JP2020074226A - Registration device and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To eliminate the need for an information analysis function for monitoring a state of each settlement device by a registration device.SOLUTION: A registration device transmits accounting data together with a list indicating accounting data transfer order set among a plurality of settlement devices to any settlement device. The settlement device, when receiving the accounting data and the list, determines whether or not to be in a state capable of executing settlement of transaction. The settlement device, when being able to execute the settlement of the transaction, transmits a permission response to the registration device. The settlement device, when being unable to execute the settlement of the transaction, transfers the accounting data and the list to any other settlement device on the basis of the list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a registration device and a payment device included in the system, and a control program for causing a computer to function as the registration device or the payment device.

  As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data required for settlement of each transaction and a settlement device that processes settlement of the transaction 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, 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 operator inputs the payment data, the payment device processes the transaction payment 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, usually, a plurality of payment devices are connected to one registration device. Then, the registration device monitors the state of each payment device, automatically selects an empty payment device, and transmits payment information to the payment device. Alternatively, the registration device displays the state of each payment device on the display, the clerk selects a free payment device, and transmits payment information to the payment device.

  However, in any case, in order for the registration device to monitor the status of each payment device, the registration device needs an information analysis function of collecting and analyzing status information (status) from 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 can eliminate the information analysis function of a registration device for monitoring the state of each payment device, and a registration device and a payment device used in this system. It is what

In one embodiment, the checkout system is configured by connecting a registration device that registers a product and a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing for the product registered by the registration device via a network.
The registration device includes a transmission unit and a notification unit. The transmitting means transmits the data necessary for the payment process and the list indicating the data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to one of the payment devices via the network. The notification means notifies a payment device that can execute payment processing.
The payment device includes a reception unit, an executability notification unit, and a transfer unit. The receiving means receives the data and the list via the network. The executability notification means notifies the registration device that the payment process based on the data can be executed when the reception device receives the data and the list and the payment device can execute the payment process. To do. The transfer means receives the data and the list by the receiving means, but when the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order shown in the list is relative to the order of the payment device. The data and the list received by the receiving means are transferred via the network to the settlement apparatus having the next rank as the transmission destination.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system in one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of a registration device and a payment device included in the checkout system. The schematic diagram which shows the main data memory area formed in each RAM of a registration device and a payment device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a main data memory area formed in a RAM and an auxiliary storage device of the registration device. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen when an accounting response is received. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen when an accounting non-response is received. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the completion screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system in which a registration device does not need an information analysis function for monitoring the state of each payment device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present embodiment exemplifies a semi-self checkout system in which a store clerk operates a registration 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 registration devices 11 and a payment device 12 having a larger number than the registration devices 11. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged in each checkout lane of the store.

  In FIG. 1, two registration devices 11 and six payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes. In FIG. 1, one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 are arranged for one checkout lane. The number of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary. Also, the ratio of the number of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is arbitrary.

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

  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 registering a sale product, generating accounting data, transferring accounting data to the payment device 12, and performing payment processing. The registration of the sale item means that the item purchased by the shopper 22 is registered in the registration device 11 as the sale item. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a sales product. Accounting data is data relating to accounting of sales merchandise registered as one transaction. The accounting data includes a product code, which is an identification code of a sold product, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, a price, and the like. 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 cards, electronic money, etc. are used as payment for settlement.

  The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when the accounting data is transferred from the registration device 11, the settlement apparatus 12 processes the transaction settlement based on the accounting data.

  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 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is a network. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server has 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 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, a configuration may be adopted in which information is exchanged between the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

  The 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, and two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2. , Printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, communication unit 11j and transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via 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 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 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 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 information processing executed by the registration device 11. The transfer of the registration device 11 is generally performed while the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the 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 the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11 separately transferred.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the barcode attached to the product 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 scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

  Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a store clerk, and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. Each of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 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 well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

  The clerk touch panel 11g1 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 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22.

