JP2020074175A - Settlement device and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a settlement device that is to be a transmission destination of accounting data from being selected in using a registration device.SOLUTION: A settlement device determines whether or not to execute settlement processing of accounting data by itself in preference to another settlement device whose transfer order is earlier based on a predetermined determination condition. If the transfer order set for itself is not the last, the settlement device transfers, together with the accounting data, its own identification information when determining to be preferentially executed by itself, and identification information on the other settlement device when determining to be preferentially executed by the other settlement device whose transfer order is earlier. If the transfer order set for itself is the last, the settlement device notifies a registration device of its own identification information when determining to be preferentially executed by itself, and of identification information on the other settlement device when determining to be preferentially executed by the other settlement device whose transfer order is earlier. The registration device gives a notification to guide a customer to the settlement device identified by the identification information pertaining to the notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system and a payment device used in this system.

  2. Description of the Related Art As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction and a settlement device that executes transaction settlement processing based on the accounting data are separated. The registration device waits for the input of data related to product sales. Then, when the operator inputs data relating to product sales, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data and transmits the accounting data to the settlement device. The payment device waits for input of payment data for accounting data. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the payment device executes the payment process of the transaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. In such a type of checkout system in which the registration device and the payment device are separated, a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by different store employees, and the payment device is operated by the shopkeeper by operating the registration device There is a so-called semi-self system in which the work is shared.

  In the case of the semi-self method, if the shopper takes time to operate the settlement apparatus, the subsequent shoppers will wait for settlement. In order to avoid such a situation, a plurality of payment devices are connected to one registration device. Then, the registration device selects one of the payment devices for each transaction and transmits the accounting data to the payment device.

JP, 2013-242839, A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system that does not select a payment device to which accounting data is transmitted in a registration device, and a payment device used in this system.

In one embodiment, a checkout system includes a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for transaction settlement based on input data, and a plurality of payment devices that perform settlement processing based on the accounting data. Connect with. Then, the checkout system sequentially transmits the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network in accordance with the transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices.
In such a checkout system, a plurality of payment devices include a receiving unit, a determining unit, a transferring unit, and a notifying unit. The registration device includes a notification unit. The receiving means receives the accounting data transmitted via the network. The determination unit determines whether or not the settlement process of the accounting data received by the reception unit is preferentially executed by comparing with the other settlement device having the first transfer order, based on a predetermined determination condition. When the transfer means set to itself is not the last, the transfer means determines its own identification information when the determination means determines that the transfer order is to be executed preferentially, and the other settlement apparatus with the transfer order first gives priority. If it is determined to execute the identification information, the identification information of the other payment device is transferred together with the accounting data. The notification means, when the transfer order set to itself is the last, and when the determination means determines that the transfer order is to be preferentially executed, the notification means sends the identification information of itself to the other payment device having the transfer order first. When it is determined that the payment is to be performed, the registration device is notified of the identification information of the other payment device. The notification means gives notification to guide the customer to the settlement apparatus identified by the identification information notified by the notification means.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system concerning this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the main circuit structures of a registration device and a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of a priority list memory. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of accounting data and an accounting machine response command. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration device performs. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the accounting data reception process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the accounting data reception process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of a registration screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the accounting data in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the accounting data reception process which CPU of the payment apparatus in 2nd Embodiment performs.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and a payment device 12. The number of payment devices 12 is larger than that of the registration devices 11.
The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged in each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane is arbitrary. In FIG. 1, one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes, respectively. Specifically, one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 (12-A, 12-B, 12-C) are arranged for one checkout lane. The payment device 12-A is the closest to the registration device 11, the payment device 12-B is the second closest to the registration device 11, and the payment device 12-C is the closest to the registration device 11. Farthest.

  The checkout system 10 is a semi-self type. That is, in the registration device 11, the store clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker is the operator. The operator of the settlement apparatus 12 is the shopper 22 who has registered the sale of purchased products by the registration apparatus 11.

The 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 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 registration device 11 has functions of sales registration of products, creation of accounting data, and transfer of accounting data to the settlement device 12. The sale registration of the product is to register the data of the product purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, data such as the number of items sold and the amount of the product sold is registered in the registration device 11. The accounting data is data relating to accounting of products registered for sale as one transaction. The accounting data includes a product code, a product name, a unit price, the number of items sold and the amount of sale, and the total number of items and the total amount of items for sale registered.
The registration device 11 sets one of the three payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the destination of the accounting data. Which payment device 12 is set as the transmission destination is arbitrary. The registration device 11 transmits the accounting data to the one payment device 12 set as the destination.

