JP2021015636A - POS system, registration device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce workloads of a clerk.SOLUTION: A POS system includes a registration device operated by a clerk to register a commodity to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices operated by the customer to pay based on registration data of the commodity. The registration device has transmission means for transmitting the registration data to the payment devices. The payment device includes payment side selection means for accepting the selection of a payment method for the customer to pay a price of the commodity to be purchased with his/her own operation, and payment means for paying by the payment method for which selection is accepted by the payment side selection means based on the registration data transmitted by the transmission means. The registration device further includes registration side selection means for accepting the selection of the payment method. The payment means processes a payment by the payment method accepted by the registration side selection means when the registration side selection means accepts the selection of the payment method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to POS systems, checkout devices and programs.

Currently, there is a POS (Point Of Sales) system in which a registration device for registering products and a settlement device for settlement of registered products are separated (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-158993

In the POS system as described above, since it is possible for the customer to operate the settlement device himself, it is expected that the workload of the clerk will be reduced, but in reality, the workload of the clerk is sufficiently reduced. There is a problem that there is no.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing the workload of a clerk.

In order to solve the above problems, the POS system, which is one aspect of the present invention, includes a registration device operated by a clerk to register a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices operated by the customer to perform payment. A POS system having the above, the registration device is an input means for inputting a cash voucher amount, and a transmission means for transmitting transaction information according to the cash voucher amount input by the input means so that the settlement device can be settled. The settlement device has a receiving means for receiving the transaction information transmitted from the registration device, and a cash voucher input by the input means based on the transaction information received by the receiving means. Different control is performed depending on whether the amount is larger than the transaction amount of the registered product and the transaction amount of the registered product is larger than the cash voucher amount input by the input means.

According to the present invention, the workload of the clerk is reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the POS system in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the registration POS register in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the POS register for settlement in this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance structure of the registration POS register and the settlement POS register in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation procedure of the registration POS register in this embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows an example of the settlement slip issued by the registration POS register in this embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows an example of the selection screen displayed by the registration POS register in this embodiment. It is an image diagram which shows an example of the withdrawal instruction screen displayed by the registration POS register in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation procedure of the cash voucher settlement process executed by the registration POS register in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation procedure of the POS register for settlement in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the POS system 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, a registration POS register 20 (registration device), three settlement POS registers 30 (settlement device), and a settlement monitoring device. It is configured to include 40 and. The store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, the three settlement POS registers 30, and the settlement monitoring device 40 are connected to each other by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, a plurality of registration POS registers 20 may be provided, the number of settlement POS registers 30 may be further increased, or the number of settlement POS registers 30 may be provided. Can be reduced to two. Further, the store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, the settlement POS register 30, and the settlement monitoring device 40 do not necessarily have to be connected by LAN 11. In that case, data can be exchanged by using power line communication or the like that realizes high-speed communication by utilizing electrical wiring. It is also possible to omit the store controller 10 by allowing the registration POS register 20 to have the function of the store controller 10.

The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1 and manages various information such as a product master. The store controller 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master to the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30. Here, the product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information, product name, and selling price of each product, and is updated as appropriate.

The settlement monitoring device 40 is a device for mainly monitoring the settlement status in the settlement POS register 30. For example, in the settlement monitoring device 40, when there is an unpaid transaction for which the settlement has not been completed even after a certain period of time has passed since the registration in the registration POS register 20 was completed, such a transaction is displayed in a predetermined display mode. Notify by. By looking at this display, the clerk can grasp what the settlement status of the entire transaction that has been registered in the current store is.

The registration POS register 20 performs a process of registering data of a product that the customer intends to purchase. The data is registered, for example, by reading the barcode attached to the product. Therefore, the registration POS register 20 is provided with, for example, a scanner that reads a barcode (product code) attached to a product purchased by a customer by an operation of a clerk. In the present application, the data related to the product registered by the registration POS register 20 and used in the settlement process is referred to as transaction information. The transaction information includes information on the total price of all the products to be purchased, that is, the unit price and the number of individual products.
Further, the registration POS register 20 receives and manages status information from each settlement POS register 30.

Further, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 as the transmission destination of the transaction information according to the status information. At that time, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 should be used by the customer who is currently in the process of registering the product so that the waiting time can be reduced as much as possible based on the status information. That is, the registration POS register 20 selects the optimum one from the plurality of settlement POS registers 30. The registration POS register 20 selects, for example, a vacant settlement POS register 30. Alternatively, when all the settlement POS registers 30 are filled with customers, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement device that seems to be the earliest available. Then, the registration POS register 20 transmits transaction information to the selected settlement POS register 30. A customer who intends to purchase the product indicated by the transaction information can operate the settlement POS register 30 to which the transaction information is transmitted to perform the settlement process by himself / herself. The settlement process is a process of selectively paying and settling the price of a product to be purchased by using cash, electronic money, a credit card, or the like.