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

  The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on 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 card reader / writer 11i reads and rewrites electronic money data (balance, etc.) stored in the electronic money 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 registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, 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 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, 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 automatic change dispenser 12e receives coins and bills that are inserted. The automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and bills as change.

  Other functions of the CPU 12a, the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the scanner 12f, the touch panel 12g, the printer 12h, the card reader / writer 12i, the communication unit 12j, and the transmission system 12k include the CPU 11a, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage of the registration device 11. It is equivalent to the unit 11d, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader / writer 11i, the communication unit 11j, and the transmission system 11k.

  That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to form a computer. Then, the CPU 12a controls each unit to realize various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

  The 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. 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.

  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 including the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 having such a configuration forms the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 3 in the RAMs 11c and 12c of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12, respectively.

  The data memory area 31 is an area for storing data of a sale product in one transaction. The data includes items such as product code, product name, unit price, number of products, and amount of money. 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 11f. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per point. The number is the number of sales of the same product, and the amount of money is the amount of money for the number of sales (sales amount). Hereinafter, the data memory area 31 is referred to as a transaction memory. The transaction device 31a of the registration device 11 and the transaction memory 31b of the settlement device 12 are represented.

  The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount of money. The total number is the total number of sold items stored in the transaction memory 31. The total amount of money is the total of the sales amounts of money stored in the transaction memory 31. Hereinafter, the data memory area 32 will be referred to as a total memory. The registration device 11 is represented by the total memory 32a, and the payment device 12 is represented by the total memory 32b.

  Further, the checkout system 10 forms the data memory area 41 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAM 11c of the registration apparatus 11 and the data memory area 42 in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration apparatus 11.

  The data memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and an amount of money of one sales product. Hereinafter, the data memory area 41 is referred to as a temporary buffer 41.

  The data memory area 42 stores the settlement apparatus ID and the identification name in association with a series of list numbers (accounting data transfer order) starting from "1". The payment device ID is a unique ID assigned to each payment device 12 for individually identifying each payment device 12 and stored in, for example, the ROM 12b. Incidentally, similar registration device IDs are stored in the ROM 11b for each registration device 11. The identification name is a unique name individually set for each payment device 12. The operator of the registration device 11 can determine which settlement device 12 is shown from the identification name. Hereinafter, the data memory area 42 will be referred to as a list table 42.

  In the list number “1” of the list table 42, the payment device ID and the identification name of the payment device 12 installed closest to the registration device 11 are preset, and the list number “2” is set. Is set in advance with the payment device ID and the identification name of the payment device 12 installed in the second closest place to the registration device 11. In this way, the transfer order of the accounting data is set in the order of decreasing distance from the registration device 11. It should be noted that such a setting is an example, and the transfer order does not necessarily have to be set in the order of increasing distance from the registration device 11.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the registration device 11. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment apparatus 12. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. 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.

  The registration device 11 has a registration mode as one of the operation modes. When the registration device 11 is activated in this registration mode, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a initializes the RAM 11c (Act1). The transaction memory 31a, the total memory 32a, and the temporary buffer 41 are cleared by this initialization.

  Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act2).

  The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of the temporary buffer 41, the transaction memory 31a, and the total memory 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. In the display area R1, a display field r11 that displays the product name and unit price of the most recently registered product, a display field r12 that displays the number of products, a display field r13 that displays the amount of money, and one transaction. A display field r14 is formed in which the total number and the total price of the products registered for sale are displayed. In the display area R2, a list of product names, number of products, unit price and price of products registered for sale prior to the products shown in the display area R1 is formed.

  Although illustration is omitted, the CPU 11a uses a product button for the store clerk 21 to specify a product and an instruction for the store clerk 21 to output the subtotal outside the area defined as the registration screen SC1 on the screen of the touch panel 11g. Display various function buttons such as subtotal buttons.