  The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when the settlement device 12 receives the accounting data from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes the transaction settlement based on the accounting data. Settlement processing is processing of settlement of a transaction, which is an act of buying and selling a product, based on accounting data. Cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. are used for the settlement.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 in each checkout lane are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is an in-store network. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server stores a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The server may also store other databases.

  The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 exchange information via the LAN 13. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13. Further, information such as accounting data may be exchanged between the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

The registration device 11 includes a CPU 11a, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a scanner 11e, a touch panel 11f, a printer 11g, a communication unit 11h, and a transmission system 11i.
The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11i 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 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 or application program. 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. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area in which data that is 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 kinds of processing or data created by the processing by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, SSD 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 information processing executed by the registration device 11.

  The scanner 11e reads the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product code of the product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f has a clerk and a customer. The clerk touch panel 11f is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space side of the clerk 21. The customer touch panel 11f is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22. The printer 11g issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. The communication unit 11h performs data communication with the plurality of payment devices 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11h can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 11i transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, scanner 11e, touch panel 11f, printer 11g, and communication unit 11h. As the transmission system 11i, 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 registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, a scanner 12e, a touch panel 12f, a printer 12g, a communication unit 12h, a card reader / writer 12j, an automatic change dispenser 12k, a clock unit 12m, and a transmission system 12i.
The card reader / writer 12j has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. The cards include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. The automatic change machine 12k receives coins and banknotes to be inserted. Further, the automatic change machine 12k discharges coins and bills as change. The clock unit 12m measures the current date and time. The other CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12e, touch panel 12f, printer 12g, communication unit 12h, and transmission system 12i have the same functions as those of the registration device 11. That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, and the auxiliary storage unit 12d via the transmission system 12i to form a computer. Then, 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 application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include a control program described regarding information processing executed by the settlement apparatus 12. As the hardware of such payment device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-method can be used.

  The checkout system 10 having such a configuration forms the data memory areas M1 and M2 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11. The data memory area M1 is an area for storing a product code, a product name, a unit price, the number of sales, and a sales price of each product registered for sale as one transaction. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product is attached with a product code represented by, for example, a barcode, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11e. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per point. Hereinafter, the data memory area M1 will be referred to as the registration memory M1.

  The data memory area M2 stores destination information. The destination information is information for identifying the payment device 12 that is the destination of the accounting data. In the present embodiment, the transfer order of the accounting data is preset between the three payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the registration device 11. Then, the information capable of identifying the settlement apparatus 12 having the first transfer order is stored in the data memory area M2 as the destination information. For example, the default value of the destination information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and the CPU 11a writes this default value in the data memory area M2 at startup. A unique ID is preset in each payment device 12. This ID can be used as destination information. Alternatively, a number, a symbol, a code or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each payment device 12 and used as the destination information. Hereinafter, the data memory area M2 is referred to as a destination memory M2.

  The checkout system 10 forms data memory areas M3, M4, and M5 in the RAM 12c of the payment device 12. The data memory area M3 is an area for storing accounting data. Hereinafter, the data memory area M3 will be referred to as an accounting buffer M3.

  The data memory area M4 stores transfer destination information. The transfer destination information is information for identifying another payment device 12 that is the transfer destination of the accounting data, that is, the payment device 12 having the next transfer order. It should be noted that the transfer destination information is not set in the payment apparatus 12 having the last transfer order. For example, the default value of the transfer destination information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and the CPU 12a writes this default value in the data memory area M4 at startup. A unique ID is preset in each payment device 12. This ID can be used as transfer destination information. Alternatively, a number, a symbol, a code or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each payment device 12 and used as transfer destination information. Hereinafter, the data memory area M4 is referred to as a transfer destination memory M4.

The data memory area M5 stores a priority list table. The priority list table indicates the priority order of payment processing set for each time zone for a plurality of payment devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane.
FIG. 3 is an example of the priority list table T in the case where three payment devices 12 are arranged in one checkout lane as shown in FIG. The priority list table T stores information for identifying each of the payment apparatuses 12 having the first, second, and third priorities for each hourly time zone. The information is, for example, an ID unique to each payment device. Incidentally, in FIG. 3, the ID of the payment device 12-A is "A", the ID of the payment device 12-B is "B", and the ID of the payment device 12-C is "C". Needless to say, the time zone is not limited to one hour.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. 6 and 7 are flow charts showing the main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program when receiving the accounting data. 8 to 10 are plan views showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration device 11. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the registration device 11 will be described.
When the registration device 11 is activated in the mode for performing the registration process of the purchased product, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a displays the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) as a part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act1.
The registration screen SC1 shows the contents of the registration memory M1 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, unit price, sales point (quantity), and sales amount of the latest registered item for purchase, and the total points and total amount of purchased items after the registration of the item. The display area R2 displays a list of product names, unit prices, sales points (quantity), and sales prices of products registered for purchase before the products shown in the display area R1.
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 11f which is the registration screen SC1. To do.

