JP2021028844A - Registration machine and accounting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a time from the start of registration processing to the completion of accounting processing.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a commodity sales data processing device includes a commodity registration machine and an accounting machine. The commodity registration machine includes generation means, determination means and recording means. The generation means generates registration information for performing accounting processing for a commodity to be purchased by a shopper. The determination means, before completion of the generation of the registration information for all commodities to be purchased by the shopper, determines identification information for purchasing of the commodity by the shopper. The recording means allows storage of the registration information and the identification information in association with each other. The accounting means includes reading means, accounting processing means and receiving means. The reading means reads the identification information. The accounting processing means executes accounting processing according to an operation of the shopper when the identification information is read by the reading means. The receiving means receives the registration information associated with the identification information read by the reading means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registration machine and an accounting machine constituting a product sales data processing device.

A semi-self-type checkout system is known in which purchase registration and settlement processing in a supermarket or the like are performed by different product registration machines and accounting machines. In the check-out system, employees (checkers) operate the product registration machine, and shoppers operate the accounting machine.

In the checkout system, the registration information about the product registered in the product registration machine is transferred from the product registration machine to the accounting machine. When the registration process is completed in the product registration machine, the shopper moves to the accounting machine and performs an accounting operation for paying the product price.

In the semi-self-type checkout system, the work for checkout is shared by the employee (checker) performing the product scanning (product registration operation) and the shopper performing the accounting operation to pay the product price. ing. As a result, the waiting time at the cash register can be shortened and the burden on the employee can be reduced.

Normally, when a shopper performs an accounting operation by himself / herself, the time required for the accounting process tends to be longer than the time required for the registration process. For example, a shopper may have a lot of time to take out coins or banknotes for goods from a wallet or process coupons to receive a discount on goods. For this reason, in the checkout system, a plurality of accounting machines are provided for one product registration machine so that the waiting time for accounting processing does not become long.

However, even if a plurality of accounting machines are provided for one product registration machine, the shopper cannot start the accounting process in the accounting machine until the registration process is completed in the product registration machine. Therefore, it takes a total of the time required for each of the registration process and the accounting process to complete the accounting process.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-173292 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-184995 Japanese Patent No. 5601159

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration machine and an accounting machine capable of shortening the time from the start of the registration process to the completion of the accounting process.

According to the embodiment, the accounting machine has a generating means, an issuing means, and a transmitting means. The generation means generates registration information for accounting processing based on the information of the product purchased by the shopper input in the input unit. The issuing means issues identification information for the registration information before the generation of registration information for all the products purchased by the shopper is completed, and causes the accounting machine that pays for the products purchased by the shopper to acquire the identification information. .. The transmission means causes the accounting machine to transmit the registration information associated with the identification information.

The plan view which shows the arrangement example of the product sales data processing apparatus in the checkout system of this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the checkout system (product sales data processing system) in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the product registration machine in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the accounting machine in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the product registration machine in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the accounting machine in this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the time required for the registration processing and the accounting processing in the product sales data processing apparatus of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The product sales data processing system of the present embodiment is realized as a checkout system installed in a store such as a supermarket. The checkout system (product sales data processing system) includes at least one product registration machine, a plurality of accounting machines, and a store computer (store server) connected to the product registration machine and the accounting machine via a network. Including. The product registration machine and the accounting machine constitute a product sales data processing device.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of a product sales data processing device (product registration machine, accounting machine) in the checkout system of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an example in which one product registration machine 10 (product registration cash register) and two accounting machines 12 (12-1, 12-2) (accounting cash register) are provided.

The product registration machine 10 is a device for registering information on a product to be purchased by the shopper 4 (4-1) and generating registration information. The product registration machine 10 is operated by an employee called a checker 2. It is also possible to provide the product registration machine 10 with a function of performing the same accounting processing as the accounting machine 12 by operating the checker 2 based on the registration information.

The accounting machine 12 is a device for receiving the registration information generated by the product registration machine 10 and performing accounting processing based on the registration information. The accounting machine 12A is operated by the shopper 4 (4-2, 4-3). The accounting machine 12 may be operated by the checker 2.

The product registration machine 10 is attached to the cash register stand 5. The cash register table 5 has, for example, an L-shaped top plate. When the shopping cart 7 in which the product is placed by the shopper 4-1 is placed on the cash register 5, the checker 2 performs a scanning operation (reading operation of product information) for the product in the shopping cart 7.