The above-mentioned status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30. The progress status is divided into standby status, settlement status, receipt issuance status, vacancy status, accounting hold, and trouble occurrence. Based on this progress, the registration POS register 20 performs a determination process of which settlement POS register 30 is to be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 preferentially selects the free settlement POS register 30. If there is no empty POS register 30 for settlement, the one for which a receipt is being issued is selected. The above three progress statuses of standby state, settlement in progress, and receipt issuance indicate the stage of settlement processing, and the progress status shifts from the standby state to settlement and from settlement to receipt issuance. Therefore, the progress is progressing when the receipt is being issued rather than when the payment is being made, and if there is no vacant one, by selecting the one whose receipt is being issued, the POS register for settlement that seems to be vacant earliest. 30 can be selected.

Further, the registration POS register 20 performs the following display processing when transmitting the transaction information currently being registered for goods to the settlement POS register 30 selected as described above.
For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information received from each settlement POS register 30 on a display screen such as a touch panel of the registration POS register 20. This display is not limited to when the transaction information is transmitted, and may be updated at all times or at any time during the registration process or in the free time. Further, when the transaction information is transmitted, the registration POS register 20 displays to which the settlement POS register 30 the store clerk or the customer knows which transaction information was transmitted. For example, when it is displayed to a clerk, the clerk can verbally inform the customer. The display method in this case is arbitrary. For example, the status information of each settlement POS register 30 is displayed on the touch panel installed toward the clerk in the registration POS register 20, and the status information corresponding to the transmitted settlement POS register 30 is highlighted. You can do it by doing. Further, a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 may be displayed on the display unit of the registration POS register 20 facing the customer side. Further, a receipt (for example, a number tag receipt on which the number of the settlement POS register 30 is printed) may be issued to guide the corresponding settlement POS register 30 and handed to the customer.

The clerk may manually select the settlement POS register 30. For example, the clerk may judge by looking at the status information and select the settlement POS register 30 by pressing the settlement POS register 30 button selected on the touch panel. Further, in order to help the clerk's judgment, the vacant (or likely to be vacant) settlement POS register 30 may be emphasized and displayed in the status information display.

Further, the registration POS register 20 may print all the purchase contents of the product purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can confirm the registered contents using the registration POS register 20 by looking at the print result before operating the settlement POS register 30 to perform the settlement process.

In addition, the registration POS register 20 performs a return process for a product for which a customer has requested a return (hereinafter referred to as a returned product). For example, the registration POS register 20 first inputs the transaction number printed on the receipt regarding the returned product, and then reads the barcode attached to the returned product. The transaction number is transaction identification information for identifying each transaction. Then, the registration POS register 20 reads the transaction information corresponding to the input transaction number, identifies the returned product, calculates the refund amount to be refunded to the customer, and generates the refund information. The refund information is data for withdrawing cash to the settlement POS register 30 including the refund amount. Subsequently, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 for refunding to the customer, and transmits the generated refund information to the selected settlement POS register 30. Further, the registration POS register 20 determines the timing at which the settlement POS register 30 makes a withdrawal based on the refund information according to the operation of the clerk, so that the settlement POS register 30 withdraws at the determined timing. , The withdrawal instruction data is transmitted to the selected settlement POS register 30. The withdrawal instruction data is data instructing to withdraw the amount based on the refund information.

In addition, when the customer applies for payment using a gold ticket such as a rice ticket or a gift certificate, the clerk receives the gold ticket from the customer at the registration POS register 20. The registration POS register 20 determines the amount to be settled in the settlement POS register 30 according to the amount of the cash voucher received by the clerk from the customer. For example, when the total amount of the registered products (hereinafter referred to as the transaction amount) is larger than the amount of the cash voucher (hereinafter referred to as the cash voucher amount), the registration POS register 20 sets the difference between the transaction amount and the cash voucher amount. It is the payment amount paid by the customer, the payment amount is added to the transaction information, and the payment amount is transmitted to the selected settlement POS register 30. Further, when the transaction amount and the cash voucher amount are equal to each other, the registration POS register 20 issues a receipt for the customer to take home. In this case, the customer does not need to go to the settlement POS register 30 to settle. Further, in the registration POS register 20, when the cash voucher amount is larger than the transaction amount, the difference between the cash voucher amount and the transaction amount is set as the refund amount to be refunded to the customer, and the refund information including the refund amount is the selected settlement POS register. Send to 30. In this case, the registration POS register 20 determines the timing at which the settlement POS register 30 withdraws based on the refund information according to the operation of the clerk, and the settlement POS register 30 withdraws at the determined timing. Withdrawal instruction data is transmitted to the selected POS register 30 for settlement.

On the other hand, the POS register 30 for settlement is a device for the customer to operate and perform the settlement process by himself / herself, and is an automatic change ticket machine, a card reader (for example, for a credit card or a point card), an RF (Radio Frequency) reader. It is equipped with payment equipment (for example, for electronic money). Further, the settlement POS register 30 transmits the status information to the registration POS register 20 at any time.