  When confirming that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the store clerk 21 recognizes that the product purchased by the shopper 22 can be registered. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f or the product button, for example, and sequentially inputs the product code of the product. Then, when the product codes of all the products have been input, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. By the above operation, the registration of the product purchased by one shopper (sales registration for one transaction) is completed.

  In response to such a registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a displaying the registration screen SC1 waits for the input of the product code (Act3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act3), 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 this unit price by the number to calculate the amount of money. The number is the numerical value when it is entered by a numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and is “1” when it is not entered. In this way, the CPU 11a stores the product sales data in the temporary buffer 41 when the product sales data including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the number and the amount of money is generated (Act 4). At this time, if the product sales data is already stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the stored product sales data to the transaction memory 31, and then stores the new product sales data in the temporary buffer 41. To store.

  The CPU 11a adds the number and the amount of money stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so that the contents of the temporary buffer 41 and the total memory 32a are displayed in the display area R1 and the contents of the transaction memory 31a are displayed in the display area R2 (Act5).

  After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the next product code is input (Act 6). When the product code is not input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button is touched (Act 7). When the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a checks again whether the product code has been input (Act 6). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched as Act6 and Act7. When the CPU 11a confirms the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, the CPU 11a shifts to processing according to the event. Such an operation is the same in other standby states.

  When the product code is input in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  When the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act8 and Act9. The processing procedure of Act8 and Act9 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act8, the CPU 11a moves the product sales data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the transaction memory 31. Then, the CPU 11a generates accounting data from the data in the transaction memory 31a and the data in the total memory 32a (generation means). In Act9, the CPU 11a causes the transaction confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen SC2. The transaction confirmation screen SC2 includes a display area R3 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4. The display area R3 displays the total number and total amount of the total memory 32a. 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 to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g 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 CPU 11a that has displayed the transaction confirmation screen SC2 confirms whether or not the transaction button has been input (Act 10). When the checkout button has not been input (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the return button B3 has been input (Act 11). When the return button B3 has not been input (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the transaction button has been input (Act 10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the transaction button B4 or the return button B3 to be input as Act10 and Act11.

  The clerk 21 who confirms the transaction confirmation screen SC2 confirms whether or not the registration of the product purchased by the shopper 22 remains. If there is any, the clerk 21 touches the return button B3. When there is no remaining coin, the clerk 21 touches the transaction button B4.

  When the return button B3 is input in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act11), 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 in the same manner as described above.

  When the checkout button B4 is touched in the Act 10 and Act 11 standby states (YES in Act 10), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 13 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a reads the list of the ID and the identification name of the settlement apparatus 12 from the list table 42 (Act13). Next, the CPU 11a detects the settlement apparatus ID of the list number "1" from the list table 42 (Act14). Then, the CPU 11a commands the communication unit 11j to transmit the accounting data generated in the process of Act8 and the list data acquired in the process of Act13 to the settlement apparatus ID of the list number "1" as the destination (Act15). In response to this instruction, the communication unit 11j transmits "accounting data + list data" to the LAN 13 with the settlement apparatus ID having the list number "1" as the destination and the registration apparatus ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source. .. This “accounting data + list data” is received by the payment device 12 whose destination payment device ID matches the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 11a forms a transmission unit in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

  When the CPU 12a of each payment device 12 receives the "accounting data + list data" via the communication unit 12j, whether the payment device ID added to the data as a destination matches the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Check. If they do not match, the CPU 12a discards the “accounting data + list data”. If they match, the CPU 12a fetches “accounting data + list data”. Then, the CPU 12a starts the reception interrupt process specifically shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a receiving means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

  When the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12a first checks the busy flag F (Act 21). The busy flag F is 1-bit data which is set to "1" while the CPU 12a is processing the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data and reset to "0" when the processing is completed, and is stored in the RAM 12c. There is. As described above, while the busy flag F is set, the settlement apparatus 12 is executing settlement of the transaction. Therefore, the payment device 12 cannot settle a new transaction. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a determination means for determining whether or not the transaction settlement can be executed by the process of Act21.