In the product sales data processing device of the present embodiment, the shopper 4-1 can move to the accounting machine 12 and start the accounting process before the registration process by the product registration machine 10 is completed. Therefore, the checker 2 places the shopping cart 7 for which the registration process has been completed near the accounting machine 12 of the cash register 5, and is easy for shoppers 4-2, 4-3 who have moved to the vicinity of the accounting machine 12. To do so.

The accounting machine 12 is attached to, for example, a bagging table 6 arranged near the cash register table 5 to which the product registration machine 10 is attached. FIG. 1 shows an example in which two accounting machines 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 1, by arranging the accounting machines 12-1 and 12-2 near the product registration machine 10, the checker 2 can use the accounting machines 12-1 and 12-2 if there is a work margin. It is possible to confirm the state of the shoppers 4-2 and 4-3 who operate the above.

Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which two accounting machines 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged for one product registration machine 10, but 3 for one product registration machine 10. You may arrange more than one accounting machine 12. Further, the combination of the product registration machine 10 and the accounting machine 12 may be unspecified. That is, the registration information generated by the plurality of product registration machines 10 may be accounted for by any of the plurality of accounting machines 12.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a checkout system (commodity sales data processing system) in the present embodiment.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of (m) product registration machines 10-1, ..., 10-m and a plurality of (n) accounting machines 12-1, 12-n are provided. Shown. The product registration machines 10-1, ..., 10-m, the accounting machines 12-1, 12-n, and the store computer (server) 14 are connected to each other via a network 16 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). You can send and receive data.

The store computer 14 manages all the product registration machines 10 and the accounting machines 1 included in the checkout system. The store computer 14 receives the registration information generated by the product registration machine 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m), and the accounting machine 12 (12-1, ..., 12-n2) executes the accounting process. Send to any of.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration machine 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m) in the present embodiment.
The product registration machine 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 20, a ROM (read-only memory) 21, a RAM (random-access memory) 22, a hard disk device (HDD (Hard disk drive)) 23, and an I / F (interface). It includes a unit 24, a scanner 25, a keyboard 26, a touch panel 27, a communication unit 28, a printer 29, and a card reader / writer 30.

The CPU 20 controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the product registration machine 10 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program recorded in the ROM 21 and the RAM 22.

The ROM 21 and the RAM 22 record various programs executed by the CPU 20 as well as data to be referred to when the CPU 20 performs various processes. When the process of registering the product information is executed in the RAM 22, the transaction ID (details will be described later) issued for the purchase (transaction) of the product by the shopper 4 and the information read from each product. A registration information list associated with the registration information based on is recorded.

The program executed by the CPU 20 includes a process of inputting product information (product code, etc.), a process of generating registration information used for accounting processing according to the product information, and one transaction (usually one shopper). To execute processing for determining identification information (transaction ID) for identifying (purchase of goods according to 4), accounting processing based on registration information, processing for transmitting registration information to store computer 14 and recording it, etc. Control program is included.

The HDD 23 corresponds to the auxiliary recording portion of the computer. The HDD 23 stores data used by the CPU 20 for performing various processes, or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 20. In addition, instead of HDD 23, for example, SSD (solid state drive) or the like can be used.

The I / F (interface) unit 24 transmits data exchanged between the CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, HDD 23, scanner 25, communication unit 28, touch panel 27, printer 29, and card reader / writer 30. As the I / F unit 24, a well-known one including, for example, various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

The scanner 25 reads the product information by optical scanning and inputs the product code unique to the product. The scanner 25 may be a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner, or may be a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique. Further, the scanner 25 may be provided with only one type, or may be provided with a plurality of types.

The keyboard 26 is provided with number keys for inputting amounts, calculation keys for executing calculations such as subtotals and totals, keys for inputting various commands, and product keys to which a plurality of products can be assigned. , Outputs the command corresponding to the operation for each key.

The touch panel 27 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen. For example, the display device displays a list of registration information (product name, amount, etc.) related to the product registered as a purchase target, a subtotal amount, various menus, a button for inputting a command, and the like. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used. 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 20. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The communication unit 28 communicates with the store computer 14 and the accounting machine 12 via the LAN 13.

The printer 29 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt or the like by printing various character strings, images, code patterns (two-dimensional code, etc.) or the like on the receipt paper.

