a executes information processing according to the type of the received information.

  When the received information is payment information (YES in Act 31), the CPU 12a checks the processing flag F (Act 32). Here, when the processing flag F is reset to "0" (NO in Act32), that is, when the payment processing is not being executed by the payment apparatus 12, the CPU 12a determines that the payment information is received. Notify the process (Act 33).

  On the other hand, when the processing flag F is set to "1" (YES in Act32), that is, when the payment processing is being executed by the payment apparatus 12, the CPU 12a stores the transfer destination ID in the memory area 43. It is confirmed whether it is done (Act 34). When the transfer destination ID is not stored in the memory area 43 (NO in Act 34), the CPU 12a transmits an error response signal to the product registration device 11 arranged in the same checkout lane (Act 35).

  Specifically, the CPU 12a uses the communication address set in the product registration device 11 as the destination address, the communication address set in itself as the source address, and transmits the error response signal to the LAN 13 so that the communication unit 12j. To control. As a result, the error response signal is transmitted to the product registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

  On the other hand, when the transfer destination ID is stored in the memory area 43 (YES in Act 34), the CPU 12a acquires the transfer destination ID from the memory area 43 (Act 36). Then, the CPU 12a transfers the payment information to the other payment apparatus 12 identified by this transfer destination ID (Act 37: transfer means).

  Specifically, the CPU 12a receives via the LAN 13 using the communication address set in one payment device 12 identified by the transfer destination ID as the destination address and the communication address set by itself as the source address. The communication unit 12j is controlled so that the payment information is directly transmitted to the LAN 13. As a result, the payment information is transmitted via the LAN 13 to one payment device 12 identified by the transfer destination ID. In this way, the transfer destination ID is associated with the communication address set in the payment device 12. Alternatively, the transfer destination ID may be the communication address itself set in the payment device 12.

Returning to the explanation of FIG.
The CPU 12a, which has completed the processing of Act 21 and Act 22, waits to receive the payment information (Act 23). When the CPU 12a receives the notification that the payment information is received by the process of Act 33 of the reception interrupt process, the CPU 12a stores the payment information received by the communication unit 12j, which is the receiving unit, in the payment buffer 41 (Act 24: store means). Further, the CPU 12a sets the processing flag F to "1" (Act 25).

  The processing procedure of Act 24 and Act 25 is not limited to the procedure shown in FIG. For example, the process of Act 25 may be executed first, and the process of Act 24 may be executed later.

  The CPU 12a that has completed the processing of Act 24 and Act 25 transmits a receipt response signal to the product registration device 11 arranged in the same checkout lane (Act 26: notification means).

  Specifically, the CPU 12a uses the communication address set in the merchandise registration device 11 as the destination address, the communication address set in itself as the source address, and transmits a receipt response signal to the LAN 13 so that the communication unit 12j. To control. As a result, the receipt response signal is transmitted to the product registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

  After that, the CPU 12a causes the settlement screen SC3 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 27).

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the payment screen SC3. The settlement screen SC3 includes display areas R6 and R7 and buttons B6, B7 and B8. The display area R6 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R7 displays the total number and the total amount of money included in the payment information stored in the payment buffer 41. The button B6 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the payment method is cash. The button B7 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the payment method is electronic money. The button B8 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21. In the following description, the button B6 is referred to as a cash button B6, the button B7 is referred to as an electronic money button B7, and the button B8 is referred to as a clerk call button B8.

  The shopper 22 who confirms the payment screen SC3 decides whether to pay by cash or electronic money. When paying in cash, the cash button B6 is touched, and cash of a total amount or more is put into the automatic change dispenser 12e. On the other hand, when paying with electronic money, the electronic money button B7 is touched, and the data of the electronic money card is read by the card reader / writer 12i.

  The CPU 12a displaying the payment screen SC3 waits for the cash button B6 or the electronic money button B7 to be touched (Act 28: accepting means). Then, when the cash button B6 or the electronic money button B7 is touched, the CPU 12a executes the payment process by the payment method selected by the touched button (Act 29: payment means). That is, when the cash button B6 is touched, the CPU 12a executes a payment process for cash payment. When the electronic money button B7 is touched, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for electronic money payment. Since these settlement processes are well known in the existing self-POS terminal, description thereof will be omitted here.

  The payment method is not limited to cash or electronic money. For example, the payment device 12 can also support a payment method using a cash card such as a credit card or a gift certificate.