  If the salesclerk 21 confirms that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11f, he / she recognizes that the sales registration of the purchased product is possible. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the clerk 21 operates the scanner 11e or the product button to sequentially input the product code of the purchased product. When the product codes of all the purchased products have been input, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. By the above operation, the sales registration of the product purchased by one shopper is completed.

  In response to such a sales registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a waits for product registration as Act2. When the product code is input via the scanner 11e or the product button (YES in Act2), the CPU 11a executes the product sales data registration process as Act3. That is, the CPU 11a acquires the product information such as the product name and unit price set in the product database in association with the product code. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of sales points to calculate the amount of sales points, that is, the so-called sales amount. The number of sales points is the numerical value when the number is entered by a numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and is "1" when the number is not entered. Thus, the CPU 11a creates merchandise sales data including a merchandise code, a merchandise name, a unit price, the number of points sold, and the amount of money sold. Then, the CPU 11a stores the product sales data in the registration memory M1. At this time, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 based on the data in the registration memory M1.

  The CPU 11a confirms whether or not the registration completion of the sale item has been declared as Act4. For example, when the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines that the registration end has been declared. If the end of registration is not declared (NO in Act 4), the CPU 11a returns to Act 2 and waits for product registration. When the end of registration is declared (YES in Act4), the CPU 11a generates accounting data as Act5 based on the data in the registration memory M1. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a generating unit that generates the accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction based on the input data (data related to merchandise sales) by the processing of Act2 to Act5.

When the accounting data is generated, the CPU 11a displays the accounting confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 as Act6.
FIG. 9 shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen SC2. The transaction confirmation screen SC2 includes display areas R3, R4 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4. The display area R3 displays the total points, the total price, etc. of the products stored in the registration memory M1. Buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the clerk 21 to specify that the discount or discount is applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the clerk 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 is returned to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is an accounting button B4 for instructing the clerk 21 to complete the registration of merchandise for one transaction and shift to accounting. The display area R4 displays the state of each payment device 12. The state of the settlement apparatus 12 includes “accounting”, “warning present”, “standby”, and the like. The “accounting” is a state in which payment processing is being performed by the payment apparatus 12. The CPU 12a of the payment device 12 performing the payment processing has a function of generating a processing signal. This in-process signal is output from the communication unit 12h to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13. “Warning present” is a state in which, for example, a shortage of change amount or shortage of receipt paper occurs in the settlement apparatus 12. The automatic change dispenser 12k has a function of generating a warning signal of a change amount shortage when the remaining amount of money stored as change is less than a threshold value. The printer 12g has a function of issuing a warning signal of receipt paper shortage when the remaining amount of the receipt paper becomes smaller than a threshold value. These warning signals are output from the communication unit 12h to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13. “Standby” is a state in which the settlement apparatus 12 is waiting for settlement processing. The CPU 12a of the payment apparatus 12 that does not perform the payment process and does not warn that the receipt is insufficient or the change is insufficient has a function of generating a waiting signal. This standby signal is output from the communication unit 12h to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13.
The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 updates the state information of the display area R4 when receiving the processing signal, the warning signal, or the waiting signal issued from each payment device 12.

The clerk 21 who confirms the transaction confirmation screen SC2 touches the transaction button B4 when the shopper 22 may transfer to the transaction.
When the transaction button B4 is touched (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a acquires the destination information stored in the destination memory M2 as Act8. Further, the CPU 11a sets the accounting machine information to the initial value "0" as Act9. The accounting machine information is information for identifying the settlement apparatus 12 that preferentially executes the accounting process. A unique ID is preset in each payment device 12. This ID can be used as accounting machine information. At present, the settlement apparatus 12 that preferentially executes the accounting process has not been decided. Therefore, the accounting machine information has an initial value “0”.