The card reader / writer 30 reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and loyalty cards that record information related to accounting. The card reader / writer 30 may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

It is also possible to provide the product registration machine 10 with a display (for example, LCD) for providing various information to the shopper 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accounting machine 12 (12-1, ..., 12-n) in the present embodiment.
The accounting machine 12 includes a CPU 40, a ROM 41, a RAM 42, an HDD 43, an I / F (interface) unit 44, a scanner 45, a touch panel 46, a change machine 47, a communication unit 48, a printer 49, and a card reader / writer 50.

The CPU 40 controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the accounting machine 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program recorded in the ROM 41 and the RAM 42.

In addition to various programs, the ROM 41 and the RAM 42 record data referred to by the CPU 40 in performing various processes.

The program executed by the CPU 40 includes a control program for executing various processes. The various processes include, for example, accounting processing by receiving registration information generated by the registration process in the product registration machine 10 and operating the shopper 4 based on the registration information. The accounting process in the present embodiment can be started before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed.

The HDD 43 corresponds to the auxiliary recording portion of the computer. The HDD 43 stores data used by the CPU 40 for performing various processes, or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 40. It should be noted that, for example, SSD or the like can be used instead of HDD 43.

The I / F (interface) unit 44 transmits data to be exchanged between the CPU 40, ROM 41, RAM 42, HDD 43, scanner 45, touch panel 46, change machine 47, communication unit 48, printer 49, and card reader / writer 50. As the I / F (interface) unit 44, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

The scanner 45 reads the information by optical scanning and inputs the code. For example, the scanner 45 is used to read the code (for example, a two-dimensional code) of the receipt printed by the printer 29 of the product registration machine 10. A code indicating identification information (transaction ID) for identifying one transaction (one shopper) issued by the product registration machine 10 is printed on the receipt. The scanner 25 may be a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner, or may be a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique. Further, the scanner 25 may be provided with only one type, or may be provided with a plurality of types.

The touch panel 46 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. For example, the display device displays a list of registration information (product name, amount, etc.) related to the product registered as a purchase target, a subtotal amount, various menus, a button for inputting a command, and the like. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used. 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 40. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The change machine 47 collects the inserted coins and banknotes. Further, the change machine 47 discharges coins and banknotes to be changed.

The communication unit 48 communicates with the store computer 14 and the product registration machine 10 via the LAN 13.

The printer 49 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt or the like by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper.

The card reader / writer 50 reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards or loyalty cards that record accounting information. The card reader / writer 50 may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

Further, the accounting machine 12 may be provided with a motion sensor or the like that can detect that the shopper 4 is approaching.
Next, the operation of the product sales data processing system in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the product registration machine 10 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the accounting machine 12 in the present embodiment.

First, the registration process in the product registration machine 10 will be described (FIG. 5).
When the shopping cart 7 is placed on the cash register 5 by the shopper 4, the checker 2 performs an operation for issuing a transaction ID by the product registration machine 10. For example, the checker 2 instructs the issuance of the transaction ID by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27.

The transaction ID is issued as a first method using a recording medium such as a member's card owned by the shopper 4, and as a second method, a product registration machine without using a recording medium such as a member's card. There is a method that 10 issues independently.

In the first method, the checker 2 keeps the member's card from the shopper 4, for example, and reads the data recorded on the member's card by the card reader / writer 30, for example, the data indicating the member (member) number unique to the shopper 4. Let me. The CPU 20 determines the transaction ID based on the data (membership number) read by the card reader / writer 30. For example, the transaction ID may be the membership number itself, or may be identification information generated so as to include the membership number. Further, it is also possible to generate other identification information that can be uniquely determined according to a predetermined rule based on the membership number and use it as a transaction ID.

When the first method is used, not only a medium such as a member's card on which data is electronically recorded, but also a code or character such as a two-dimensional code representing a membership number unique to the shopper 4 is printed. You can use the printed paper medium. When using a paper medium, the product registration machine 10 optically reads the code or characters by the scanner 25.

When the CPU 20 determines the transaction ID for the shopper 4 (transaction) based on the data read from the member's card by the first method, the CPU 20 issues this transaction ID (ActA1). That is, the CPU 20 records the transaction ID in association with the registration information in the registration information list, and displays the transaction ID and the screen for notifying the checker 2 that the transaction ID has been issued on the touch panel 27.