Further, when the settlement POS register 30 receives the above transaction information from the registration POS register 20, the settlement POS register 30 is notified (that is, guidance to the customer) so that the customer should come to the settlement POS register 30. ). As an example of the notification, for example, character information such as a predetermined number is displayed on the entire screen of the display unit of the settlement POS register 30. The character information such as this number is information separately notified to the customer by the registration POS register 20 (or by the clerk operating the registration POS register 20). The customer may go to, for example, the settlement POS register 30 displaying his / her own number informed. Further, as another example of notification, guidance may be provided by turning on a predetermined lamp of the settlement POS register 30. For example, it lights up in a specific color so that the customer goes to the settlement POS register 30 of the specified color. It may also be blinking. Further, as another example of notification, the membership card No. may be displayed on the screen of the settlement POS register 30. This membership card No. is read by, for example, the registration POS register 20. The customer goes to the settlement POS register 30 that notifies his / her membership card No.

Further, the settlement POS register 30 goes into a standby state after being notified. That is, the settlement POS register 30 is in a state of waiting for an instruction to start the settlement process corresponding to the received transaction information after the notification is given. As an example of canceling the standby state, for example, when the customer touches the display screen of the settlement POS register 30 (or presses any button), the settlement process may be automatically started. Nothing is displayed on the screen until it is touched, or only the number is displayed, for example, as in the above notification example. Alternatively, the settlement POS register 30 may detect whether or not a customer is approaching by using a human detection sensor and start the settlement process. In this case as well, the screen can be hidden or the number can be displayed until it is detected. The settlement POS register 30 starts the settlement process when the human detection sensor detects the approach of a person. Alternatively, a camera can be used instead of the human sensor. For example, a camera may be installed in the settlement POS register 30 and the registration POS register 20, and the settlement process may be started only when the same person approaches by face recognition.

Further, the flow of the settlement process for the settlement POS register 30 in the standby state can be performed as follows, for example. (1) First, select a payment method. Select either cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., or use them together according to the customer's operation. (2) Next, the settlement is executed. Settlement is executed by inserting cash into the insertion / discharge port of banknotes and coins held by the POS register 30 for settlement, paying change, reading a card with a card reader, and the like. (3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the settlement POS register 30. For example, a list of purchased products, a total purchase price, a receipt price, a fishing price, and the like are printed on the receipt. (4) Then, the settlement POS register 30 ends the settlement process and becomes empty.

The settlement method in the settlement POS register 30 may be declared in the registration POS register 20. In this case, the information of the settlement method is sent from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30, and the settlement POS register 30 starts the process from the operation (2) above.

Further, when the settlement POS register 30 receives the above refund information based on the return or the settlement using the cash voucher, the customer is notified (that is, the customer) so that the customer should come to the settlement POS register 30. Guidance to). Further, the settlement POS register 30 goes into a standby state after being notified. Then, when the standby state is released and the above-mentioned withdrawal instruction data is received, the settlement POS register 30 pays out cash (banknotes and coins) according to the refund amount based on the refund information from the change fishing ticket machine. ..

Next, a configuration example of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration POS register 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement POS register 30. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance configuration of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the registration POS register 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, and a display unit (clerk). (For) 205, display unit (for customers) 205a, operation unit 206, communication unit 207, buzzer 208, and printing unit 209. These can communicate with each other via the bus.

The ROM 202 is a read-only memory and stores a program in advance.
The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the registration POS register 20 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202. For example, the CPU 201 (refund information generating means) generates refund information to be refunded to the customer in a predetermined process. The predetermined processing is a return processing related to the return of the product purchased by the customer, a processing of paying the registered product with a cash voucher, and the like. Further, the CPU 201 (selection means) selects the settlement POS register 30 for which the refund should be made based on the refund information. Further, the CPU 201 (withdrawal instruction means) determines the timing of withdrawal based on the refund information. Further, the CPU 201 (refund information transmitting means) transmits refund information via the communication unit 207 so that the refund can be made at the selected settlement POS register 30.

The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product.
The RAM 203 is a read / write memory at any time, and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores product information based on the barcode read by the scanner unit 204, status information received from the settlement POS register 30, and the like. Further, for example, the RAM 203 may store the history of operations of the operation buttons.

The display unit (for clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customers) 205a display various information. For example, the display unit (for clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customers) 205a display information (for example, product name, price, etc.) acquired from the product master. Further, the display unit (for the clerk) 205 is a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information for the clerk. Further, the display unit (for clerk) 205 accepts operation input for the product information (product code, etc.) set and registered in advance by operating the operation buttons (preset buttons) displayed in the area on the screen. ..

The operation unit 206 includes various operation buttons (subtotal key, current total key, number key, correction key, gift certificate key, preset key, etc.) for operating the registration POS register 20.
For example, when the operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 receives an operation input for the product information (product code, etc.) preset and registered in the preset key.

The communication unit 207 communicates with another device via the LAN 11.
The buzzer 208 generates a buzzer sound when it is necessary for a clerk to confirm the operation.

The printing unit 209 prints information indicating transaction information and the like as needed. However, in this embodiment, printing of transaction information can be omitted. As described above, the printing unit 209 may print on the receipt (printing medium) the information that guides the settlement POS register 30 that is the transmission destination of the transaction information (accounting data) selected according to the status information. Good.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance configurations of the scanner unit 204, the display unit (for clerk) 205, the operation unit 206, and the printing unit 209.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the settlement POS register 30 prints the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, the scanner unit 304, the display unit 305, the operation unit 306, the communication unit 307, the buzzer 308, and the like. It includes a unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a barber's pole 311 and a human detection sensor 312. These can communicate with each other via the bus.

