JP2020080198A - Checkout system, registration device and program for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a user to additionally purchase a commodity or stop purchasing a commodity without calling registration data transferred to a settlement device back to a registration device.SOLUTION: A registration device transfers registration data to any of settlement devices. The registration device transfers update data for the registration data transferred to the settlement device to the settlement device to which the registration data has been transferred. The settlement device stores the registration data transferred from the registration device in a storage unit. The settlement device waits for a settlement start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit. The settlement device, when receiving the update data from the registration device in a waiting state of the settlement start instruction, updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

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

  As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type that separates a registration device for registering products traded in each transaction for each transaction and a payment device for processing transaction settlement based on the registered product data. .

  The registration device generally includes a scanner, and generates registration data of a product scanned (registered) by the scanner. Then, the registration device transfers the generated registration data to the payment device. The payment apparatus generally includes an input device for payment data relating to cash transactions, credit transactions, and the like. Then, the payment device processes the payment of the transaction with the payment data input via the input device based on the registration data. In such a checkout system including a registration device and a payment device, a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by different store employees, and a store staff operates the registration device and the shopper operates the payment device There is a sharing system, the so-called semi-self system.

  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, which has completed the registration of the product to be bought and sold in the transaction, transfers the registration data to any available payment device.

  By the way, after the registration data has been transferred from the registration device to the payment device, the shopper may additionally purchase a product or cancel the purchase of the product. In such a case, conventionally, the registration data transferred to the payment device is recalled to the registration device. Then, in the registration device, after adding the data of the product to be additionally purchased to the registration data or deleting the data of the product for which the purchase is canceled from the registration data, the registration data was transmitted again to one of the payment devices. .. Therefore, in the registration device, an operation for recalling the registration data and an operation for transmitting the recalled registration data to the settlement device again are required.

JP, 2014-220019, A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to use a checkout system that enables additional purchase of products or cancellation of purchase of products without recalling registration data transferred to a payment device to the registration device. It is intended to provide a registered device that can be used.

  In one embodiment, the checkout system includes a registration device that generates registration data for a product for each transaction, and a plurality of payment devices that process payment for the transaction based on the registration data. The registration device includes a display unit, a first display control unit that causes the display unit to display a destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to which the registration data of the first transaction is to be transmitted, Registration data transmission means for transmitting the registration data of the transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen, a memory for storing information for identifying the settlement apparatus that transmitted the registration data for the first transaction, and the first Secondly, displaying an interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data, which is addition or deletion to the registration data in the first transaction, while the registration data of the second transaction different from the transaction is being generated. When the input instruction of the update data is received by the display control means and the interrupt receiving unit during the generation of the registration data of the second transaction, the generation of the registration data of the second transaction is interrupted and the update data is generated. The data generating means and the update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted based on the information stored in the memory. The payment device stores a registration data transmitted from the registration device in a storage unit, a start waiting unit for waiting a payment start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and a payment start instruction waiting unit. In a state, when the update data is received from the registration device, the update unit updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to one embodiment. FIG. 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 of a 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 in a 1st embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in a 1st embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in a 1st embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the reception interruption process which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which a CPU of a settlement apparatus performs according to a control program in a 1st embodiment. 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 transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the alerting|reporting screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the additional screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the cancellation screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. 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 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. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which a CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in a 2nd embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which a CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in a 2nd embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which a CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in a 2nd embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the interruption screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which a CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in a 3rd embodiment.

  An embodiment of a checkout system that enables additional purchase of products or cancellation of purchase of products without recalling the registration data transferred to the payment device to the registration device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in this embodiment, a semi-self checkout system that is built in a store such as a mass-market store, in which a salesclerk operates a registration device and a shopper operates a payment device is illustrated.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 including two registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 is shown. The number of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of registration devices 11 to the payment devices 12 is also arbitrary. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

  In the registration device 11, the clerk 21 of the above-mentioned store, which has a role called a checker, is the operator. The operator of the settlement apparatus 12 is the shopper 22 who purchases the product sold at the above 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 purchased products, generating registration data, transferring the registration data to the payment device 12, and performing payment processing. Registration is to register the product purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 as a purchased product. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a purchased product. The registration data is data related to the purchased product registered as one transaction. The registration data includes the product code, which is the identification code of the purchased product, the product name, the unit price, the number, and the price. The settlement processing is processing of settlement of a transaction, which is an act of buying and selling a product, based on registration 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 registration data is transferred from the registration device 11, the payment device 12 processes the transaction payment based on the registration 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 registration data for one transaction. The registration data is a set of records including items such as a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and an 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 registered number of the same product, and the amount is the amount of the registered number. 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 products included in the registration data. The total price is the total price of the products included in the registration data. 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.

  The checkout system 10 also forms the data memory areas 41 and 42 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11.

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

  The data memory area 42 stores counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 in association with codes "1", "2", "3", and "4" for individually identifying each payment apparatus 12, respectively. Hereinafter, the data memory area 42 will be referred to as a counter table 42.

  5 to 8 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 in accordance with the control program. FIG. 9 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. 10 to 14 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the registration device 11. 15 to 18 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 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.

First, the operation of the registration device 11 will be described.
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. Further, the counters C1 to C4 associated with the codes “1” to “4” in the counter table 42 are reset to “0”.

  Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 10) 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 column r11 that displays the product name and unit price of the product that has been most recently registered for purchase, a display column r12 that displays the number of products, a display column r13 that displays the amount of money, and one transaction. As a result, a display field r14 is formed in which the total number and the total price of the products registered for purchase are displayed. In the display area R2, a list of the product name, the number, the unit price and the price of the products registered for purchase before the products shown in the display area R1 is formed.

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

  When confirming that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the clerk 21 recognizes that the shopper 22 can register the product purchased by the shopper 22. When the shopper 22 carries the purchased product to the work table 23, the clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f or the product button, for example, and sequentially inputs 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 registration (purchase registration for one transaction) of the product purchased by one shopper 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 generates product sales data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and a price, and stores the product sales data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act4). At this time, if the product sales data is already stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the product sales data to the transaction memory 31 as one record.

  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 as one record. Then, the CPU 11a generates registration data based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a. In Act9, the CPU 11a causes the transfer destination selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen SC2. The transfer destination selection screen SC2 includes display areas R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7.

  The display area R3 displays the total number and total amount of the total memory 32a. The display area R4 displays various messages. 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 display areas R5 to R8 respectively display whether or not the registration data can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12. Buttons B4 to B7 are transfer buttons B4 to B7 for the clerk 21 to specify the transfer of the registration data to each of the four payment devices 12. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept the transfer of the registration data during the settlement process. In the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the payment device 12 in such a state, “transfer disabled” is displayed. On the contrary, "transferable" is displayed in the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the payment device 12 that accepts the transfer of the registration data. The transfer buttons B4 to B7 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of the registration data. Further, instead of hiding the transfer buttons B4 to B7, the display form may be changed depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of the registration data.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the transfer destination selection screen SC2 confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the registration data has been designated (Act 10). When the payment device 12 is not designated (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 the payment device 12 has been designated (Act 10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 to be designated or the return button B3 to be input as Act 10 and Act 11.

  When confirming that the return button B3 is input in the Act 10 and Act 11 standby states (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act 12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act6 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  The clerk 21 who confirms the transfer destination selection screen SC2 determines the payment device 12 to which the registration data is transferred. Then, the store clerk 21 touches the transfer buttons B4 to B7 for the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination. At this time, the clerk 21 determines the transfer destination of the registration data from the transferable payment devices 12. If there is no transferable payment device 12, the store clerk 21 determines the payment device 12 that seems to be the earliest available and uses it as the transfer destination of the registration data.

  When any of the transfer buttons B4 to B7 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a causes the payment device corresponding to the touched transfer button (hereinafter referred to as payment device 12x). Is assumed to have been designated as the transfer destination of the registered data. Then, the CPU 11a executes each process of Act13, Act14, and Act15. The processing procedure of Act13, Act14, and Act15 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act13, the CPU 11a transmits registration data to the settlement apparatus 12x (Act13). Specifically, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the registration data to the LAN 13 using the communication address set in the payment device 12x as the destination address and the communication address set in itself as the source address. To do. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 11j transmits the registration data in which the destination address and the source address are set to the LAN 13. This registration data is received by the payment device 12x whose destination address matches the communication address.
Here, the CPU 11a cooperates with the communication unit 11j to configure a registration data transmitting unit that transmits the registration data to one of the payment devices 12.

  In Act14, the CPU 11a counts up a counter (hereinafter, referred to as a counter Cx) associated with the code of the payment device 12x in the counter table 42 by "1" (Act14). In Act15, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 (see FIG. 12) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act15).

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the notification screen SC3. The notification screen SC3 includes a display area R9 and buttons B8, B9, B10.

  The display area R9 displays the total number and the total amount of the total memory 32a, and also displays a message indicating the settlement device 12x which is the transfer destination of the registration data. The button B8 is a close button B8 that the clerk 21 instructs to close the notification screen SC3. The button B9 is an additional button B9 for the clerk 21 to instruct the additional purchase of the product. The button B10 is a cancel button B10 for the clerk 21 to instruct to cancel the purchase of the product.

  The clerk 21 who confirms the notification screen SC3 notifies the shopper 22 that the settlement device 12x displayed in the display area R9 of each settlement device 12 should be used for settlement. The shopper 22 who has received this notification moves to the designated settlement device 12x and performs a settlement operation.

  By the way, when the registration data is transferred to the payment device 12x, the shopper 22 may offer to purchase additional products. Alternatively, the shopper 22 may receive an offer to cancel the purchase of the product. When such an offer is not received, the clerk 21 touches the close button B9. When the offer for additional purchase is received, the clerk 21 touches the add button B10. When receiving the offer to cancel the purchase, the clerk 21 touches the cancel button B11.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the notification screen SC3 confirms whether or not the close button B8 has been touched (Act 16). When the close button B8 is not touched (NO in Act16), the CPU 11a confirms whether the add button B9 is touched (Act17). When the add button B9 is not touched (NO in Act 17), the CPU 11a confirms whether the cancel button B10 is touched (Act 18). When the cancel button B10 is not touched (NO in Act 18), the CPU 11a confirms whether the close button B8 is touched again (Act 16). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for Act 16 to Act 18 to touch the close button B8, the add button B9, or the cancel button B10.

