JP2021176106A - Checkout system, accounting machine and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow a customer to start preparation for price payment without waiting for the end of data input of a commodity to be purchased at an installation place of an accounting machine.SOLUTION: A checkout system brings a registration machine into a state capable of data communication with one of a plurality of accounting machines before data input of a commodity to be purchased by a customer is started at the registration machine or in a period from the start to the end. The system allows a display of any one of the accounting machines in a state capable of data communication to display a detail of the commodity that has received data input at the registration machine in a state capable of data communication with the accounting machine before the end of data input for all commodities to be purchased by the customer. The system executes settlement on the basis of payment data input at any one of the accounting machines in a state capable of data communication after the end of data input for all the commodities to be purchased by the customer at the registration machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system.

A semi-self system is known as a checkout system for mass retailers. The semi-self checkout system is an accounting machine that inputs the data of the product that the customer wants to purchase, the so-called purchase target product, and the accounting that processes the payment for the purchase target product based on the data entered by this registration machine. The machine is separated. Then, the clerk mainly operates the registration machine, and the customer operates the accounting machine.

In the case of the semi-self method, the customer goes to the checkout counter with the product to be purchased. There is a clerk at the checkout counter, and the clerk operates the registration machine to input the data of the product to be purchased. The customer waits for the data entry to finish. When the data entry is completed and the clerk instructs to move to the accounting machine, the customer moves to the designated accounting machine installation location and operates the accounting machine to pay the price.

In this way, the customer waits by the registration machine until the data entry of the product to be purchased is completed, and after the data entry is completed, the customer moves to the installation location of the accounting machine and starts preparing for payment. In other words, the customer starts preparing for payment only after the data entry of the product to be purchased is completed and the customer moves to the place where the accounting machine is installed, and the waiting time until the data entry is completed is wasted. there were.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-242839

The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a checkout system in which preparations for payment can be started at the place where the accounting machine is installed without waiting for the customer to finish inputting data of the product to be purchased. It is something to try.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes a registration machine that inputs data for the product purchased by the customer and a plurality of accounting machines that process payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine. A means, a display means, and a payment means are provided.
The linking means enables data communication between the registration machine and any one of the multiple accounting machines before the data entry of the product purchased by the customer is started or between the start and the end. State. The display means is to display the total amount of the products for which data has been input to the display of any one accounting machine that has been made capable of data communication by the link means, with the registration machine that has been able to perform data communication with the accounting machine. Display before the data entry of all the products purchased by is completed. As for the payment method, when the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine, one of the accounting machines that has become capable of data communication by the link means has the payment data input in the accounting machine. Execute payment based on.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system which concerns on this embodiment. A block diagram showing the main circuit configurations of a registration machine and an accounting machine. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a selection table. The flow chart which shows the information processing procedure of one transaction which the CPU of a registration machine executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the information processing procedure of one transaction which the CPU of a registration machine executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the information processing procedure of one transaction which the CPU of an accounting machine executes according to a control program. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of pre-accounting processing in FIG. The flow chart which shows the specific procedure of the electronic money processing in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of payment acceptance processing in FIG. 7. The flow chart which shows the specific procedure of the accounting process in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the registration image displayed on the touch panel of a registration machine. The figure which shows an example which the link destination image is displayed in the registered image of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the accounting preparation image displayed on the touch panel of the accounting machine. The figure which shows an example of the accounting machine selection image displayed on the touch panel of a registration machine. The figure which shows another example of the accounting machine selection image displayed on the touch panel of a registration machine.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system in which preparations for payment can be started at the place where the accounting machine is installed without waiting for the customer to finish inputting data of the product to be purchased will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration machines 11 and an accounting machine 12. The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 are installed in each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration machines 11 and accounting machines 12 arranged in one checkout lane is arbitrary. However, the number of accounting machines 12 is larger than that of the registered machines 11. In the present embodiment, an example in which one registration machine 11 and two accounting machines 12 are installed in each of the three checkout lanes will be shown.

The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 in each checkout lane are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 13 which is an in-store network. The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 exchange information via the LAN 13. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server stores a product database in which product information such as a product name and a unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The server may further store other databases. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13. Further, information may be exchanged between the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 via a server.

A unique device ID is assigned to each of the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12. The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 are individually identified by the device ID. In the present embodiment, the device ID “R1” is assigned to the registration machine 11 installed in the checkout lane on the left side when FIG. 1 is viewed from the front. The device ID "R2" is assigned to the registration machine 11 installed in the central checkout lane. The device ID "R3" is assigned to the registration machine 11 installed in the checkout lane on the right side. Further, the device IDs "A1" and "A2" are assigned to the two accounting machines 12 installed in the checkout lane on the left side. Device IDs "A3" and "A4" are assigned to the two accounting machines 12 located in the central checkout lane. Device IDs "A5" and "A6" are assigned to the two accounting machines 12 located in the checkout lane on the right side.