  The CPU 11a outputs, as Act 10, the accounting data generated in the process of Act 5, the destination information acquired in the process of Act 8, and the accounting machine information set in the process of Act 9 to the communication unit 11h. Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11h to transmit the data message including the accounting data and the accounting machine information with the settlement apparatus 12 identified by the destination information as the destination. In response to this command, the communication unit 11h creates an accounting data message including a destination address, a source address, accounting data, and accounting machine information, as shown in FIG. Sent. The destination address is the communication address of the payment device 12 identified by the destination information. The source address is the communication address of the registration device 11. The accounting data message is received by one of the plurality of payment devices 12 connected to the LAN 13 and whose destination address is set as a communication address. That is, the communication unit 12h of the settlement apparatus 12 receives the accounting data message whose destination address is its own communication address among the accounting data messages transmitted on the LAN 13. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 collaborates with the communication unit 11h through the processing of Act8 to Act10, and checks out the payment device 12 of the plurality of payment devices 12 set as the destination. A transmitting means for transmitting the data together with the accounting machine information having the initial value “0” is configured. On the other hand, the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 cooperates with the communication unit 12h to form a receiving unit.

  When the accounting data message is received via the communication unit 12h, the CPU 12a of the payment apparatus 12 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an error has occurred as Act21. The error is, for example, when there is no more money for change in the automatic change machine 12k (no change change error). Alternatively, for example, the printer 12g runs out of receipt paper (paper out error). The error is not limited to the above-mentioned aspect. For example, if the amount of change money is less than a predetermined amount (change near end) or the remaining amount of receipt paper is less than a predetermined amount (paper near end), it may be determined that an error has occurred. .. If an error has occurred (YES in Act 21), the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 30 processing.

  If no error has occurred (NO in Act 21), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the busy flag F is reset to “0” as Act 22. The busy flag is 1-bit information that is reset to “0” while the settlement apparatus 12 is not executing the settlement process and is set to “1” when the settlement process is started until the settlement process is completed. The busy flag F is stored in the RAM 12c, for example. When the busy flag F is set to "1" (NO in Act 22), the settlement processing of the other accounting data is being executed in the settlement apparatus 12, so the settlement processing of the accounting data included in the accounting data message is performed. Can't do. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30.

When the busy flag F is reset to "0" (YES in Act22), the CPU 12a determines as Act23 whether or not the accounting machine information in the accounting data message is "0". When the checkout machine information is “0” (YES in Act 23), the CPU 12 a proceeds to the process of Act 27.
When the checkout machine information is other than “0”, that is, the identification information of the other settlement apparatus 12, the CPU 12a acquires the current time counted by the clock unit 12m as Act24. Then, the CPU 12a searches the priority list table T as Act 25, and recognizes the priority order of each payment device in the time zone including the current time. The CPU 12a compares it with another settlement apparatus identified by the checkout machine information as Act 26, and determines whether or not it is higher in priority.

  If the result of this determination is that the self is higher in priority (YES in Act 26), the settlement device concerned is another settlement device identified by the accounting machine information, that is, another settlement device whose transfer order is earlier. Settlement processing is preferentially executed for the device. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act27 processing. On the other hand, when the self is lower in the priority order (NO in Act 26), the other payment apparatus having the earlier transfer order preferentially executes the payment processing. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a determination unit by the processing of Act23 to Act26. Specifically, when the accounting machine information included in the accounting data message has an initial value “0”, it is determined that the accounting data settlement process is to be preferentially executed by itself. If the accounting machine information is identification information of another payment device, it is compared with another payment device based on the information of the current time measured by the clock unit 12m and the data set in the priority list table T. Then, it is determined whether or not it is preferentially executed.

  In Act 27, the CPU 12a rewrites the accounting machine information in the accounting data message with its own identification information (ID). Further, the CPU 12a stores the accounting data included in the accounting data message as Act 28 in the accounting buffer M3. Further, the CPU 12a instructs, as Act 29, the communication unit 12h to transmit a clear command. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates a clear command and sends it to the LAN 13. The clear command can be received by the payment device connected to the LAN 13. Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the RAM 12c by the process of Act 27 to configure a storage unit. Further, the CPU 12a constitutes a command unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12h by the processing of Act 29. The order of each process of Act 27 to Act 29 is not limited to the order described above. The order of processing may be appropriately changed. When each processing of Act27 to Act29 is completed, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act30.

  In Act30, the CPU 12a acquires the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M4. Then, the CPU 12a determines the presence or absence of the transfer destination as Act31. When the transfer destination information is the identification information of another payment device, the CPU 12a determines that there is a transfer destination. When the transfer destination information is not set, the CPU 12a determines that there is no transfer destination.