  When the close button B8 is touched in the standby state of Act16 to Act18 (YES in Act16), the CPU 11a erases the notification screen SC3 and ends the information processing according to this control program. After that, the CPU 11a restarts the information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the add button B9 is touched in the standby state of Act16 to Act18 (YES in Act17), the CPU 11a executes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the CPU 11a causes the additional screen SC4 (see FIG. 13) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 21).

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the additional screen SC4. The additional screen SC4 includes a display area R10. In the display area R10, a display field r101 that displays the product name and unit price of the product that is additionally registered, a display field r102 that displays the number of products that are additionally registered, and a display field r102 for the number of products that are additionally registered. A display field r103 for displaying the amount of money is formed.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the additional screen SC4 waits for the product code of the product to be additionally registered to be input (Act 22). When the product code is input through the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 22), the CPU 11a causes the product name, unit price, and the like of the product set in the product database to be associated with the product code as described above. Get information. 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. The CPU 11a generates additional update data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, the number of pieces, and an amount of money, and stores it in the temporary buffer 41 (Act23). Then, the CPU 11a updates the additional screen SC4 so that the product name, unit price, number and amount of the additional update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 are displayed on the additional screen SC4 (Act24).

  After updating the additional screen SC4, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched (Act 25). If the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act 25), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act 26 and Act 27. The processing procedure of Act 26 and Act 27 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act 26, the CPU 11a transfers the additional update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the settlement device 12x designated as the transfer destination of the registration data in the process of Act 10. Specifically, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the additional update data to the LAN 13 using the communication address set in the payment device 12x as the destination address and the communication address set in itself as the source address. Order. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 11j transmits the additional update data in which the destination address and the source address are set to the LAN 13. This additional update data is received by the settlement apparatus 12x whose destination address matches the communication address.

In Act27, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 to be displayed again on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.
When the processing of Act26 and Act27 is completed, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act16 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  When the cancel button B10 is touched in the standby state of Act16 to Act18 (YES in Act18), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the CPU 11a causes the cancel screen SC5 (see FIG. 14) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 31).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the cancel screen SC5. Cancel screen SC5 includes a display area R11. In the display area R11, a display field r111 that displays the product name and unit price of the product for which the purchase is canceled, a display field r112 that displays the number of products for which the purchase is canceled, and a display field r112 for which the purchase is canceled. A display field r113 for displaying the amount of money is formed.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the cancellation screen SC5 waits for the product code of the product whose purchase is to be canceled to be input (Act 32). When the input product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act32), the CPU 11a displays the product name, unit price, etc. set in the product database in association with the product code as described above. Get product information. 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. The CPU 11a attaches a minus sign to the number to make it the number to be canceled. Further, the CPU 11a adds a minus sign to the amount of money to make the amount of cancellation. The CPU 11a generates cancellation update data including a product code, product name, unit price, number of cancellations and cancellation amount, and stores the cancellation update data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 33). Then, the CPU 11a updates the cancellation screen SC5 so that the product name, unit price, cancellation quantity, and cancellation amount of the cancellation update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 are displayed on the cancellation screen SC5 (Act34).

  After updating the cancel screen SC5, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched (Act 35). If the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act 35), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act 36 and Act 37. Note that the processing procedure of Act 36 and Act 37 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act 36, the CPU 11a transfers the cancellation update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the settlement apparatus 12x designated as the transfer destination of the registration data in the process of Act 10. Specifically, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the cancellation update data to the LAN 13 using the communication address set in the payment device 12x as the destination address and the communication address set in itself as the source address. Order. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 11j transmits the cancellation update data in which the destination address and the source address are set to the LAN 13. The cancellation update data is received by the settlement apparatus 12x whose destination address matches the communication address.

In Act37, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 to be displayed again on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.
When the processing of Act 36 and Act 37 is completed, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act 16, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  Here, by displaying the notification screen SC3 on the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a provides an update waiting means for waiting for the input of update data until the next transaction is started after the registration data is transferred to the payment device 12x. Constitute.

  Further, the CPU 11a cooperates with the touch panel 11g and the communication unit 11j to configure update data transmitting means for transmitting update data for the registration data transferred to the payment device 12x to the payment device 12x to which the registration data is transferred. .. Specifically, the update data transmitting means transmits the update data input in the standby state for the input of the update data to the settlement apparatus 12x to which the registration data was transferred immediately before.

Next, the operation of the payment device 12 will be described.
When the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts information processing in the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 51). The standby screen indicates that the payment process is not being performed, and what kind of information is displayed may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After changing the screen of the touch panel 12g to the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive the registration data (Act 52).

  As described above, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 transmits registration data from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act 13 of FIG. This registration data is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 that is the destination. The payment device 12 that has received the registration data can specify the registration device 11 that is the transmission source of the registration data by storing the transmission source address of the registration data.

  When the registration data is received (YES in Act 52), the CPU 12a develops the registration data in the transaction memory 31b (Act 53). That is, the CPU 12a extracts a record of a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and a price from the registration data and stores the record in the transaction memory 31b. Further, the CPU 12a totals the points and the amounts of money of the records stored in the transaction memory 31b, and stores the total number and the total amount of money in the total memory 32b.

  Here, the CPU 12a forms a storage unit that stores the registration data transferred from the registration device 11 in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b) in cooperation with the RAM 12c.