The checkout system 10 is a semi-self system. That is, the operator of the registration machine 11 is a clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the accounting machine 12 is a customer 22 who intends to purchase a product. The registration machine 11 is attached to the counter 14. The counter 14 has a rectangular top plate. A passage (checkout lane) for the customer 22 is formed by arranging the plurality of counters 14 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, the customer 22 enters the aisle from the sales floor side (lower side in FIG. 1), places the shopping cart 16 containing the product to be purchased on the counter 14, and then places the accounting machine 12 installed. Proceed to. The clerk 21 instructs which accounting machine 12 to go to the installation location. Information indicating which accounting machine 12 is to be installed may be transmitted to the customer by display or voice, and the customer may voluntarily proceed to the accounting machine 12 installation location.

The registration machine 11 has each function of registering a product to be purchased and creating registration transaction data. The registration of the product to be purchased means that the registration machine 11 accepts the data input of the product that the customer 22 intends to purchase and registers the data in the memory. For example, when the barcode attached to the product to be purchased is scanned by the scanner, the registration machine 11 registers data such as the number of items sold and the sales amount of the product. The registered transaction data is a collection of data obtained by registering all the products that one customer intends to purchase. The registered transaction data includes the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount for each product to be purchased, and the total number of items and total amount of all products to be purchased. The registered transaction data created by the registration machine 11 is transferred to any one of the accounting machines 12.
The memory in which the data is registered does not necessarily have to be the memory provided in the registration machine 11. Data may be registered in the memory of the external device connected to the registration machine 11.

In FIG. 1, two accounting machines 12 are arranged along the short side of each counter 14 opposite to the sales floor side. Then, each accounting machine 12 is installed so that the customer 22 who operates the accounting machine 12 faces the sales floor. On the right side of each accounting machine 12 as viewed from the customer 22 who operates the accounting machine 12, there is a bagging table 15. A store clerk places the products registered by the registration machine 11 and put in the shopping cart 16 on the table 15. The customer 22 operates the accounting machine 12 to pay for the product and pack the product in a bag.

The arrangement of the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 is arbitrary and is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. At the very least, it suffices if the customer 22 goes to the side of the registration machine 11, deposits the product to be purchased with the clerk 21, proceeds to the installation location of the accounting machine 12, and operates the accounting machine 12.

The accounting machine 12 includes a function of receiving registration transaction data transferred from the registration machine 11, a function of processing payment for a product to be purchased based on the registration transaction data, and the like. There are various means of paying for goods. In this embodiment, the accounting machine 12 supports payment by cash, electronic money, and credit card. The accounting machine 12 may support other payment methods, such as payment of cash vouchers such as gift certificates, payment with accumulated points, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12. The registration machine 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a scanner 11e, a touch panel 11f, a printer 11g, a communication unit 11h, and a transmission system 11i. including.
The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11i to form a computer. The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit in order to realize various functions as the registration machine 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.
The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes.
The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a to perform various processes or data created by the processes in the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like can be used. The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for information processing executed by the registration machine 11.

The scanner 11e reads the barcode attached to the product to obtain the product code of the product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f is provided on the counter 14 so that the screen faces the work space side of the clerk 21. The printer 11g issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. The communication unit 11h is connected to the LAN 13. The communication unit 11h performs data communication with a plurality of accounting machines 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11h can also perform data communication with another registration machine 11 via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11i transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, scanner 11e, touch panel 11f, printer 11g, and communication unit 11h. As the transmission system 11i, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used. As the hardware of such a registration machine 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The accounting machine 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, a scanner 12e, a touch panel 12f, a printer 12g, a communication unit 12h, a card reader / writer 12j, an electronic money reader / writer 12k, an automatic change machine 12m, and a transmission system 12i. including.
The card reader / writer 12j has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data on the card. Cards include payment cards such as credit cards and debit cards.

The electronic money reader / writer 12k has a function of reading data recorded on the electronic money medium and a function of writing data on the electronic money medium. Electronic money media include IC cards, smartphones and the like.

The automatic change machine 12m collects coins and banknotes to be inserted. The automatic change machine 12m discharges coins and banknotes as change.