  When there is a transfer destination (YES in Act31), the CPU 12a outputs the transfer destination information as Act32 to the communication unit 12h. Then, the CPU 12a commands the communication unit 12h to transfer the accounting data message. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates an accounting data message including a destination address, a source address, accounting data and accounting machine information, as shown in FIG. Sent. The destination address is a communication address of another payment device identified by the transfer destination information. The transmission source address is the communication address of the settlement apparatus 12. As the accounting data, the accounting data of the received accounting data message is used as it is. If the accounting machine information is updated in the process of Act 27, the accounting machine information becomes the updated accounting machine information, that is, the identification information of the settlement apparatus 12. If it has not been updated, the accounting machine information of the received accounting data message is diverted as it is. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a transfer unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12h through the processing of Act30 to Act32.

  On the other hand, when there is no transfer destination (NO in Act 31), the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to send the accounting machine response command as Act 33. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates an accounting machine response command including a destination address, a transmission source address, and accounting machine information, and transmits it to the LAN 13, as shown in FIG. 4B. .. The destination address is a communication address that can be received by the registration device 11 and other payment devices. The transmission source address is the communication address of the settlement apparatus 12. If the accounting machine information is updated in the process of Act 27, the accounting machine information becomes the updated accounting machine information, that is, the identification information of the settlement apparatus 12. If it has not been updated, the accounting machine information of the received accounting data message is diverted as it is. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a notification unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12h by the process of Act33.

  The CPU 12a, which has transferred the accounting data in Act32, waits for the reception of the command as Act41. When the command is received via the LAN 13 (YES in Act 41), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the command is an accounting machine response command. When it is the accounting machine response command (YES in Act 42), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 45.

  When the received command is not the accounting machine response command (NO in Act 42), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the command is a clear command. If it is a clear command (YES in Act 42), the CPU 12a clears the accounting data in the accounting buffer M3 as Act 44. Thus, the CPU 12a ends the accounting data receiving process. The clear command is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12 that has determined that it will preferentially execute the accounting process. Therefore, in the settlement apparatus 12 whose transfer order is before that of the settlement apparatus 12, the transaction data is cleared from the transaction buffer M3. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a clear means by the processing of Act44. When the clear command is received in a state where the accounting data is not stored in the accounting buffer M3, the CPU 12a practically does nothing.

  When the accounting machine response command is transmitted in Act 33 or the accounting machine response command is received in Act 42, the CPU 12a determines whether the accounting machine information included in the accounting machine response command as Act 45 matches its own identification information. Check if If they do not match (NO in Act 45), the CPU 12a ends the accounting data receiving process.

  When the accounting machine information included in the accounting machine response command matches with its own identification information (YES in Act 45), the settlement apparatus 12 is determined as the accounting machine. In this case, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1" as Act46. Further, the CPU 12a displays the settlement screen on the touch panel 12f as Act 47. Then, the CPU 12a executes transaction settlement processing based on the accounting data stored in the accounting buffer M3 as Act48. The payment screen is a screen that supports payment operations by the shopper 22. On the settlement screen, for example, the total amount of purchased products is displayed. In addition, buttons for selecting a payment method such as cash, credit card, and electronic money are also displayed. The settlement process is a process for settlement of the transaction indicated in the accounting data according to the operation by the shopper 22, and is the same as the process performed by the existing self-POS terminal or the like, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to "0" as Act49. Thus, the CPU 12a ends the accounting data receiving process.

  The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the accounting data in Act 10 waits for the accounting machine response command as Act 11. When the accounting machine response command is received (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the accounting machine information included in the response command as Act12 is the initial value "0". When the checkout machine information is not the initial value “0”, that is, when it is the identification information of one of the settlement devices, the CPU 11a performs a guidance display on the checkout confirmation screen SC2 as Act13.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen SC2 on which the guidance display is made. In this example, the settlement apparatus 12-C sends an accounting-enabled response command. The guidance display is a display for guiding the customer to the settlement apparatus 12-C that has notified that settlement processing is possible. The guidance display is performed in the display area R4. The clerk 21 who confirms the guide display guides the shopper 22 to perform the transaction with the settlement apparatus 12-C notified by the guide display. For example, the shopper 22 who is guided to the payment device 12-C moves to a place where the payment device 12-C is installed. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes an informing unit in cooperation with the touch panel 11f by the processing of Act11 to Act13.

  On the other hand, when the accounting machine information is the initial value “0”, the CPU 11a indicates that the accounting data cannot be transmitted to Act 14 as a partial area of the accounting confirmation screen SC2, for example, the display area R4. Display a transmission error message. After that, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disable process. In the non-transmission process, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and the accounting data is transmitted to the server, and the printer 11g is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a bar code indicating the identification code is printed. The accounting ticket is given to the shopper. The shopper, for example, causes the scanner 12e of the settlement apparatus 12 prepared at a place different from the checkout lane to read the barcode of the accounting ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 acquires the accounting data attached with the identification code obtained from the barcode from the server. Then, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing based on this accounting data.