Next, the CPU 12a causes the payment method selection screen SC6 (see FIG. 15) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 54).
An example of the payment method selection screen SC6 is shown in FIG. The payment method selection screen SC6 includes display areas R12 and R13 and buttons B11 and B12. The display area R12 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R13 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 SC6 determines the payment method of the price and touches the payment method button. However, if there is a product to be additionally purchased or if there is a product to cancel the purchase, the shopper offers to the clerk before touching the payment method button. Then, after waiting for the registration of the forgotten product to be additionally registered or the cancellation registration of the product to be canceled to be performed by the registration device 11, the payment method button is touched.

  The CPU 12a that has displayed the payment method selection screen SC6 confirms whether or not the payment method button B11 has been touched (Act 55). When the payment method button B11 is not touched (NO in Act 55), the CPU 12a confirms whether the additional update data or the cancellation update data is received (Act 56). When the additional update data or the cancel update data is not received (NO in Act56), the CPU 12a confirms again whether or not the payment method button B11 is touched (Act55). Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the payment method button B11 to be touched or the addition update data or the cancellation update data to be received as Act 55 and Act 56.

  Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the touch panel 12g to configure a start waiting means for waiting for a transaction settlement start instruction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b), that is, a touch input of the payment method button B11. To do.

  When the additional update data or the cancel update data is received in the standby state of Act 55 and Act 56 (YES in Act 56), the CPU 12a updates the registration data expanded in the transaction memory 31b (Act 57). That is, when the additional update data is received, the CPU 12a adds the product code, the product name, the unit price, the number, and the amount of money included in the additional update data to the transaction memory 31b as one record. However, if a record including the same product code is already stored in the transaction memory 31b, the CPU 12a adds the number and the amount included in the additional update data to the number and the amount of the record, and the record is not added. Not performed. When the cancellation update data is received, the CPU 12a searches the transaction memory 31b for a record including the same product code. Then, the CPU 12a subtracts the number and amount included in the cancellation update data from the number and amount of the record. As a result, when the number and the amount of money have become “0”, the CPU 12a deletes this record from the transaction memory 31b.

  After updating the registration data expanded in the transaction memory 31 with the addition update data or the cancellation update data, the CPU 12a recalculates the total number and the total amount of money with the data in the transaction memory 31. Then, the CPU 12a updates the data in the total memory 32b, and also updates the total points and total amount displayed in the display area R13 of the payment method selection screen SC6 as shown in FIG. 16 (Act58). After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 55 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  FIG. 16 is a payment method selection screen in the case where the payment data selection screen SC6 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed and the update data in the transaction memory 31b is updated by the additional registration data related to one item with a price of 500 yen. SC6 is illustrated.

  Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the RAM 12c and the communication unit 12j to receive the update data from the registration device 11 in the standby state for the payment start instruction, and then update the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b) to the update data. The update means for updating is configured.

  When the payment method button B11 is touched in the Act 55 and Act 56 standby states (YES in Act 55), the CPU 12a causes the payment method button B11 to make a payment on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g. The screen SC7 (see FIG. 17) is displayed (Act58).

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the payment screen SC7. FIG. 17 is a payment screen SC7 when cash is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SC7 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. Then, when the amount of cash equal to or more than the total amount is input, the settlement button B13 is touched.

  The CPU 12a displaying the payment screen SC7 waits for the settlement button B13 to be touched (Act 59). If the settlement button B13 is touched (YES in Act 59), the CPU 12a executes the settlement process according to the selected payment method (Act 60). For example, when cash is selected as the payment method, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for cash payment. Then, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt and controls the automatic change dispenser 12e to dispense the change. When the credit card is selected, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for credit payment. Then, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a credit slip. When electronic money is selected, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for electronic money payment. Then, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt and controls the card reader/writer 12i to update the balance of electronic money. Since such payment processing is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a causes the completion screen SC8 (see FIG. 18) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 61).

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the completion screen SC8 for cash payment. Completion screen SC8 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 change amount. Therefore, the shopper can know the change amount from the data in the display area R16.

  The CPU 12a that has displayed the completion screen SC8 notifies the registration device 11 of the registration data transmission source that the transaction has been completed (Act 62). Specifically, the CPU 12a transmits a transaction completion notification command to the LAN 13 using the transmission source address stored at the time of receiving the registration data as the transmission destination address and the communication address set by itself as the transmission source address. Control the communication unit 12j. Thereby, the transaction completion notification command in which the destination address and the source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. Then, this command is received by the registration device 11 whose destination address matches the communication address.

  The CPU 11a of the registration device 11, which has received the transaction completion notification command, executes the reception interrupt process in the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the received command is a transaction completion notification (Act 41). When the command is other than the transaction completion notification (NO in Act 41), the CPU 11a executes a process according to the command.

  When the received command is the transaction completion notification (YES in Act 41), the CPU 11a resets the counter Cx associated with the code identifying the settlement apparatus 12x that is the command transmission source in the counter table 42 to “0”. Yes (Act 42). Thus, the CPU 11a finishes the reception interrupt process.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when the shopper purchases an additional product or cancels the purchase of the product after transferring the registration data from the registration device 11 to the settlement device 12, The registration data transferred to the settlement apparatus 12 can be dealt with without returning to the registration apparatus 11.