In the first method, the shopper 4 causes the accounting machine 12 to read the medium such as the member's card used for issuing the transaction ID, so that the accounting process for the registration information generated by the registration process of the product registration machine 10 is performed. Can be started.

In the first method, by using an existing card such as a member's card, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the receipt paper and encourage the shopper 4 to use the member's card in the accounting process. Further, in the first method, not only the member's card but also a card capable of writing (recording) data can be used. When using this type of card, the CPU 20 records data indicating a transaction ID on the card.

On the other hand, the second method can be used for the shopper 4 who does not have a member's card or the like. In the second method, the checker 2 instructs the issuance of a transaction ID that does not use a member's card or the like by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27.

The CPU 20 determines a transaction ID unique to this transaction in response to an instruction by the operation of the checker 2. In this case, the CPU 20 generates a transaction ID according to an algorithm that does not overlap with the transaction ID issued by the other product registration machine 10.

When the CPU 20 determines the transaction ID for the shopper 4 (transaction) by the second method, the CPU 20 issues this transaction ID (ActA1). That is, the CPU 20 records the transaction ID in association with the registration information in the registration information list, and for example, generates a two-dimensional code representing the transaction ID and prints it out on the receipt paper by the printer 29. Further, the CPU 20 displays a transaction ID and a screen for notifying the checker 2 that the transaction ID has been issued on the touch panel 27.

In the second method, the shopper 4 causes the accounting machine 12 to read the receipt on which the two-dimensional code representing the transaction ID is printed, thereby accounting for the registration information generated by the registration process of the product registration machine 10. Can be started. In addition to printing the two-dimensional code on the receipt paper, characters such as numbers, symbols, or patterns may be printed as information representing the transaction ID.

In the second method, even a shopper 4 who does not have a member's card or the like can use the product sales data processing device.

In both the first method and the second method described above, the transaction ID is issued according to the operation of the checker 2, but the transaction ID may be issued by the operation of the shopper 4. In this case, the product registration machine 10 is provided with a touch panel or keyboard that accepts the operation of the shopper 4, and is provided with a card reader / writer that can read a card such as a member's card by the operation of the shopper 4.

In this case, when the shopper 4 places the shopping cart 7 on the cash register 5 to start the registration process by the checker 2, and then performs the accounting process by his / her own operation on the accounting machine 12, the shopper 4 refers to the touch panel or the keyboard. Operate or have the card reader / writer read the data. As a result, the CPU 20 executes the process for issuing the transaction ID in the same manner as described above.

In this way, since the shopper 4 can choose to perform accounting with the accounting machine 12 by his / her own operation, the checker 2 issues a transaction ID for the product of the shopping cart 7 placed on the cash register 5. The scan operation for the registration process can be started immediately without performing the operation of. Therefore, the time required for the registration process can be shortened.

In the product sales data processing device of the present embodiment, as described above, when the transaction ID is issued by the product registration machine 10, the shopper 4 receives the accounting machine 12 before the registration process by the product registration machine 10 is completed. You can go to and start accounting. The details of the accounting process will be described later (Fig. 6).

After issuing the transaction ID, when the scanner 25 reads the product information (product code) by the scanning operation of the checker 2 (ActA2), the CPU 20 performs data (product name, list price, and other data) related to the product corresponding to the product code. Data) is received from the store computer 14 to generate registration information to be accounted for.

The CPU 20 adds registration information (product name, amount of money, etc.) and subtotal amount of money related to the product registered as a purchase target to the list to be displayed on the touch panel 27. Further, the CPU 20 transmits the registration information associated with the transaction ID to the store computer 14 and records it in the store computer 14 (ActA3).

The checker 2 repeatedly executes the scanning operation for each product to be purchased in the shopping cart 7 in the same manner as described above. The CPU 20 generates registration information for each product and sequentially transmits it to the store computer 14.

When the scanning operation for all the products is completed, the checker 2 instructs the completion of the registration operation by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27 (for example, operating the closing key). When the checker 2 instructs the completion of the registration operation (Yes in ActA4), the CPU 20 notifies the store computer 14 of the completion of the registration process and records the registration confirmation information.