  When the busy flag F is reset, that is, when the settlement apparatus 12 is ready to settle the transaction (YES in Act21), the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act22, Act23, and Act24. Note that the processing procedure of Act22, Act23, and Act24 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 22, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1".
In Act 23, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit the command data of the accounting enable response to the registration device 11 of the data transmission source. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 12j sends the accountable response command data whose destination is the registered device ID set as the sender of “accounting data + list data” and whose sender is the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Is transmitted to the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the communication unit 12j to form a permission response unit.

In Act 24, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing based on the received accounting data (processing means). The accounting process will be described later. When the accounting process ends, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to "0" (Act 25).
Thus, the reception accounting process of "accounting data + list data" with the busy flag F being reset is completed.

  On the other hand, when the busy flag F is set, that is, when the settlement apparatus 12 is in a state in which settlement of transactions is not possible (NO in Act 21), the CPU 12a searches the received list data (Act 26). .. Then, the CPU 12a confirms whether the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b is associated with the final list number of the list data (Act 27).

  When the payment device ID is not associated with the final list number (NO in Act 27), the CPU 12a adds the list number, which is associated with the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b, with “1” from the list data. The payment device ID associated with is detected (Act 28). Then, the CPU 12a commands the communication unit 12j to transfer the “accounting data + list data” with the detected payment device ID as the destination (Act 29). In response to this instruction, the communication unit 12j sends the "accounting data + list data" to the LAN 13 with the detected settlement apparatus ID as the destination and the registered apparatus ID indicating the transmission source as it is. This “accounting data + list data” is received by the payment device 12 whose destination payment device ID matches the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 12a forms a transfer unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus ID is associated with the final list number (maximum list number) (YES in Act 27), the CPU 12a sends a non-accounting response to the registration apparatus 11 of the data transmission source. Instruct the communication unit 12j to send the command data. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends command data of non-accounting response to the registered device ID set as the transmission source of “accounting data + list data” and the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. Is transmitted to the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes an error response unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.
This completes the "accounting data + list data" reception interrupt process with the busy flag F set.

  The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the “accounting data + list data” in Act 15 of FIG. 6 waits for a response from the payment device 12 (Act 16). When the command data indicating the response is received via the communication unit 11j (YES in Act16), the CPU 11a identifies whether the command data is the account-acceptable response or the account-acceptable response (Act17).

  In the case of an accountable response (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a searches the list table 42 and reads the identification name stored in association with the payment device ID that is the transmission source of the command data. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11a displays a message in the area R4 of the transaction confirmation screen SC2 indicating that the settlement apparatus 12 with this identification name is ready for transaction (Act 18). The clerk who confirms this message notifies the shopper to make a payment using the settlement apparatus 12 specified by the identification name.

  On the other hand, in the case of a non-accounting response (NO in Act 17), the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the accounting data could not be transmitted in a partial area R5 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2, as shown in FIG. Display it (Act 19). After that, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disable process.

  In the non-transmission processing, for example, waiting for the transaction button B4 to be input again, and if input, the processing after Act 13 is executed again. In this case, the clerk who confirms the message touches the transaction button B4.

  In the non-transmission processing, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and the accounting data is transmitted to the server, and the printer 11h is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a bar code indicating the identification code is printed. In this case, the clerk who confirms the message delivers the accounting ticket to the shopper. The shopper, for example, causes the scanner 12f of the settlement apparatus 12 prepared in a place different from the chuck-out 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 the processing of Act22, Act24, and Act25 of FIG. 7 based on this accounting data.