  Therefore, the registration device 11 does not need an operation for recalling the registration data and an operation for retransmitting the recalled registration data to the settlement device 12, and thus the operation can be simplified.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, within a period from when the registration data is transferred from the registration device 11 to the settlement device 12 until the close button B8 of the notification screen SC3 is operated, the shopper 22 related to the registration data 22 Can purchase additional products or cancel the purchase. On the contrary, when the store clerk 21 operates the close button B8 of the notification screen SC3, the shopper 22 cannot purchase or cancel the purchase of the product.

  Then, next, even after the close button B8 in the registration device 11 is operated and the registration of the product to be purchased by the next shopper is started, before the payment method is selected in the payment device 12, additional purchase of the product or A second embodiment that enables cancellation of purchase will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings common to the first embodiment are cited and the description thereof is omitted. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIGS.

  19 to 21 are flowcharts showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration apparatus 11 according to the control program in the second embodiment, and FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the registration screen SC11. It is a figure. 19 to 22, parts common to those in the corresponding drawings of the first embodiment (FIGS. 5 to 7 and 10) are designated by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the second embodiment, an interrupt button B21 is added to the registration screen SC11. The interruption button B21 closes the notification screen SC3 and starts registration of a product to be purchased by the next shopper (hereinafter referred to as the shopper 22b), and then the previous shopper (hereinafter referred to as the shopper 22a). ), the store clerk 21 touches when an additional purchase of the product or an offer to cancel the purchase is received.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 waits for a further touch of the interrupt button B21 in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (Act71). When the interrupt button B21 is touched (YES in Act71), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act72, Act73, and Act74. The processing procedure of Act 72, Act 73, and Act 74 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act72, the CPU 11a sets an interrupt flag. The interrupt flag is 1-bit data stored in the RAM 11c, for example. In Act73, the CPU 11a moves the data in the temporary buffer 41 to the save buffer. The save buffer has the same area structure as the temporary buffer 41 and is formed in the RAM 11c. In Act74, the CPU 11a causes the interrupt screen SC12 (see FIG. 23) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of the interrupt screen SC12. The interrupt screen SC12 includes buttons B22, B23 and B24. The button B22 is a close button B22 that the clerk 21 instructs to close the interrupt screen SC12. The button B23 is an additional button B23 for the clerk 21 to instruct the additional purchase of the product. The button B10 is a cancel button B24 for the clerk 21 to instruct to cancel the purchase of the product.

  The clerk 21 who confirms the interruption screen SC12 touches the add button B23 when the offer from the shopper 22a is the additional purchase, and touches the cancel button B11 when the purchase is cancelled. When the offer for additional purchase or cancellation of purchase is canceled, the close button B22 is touched.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the interrupt screen SC12 confirms whether or not the close button B22 has been touched (Act 75). When the close button B22 is not touched (NO in Act75), the CPU 11a confirms whether the add button B23 is touched (Act76). When the add button B23 is not touched (NO in Act76), the CPU 11a confirms whether the cancel button B24 is touched (Act77). When the cancel button B24 is not touched (NO in Act77), the CPU 11a confirms whether the close button B22 is touched again (Act75). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B22, the add button B23, or the cancel button B24 to be touched as Act75 to Act77.

  When the close button B22 is touched in the standby state of Act75 to Act77 (YES in Act75), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act78, Act79, and Act80. The processing procedure of Act 78, Act 79, and Act 80 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act78, the CPU 11a resets the interrupt flag. In Act 79, the CPU 11a restores the data saved in the save buffer to the temporary buffer 41. In Act80, the CPU 11a erases the interrupt screen SC12 and causes the registration screen SC11 to be displayed again on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  When the processes of Act 78, Act 79, and Act 80 are completed in this way, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 6, and repeats the subsequent processes as described above.

  When the add button B23 is touched in the standby state of Act75 to Act77 (YES in Act76), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. This process is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. The different point is the processing after the subtotal button is touched in Act25.

  That is, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act 25), the CPU 11a determines the transfer destination of the additional update data (Act 81). Specifically, the CPU 11a searches the counter table 42, and certifies the payment device 12x whose counter C has been increased to “1” as the transfer destination of the additional update data. Then, the CPU 11a transmits the additional update data generated from the data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the payment device 12x (Act 82). After transmitting the additional update data, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act78 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  When the cancel button B24 is touched in the standby state of Act75 to Act77 (YES in Act77), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. This process is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. The different point is the processing after the subtotal button is touched in Act35.

  That is, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act 35), the CPU 11a determines the transfer destination of the cancellation update data (Act 83). Specifically, the CPU 11a searches the counter table 42, and certifies the settlement apparatus 12x whose counter C has been increased to "1" as the transfer destination of the cancellation update data. Then, the CPU 11a transmits the cancellation update data generated from the data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the settlement apparatus 12x (Act84). After transmitting the cancellation update data, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 78 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  On the other hand, the payment apparatus 12 operates similarly to the first embodiment. That is, when the payment method selection screen SC6 is displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g and the additional update data or the cancellation update data is received, the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 57 and Act 58.