The ROM 302 is a read-only memory that stores a program.
The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the settlement POS register 30 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 302. For example, the CPU 301 (reception means) receives the refund information via the communication unit 307. Further, the CPU 301 (withdrawal means) causes the settlement unit 310 to provide cash (banknotes or coins) according to the amount to be refunded to the customer based on the received refund information at the timing determined by the registration POS register 20. Make a withdrawal to the prepared change fishing bill machine.

The RAM 303 is an occasional read / write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 303 stores the product master acquired from the store controller 10 and the purchase contents of the product indicated by the two-dimensional code or bar code read by the scanner unit 304. As an example of reading a two-dimensional code or barcode by the scanner unit 304, for example, in the registration POS register 20, the status information of the settlement POS register 30 cannot be acquired for some reason (for example, a trouble is occurring). It is conceivable that the registration POS register 20 prints the two-dimensional code or barcode used for accounting on the accounting slip because of (in the situation).

The scanner unit 304 optically reads, for example, a barcode (membership code) attached to a membership card or the like.
The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen according to the control from the CPU 301. Further, the display unit 305 stores the history of operations (for example, the number of operations, the order of operations, etc.) displayed on the screen in the RAM 303 for each operation button.

The operation unit 306 includes various operation buttons (correction keys, preset keys, etc.) for operating the settlement POS register 30. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts the correction of the operation input by operating the operation button (correction key).

The communication unit 307 communicates with another device via the LAN 11. For example, it connects to the store controller 10 and acquires the latest product master from the store controller 10.

When an error or the like occurs, the buzzer 308 generates a buzzer sound for notifying the error.
When the settlement process (that is, the settlement of the purchase price of the product) is completed, the printing unit 309 prints and issues the settlement receipt that the customer takes home.

The settlement unit 310 includes a change fishing ticket machine, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, and a control unit thereof, and the settlement unit 310 can be used to process payment by cash, credit, or electronic money. Will be done. The settlement unit 310 executes the settlement with cash by the change fishing ticket machine, and outputs the result of executing the settlement (for example, information indicating whether or not the settlement is successful) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change fishing bill machine is provided with a bill insertion slot for inserting and discharging bills, a coin insertion slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection port for discharging change. Further, the settlement unit 310 executes the settlement by credit and outputs the result of the execution of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the port and the bus. Further, the settlement unit 310 executes the settlement with electronic money, and outputs the result of the execution of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the bus.

The barber's pole 311 has indicators of a plurality of colors, and by turning on or blinking these indicators, it is possible to notify or operate information indicating that the settlement POS register 30 is the selected device. Notify that there is.
The human detection sensor 312 (human sensor) is a sensor that detects that a person (customer) is within a predetermined range in front of the settlement POS register 30.

FIG. 4 shows the external configurations of the scanner unit 304, the display unit 305, the operation unit 306, the printing unit 309, the settlement unit 310, and the barber's pole 311.

Next, the operation procedure of the registration POS register 20 of the POS system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the registration POS register 20 in the present embodiment.
First, the customer brings the purchased product to the registration POS register 20 operated by the clerk. The CPU 201 determines whether or not it is a registration process for registering the product purchased by the customer (step S1). The clerk selects and operates the registration process or the return process by the operation unit 206. Then, in the case of the registration process for registering the product to be purchased (YES in step S1), the CPU 201 executes the product registration by inputting the product code (step S2). That is, the CPU 201 writes the contents in the item of transaction information stored in the processing area of the RAM 203.

The CPU 201 determines whether or not the product registration has been completed for all the products purchased by the customer (step S3). For example, when the current total key is pressed, the CPU 201 determines that the product registration has been completed for all the products purchased by the customer. If the product registration is not completed (NO in step S3), the CPU 201 returns the process to step S2.

On the other hand, when the product registration for all the products is completed (YES in step S3), the CPU 201 determines whether or not to use a gold ticket such as a gift certificate or a rice ticket for the settlement of the product registered transaction (step S4). .. The clerk presses the "gift ticket key" when the customer offers to settle the payment with a cash voucher. When the "gift ticket key" is pressed, the CPU 201 determines that a gold ticket is used for settlement. When a cash voucher is used for settlement (YES in step S4), the cash voucher settlement process is executed (step S5), and then the process is terminated. The details of the cash voucher settlement process will be described later.

On the other hand, when the cash voucher is not used for the settlement (NO in step S4), the CPU 201 selects the settlement POS register 30 as the transmission destination of the transaction information (step S6). Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to each status information of each settlement POS register 30 stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, and the progress of the settlement process is the most advanced (that is, free) based on each status information. Select the settlement POS register 30 which is in a state or is likely to be vacant earliest.

Next, the CPU 201 additionally stores the confirmed transaction information in the log file of the RAM 203, associates the confirmed transaction information with the transaction number, and communicates with the settlement POS register 30 and the store controller 10 selected in step S6. Transmission is performed via unit 207 (step S7). The store controller 10 writes transaction information in a log file and stores it.