  When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a executes a receipt issuing process (Act 30). That is, the CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the payment information stored in the payment buffer 41. Then, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt. When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act4. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, in the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the salesclerk 21 finishes the registration work of the purchased product by the product registration device 11 and the salesclerk 21 touches the send button B4 of the transmission screen SC2, the purchased product The payment information including the sales data of one of the payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the product registration device 11 is identified by the transmission ID set in the memory area 33. Sent to.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the number of payment devices arranged in the same checkout lane as the product registration device 11 is 3, and each of them is denoted by reference numerals 12-1, 12-2, 12-3. Shall be identified by. Further, the destination ID stored in the memory area 33 of the product registration device 11 identifies the payment device 12-1. In this case, the payment information is first transmitted to the payment device 12-1.

  When the payment processing is not executed in the payment apparatus 12-1, that is, when the processing flag F is reset to “0”, the payment information is stored in the payment buffer 41 of the payment apparatus 12-1. . Further, a receipt response signal is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-1 to the product registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11, a guide screen SC4 for guiding that the destination of the payment information is the payment device 12-1 is displayed. Therefore, the clerk 21 tells the shopper 22 to make a payment with the payment device 12-1.

  The shopper 22 heads to the payment device 12-1. At this time, since the payment screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12-1, the shopper 22 makes payment using cash, electronic money, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12-1 is performing settlement processing, that is, when the processing flag F is set to “1”, the transfer destination ID is stored in the memory area 43 of the settlement apparatus 12-1. Processing differs depending on whether or not is stored. Here, it is assumed that a transfer destination ID that identifies the payment device 12-2 is stored. In this case, the memory area 43 of the settlement apparatus 12-2 stores a transfer destination ID for identifying the settlement apparatus 12-3. Further, the transfer destination ID is not stored in the memory area 43 of the settlement apparatus 12-3.

  Since the transfer destination ID for identifying the payment device 12-2 is stored in the memory area 43 of the payment device 12-1, the payment information transmitted from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12-1 is sent via the LAN 13. It is transferred to the payment device 12-2.

  In the payment device 12-2, when the payment process is not executed, that is, when the processing flag F is reset to “0”, the payment information is stored in the payment buffer 41 of the payment device 12-2. . In addition, a receipt response signal is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-2 to the product registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the touch panel 11g of the merchandise registration device 11, a guidance screen SC4 is displayed to inform that the destination of the payment information is the payment device 12-2. Therefore, the clerk 21 tells the shopper 22 to make a payment with the payment device 12-2.

  The shopper 22 heads to the payment device 12-2. At this time, since the payment screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12-2, the shopper 22 makes payment using cash, electronic money, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12-2 is performing settlement processing, that is, when the processing flag F is set to “1”, the transfer destination ID is stored in the memory area 43 of the settlement apparatus 12-2. Processing differs depending on whether or not is stored. Here, since the transfer destination ID for identifying the payment device 12-3 is set in the memory area 43, the payment information transferred from the payment device 12-1 is further transferred to the payment device 12-3 via the LAN 13. Transferred.

  In the payment device 12-3, when the payment process is not executed, that is, when the processing flag F is reset to “0”, the payment information is stored in the payment buffer 41 of the payment device 12-3. . Further, a receipt response signal is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-3 to the product registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the touch panel 11g of the merchandise registration device 11, a guide screen SC4 for guiding that the destination of the payment information is the payment device 12-3 is displayed. Therefore, the clerk 21 tells the shopper 22 to make a payment with the payment device 12-3.

  The shopper 22 heads to the payment device 12-3. At this time, since the payment screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12-3, the shopper 22 makes payment using cash, electronic money, or the like.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12-3 is performing settlement processing, that is, when the processing flag F is set to “1”, the transfer destination ID is stored in the memory area 43 of the settlement apparatus 12-3. Processing differs depending on whether or not is stored. Here, since the transfer destination ID is not stored in the memory area 43, an error response signal is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-3 to the product registration apparatus 11. As a result, the product registration device 11 executes the non-transmission process. By this non-transmission processing, for example, the store clerk 21 operates the product registration device 11 to process the payment of the shopper 22.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, the merchandise registration device 11 transmits the payment information to one payment device 12 which is set in advance as a destination regardless of the state of each payment device 12. . Therefore, the information registration function for collecting and analyzing the status information (status) from the payment apparatus 12 is unnecessary for the commodity registration apparatus 11 to monitor the status of each payment apparatus 12.

  The payment information transmitted from the merchandise registration device 11 to one payment device 12 is transferred to another payment device 12 set as a transfer destination in advance when the payment device 12 cannot perform payment processing of the payment information. To be done. Therefore, the clerk 21 who operates the merchandise registration device 11 does not need to search for the vacant payment device 12, so that the work efficiency of the clerk 21 can be improved. In addition, the mistake that the clerk mistakenly sends the payment information to the unintended payment device 12 is eliminated.