  Therefore, according to the second embodiment, even after the registration of the merchandise to be purchased by the next shopper 22b in the registration apparatus 11 is started before the previous shopper 22a selects the payment method in the settlement apparatus 12. In that case, the shopper 22a can additionally purchase or cancel the purchase. At that time, similarly to the first embodiment, since the registration data transferred to the settlement apparatus 12 is not recalled to the registration apparatus 11, the operation can be simplified.

(Third Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when the shopper 22a offers additional purchase or cancellation of purchase, the subsequent shopper 22b interrupts the registration of the product to be purchased and deals with the offer. However, if the registration is interrupted, the shopper 22b may not always complain.

  Then, next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, which waits until the registration of the product purchased by the shopper 22b is completed and copes with additional purchase or cancellation of the purchase of the product for the shopper 22a. It should be noted that the drawings common to the first and second embodiments are cited and the description thereof is omitted. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 11 to FIG. 18, and FIGS.

  FIG. 24 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 in the third embodiment. In FIG. 24, the same parts as those in the corresponding drawing (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 24, after displaying the registration screen SC11 (see FIG. 22) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g in Act2, the CPU 11a touches the interrupt button B21 in the immediately preceding purchase registration. Confirm whether or not (Act 91). As described in the second embodiment, when the interrupt button B21 is touched during the purchase registration, the CPU 11a sets the interrupt flag. Therefore, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the interrupt flag is set.

  When the interrupt flag is not set (NO in Act 91), the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 3 processing. That is, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the product code. When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act3), the CPU 11a generates product sales data and stores it in the temporary buffer 41 (Act4). Further, the CPU 11a adds the number and the amount of money stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a, and updates the registration screen SC1 (Act5).

  After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a waits until the product code is input (Act6) or the subtotal button is touched (Act7). Further, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the interrupt flag is set (Act92). When the interrupt flag is not set (NO in Act92), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the interrupt button B21 is touched (Act93). If the interrupt button B21 is not touched (NO in Act93), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act6 and repeats the subsequent processes as described above. On the other hand, if the interrupt flag is set (YES in Act 92), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 6 without executing the process of Act 93, and repeats the subsequent processes as described above.

  Therefore, when the interrupt flag is not set, the CPU 11a waits for the product code, the subtotal button, or the interrupt button B21 to be touched. When the interrupt flag is set, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched.

  When the shopper 22b receives an offer for additional purchase or cancellation of purchase from the shopper 22a while the shopper 22b is registering the product to be purchased, the clerk 21 touches the interrupt button B21. However, the registration work of the product purchased by the shopper 22b is not interrupted.

  When the interrupt button B21 is touched (YES in Act93), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act94 and Act95. The processing procedure of Act94 and Act95 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act94, the CPU 11a sets an interrupt flag. In Act95, the CPU 11a further increments the counter Cx having a count value of “1” among the counters in the counter table 42 by “1”.

  When the processing of Act94 and Act95 is completed, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act6 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in this case, since the interrupt flag is set, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched. In this standby state, the operation when the product code is input or when the subtotal button is touched is the same as in the first or second embodiment.

  On the other hand, when the interrupt flag is set in Act 3 (YES in Act 91), the interrupt button B21 is being touched during the registration of the product purchased by the shopper 22b. In this case, the CPU 11a executes the processing of Act96 and Act97. The processing procedure of Act 96 and Act 97 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act96, the CPU 11a resets the interrupt flag. In Act97, the CPU 11a causes the interrupt screen SC12 (see FIG. 23) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  The clerk 21 who confirms the interruption screen SC12 touches the add button B23 when the offer from the shopper 22a is the additional purchase, and touches the cancel button B11 when the purchase is cancelled. When the offer for additional purchase or cancellation of purchase is canceled, the close button B22 is touched.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the interrupt screen SC12 confirms whether or not the close button B22 has been touched (Act 98). When the close button B22 is not touched (NO in Act98), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the add button B23 is touched (Act99). When the add button B23 is not touched (NO in Act99), the CPU 11a confirms whether the cancel button B24 is touched (Act100). When the cancel button B24 is not touched (NO in Act100), the CPU 11a confirms whether the close button B22 is touched again (Act98). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B22, the add button B23, or the cancel button B24 to be touched as Act98 to Act100.

  When the close button B22 is touched in the standby state of Act98 to Act100 (YES in Act98), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act2 and repeats the subsequent processes as described above. Therefore, in this case, after a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is set as the registration screen SC11 (Act2), the product code is waited for (Act3).

  When the add button B23 is touched in the standby state of Act98 to Act100 (YES in Act99), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 described in the second embodiment. Then, if the additional update data is transmitted to the payment device 12x (Act 82), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 2, and repeats the subsequent processes as described above.

  When the cancel button B24 is touched in the Act 98 to Act 100 standby state (YES in Act 100), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 described in the second embodiment. Then, if the cancellation update data is transmitted to the settlement apparatus 12x (Act84), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act2 and repeats the subsequent processes as described above.

  On the other hand, the payment device 12 operates in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment. That is, when the payment method selection screen SC6 is displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g and the additional update data or the cancellation update data is received, the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 57 and Act 58.