  For example, for the three payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C that are connected to the registration device 11, the payment device 12-A, the payment device 12-B, and the payment device 12-C are transferred in this order. Is set. Further, it is assumed that the priority list table T of the data shown in FIG. 3 is set in the memory area M5 of each of the payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C. In this example, when each of the payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C can perform payment processing, during the time period of 10:00 am, the payment device 12-A sends the payment device 12-B to the payment device 12-B. The accounting data message in which the identification information “A” of the settlement apparatus 12-A is set is transferred. The accounting data message in which the identification information “A” of the payment device 12-A is set is also transferred from the payment device 12-B to the payment device 12-C. Then, the settlement apparatus 12-C sends an accounting machine response command in which the identification information "A" of the settlement apparatus 12-A is set to the registration apparatus 11 and the other settlement apparatuses 12-A and 12-B. .. As a result, the registration device 11 provides a guidance display to the payment device 12-A. In addition, a payment screen is displayed on the payment device 12-A, and payment processing becomes possible.

  On the other hand, in the time zone of 11:00 am, the accounting data message in which the identification information “A” of the payment device 12-A is set is transferred from the payment device 12-A to the payment device 12-B. However, the accounting data message in which the identification information "B" of the payment device 12-B is set is transferred from the payment device 12-B to the payment device 12-C. Then, the settlement apparatus 12-C sends an accounting machine response command in which the identification information "B" of the settlement apparatus 12-B is set to the registration apparatus 11 and the other settlement apparatuses 12-A and 12-B. .. As a result, the registration device 11 displays a guide to the payment device 12-B. In addition, the payment screen is displayed on the payment device 12-B, and payment processing can be performed.

  Note that even if the payment device 12-A has an error and the payment device 12-B is busy as shown in FIG. The accounting data message whose machine information is the initial value "0" is transferred to the settlement apparatus 12-C. Then, the settlement apparatus 12-C transmits an accounting machine response command in which its own identification information “C” is set to the registration apparatus 11 and the other settlement apparatuses 12-A and 12-B. As a result, in the registration device 11, as shown in FIG. 10, a guidance display to the payment device 12-C is performed. In addition, a payment screen is displayed on the payment device 12-C, and payment processing becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10, the registration device 11 may transmit the accounting data to the payment device 12 identified by the destination information stored in the destination memory M2. It is not necessary to select the payment device to which the accounting data will be sent. Therefore, the work load on the store clerk 21 can be reduced as compared with, for example, the case where the store clerk 21 who operates the registration device 11 selects the settlement device 12 that is the destination of the accounting data for each transaction. Further, the processing load of the registration device 11 can be reduced as compared with the mechanism in which the registration device 11 selects the destination of the accounting data for each transaction based on the state of each payment device 12. Moreover, since the clerk only has to guide the shopper 22 according to the guidance display, there is no need to visually check which settlement device 12 can perform settlement processing.

  Moreover, each settlement device 12 changes the priority order, which is a determination condition for determining whether or not to preferentially execute the settlement process, as compared with other settlement devices, for each time period. Therefore, the settlement apparatus that executes the settlement process is not concentrated on the model having the higher priority order, and thus the frequency of occurrence of errors such as no change error or out-of-paper error can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is also applied to the checkout system 10 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the accounting data message. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4A and FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, the item “comparative value” is added to the accounting data message. The comparison value is the value of the comparison object that causes an error that occurs in the payment device 12. For example, in the settlement apparatus 12, when the printer 12g runs out of receipt paper, a paper out error occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the remaining amount of the receipt paper is set as the value of the comparison object.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the accounting data receiving process executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12, and the same reference numerals are given to the process blocks common to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the accounting machine information of the accounting data message is “0” as Act23. When the accounting machine information is "0" (YES in Act23), the CPU 12a detects the actual measurement value of the comparison object as Act51. That is, the CPU 12a detects the remaining amount of receipt paper from the remaining amount sensor mounted on the printer 12g. After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act27.

  When the accounting machine information is other than “0”, that is, the identification information of the other settlement apparatus 12, the CPU 12a acquires the comparison value from the accounting data message as Act52. Further, the CPU 12a detects the actual measurement value of the comparison object as Act53. Then, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the actual measurement value is larger than the comparison value as Act54. If the actual measurement value is larger than the comparison value (YES in Act 54), that is, if the payment order of the receipt paper is larger than that of the other payment apparatus having the earlier transfer order, the transfer order of the payment apparatus is determined. The payment process is preferentially executed for the other payment device. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act27 processing. On the other hand, when the measured value is less than or equal to the comparison value (NO in Act 54), that is, when the transfer order is smaller or the same as that of the other payment apparatus, the transfer order is earlier. The other payment device preferentially executes the payment process. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30.