  In this way, the store clerk 21 registers the product purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11. When the registration is completed, the clerk 21 touches the transaction button B4 on the transaction confirmation screen SC2. Then, the accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction with the shopper 22 is transmitted together with the list data of the list table 42. The destination of this “accounting data + list data” is the payment device 12 (referred to as payment device 12-1) identified by the payment device ID of the list number “1”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-1 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 0), the settlement apparatus 12-1 transmits command data of an accountable response to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the transaction is ready is displayed together with the identification name indicating the payment device 12-1, so that the clerk 21 tells the shopper 22. Notify that the settlement apparatus 12-1 should perform the accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-1 cannot execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 1), the “accounting data + list data” is transferred from the settlement device 12-1 to the other settlement device 12. It The transfer destination is the payment device 12 (referred to as payment device 12-2) identified by the payment device ID of the list number “2”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-2 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 0), the settlement apparatus 12-2 transmits command data of the accounting enable response to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration apparatus 11, a message indicating that the transaction is ready is displayed together with the identification name indicating the settlement apparatus 12-2, so that the clerk 21 tells the shopper 22. Notify that the settlement apparatus 12-2 should perform the accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-2 cannot execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 1), the “accounting data + list data” is transferred from the settlement device 12-2 to another settlement device 12. It The transfer destination is the payment device 12 (referred to as payment device 12-3) identified by the payment device ID of the list number “3”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-3 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 0), the settlement apparatus 12-3 transmits the command data of the accounting enable response to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the transaction is ready is displayed together with the identification name indicating the settlement device 12-3, so that the clerk 21 tells the shopper 22. Notify that the settlement apparatus 12-3 should perform the accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-3 cannot execute the settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 1), the settlement of the transaction is performed by all of the three settlement devices 12-1, 12-2, 12-3. Is impossible. In this case, the settlement device 12-3 transmits the command data of the non-accounting response to the registration device 11. As a result, a message indicating that transmission is not possible is displayed on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, so the clerk 21 touches the transaction button B4 again. Alternatively, since the accounting ticket is issued together with the non-transmittable message, the clerk 21 hands the accounting ticket to the shopper 22.

  The shopper 22 who is informed by the clerk 21 to perform the payment with any of the payment devices 12 moves to the place of the payment device 12. At this time, the settlement apparatus 12 has started the accounting process. When the accounting process starts, the payment method selection screen SC3 (see FIG. 12) is displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g in the payment device 12.

  An example of the payment method selection screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The payment method selection screen SC3 includes display areas R11 and R12 and buttons B11 and B12. The display area R11 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R12 displays the total number and the total amount of money stored in the total memory 32b. The button B11 is a payment method button B11 for the shopper to specify one of a plurality of payment methods. The button B12 is a clerk call button B13 for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21.

  In addition, in this embodiment, cash, a credit card, and electronic money are illustrated as a payment method, but the payment method is not limited to these. Other payment methods may be added. Further, either payment method may be omitted.

  The shopper 22 who confirms the payment method selection screen SC3 determines the payment method of the price and touches the payment method button B11. When the payment method button B11 is touched, the payment device 12 displays a payment screen SC4 (see FIG. 13) of the payment method selected by the payment method button B11 on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  An example of the payment screen SC4 is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a payment screen SC4 when cash is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SC4 includes display areas R13, R14 and a button B13. The display area R13 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R14 displays the total amount, the input amount and the remaining amount. The button B13 is a settlement button B13 for the shopper who has finished inputting cash to specify the execution of settlement.

  The shopper who selects cash as the payment method throws cash into the automatic change dispenser 12e. When the amount of cash equal to or more than the total amount is input, the settlement button B13 is touched. When the settlement button B13 is touched, the settlement device 12 executes the settlement process according to the selected payment method. Since such settlement processing is well known, detailed description will be omitted.

  When the payment process ends, the payment device 12 displays a completion screen SC5 (see FIG. 14) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the completion screen SC5 for cash payment. Completion screen SC5 includes display areas R15, R16, and R17. The display area R15 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R16 displays a guide image. The guide image is an image that guides the shopper 22 to the receipt issuing port and the change dispensing port. Therefore, the shopper can easily know the place where the receipt is issued and the place where the change is paid from the guide image. The display area R16 displays the amount of change. Therefore, the shopper can know the change amount from the data in the display area R16.