  In the present embodiment, the payment device 12 to which the product registration device 11 transmits the payment information is determined by the destination ID stored in the memory area 33. Similarly, another payment device 12 to which the payment device 12 that cannot perform payment processing transfers the payment information is determined by the transfer destination ID stored in the memory area 43. Therefore, depending on how the destination ID and the destination ID stored in the memory areas 33 and 43 are set, the merchandise registration device 11 preferentially transmits the settlement information to which settlement device 12, and by what route. There is an advantage that it is possible to easily set and change the transfer between the payment devices 12.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which whether or not the payment processing of the received payment information is possible is determined by whether or not the payment processing is being performed in the payment apparatus 12. The determination element as to whether the payment processing is possible is not limited to this. For example, even if there is an error that interferes with the settlement, such as when the printer 12h has no receipt paper, it can be determined that the settlement processing of the received settlement information is impossible.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, one checkout lane is set as one unit, and the product registration device 11 arranged in that lane transmits the payment information to one payment device 12 arranged in the same lane. Then, when the payment process is not possible with the payment device 12, the payment device 12 transfers the payment information to another payment device 12 arranged in the same lane. In this regard, the transfer destination ID stored in the memory area 43 of the payment device 12 may include, for example, one that identifies the payment device 12 installed in the adjacent checkout lane. By doing so, even when all the payment devices 12 arranged in the same lane are blocked, if the payment devices 12 in the adjacent lanes are free, it is possible to perform payment using the payment device 12.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the transfer destination ID is not stored in the memory area 43 in the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred last is shown. In this regard, the destination ID stored in the memory area 33 of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 may be stored in the memory area 43 of the payment apparatus 12 to which the payment information is finally transferred. By doing so, even if all the payment devices 12 arranged in the same lane are temporarily blocked, the shopper can be guided to the vacant payment device 12 when the payment of one shopper is completed. become.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the case where the guidance screen SC4 was displayed with respect to the clerk 21 in the goods registration device 11 was shown. Regarding this point, for example, a display device for the shopper may be connected to the product registration device 11 and the guide screen SC4 may be displayed on this display device to guide the shopper 22. Alternatively, it is also possible to notify the shopper 21 by voice of the payment device 22 for making payment by using a notification means such as a voice synthesis means.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the act of buying and selling a product has been described as a transaction, but the transaction may not involve the act of buying and selling a product. For example, the checkout system of the present invention can be applied to a transaction in which a fee is charged for providing a service (service) such as a facility usage fee and a rental exhibition rental fee.

Besides, although some embodiments have been described with respect to the present invention, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and the gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.
The inventions described in the initial claims of the present application will be additionally described below.
[1] An input processing device and a plurality of payment devices are connected by a network, the input processing device waits for input of data relating to a transaction, and based on the input data, payment information for the transaction is displayed. And a transmitting unit configured to transmit the payment information via the network to one payment device that is set among the plurality of payment devices, each payment device comprising: Receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted via the network; storage means for storing the payment information in a storage area when payment processing of the payment information received by the receiving means is possible; When the payment processing of the payment information received by the means is impossible, the payment information is transferred to another payment device connected by the network, and the payment information is stored in the storage area. Checkout system, characterized by comprising a means of payment, the for processing payment of the payment information.
[2] Each of the payment devices further includes notifying means for notifying the input processing device that the payment processing is possible when the payment information received by the receiving means can be processed. The input processing device further comprises an informing means for informing the shopper to the payment device that has notified that the payment process is possible, and the check according to appendix [1]. Out system.
[3] Waiting for the input of data related to the transaction, and based on the input data, a generating unit that generates payment information for the transaction, and a plurality of payment devices connected via a network. A payment device that constitutes a checkout system and an input processing device that includes a transmission unit that transmits the payment information to one payment device, and that receives the payment information transmitted through the network. Means for storing the payment information received by the receiving means, storage means for storing the payment information in a storage area, and payment processing for the payment information received by the receiving means being impossible. A transfer means for transferring the payment information to another payment device connected by the network, and processing the payment of the payment information stored in the storage area. Settlement apparatus characterized by comprising a payment means.
[4] When the payment processing of the payment information received by the receiving means is possible, the notification processing means further notifies the input processing device that the payment processing is possible. [3] The payment device according to the above.
[5] When payment processing of the payment information received by the reception means is possible, storage means for storing the payment information in a storage area; and when payment processing of the payment information received by the reception means is impossible, the payment Transfer means for transferring information to another payment device connected by a network, payment means for processing payment of the payment information stored in the storage area, and payment processing for the payment information received by the receiving means. An input processing device that constitutes a checkout system by being connected to a plurality of payment devices that include a notification means that notifies that payment processing is possible when possible, and inputs data relating to transactions. And a settlement means for generating settlement information for the transaction based on the input data, and a settlement of one set among the plurality of settlement devices. And a notification unit that notifies the shopper to the payment device that has notified that the payment processing is possible, and a sending unit that sends the payment information to the storage device via the network. An input processing device characterized by the above.
[6] Waiting for the input of data related to the transaction, and based on the input data, the generating means for generating the payment information for the transaction, and the plurality of payment devices connected via the network. A payment including a checkout system and an input processing device including a transmitting unit that transmits the payment information to one payment device, and a payment unit including a receiving unit that receives the payment information transmitted through the network. When the payment processing of the payment information received by the receiving means is possible in the computer of the device, a function of storing the payment information in a storage area, when the payment processing of the payment information received by the receiving means is impossible A function of transferring the payment information to another payment device connected by the network, and payment of the payment information stored in the storage area Control program for operating the process, the realization.