  Therefore, according to the third embodiment, after the registration of the merchandise to be purchased by the next shopper 22b in the registration device 11, the previous shopper 22a has offered to additionally purchase or cancel the purchase. In this case, it can be dealt with after the shopper 22b finishes registering the product to be purchased. At that time, similarly to the first or second embodiment, the registration data transferred to the settlement apparatus 12 is not recalled to the registration apparatus 11, so that the operation can be simplified.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the payment method selection screen SC6 is displayed on the payment device 12 that has received the registration data transferred from the registration device. Then, by waiting for the touch input of the payment method button B11 of the payment method selection screen SC6, the settlement start instruction of the transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b) is awaited. When there is only one payment method, the payment method selection screen SC6 is not displayed on the payment device 12 that has received the registration data. In that case, the settlement device 12 is provided with a declaration button for the shopper to declare the start of payment. For example, in response to receiving the registration data, the CPU 12a may display a declaration button on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g. The CPU 12a waits for a declaration button to be input, thereby waiting for a transaction settlement start instruction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the semi-self checkout system is illustrated, but the function of this embodiment can be applied to a two-person checkout system.

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] In a checkout system including a registration device that generates registration data of a product for each transaction, and a plurality of payment devices that process payment of the transaction based on the registration data, the registration device includes the registration data. A transfer means for transferring any of the payment data to any of the payment devices, and a transmission means for transmitting update data for the registration data transferred to the payment device to the payment device to which the registration data has been transferred, The settlement apparatus stores the registration data transferred from the registration apparatus in a storage unit, and a start waiting unit that waits for a settlement start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, A checkout, comprising: an update unit that updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data when the update data is received from the registration device in a standby state for the payment start instruction. system.
[2] The registration device further includes update waiting means for waiting for the input of the update data until the next transaction is started after transferring the registration data to the settlement device, and the transmitting means. The checkout system according to appendix [1], wherein the update data input in the input standby state of the update data is transmitted to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data has been transferred immediately before.
[3] The registration device further includes: a transfer destination storage unit that stores information for identifying the payment device that has transferred the registration data; and an update reception unit that receives an input instruction of the update data. The means, in response to accepting the input instruction of the update data, transmits the update data inputted thereafter to the settlement apparatus identified from the information, The check according to note [1]. Out system.
[4] When the input instruction of the update data is accepted during the generation of the registration data, the transmission means further comprises update waiting means for interrupting the generation of the registration data and waiting for the input of the update data. The checkout system according to Note [3], wherein the update data input in the input standby state of the update data is transmitted to the payment device identified from the information.
[5] When the input instruction of the update data is accepted during the generation of the registration data, the update data is waited until the registration data is generated and transferred to any of the settlement devices by the transfer means. Update waiting means for waiting for the input of the update data, wherein the transmitting means sends the update data input in the input waiting state of the update data to the settlement apparatus identified from the information. Checkout system described in Appendix [3].
[6] In a payment device that processes payment of a transaction based on the registration data transferred from a registration device that generates registration data of a product for each transaction, the storage unit stores the registration data transferred from the registration device. Storage means for storing in the storage unit, start waiting means for waiting for a settlement start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and update data for the registration data from the registration device in the waiting state for the settlement start instruction And a updating unit that updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data.
[7] The registration data transferred from the registration device is transferred to a computer of a payment device which processes the payment of the transaction based on the registration data transferred from the registration device which generates registration data of a product for each transaction. A function of storing in the storage unit, a function of waiting for a settlement start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and update data for the registration data from the registration device in a standby state of the settlement start instruction. A control program for realizing a function of updating the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data when received.

  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... counter table, SC1, SC11... registration screen, SC2... transfer destination selection screen, SC3... notification screen, SC4... addition screen, SC5... Cancel screen, SC6... payment method selection screen, SC7... payment screen, SC8... completion screen, SC12... interrupt screen.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes a registration device that generates registration data for a product for each transaction, and a plurality of payment devices that process payment for the transaction based on the registration data. The registration device includes a display unit, a first display control unit that causes the display unit to display a transmission destination selection screen for selecting one of the settlement devices that is the transmission destination of the registration data of the first transaction, and the first display control unit. Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the transaction to the payment apparatus selected on the destination selection screen, a memory for storing information for identifying the payment apparatus which transmitted the registration data for the first transaction, and a first Second display control means for displaying an interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data for the registration data in the first transaction on the display unit during generation of registration data for the second transaction different from the transaction; An update data generation unit that generates the update data by interrupting the generation of the registration data of the second transaction when the interrupt receiving unit receives the input instruction of the update data during the generation of the registration data of the second transaction, and a memory. Update data transmission means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generation means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data of the first transaction has been transmitted, based on the information stored in. The payment apparatus stores a registration data transmitted from the registration apparatus in a storage unit, a start waiting unit for waiting for a transaction start instruction for a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and a payment start instruction waiting unit. In a state, when the update data is received from the registration device, the update unit updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data.