  The CPU 12a determines whether there is a transfer destination as Act31. When there is a transfer destination (YES in Act 31), the CPU 12a rewrites the comparison value of the accounting data message as Act 55 with the actual measurement value acquired in the process of Act 51 or Act 53. After that, the CPU 12a executes the processes after Act32 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, regardless of the transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices 12, the payment device having the largest remaining amount of receipt paper is given priority among payment devices that can execute payment processing. Is decided as an accounting machine. Therefore, it is not necessary for the registration device 11 to select a payment device to which accounting data is to be transmitted for each transaction, and the frequency of occurrence of a paper out error can be reduced.

[Other Embodiments]
In the first embodiment, each payment device 12 stores the priority list table T. As another embodiment, the priority list table T is stored in a server on the LAN 13. Each payment device 12 accesses the server and acquires the data of the priority list table T. By adopting such a configuration, the priority list table T can be easily changed.

  In the second embodiment, the remaining amount of the receipt paper is the value of the comparison target. As another embodiment, the remaining amount of change in the automatic change machine 12k is used as the value of the comparison object. By doing so, the frequency of occurrence of change-free errors can be suppressed. Needless to say, the value of the comparison object is not limited to the remaining amount of receipt paper and the remaining amount of change.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the transmission destination address of the accounting machine response command is the communication address that can be received by the registration apparatus 11 and the other settlement apparatus 12. As another embodiment, the transmission destination address of the accounting machine response command is used as the communication address of the registration device 11. In this case, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the accounting machine response command transmits an accounting execution command to the settlement apparatus 12 that has transmitted the accounting machine response command. The CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 that has received this accounting execution command executes the processing of Act46 to Act49 in FIG.

The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are generally transferred with a program such as a control program stored in the ROM. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like transferred separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to an operation of a user or the like. The control program or the like can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card. The function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with an OS (operating system) inside the apparatus.
Besides, some embodiments of the present invention have been described, but 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 their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

  11 ... Registration device, 12 ... Payment device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Scanner, 11f, 12f ... Touch panel, 11g, 12g ... Printer, 11h, 12h ... Communication unit, 11i, 12i ... Transmission system, 12j ... Card reader / writer, 12k ... Automatic change machine, 12m ... Clock part, M1 ... Registration memory, M2 ... Destination memory, M3 ... Accounting buffer, M4 ... Transfer destination memory, T ... Priority list table.

In one embodiment, a payment device includes a registration device having a product sales registration function, and a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing based on data of a product sold and registered by the registration device. It is a payment device of a checkout system in which a data transfer order is set between two payment devices. The payment device has a determination unit and a transfer unit. The determination means determines whether or not to execute the payment process by the own device, based on the information indicating the priority order of the payment process set for each time slot for the plurality of payment devices. The transfer unit transfers the determination result of the determination unit according to the data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices.