Next, the CPU 201 issues a settlement slip (a number tag receipt, a checkout ticket, a POS cash register guidance receipt on which the number of the settlement POS register 30 is printed) on which a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 is printed. (Step S8). More specifically, the CPU 201 causes the printing unit 209 to issue a receipt on which the number of the selected settlement POS register 30 and the transaction number are printed, as shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 201 ends the process (or may return to step S1).

FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a settlement slip issued by the registration POS register 20 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, the characters "Please pay at the first cash register" (see reference numeral 3051) are printed on the receipt as a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30. In addition, "1234567" (see reference numeral 3052) is printed on the receipt as the transaction number.

On the other hand, when the customer returns the product, the customer brings the product to be returned to the registration POS register 20 operated by the clerk. The clerk confirms the product for which the customer has requested a return, and switches the registration POS register 20 to the return processing mode (for example, select the return processing from the menu screen). Then, when it is not the registration process, that is, when it is in the return process mode (NO in step S1), the CPU 201 inputs the transaction number described in the receipt (step S11). For example, the clerk collects the receipt brought by the customer and inputs the transaction number written on the receipt.

The CPU 201 displays the same information as the transaction information corresponding to the receipt on the display unit (for the clerk) 205 and the display unit (for the customer) 205a (step S12). Specifically, the CPU 201 transmits the transaction number to the store controller 10 by the communication unit 207, receives the transaction information corresponding to the transaction number transmitted from the store controller 10, and displays the display unit (for the clerk) 205 and the display. Displayed on the section (for customers) 205a.

Next, the CPU 201 inputs the code information attached to the returned product (step S13). For example, the clerk causes the scanner unit 204 to read the code information attached to the returned product while the transaction information is displayed on the screen.

The CPU 201 collates the code information attached to the returned product with the transaction information of the receipt (step S14), and whether or not the same code information (for example, JAN code) exists in the transaction information of the receipt, that is, the receipt. It is confirmed whether or not there is the same product in (step S15). That is, it is confirmed whether the returned product is the product described on the receipt.

Then, when the same code information does not exist (NO in step S15), the CPU 201 displays a warning on the display unit (for the clerk) 205 and the display unit (for the customer) 205a, or sounds the buzzer 208. The error is notified by such means as (step 16). The CPU 201 displays on the display unit (for the clerk) 205 and the display unit (for the customer) 205a to re-input or urge, and determines whether or not the re-input is instructed to operate (step S17). Then, when the clerk instructs the operation to re-enter (YES in step S17), the CPU 201 returns to step S11 and proceeds with the process again from the input of the transaction number described in the receipt. On the other hand, if the clerk does not instruct the operation to re-input (NO in step S17), the CPU 201 ends the process (or may return to step S1).

On the other hand, if the same code information exists in the transaction information on the receipt (YES in step S15), the product is regarded as a returned product, and the refund amount is calculated from the price and quantity of the returned product (step S18). Next, it is determined whether or not the "deposit / current total key" has been pressed (step S19). Then, when the "deposit / current account key" is pressed (YES in step S19), the CPU 201 selects the settlement POS register 30 for refund (step S20). Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to each status information of each settlement POS register 30 stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, and displays a selection screen of the settlement POS register 30 as shown in FIG. Displayed in the department (for clerk) 205. The clerk selects the settlement POS register 30 for refund while referring to the status information of each settlement POS register 30 displayed on the selection screen.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed by the registration POS register 20 in the present embodiment. In the display example of FIG. 7, "selection keys" 7001 to 7003 for selecting the settlement POS register 30 for refund are displayed. Each "selection key" 7001 to 7003 displays the number and status information of the corresponding settlement POS register 30. The clerk selects the settlement POS register 30 for refund by pressing any of the "selection keys" 7001 to 7003 displayed on the selection screen.

Next, the CPU 201 issues a return slip on which the number of the selected settlement POS register 30 and the transaction number are printed (step S21). The clerk hands the issued return slip to the customer and instructs the customer to go to the selected POS register 30 for settlement. The customer takes the return slip and goes to the instructed settlement POS register 30.

Next, the CPU 201 displays the withdrawal instruction screen as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit (for the clerk) 205, and determines whether or not the "confirmation key" displayed on the withdrawal instruction screen is pressed. (Step 22). When the clerk confirms that the customer has reached the front of the settlement POS register 30, he presses the "confirmation key" displayed on the withdrawal instruction screen. When the "confirmation key" is pressed (YES in step S22), the CPU 201 additionally stores the refund information in the log file of the RAM 203, associates the refund information with the transaction number, and uses the store controller 10 for the selected settlement. It is transmitted to the POS register 30 via the communication unit 207 (step S23). The refund information includes the refund amount calculated in step S18. At this time, the CPU 201 transmits the withdrawal instruction data together with the refund information to the settlement POS register 30. The store controller 10 writes the refund information in the log file and stores it. Then, the CPU 201 ends the process (or may return to step S1).

FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing an example of a withdrawal instruction screen displayed by the registration POS register 20 in the present embodiment. In the display example of FIG. 8, the "confirmation key" 8001 for instructing the timing of withdrawal to the settlement POS register 30 and the transaction number "2631" 8002 of the transaction are displayed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the cash voucher settlement process in step S5 of FIG. 5 described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the cash ticket settlement process executed by the registration POS register 20 in the present embodiment.
First, the CPU 201 inputs the amount of the money ticket, which is the amount of the money ticket that the customer has given to the clerk (step S101). For example, the clerk inputs the amount of the cash voucher by pressing the number + "gift ticket key". Next, the CPU 201 compares the input cash voucher amount with the transaction amount, which is the total amount of the products registered in the transaction (step S102).

When the transaction amount is larger than the cash voucher amount, the CPU 201 sets the difference obtained by subtracting the cash voucher amount from the transaction amount as the payment amount paid by the customer at the settlement POS register 30 (step S103), and writes the payment amount in the transaction information. Next, the CPU 201 selects the settlement POS register 30 that is the destination of the transaction information (step S104).

Next, the CPU 201 additionally stores the confirmed transaction information in the log file of the RAM 203, associates the confirmed transaction information with the transaction number, and communicates with the settlement POS register 30 and the store controller 10 selected in step S104. Transmission is performed via unit 207 (step S105). The store controller 10 writes transaction information in a log file and stores it. Next, the CPU 201 issues a settlement slip (step S106). Then, the CPU 201 ends the process.

On the other hand, when the transaction amount and the cash voucher amount are equal, the CPU 201 additionally stores the confirmed transaction information in the log file of the RAM 203, associates the confirmed transaction information with the transaction number, and sends the communication unit 207 to the store controller 10. It is transmitted via (step S107).
Next, the CPU 201 issues a receipt by discharging the paper medium on which the date and time, the transaction number, the purchased product, the number of items, the unit price, the total amount, the deposit amount, and the like are printed from the printing unit 209 (step S108). The clerk hands the issued receipt to the customer and informs the customer that the payment has been completed. That is, when the transaction amount and the cash voucher amount are equal, the customer can complete the settlement without going to the settlement POS register 30. It should be noted that the processes from steps S107 to S108 are performed not only when the transaction amount and the cash voucher amount are the same, but also at the operation store where the change is not paid when the cash voucher amount is larger than the transaction amount.

On the other hand, when the cash voucher amount is larger than the transaction amount, the CPU 201 sets the difference obtained by subtracting the transaction amount from the cash voucher amount as the refund amount to be refunded to the customer at the settlement POS register 30 (step S109). The CPU 201 writes the determined refund amount in the transaction information.

Next, the CPU 201 selects the settlement POS register 30 for refund (step S110). Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to each status information of each settlement POS register 30 stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, and displays a selection screen of the settlement POS register 30 as shown in FIG. Displayed in the department (for clerk) 205. The clerk selects the settlement POS register 30 for refund while referring to the status information of each settlement POS register 30 displayed on the selection screen.

Next, the CPU 201 issues a return slip on which the number of the selected settlement POS register 30 and the transaction number are printed (step S111). The clerk hands the issued return slip to the customer and instructs the customer to go to the selected POS register 30 for settlement. The customer takes the return slip and goes to the instructed settlement POS register 30.

Next, the CPU 201 displays the withdrawal instruction screen as shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit (for the clerk) 205, and determines whether or not the "confirmation key" displayed on the withdrawal instruction screen is pressed. (Step 112). When the clerk confirms that the customer has reached the front of the settlement POS register 30, he presses the "confirmation key" displayed on the withdrawal instruction screen. When the "confirmation key" is pressed (YES in step S112), the CPU 201 additionally stores the confirmed transaction information in the log file of the RAM 203, and associates the transaction information with the refund information with the transaction number. It is transmitted to the store controller 10 and the selected settlement POS register 30 via the communication unit 207 (step S113). The refund information includes the refund amount calculated in step S109. At this time, the CPU 201 transmits the withdrawal instruction data together with the refund information to the settlement POS register 30. The store controller 10 writes transaction information in a log file and stores it. Then, the CPU 201 ends the process.

When the customer performs the registration process of the purchased product by the registration POS register 20, the customer receives the settlement slip and goes to the settlement POS register 30 of the number printed on the settlement slip. Further, when the return processing of the product is performed by the registration POS register 20, the customer receives the return slip and goes to the settlement POS register 30 of the number printed on the return slip. If the return slip is not issued, the customer may be called from the settlement POS register 30. When the customer is called, the customer goes to the called POS register 30 for settlement. Alternatively, identification information such as a number for guiding and guiding the customer may be displayed on the screen of the settlement POS register 30, and the clerk may guide the settlement POS register 30.

Next, the operation procedure of the settlement POS register 30 of the POS system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the settlement POS register 30 according to the present embodiment.
First, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the transaction information has been received (step S201).
When the transaction information is received (YES in step S201), the CPU 301 notifies that the transaction information has been received and shifts to the standby state of the settlement process (step S202).