  The shopper who confirms the completion screen SC8 receives the receipt and the change according to the guide image. In response to this, in the settlement apparatus 12, the busy flag F is reset to "0" and enters the accounting standby state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the registration device 11 may transmit the accounting data to the payment device 12 set to the list number “1” regardless of the state of each payment device 12. Therefore, the information analysis function for the registration device 11 to monitor the state of each payment device 12 is unnecessary.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the registration device 11 may have a data (payment device ID / identification name) setting mode for the list table 42, and may allow the data in the list table 42 to be arbitrarily changed. In the case of the above-described embodiment, since the accounting data is first transmitted to the settlement apparatus 12 set to the list number “1”, the settlement apparatus 12 frequently processes settlement of transactions. Therefore, by changing the data in the list table 42 at an appropriate timing, it is possible to equalize the frequency with which transaction settlement is processed.

  Further, it goes without saying that the screens SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, SC5 illustrated and described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated layout.

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] Checkout in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction and a plurality of payment devices that process settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are connected via a network In the system, the registration device may transmit the accounting data to any one of the payment devices together with a list indicating a transfer order of the accounting data set among the plurality of payment devices via the network. And a notification unit that notifies information identifying the payment device that is the sender of the license response in response to receiving a license response from any of the payment devices via the network. A receiving means for receiving the accounting data and the list via the network, and a judgment for determining whether or not the transaction can be settled. When the transaction data and the list are received in a state in which payment of the transaction can be executed, a payment response means for transmitting the license response to the registration device via the network, and payment of the transaction. Transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any of the other settlement devices via the network based on the list when the accounting data and the list are received in an unexecutable state; A checkout system comprising:
[2] When the payment device receives the accounting data and the list in a state in which payment of the transaction cannot be executed, all other payment devices also cannot execute payment of the transaction. When recognizing that there is an error response means for transmitting an error response to the registration device via the network, the registration device receives the error response from any of the payment devices via the network. Then, the check-out system according to supplementary note [1], further comprising a notifying unit for notifying an error.
[3] With respect to any one of a plurality of settlement devices that processes settlement of the transaction based on the generation means that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction, A transmission means for transmitting the accounting data together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices, and a permission response from any one of the payment devices via the network. Accordingly, the registration device further comprises a notification means for notifying information for identifying the payment device that is the sender of the permission response.
[4] Receiving, through a network, the accounting data and a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between a plurality of the accounting devices from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for the transaction settlement for each transaction. Receiving means, processing means for processing settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, determination means for determining whether or not the settlement of the transaction can be executed, and state of execution of settlement of the transaction In the case where the accounting data and the list are received in, the authorization response means for transmitting the authorization response to the registration device via the network, and the accounting data and the list in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed. And a transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any one of the other settlement devices via the network based on the list. And settlement system.
[5] In a computer of a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction, with respect to any one of a plurality of settlement devices that processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data. , A function of transmitting the accounting data via a network together with a list indicating an accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices, and receiving a permission response from any of the payment devices via the network A control program for realizing a function of notifying information for identifying the payment device that is the sender of the permission response according to the above.
[6] Receiving, via a network, the accounting data and a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between a plurality of the accounting devices from a registration device that generates accounting data required for the transaction settlement for each transaction. And a function of causing a computer of a payment device having a receiving unit to process payment of the transaction based on the accounting data, a function of determining whether the payment of the transaction can be executed, and a payment of the transaction. When the accounting data and the list are received in an executable state, a function of transmitting a permission response to the registration device via the network, and the accounting data and the And receiving a list, a function for transferring the accounting data and the list to any of the other settlement devices via the network based on the list. Control program for.

  11 ... Registration device, 12 ... Payment device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 11f, 12f ... Scanner, 11g1, 11g2, 12g ... Touch panel, 11h, 12h ... Printer, 11i, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 11j, 12j ... Communication unit, 11k, 12k ... Transmission system, 13 ... LAN, 31 (31a, 31b) ... transaction memory, 32 (32a, 32b) ... total memory, 41 ... temporary buffer, 42 ... list table.