Claims (7)

In a checkout system including a registration device that generates registration data of a product for each transaction, and a plurality of payment devices that process payment of the transaction based on the registration data,
The registration device is
Display part,
First display control means for displaying a transmission destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment apparatuses to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted, on the display unit;
Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the first transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen,
A memory storing information for identifying the payment device that has transmitted the registration data of the first transaction;
While the registration data of the second transaction different from the first transaction is being generated, the interrupt reception unit for receiving the input instruction of the update data, which is the addition or the deletion to the registration data in the first transaction, is displayed. Second display control means for displaying on the section,
Update data for interrupting the generation of the registration data for the second transaction and generating the update data when the interrupt receiving unit receives an input instruction for the update data during generation of the registration data for the second transaction Generating means,
Update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data for the first transaction has been transmitted, based on the information stored in the memory. Then
The payment device,
Storage means for storing the registration data transmitted from the registration device in a storage section;
Start waiting means for waiting for a settlement start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage section;
A checkout system comprising: an update unit that updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data when the update data is received from the registration device in the standby state for the payment start instruction. In a checkout system including a registration device that generates registration data of a product for each transaction, and a plurality of payment devices that process payment of the transaction based on the registration data,
The registration device is
Display part,
First display control means for displaying a transmission destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted, on the display unit;
Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the first transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen,
A memory storing information for identifying the payment device that has transmitted the registration data of the first transaction;
While the registration data of the second transaction different from the first transaction is being generated, the interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data, which is addition or deletion of the registration data in the first transaction, is displayed. Second display control means for displaying on the section,
When the interrupt receiving unit receives an input instruction of the update data while the registration data of the second transaction is being generated, the registration data of the second transaction is generated and the transmission destination is selected by the registration data transmitting unit. Update data generation means for generating the update data after waiting for transmission to the payment device selected on the screen,
Update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data for the first transaction has been transmitted, based on the information stored in the memory. Then
The payment device,
Storage means for storing the registration data transmitted from the registration device in a storage section;
Start waiting means for waiting for a settlement start instruction of a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage section;
A checkout system comprising: an update unit that updates the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data when the update data is received from the registration device in a standby state for the payment start instruction. The memory stores counters stored in association with the plurality of payment devices,
The counter counts up when the registration data transmitting unit transmits the registration data of the first transaction to the payment device associated with the counter, and the transaction is performed by the payment device based on the registration data. 3. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the checkout system is reset when the payment of the item is processed. A registration device that forms a checkout system with a plurality of payment devices that generate product registration data for each transaction and that processes payments based on the registration data,
Display part,
First display control means for displaying a transmission destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted, on the display unit;
Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the first transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen,
A memory storing information for identifying the payment device that has transmitted the registration data of the first transaction;
While the registration data of the second transaction different from the first transaction is being generated, the interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data, which is addition or deletion of the registration data in the first transaction, is displayed. Second display control means for displaying on the section,
Update data for generating the update data by interrupting the generation of the registration data for the second transaction when the interrupt receiving unit receives an input instruction for the update data during generation of the registration data for the second transaction Generating means,
Update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data for the first transaction has been transmitted, based on the information stored in the memory. Registration device to do. A registration device that forms a checkout system with a plurality of payment devices that generate product registration data for each transaction and that processes payments based on the registration data,
Display part,
First display control means for displaying a transmission destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted, on the display unit;
Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the first transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen,
A memory storing information for identifying the payment device that has transmitted the registration data of the first transaction;
While the registration data of the second transaction different from the first transaction is being generated, the interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data, which is addition or deletion of the registration data in the first transaction, is displayed. Second display control means for displaying on the section,
When the interrupt receiving unit receives an input instruction of the update data while the registration data of the second transaction is being generated, the registration data of the second transaction is generated and the transmission destination is selected by the registration data transmitting unit. Update data generation means for generating the update data after waiting for transmission to the payment device selected on the screen,
Update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data for the first transaction has been transmitted, based on the information stored in the memory. Registration device to do. A computer of a registration device that forms a checkout system and a plurality of payment devices that generate product registration data for each transaction and process payment of the transaction based on the registration data.
A first display control means for displaying a transmission destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment apparatuses to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted, on the display unit of the registration apparatus;
Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the first transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen,
Storage means for storing, in a memory, information for identifying the payment device that has transmitted the registration data of the first transaction;
While the registration data of the second transaction different from the first transaction is being generated, the interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data, which is addition or deletion of the registration data in the first transaction, is displayed. Second display control means for displaying on the section,
Update data for generating the update data by interrupting the generation of the registration data for the second transaction when the interrupt receiving unit receives an input instruction for the update data during generation of the registration data for the second transaction Generation means,
Based on the information stored in the memory, it functions as update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted. Control program for. A computer of a registration device that forms a checkout system and a plurality of payment devices that generate product registration data for each transaction and process payment of the transaction based on the registration data.
First display control means for displaying a destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to which the registration data of the first transaction is to be transmitted, on the display unit of the registration device;
Registration data transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the first transaction to the settlement apparatus selected on the destination selection screen,
Storage means for storing, in a memory, information for identifying the payment device that has transmitted the registration data of the first transaction;
While the registration data of the second transaction different from the first transaction is being generated, the interrupt acceptance unit for accepting an input instruction of update data, which is addition or deletion of the registration data in the first transaction, is displayed. Second display control means for displaying on the section,
When the interrupt receiving unit receives an input instruction of the update data while the registration data of the second transaction is being generated, the registration data of the second transaction is generated and the transmission destination is selected by the registration data transmitting unit. Update data generation means for generating the update data after waiting for transmission to the payment device selected on the screen,
Based on the information stored in the memory, it functions as update data transmitting means for transmitting the update data generated by the update data generating means to the settlement apparatus to which the registration data of the first transaction is transmitted. Control program for.