The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are generally transferred with a program such as a control program stored in the ROM. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like transferred separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to an operation of a user or the like. The control program or the like can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card. The function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with an OS (operating system) inside the apparatus.
Besides, some embodiments of the present invention have been described, but 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 their modifications are included in the scope and 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] A registration device that generates accounting data necessary for transaction settlement based on the input data and a plurality of settlement devices that perform settlement processing based on the accounting data are connected by a network, A checkout system for sequentially transmitting the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, wherein the plurality of payment devices are: Receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted via the network, and the settlement process of the accounting data received by the receiving means is preferentially performed by itself by comparing with the other settlement apparatus having the first transfer order. Judgment means for judging whether to execute or not, based on a predetermined judgment condition, and when the transfer order set for itself is not the last, the judgment means executes itself by priority. Transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment apparatus together with the accounting data when it is determined that the other payment apparatus having the earlier transfer order preferentially executes its own identification information. When the transfer order set for itself is the last, and when the determination unit determines that the transfer order is preferentially executed, the identification information of the transfer apparatus is given priority to another payment device having the transfer order first. And a notification unit that notifies the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device when the registration device is determined to be executed. The registration device is identified by the identification information notified by the notification unit. A checkout system comprising: an informing unit for informing the customer to the settlement apparatus.
[2] The determining unit refers to the information on the priority order by time zone allocated between the plurality of payment devices, and preferentially executes the payment process with the higher priority order by time zone. The checkout system described in appendix [1], which determines.
[3] The plurality of payment devices further include a detection unit that detects an actual measurement value of a comparison object included in the payment device, and the determination unit is the payment device of the other payment device whose transfer order is first. Note that the actual measurement value of the comparison target detected by the detection unit and the actual measurement value of the comparison target detected by the detection unit of its own are compared to determine that the one with the larger actual measurement value is preferentially executed. The checkout system described in [1].
[4] When the settlement device determines that the settlement device stores the accounting data received by the reception device and the determination device itself preferentially executes the transaction data, the payment device is transferred to another settlement device whose transfer order is first. Further comprising command means for instructing clearing of the accounting data, and clearing means for clearing the accounting data stored in the storage means when another accounting device issues an instruction for clearing the accounting data. The checkout system according to any one of supplementary notes [1] to [3].
[5] A registration device that generates accounting data necessary for transaction settlement based on the input data and a plurality of settlement devices that perform settlement processing based on the accounting data are connected by a network, A payment device of a checkout system, which sequentially transmits the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network in accordance with a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, and via the network. Whether to execute the settlement process of the accounting data received by the receiving unit and the settlement process of the accounting data received by the receiving unit by comparison with other settlement devices whose transfer order is earlier than the other settlement device. If the transfer order set in itself is not the last, and if the determining means determines that it will preferentially execute When it is determined that the other payment device having the earlier transfer order preferentially executes its own identification information, the transfer device that transfers the identification information of the other payment device together with the accounting data is set in the device itself. In the case where the transferred order is the last, when it is judged by the judging means that the payment order is to be executed preferentially, it is judged that the identification information of the transfer apparatus is preferentially executed by another payment apparatus having the preceding transfer order. In this case, the settlement apparatus further comprises a notifying unit for notifying the registration apparatus of the identification information of the other settlement apparatus.

Claims (5)

A registration device that generates accounting data required for transaction settlement based on the input data and a plurality of payment devices that perform settlement processing based on the accounting data are connected by a network. A checkout system for sequentially transmitting the accounting data generated in step 1 through the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices,
The plurality of payment devices,
Receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted through the network;
Determination means for determining whether or not the settlement processing of the accounting data received by the receiving means is preferentially performed by itself by comparing with the other settlement apparatus whose transfer order is earlier; ,
If the transfer order set for itself is not the last one, and if the determination unit determines that the transfer order is to be executed preferentially, the settlement device prior to the transfer order executes its own identification information. If it is determined, a transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device together with the accounting data,
When the transfer order set for itself is the last, and when the determination means determines that the transfer order is to be executed preferentially, the settlement device prior to the transfer order executes its own identification information. And a notification means for notifying the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device when it is determined,
The checkout system, wherein the registration device includes an informing unit for informing the customer to the settlement device identified by the identification information notified by the notifying unit.   The determination unit refers to information on time-zone-based priorities assigned among the plurality of payment devices, and determines that the settlement process is preferentially executed with a higher time-zone-based priority ranking. The checkout system according to claim 1. The plurality of payment devices further includes a detection unit that detects an actual measurement value of a comparison object included in the payment devices.
The determination means compares the actual measurement value of the comparison target object detected by the detection means of the other payment device having the first transfer order with the actual measurement value of the comparison target object detected by the detection means of its own. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the checkout system determines that one having a larger actual measurement value is preferentially executed. The payment device,
Storage means for storing the accounting data received by the receiving means,
If it is determined by the determination means that it will be preferentially executed, command means for instructing another settlement device whose transfer order is earlier to clear the accounting data,
4. The clearing means for clearing the accounting data stored in the storage means when the other payment device issues an instruction to clear the accounting data, further comprising: Checkout system according to 1. A registration device that generates accounting data required for transaction settlement based on the input data and a plurality of payment devices that perform settlement processing based on the accounting data are connected by a network. A payment device of a checkout system that sequentially transmits the accounting data generated in step 1 through the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices,
Receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted through the network;
Determination means for determining whether or not the payment processing of the accounting data received by the receiving means is preferentially executed by itself in comparison with the other payment device in the transfer order, based on a predetermined determination condition,
If the transfer order set for itself is not the last one, and if the determination unit determines that the transfer order is to be executed preferentially, the settlement device prior to the transfer order executes its own identification information. If it is determined, a transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device together with the accounting data,
When the transfer order set for itself is the last, and when the determination means determines that the transfer order is to be executed preferentially, the settlement device prior to the transfer order executes its own identification information. If it is determined that the payment device is a payment device, the payment device is provided with a notification unit that notifies the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device.