In one embodiment, the registration device is connected to a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing for the products registered by the registration device via a network.
The registration device includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a notification unit. The transmitting means transmits the data necessary for the payment process and the list indicating the data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to one of the payment devices via the network. The receiving means receives information indicating that payment is possible from one payment device that executes payment processing among the plurality of payment devices. Notification means, advertise viable settlement apparatus settlement processing based on the received information by the receiving means.

Claims (7)

In a checkout system in which a registration device that performs product registration and a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing for the products registered by the registration device are connected via a network,
The registration device is
Transmitting means for transmitting data necessary for the payment processing and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to any one of the payment devices via the network;
Notification means for notifying the payment device capable of executing the payment processing,
The payment device,
Receiving means for receiving the data and the list via the network;
When the receiving unit receives the data and the list and the payment device can execute the payment process, the registration device is notified that the payment process based on the data can be executed. Notification means,
When the receiving device receives the data and the list, but the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order shown in the list is as follows with respect to the order of the payment device. A checkout system comprising: a transfer unit that transfers the data and the list received by the receiving unit to a settlement device of a rank as a destination via the network. The payment device,
When the receiving device receives the data and the list, but the payment device cannot execute the payment process, and the data transfer order shown in the list of the payment device is the lowest, An unexecutable notification means for notifying the registration device that the payment processing based on the data cannot be executed,
The registration device is
The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an error upon receipt of the notification by the execution prohibition notification unit. The registration device is
A display device for displaying a screen showing the content of the registered product,
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification means notifies by displaying information for identifying the payment device capable of executing the payment process on the display device. A registration device for registering products,
A checkout system is configured by connecting to a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing of the products registered by the registration device through a network, and the payment device is configured to send data necessary for the payment processing through the network. And a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices are received, and the payment device can execute the payment process, the payment process based on the data can be executed. Is notified to the registration device, and when the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the payment device whose data transfer order shown in the list is next to the order of the payment device is sent to the destination. For transferring the received data and the list via the network as
Transmitting means for transmitting data necessary for the payment processing and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to any one of the payment devices via the network;
A notification device that notifies the payment device that can execute the payment process. A payment device that executes payment processing for a product registered by a registration device,
A checkout system is configured by connecting to the registration device and other settlement devices via a network.
Receiving means for receiving, via the network, data necessary for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices,
When the receiving unit receives the data and the list and the payment device can execute the payment process, the registration device is notified that the payment process based on the data can be executed. Notification means,
When the receiving device receives the data and the list, but the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order shown in the list is as follows with respect to the order of the payment device. A payment device, comprising: a transfer device that transfers the data and the list received by the reception device to the payment device of the order as a destination via the network. A registration device for registering products,
A checkout system is configured by connecting to a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing of the products registered by the registration device through a network, and the payment device is configured to send data necessary for the payment processing through the network. And a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices are received, and the payment device can execute the payment process, the payment process based on the data can be executed. Is notified to the registration device, and when the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the payment device whose data transfer order shown in the list is next to the order of the payment device is sent to the destination. To the computer of the registration device, which transfers the received data and the list via the network as
A function of transmitting data necessary for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices to any of the payment devices via the network;
A control program for realizing a function of notifying the payment device capable of executing the payment process. A payment device that executes payment processing for a product registered by a registration device,
A computer of the payment device, which is connected to the registration device and another payment device via a network to form a checkout system,
A function of receiving, via the network, data necessary for the payment processing and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices;
A function of receiving the data and the list and notifying the registration device that a payment process based on the data can be executed when the payment device can execute the payment process;
When the data and the list have been received but the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order shown in the list is the next order to the order of the payment device. A control program for realizing the function of transferring the received data and the list via the network with the destination as a destination.