Here, when the customer arrives at the POS register 30 for settlement and a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 306 or the like, or the approach of a person is detected by the human detection sensor 312, the CPU 301 starts the settlement process. (Step S203). In the settlement process, an operation method or the like is shown on the display unit 305, and a payment method is selected or payment is made by the selected payment method according to the operation of the customer. When the settlement process by the predetermined settlement method is completed in the settlement POS register 30, the CPU 301 prints a paper medium on which the date and time, the transaction number, the purchased product, the quantity, the unit price, the total amount, the deposit amount, etc. are printed from the printing unit 309. A receipt is issued by discharging the receipt (step S204). Then, the CPU 301 ends the process (or may return to step S201).

On the other hand, when the transaction information is not received (No in step S201), the CPU 301 determines whether or not the refund information has been received (step S211). If the refund information has not been received (No in step S211), the CPU 301 returns to the process of step S201.
On the other hand, when the refund information is received (Yes in step S211), the CPU 301 notifies that the transaction information has been received and shifts to the standby state of the settlement process (step S212).

Here, when the customer arrives at the settlement POS register 30, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 306 or the like, or the approach of a person is detected by the person detection sensor 312, the CPU 301 releases the standby state. Then, it is determined whether or not the withdrawal instruction data has been received (step S213). When the withdrawal instruction data is received (Yes in step S213), the CPU 301 performs a refund process (calculation of the currency type according to the refund amount) based on the received refund information, and displays the refund amount on the display unit 305. Display (step S214). Then, the CPU 301 pays out banknotes or coins according to the refund amount from the change fishing bill machine provided in the settlement unit 310 (step S215).
Next, the CPU 301 adds information indicating the completion of the return processing to the return information, stores it as the return processing completion information, and transmits it to the store controller 10 (step S216). The store controller 10 writes and stores the refund processing completion information in the log file. Then, the CPU 201 issues a receipt by discharging the paper medium on which the date and time, the transaction number, the purchased product, the number of items, the unit price, the total amount, the deposit amount, and the like are printed from the printing unit 309 (step S217). Then, the CPU 301 ends the process (or may return to step S201).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the clerk specifies the settlement POS register 30 to be refunded in the registration POS register 20 when a return or "changed transaction" occurs, and the designated settlement POS register 30 Withdraws. As a result, the clerk can withdraw the change without going to the position of the POS register 30 for settlement and operating it.

If the settlement POS register 30 withdraws the change immediately after the settlement POS register 30 is specified in the registration POS register 20, the customer moves from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30. In addition, there is a problem that a security problem arises because a third party can take the withdrawn change. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the registration POS register 20 displays a confirmation screen when transmitting the withdrawal information in the withdrawal transaction, and prompts the user to wait until the move. Then, the registration POS register 20 gives a withdrawal instruction when the clerk confirms that the customer has moved to the settlement POS register 30 and stood in front of the settlement POS register 30 and pressed the "confirmation key". .. The settlement POS register 30 makes a withdrawal based on the withdrawal information when the withdrawal is instructed. As a result, the clerk can visually confirm that the customer has reached the POS register 30 for payment, and then withdraw the money, which improves safety.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the registration POS register 20 transmits withdrawal instruction data at the same time as refund information such as the transaction number and refund amount when the "confirmation key" is pressed, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, the refund information may be transmitted at the time when the settlement POS register 30 is selected and specified, and then the withdrawal instruction data may be separately transmitted by pressing the confirmation key.

Further, in this case, when the human detection sensor 312 included in the settlement POS register 30 reacts, the confirmation key may be set to a different mode (blinking, color change) from the usual mode, or a sound may be heard from the vicinity of the registration POS register 20. It may be notified or may be notified by a vibrator or the like. Specifically, when the settlement POS register 30 detects a person by the person detection sensor 312 after receiving the refund information, the settlement POS register 30 transmits the detection information to the registration POS register 20 of the transmission source of the withdrawal information. When the registration POS register 20 receives the detection information, the registration POS register 20 uses one of the above methods (the confirmation key is set to a different mode (blinks, changes color), outputs a sound from the vicinity of the registration POS register 20), or , Vibrate the vibrator, etc.) to notify. In this case, even if the clerk is responding to the next customer, the clerk will be notified in the form of a conspicuous display screen, sound or vibrator, so the clerk will change before the POS register 30 for settlement. You can know that the customer who needs it has stood. Therefore, the efficiency of registration and settlement can be improved.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the confirmation key (withdrawal instruction key) is displayed on the screen, but the withdrawal instruction key is assigned to one of the keyboards (mechanical keys) provided in the operation unit 206. You may.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the clerk selects the settlement POS register 30 to be withdrawn on the selection screen, but the registration POS register 20 automatically setstles based on the status information of each settlement POS register 30. POS register 30 may be selected.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the registration POS register 20 specifies the settlement POS register 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the checkout of the service counter or the settlement monitoring device 40 for monitoring the settlement status of the settlement device. , Or when the store controller 10 specifies it. That is, devices other than the registration POS register 20 (service counter cash register, checkout monitoring device 40, store controller 10) perform "refund information generation means", "selection means", "withdrawal instruction means", and "refund information transmission means". You may prepare. As a result, not only the clerk in charge of the registration POS register 20 but also the clerk in charge of the settlement monitoring device 40 and the store controller 10 can handle the return processing and the like.