In the above description, the transaction ID is issued before the scan operation (reading the product information) for the product is started, but the transaction is made after the scan operation is started (before the registration process is completed). It is also possible to issue an ID. For example, while the processing of ActA1 shown in FIG. 5 is omitted and the processing of ActA2 to A4 is being executed, the CPU 20 operates the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27 by the checker 2 or reads the member's card to obtain the transaction ID. When the issuance is instructed, the transaction ID is issued in the same manner as described above, and the transaction ID is associated with the registration information and recorded in the store computer 14.

For example, when there is no shopper 4 waiting in line in the product registration machine 10, it is better for the checker 2 to complete the processing in a shorter time in the product registration machine 10. Can be provided. Therefore, the checker 2 may skip issuing the transaction ID and start the scanning operation. At this time, after starting the scanning operation, for example, when the shopper 4 requests the accounting process by himself / herself using the accounting machine 12, or when the number of shoppers 4 waiting in line of the product registration machine 10 increases, the transaction is performed. Issue an ID. As a result, the shopper 4 can move to the accounting machine 12 and start the accounting process before the registration process is completed.

Next, the accounting process in the accounting machine 12 will be described (FIG. 6).
When the transaction ID is issued by the product registration machine 10, the shopper 4 moves to the accounting machine 12 and starts the operation for the accounting process before the registration process is completed. When the transaction ID is issued by the first method or the second method described above, the shopper 4 arbitrarily selects an empty accounting machine 12 that is not operated by another shopper 4. You can start accounting.

When the transaction ID is issued by the first method, the shopper 4 uses, for example, the member's card used for issuing the transaction ID, and the data recorded on the member's card by the card reader / writer 50, for example, unique to the shopper 4. Have them read the data indicating the member number. The CPU 40 determines the transaction ID based on the data (membership number) read by the card reader / writer 50 (ActB1).

When the transaction ID is determined, the CPU 40 transmits the transaction ID to the store computer 14 and reads out the registration information corresponding to the transaction ID (ActB2). If the registration information corresponding to the transaction ID is recorded in the store computer 14, the CPU 40 receives the corresponding registration information. Based on the registration information received from the store computer 14, the CPU 40 displays information (product name, amount, subtotal amount, etc.) about the product registered as a purchase target in the list of the touch panel 46.

Further, the CPU 40 confirms whether the registration confirmation information is set in the store computer 14. If the registration confirmation information is not set (if the registration process is not completed) (No in ActB3), the CPU 40 repeats reading the registration information from the store computer 14 (ActB2) in the same manner.

Therefore, when the product registration machine 10 reads the product information by the scanning operation, the accounting machine 12 can immediately receive the registration information about the scanned product via the store computer 14. On the touch panel 46, information about the product is sequentially displayed in the list according to the registration information received from the store computer 14. Therefore, the shopper 4 can confirm the status of the registration process in the product registration machine 10, that is, the registered product and the subtotal amount in real time.

During this time, the shopper 4 can perform an operation for accounting preparation processing necessary for accounting processing. The CPU 40 executes accounting preparation processing according to the operation by the shopper 4 (ActB5).

For example, when paying by cash, the shopper 4 can take out coins and banknotes from the wallet and insert them from the change machine 47 after designating the cash payment to the accounting machine 12. Since the information on the registered products is displayed on the touch panel 46 in real time, the shopper 4 can predict the total amount and input the amount required for payment in advance. In this case, the CPU 40 stores the coins and banknotes inserted into the change machine 47, and displays the inserted amount and the like on the change machine 47.

When the subtotal amount of the registered product exceeds the amount already input, the CPU 40 outputs a message prompting the shopper 4 to additionally input cash (display on the touch panel 46 or voice from a speaker (not shown). Etc.) is also possible.

Further, when the shopper 4 uses a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card, the shopper 4 specifies the card payment to the accounting machine 12 and then uses the card for accounting processing. Can be selected and inserted into the card reader / writer 50 in advance.

Further, the shopper 4 can process the coupon if he / she owns the coupon that can receive the discount of the product. For example, when an input operation is required to receive a discount by a coupon, the shopper 4 can perform an input operation based on the registered product information displayed on the touch panel 46.

In addition, the accounting machine 12 can perform the accounting preparation process required for the accounting process in advance before the registration process on the product registration machine 10 is completed. The content of the accounting preparation process described above is an example, and other processes can be executed.

When it is confirmed that the registration confirmation information is set in the store computer 14 (registration process is completed) (Yes in ActB3), the CPU 40 executes the settlement process (ActB4). That is, the CPU 40 executes payment for the total amount of payment based on the registration information of all the products registered as purchase targets.