  10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Commodity 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 ... Registered product table, 32 ... Total table, 33 ... Destination ID memory area, 41 ... Settlement buffer, 42 ... In process Memory area of flag, 43 ... Transfer destination ID Mori area.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an input processing device that constitutes a checkout system, and a control program that causes a computer to realize the function as the input processing device.

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an input processing device of a checkout system in which the input processing device does not need an information analysis function for monitoring the state of each payment device.

In one embodiment, an input processing device connected to a plurality of payment devices via a network includes a generation means, a transmission means, a reception means, and a notification means. The generation means waits for the input of data relating to the transaction, and generates settlement information for the transaction based on the input data. The transmitting means transmits the payment information to one set payment device among the plurality of payment devices via the network . The receiving unit receives the notification from the payment device when the payment device that receives the payment information transmitted by the transmission unit can execute the payment process, and the payment device that receives the payment information transmitted by the transmission unit is When the payment process cannot be executed, the notification is received from another payment device. The notification means gives notification according to the notification received by the reception means.

Claims (6)

The input processing device and multiple payment devices are connected via a network,
The input processing device,
Transmitting means for transmitting payment information to one set payment device among the plurality of payment devices;
Notification means for notifying that an error is notified from the payment device after transmitting the payment information,
Equipped with,
The plurality of payment devices,
When the payment device is in a state in which payment processing can be executed, and when the payment information is received via the network, payment means that executes payment processing based on the payment information,
When the payment device is in a state in which the payment process cannot be executed and the payment information is received via the network, a transfer unit that transfers the payment information to another payment device via the network,
When the payment device is in a state in which the payment process cannot be executed, the payment information is not transferred to another payment device, and the payment information is received via the network, Error notification means for notifying an error,
Checkout system with The plurality of payment devices,
A memory for storing information for specifying another payment device to which the payment information is transferred,
Equipped with
The transfer means is in a state in which the payment device cannot execute the payment process, is in a state in which information for identifying the other payment device is stored in the memory, and is transferred via the network. When the payment information is received, the payment information is transferred to another payment device via the network,
The error notification means is in a state in which the payment device cannot execute the payment process, is in a state in which information for identifying the other payment device is not stored in the memory, and the error notification means is set via the network. When the payment information is received by the user, the input processing device is notified of an error,
The checkout system according to claim 1. The input processing device is capable of the payment processing,
The notifying means notifies that the payment processing will be performed by the input processing device,
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2. The input processing device,
After transmitting the payment information, when an error is notified from the payment device, the payment information is transmitted to a payment device different from the plurality of payment devices.
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2. A payment device that is connected to an input processing device and another payment device via a network to form a checkout system,
When the payment device is in a state capable of executing a payment process and receives payment information from the input processing device via the network, a payment means that executes the payment process based on the payment information,
When the payment device cannot execute the payment process and receives payment information from the input processing device via the network, the payment information is transferred to another payment device via the network. Transfer means,
When the payment device is in a state in which the payment process cannot be executed, the payment information is not transferred to another payment device, and the payment information is received from the input processing device via the network, Error notifying means for notifying the input processing device of an error,
A payment device comprising: In the computer of the payment device that is connected to the input processing device and the other payment device via the network to form the checkout system,
A function of executing payment processing based on the payment information when the payment apparatus is in a state capable of executing payment processing and receives payment information from the input processing apparatus via the network.
When the payment device cannot execute the payment process and receives the payment information from the input processing device via the network, the payment information is transferred to another payment device via the network. And a state in which the payment device cannot execute the payment process and the payment information is not transferred to another payment device, and the payment information is received from the input processing device via the network. A function for notifying the input processing device of an error when received,
A control program to realize.