The POS register (registration POS register or settlement POS register) and the program for realizing the POS system described above are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the computer. Execution processing may be performed by loading it into the system and executing it. The "computer system" referred to here may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

In addition, the "computer system" includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used. The "computer-readable recording medium" includes a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk built in a computer system, and the like. It refers to the storage device of.

Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" is a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic)) inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. It also includes those that hold the program for a certain period of time, such as Random Access Memory)).
Further, the program may be transmitted from a computer system in which this program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions.
Further, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used, which can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

(Appendix 1)
A POS system having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment based on transaction information of the product registered by the registration device, which is used by the customer in a predetermined process. A refund information generating means for generating refund information to be refunded, a selection means for selecting a settlement device for which a refund should be made based on the refund information, and a refund for sending the refund information so that a refund can be made with the selected settlement device. The settlement device includes an information transmitting means, and the settlement device withdraws according to the amount to be refunded to the customer based on the receiving means for receiving the refund information and the refund information received by the receiving means. A POS system characterized by comprising means.

(Appendix 2)
The withdrawal instruction means for determining the timing of withdrawal based on the refund information is further provided, and the withdrawal means is based on the refund information received by the receiving means at the timing determined by the withdrawal instruction means. , The POS system according to Appendix 1, wherein the withdrawal is made according to the amount to be refunded to the customer.

(Appendix 3)
The settlement device includes a motion sensor that detects a person, and a detection information transmitting means that transmits detection information to the registration device when the motion sensor detects a person after receiving the refund information. The POS system according to Appendix 2, wherein the registration device includes a notification means that notifies when the detection information is received from the payment device.

(Appendix 4)
The registration device is characterized by including an acquisition means for acquiring status information related to the settlement process from each of the settlement devices, and a display means for displaying the status information at the time of selection by the selection means. The POS system according to any one of 1 to 3.

(Appendix 5)
The POS system according to any one of Appendix 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined process is a process relating to the return of a product purchased by the customer.

(Appendix 6)
The POS system according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined process is a process of settling the registered product in the registration device using a cash voucher.

10 ... Store controller, 11 ... LAN, 20 ... POS register for registration, 30 ... POS register for settlement, 201 ... CPU, 202 ... ROM, 203 ... RAM, 204 ... Scanner unit, 205 ... Display unit (for clerk), 205a … Display unit (for customers), 206… Operation unit, 207
... communication unit, 208 ... buzzer, 209 ... printing unit, 301 ... CPU, 302 ... ROM, 303
... RAM, 304 ... Scanner unit, 305 ... Display unit, 306 ... Operation unit, 307 ... Communication unit, 3
08 ... buzzer, 309 ... printing department, 310 ... payment department, 311 ... barber's pole, 312 ... human detection sensor

The present invention relates to POS systems, registration devices and programs.

Claims (4)

It is a POS system that has a registration device that a clerk operates to register a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices that the customer operates to perform payment.
The registration device is
A transmission means for transmitting transaction information so that it can be settled by the settlement device,
A refund information generation means that performs a process of identifying a product that accepts returns, calculates a refund amount of the specified product, and generates refund information including the refund amount to be refunded to the customer.
A refund information transmitting means for transmitting the refund information so that the refund can be made with the settlement device, and
Have,
The settlement device
It has a receiving means for receiving the refund information or the transaction information transmitted from the registration device.
When the transaction information is received by the receiving means, a screen for selecting a payment method is displayed, payment is performed by the payment method that accepts the selection, and when the refund information is received by the receiving means, the above A POS system characterized by making withdrawals based on refund information. It is a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device operated by a clerk to register a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices operated by the customer to perform settlement.
It has a receiving means for receiving refund information or transaction information including a refund amount to be refunded to a customer transmitted from the registration device.
When the transaction information is received by the receiving means, a screen for selecting a payment method is displayed, payment is performed by the payment method that accepts the selection, and when the refund information is received by the receiving means, the above A payment device characterized by making withdrawals based on refund information. In a POS system having a registration device operated by a clerk to register a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of payment devices operated by the customer to perform payment, the registration device is made to function as a first computer. A program that allows the checkout device to function as a second computer.
The first computer,
A transmission means for transmitting transaction information so that it can be settled by the settlement device,
A refund information generation means that performs a process of identifying a product that accepts returns, calculates a refund amount of the specified product, and generates refund information including the refund amount to be refunded to the customer.
It functions as a refund information transmitting means for transmitting the refund information so that the refund can be made by the settlement device.
The second computer,
It functions as a receiving means for receiving the refund information or the transaction information transmitted from the registration device.
When the transaction information is received by the receiving means, a screen for selecting a payment method is displayed, payment is performed by the payment method that accepts the selection, and when the refund information is received by the receiving means, the above A program characterized by making withdrawals based on refund information. A computer as a payment device in a POS system having a registration device operated by a clerk to register a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of payment devices operated by the customer to perform payment.
It is a program for functioning as a receiving means for receiving refund information or transaction information including a refund amount to be refunded to a customer sent from the registration device.
When the transaction information is received by the receiving means, a screen for selecting a payment method is displayed, payment is performed by the payment method that accepts the selection, and when the refund information is received by the receiving means, the above A program characterized by making withdrawals based on refund information.

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