For example, when cash payment is specified, the CPU 40 subtracts the total amount from the amount previously input and discharges the change from the change machine 47. Further, when payment by a payment card is specified, the CPU 40 executes a payment process according to the card used for the total amount. When the coupon is processed, the CPU 40 makes a payment at a predetermined discount amount for the product to be discounted.

If the accounting preparation process is not completed at the time when the registration confirmation information is set (when the registration process is completed), the CPU 40 executes the settlement process after the accounting preparation process is completed.

When the settlement process is completed in this way, the CPU 40 prints out the receipt with the printer 49 and ends the accounting process for one transaction (one shopper 4).

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the time required for the registration process and the accounting process in the product sales data processing device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows a case where the accounting process is performed after waiting for the completion of the registration process in the product registration machine 10.
In FIG. 7A, the product registration machine 10 executes the registration process (1) for the first shopper 4, and after the registration process (1) is completed, the first shopper 4 is registered by the registration process (1) in the accounting machine 1. The accounting process (1) for the registration information is executed.

For the next shopper 4, the registration process (2) is executed after the registration process (1) is completed in the product registration machine 10. Then, after the registration process (2) is completed, the accounting machine 2 executes the accounting process (2) for the registration information registered by the registration process (2).

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the accounting process is performed after waiting for the completion of the registration process in the product registration machine 10, the total time required for each of the registration process and the accounting process until the accounting process is completed. It takes minutes.

FIG. 7B shows the time required for the registration process and the accounting process in the product sales data processing device according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 7B, the product registration machine 10 executes the registration process (1) for the first shopper 4, and the accounting machine 1 executes the accounting process (1) in parallel. In the accounting machine 1, the accounting preparation process can be performed until the registration process (1) is completed. Then, as soon as the registration process (1) is completed, the settlement process is executed and the accounting process (1) is completed.

For the next shopper 4, the registration process (2) is executed after the registration process (1) is completed in the product registration machine 10. Then, in the same manner, the accounting process (2) can be executed in parallel with the registration process (2), and the accounting preparation process can be performed until the registration process (1) is completed. Then, as soon as the registration process (2) is completed, the settlement process is executed and the accounting process (2) is completed.

In this way, in the product sales data processing device of the present embodiment, by issuing the transaction ID before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed, the shopper 4 is issued in parallel with the registration process in the product registration machine 10. Can execute accounting processing (accounting preparation processing) on the accounting machine 12. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from the start of the registration process to the completion of the accounting process.

In the above description, the product registration machine 10 issues the transaction ID, and the accounting machine 12 causes the shopper 4 to read the transaction ID. However, the operation of reading the transaction ID by the shopper 4 is not required. Is also possible.

In this case, the checker 2 that operates the product registration machine 10 selects the accounting machine 12 that has not been operated for accounting processing by the shopper 4, and sets the number or the like assigned to the accounting machine 12 to the shopper 4. To be notified and urged to carry out accounting. For example, the store computer 14 monitors the operating status of the plurality of accounting machines 12 and determines the accounting machines 12 that are not in the accounting process. The store computer 14 causes the product registration machine 10 to display a button on the touch panel 27 for selecting the accounting machine 12 that is not in the accounting process. Basically, the button is displayed so that the accounting machine 12 installed near the place where the product registration machine 10 is installed is preferentially selected.

When any accounting machine 12 is selected by the operation of the checker 2, the product registration machine 10 notifies the store computer 14 of the selected accounting machine 12. Further, the product registration machine 10 may generate a transaction ID and notify the store computer 14. As a result, the store computer 14 is notified of the registration information registered by the registration process executed in the product registration machine 10, for example, data indicating the product registration machine 10 (registration machine number or the like) or the product registration machine 10. Store it in association with the transaction ID.

Further, the store computer 14 instructs the accounting machine 12 selected by the product registration machine 10 to execute the accounting process. The accounting machine 12 instructed to execute the accounting process by the store computer 14 is in the standby state of the accounting process. When the shopper 4 performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel 46, for example, the accounting machine 12 executes an accounting process (accounting preparation process) in parallel with the registration process in the product registration machine 10 in the same manner as described above. To do.

The accounting machine 12 not only performs accounting processing when a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 46, but also accounts when it detects, for example, that a shopper 4 has moved nearby by a motion sensor or the like. The process may be started. When the shopper 4 approaches, the accounting machine 12 notifies the shopper 4 by displaying a screen on the touch panel 46 indicating that the accounting process is in the standby state. As a result, even if there are a plurality of accounting machines 12 in the vacant state, only the accounting machine 12 selected in the product registration machine 10 reacts when the shopper 4 approaches, so that the shopper 4 makes an accounting. The accounting machine 12 to be processed can be easily determined.

Hereinafter, in the same manner as described above, the accounting machine 12 can receive the registration information registered in the product registration machine 10 via the store computer 14 and execute the accounting process.

In the above description, it is assumed that the registration information about the product scanned by the product registration machine 10 is transmitted to the accounting machine 12 in real time via the store computer 14 and additionally displayed in the list in sequence. However, other methods can be used.

For example, the product registration machine 10 records the registration information of each product generated by the scanning operation, and when the registration process is completed, collectively transmits the registration information to the store computer 14. After receiving the registration information for all the products from the product registration machine 10, the store computer 14 collectively transmits the registration information for all the products to the accounting machine 12. The accounting machine 12 collectively displays information about all products in a list based on the registration information received from the store computer 14.

In this way, the traffic (data communication amount) of the network 16 can be reduced by transmitting and receiving the registration information about the plurality of products collectively between the product registration machine 10, the store computer 14, and the accounting machine 12.

In the above description, the registration information created by the product registration machine 10 is transmitted to the accounting machine 12 via the store computer 14, but the product registration machine 10 does not go through the store computer 14. The registration information associated with the transaction ID may be transmitted to 12. In addition, registration confirmation information (notification of completion of registration process) can also be directly transmitted from the product registration machine 10 to the accounting machine 12.

Further, in the case of the configuration in which the transaction ID is not issued as described above, the product registration machine 10 notifies the accounting machine 12 selected by the operation of the checker 2 of the execution of the accounting process before the registration process is completed. To do. As a result, the accounting machine 12 can start the accounting preparation process in the same manner as described above before the registration process is completed.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 (10-1, ..., 10-m) ... Product registration machine, 12 (12-1, 12-n) ... Accounting machine, 14 ... Store computer, 16 ... Network, 20, 40 ... CPU, 21,41 ... ROM, 22, 42 ... RAM, 23, 43 ... Hard disk device (HDD), 24, 44 ... I / F (interface) unit, 25, 45 ... Scanner, 26 ... Keyboard, 27, 46 ... Touch panel, 28, 48 ... Communication unit, 29, 49 ... printer, 30, 50 ... card reader / writer, 47 ... change machine.

According to the embodiment, the accounting machine has a generating means, an issuing means, and a transmitting means. The generation means generates registration information for accounting processing based on the information of the product purchased by the shopper input in the input unit. The issuing means issues identification information for the registration information and prints out the identification information on a paper medium before the generation of registration information for all the products purchased by the shopper is completed. The transmission means causes the accounting machine to transmit the registration information associated with the identification information.

Claims (5)

A generation means for generating registration information for accounting processing based on the information of the product purchased by the shopper entered in the input unit, and a generation means.
Before the generation of registration information for all the products purchased by the shopper is completed, the issuance means for issuing the identification information for the registration information and having the accounting machine paying for the products purchased by the shopper acquire the identification information.
A registration machine having a transmission means for transmitting the registration information associated with the identification information to the accounting machine. The registration machine according to claim 1, wherein the issuing means issues the identification information based on the data read from the recording medium. An acquisition means for acquiring identification information corresponding to the registration information before the generation of registration information for all the products that the shopper intends to purchase is completed in the registration machine.
Accounting processing means that executes accounting processing based on the registration information when the identification information is acquired by the acquisition means, and
An accounting machine having a receiving means for receiving the registration information associated with the identification information read by the acquiring means. The accounting machine according to claim 3, wherein the receiving means receives the registration information each time the registration information is generated for each product in the registration machine. In the accounting processing means, when the registration machine notifies that the generation of registration information for all the products that the shopper intends to purchase is completed, the accounting processing according to the operation of the shopper is completed. If so, settlement is executed for the registration information for all products, and if the accounting process according to the operation of the shopper is not completed, settlement is executed for the registration information for all products after the completion. The accounting machine listed.