The other CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12e, touch panel 12f, printer 12g, communication unit 12h, and transmission system 12i have the same functions as those of the registration machine 11. That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, and the auxiliary storage unit 12d via the transmission system 12i to form a computer. Then, the CPU 12a controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the accounting machine 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c. The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described for information processing executed by the accounting machine 12. As the hardware of such an accounting machine 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-method can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 having such a configuration has the following functions A to G.
Function A: The registration machine 11 is among a plurality of accounting machines 12 before the data registration of the product that the customer intends to purchase with the registration machine 11, the so-called purchase target product, is started or between the start and the end. A function (linking means) that enables data communication with any one of the above.
Function B: One customer displays the details of the product to be purchased, in which data is input to the display (touch panel 12f) of any one of the accounting machines 12 in the linked state by the registration machine 11 in the linked state with the accounting machine 12. A function (display means) to display before the data entry of all the products to be purchased in.
Function C: When the registration machine 11 completes the data input of all the products to be purchased by one customer, the function of executing payment based on the payment data input by any one of the accounting machines 12 in the linked state ( Payment method).
Function D: A function (cancellation means) for canceling the link state between the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 after the settlement is completed.
Function E: A function (payment acceptance) in which the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 accepts the input related to the payment of the product before the data input of all the products to be purchased by one customer is completed in the registration machine 11. means).
Function F: A function (charge receiving means) of receiving a charge of electronic money at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 before the data input of all the products to be purchased by one customer is completed by the registration machine 11.
Function G: A function (notification) of receiving a notification to the operator of the registration machine 11 at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 before the data input of all the products to be purchased by one customer is completed by the registration machine 11. Reception means).

In order to realize the above functions A to G, the checkout system 10 forms a data buffer 31 and a link destination ID memory 32 in the RAM 11c of the registration machine 11, and a data buffer 41 and a transaction buffer 42 in the RAM 12c of the accounting machine 12. , The selection table memory 43 and the link destination ID memory 44 are formed.

The data buffer 31 on the registration machine 11 side is an area for storing all the products to be purchased by one customer, that is, the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount of the products to be purchased registered as one transaction. be. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. For example, a product code represented by a bar code is attached to each product, and the registration machine 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the bar code with the scanner 11e. The product name and unit price are the product name and the price per item identified by the corresponding product code.
The link destination ID memory 32 is an area for storing the device ID of the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11.

The data buffer 41 on the accounting machine 12 side is an area for storing payment transaction data related to payment of the purchase target product registered as one transaction. For example, in the case of cash payment, the payment transaction data includes a deposit amount, a payment amount, a change amount, and the like. In the case of electronic money payment, the payment transaction data includes the payment amount, the balance after payment, and the like. In the case of credit card payment, the payment transaction data includes card information, payment amount, and the like.
The transaction buffer 42 stores transaction data generated from the registered transaction data transmitted from the registration machine 11 and the payment transaction data in the data buffer 41.

The selection table memory 43 stores the selection table T1 having the data structure shown in FIG. The selection table T1 is associated with the device ID (registered machine ID) of each registered machine 11, and the device ID (accounting ID) of each accounting machine 12 is set in descending order of priority. The order of priority is the order in which the distance from the registration machine 11 is short. However, adjustments are made so that the same accounting machine 12 does not have the same rank with respect to different registration machines 11.

In the present embodiment, in FIG. 1, for the registered machine 11 of the device ID “R1”, the device IDs “A2”, “A1”, “A3” of the accounting machine 12 are ordered from the first to the sixth priority. "A4", "A5", and "A6" are set. For the registered machine 11 of the device ID "R2", the device IDs "A4", "A3", "A5", "A6", "A1", "A1" of the accounting machine 12 are ordered from the first to the sixth priority. "A2" is set. For the registered machine 11 of the device ID "R3", the device IDs "A6", "A5", "A4", "A3", "A2", "A2" of the accounting machine 12 are ordered from the first to the sixth priority. "A1" is set.

The link destination ID memory 44 is an area for storing the device ID of the registration machine 11 that is linked to the accounting machine 12.

Then, the checkout system 10 implements the control programs for realizing the respective functions A to G in one transaction on the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12, respectively.
4 and 5 are flow charts showing an information processing procedure for one transaction executed by the CPU 11a of the registration machine 11 according to a control program. 6 to 10 are flow charts showing an information processing procedure of one transaction executed by the CPU 12a of the accounting machine 12 according to the control program. 11 and 12 are schematic views showing an example of an image displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration machine 11. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an example of an image displayed on the touch panel 12f of the accounting machine 12. Hereinafter, using these figures, information processing executed for one transaction by the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 will be described. The content of the information processing described below is an example, and various information processing capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the information processing executed by the registration machine 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. This information processing follows a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

When the control program is started in the registration machine 11, the CPU 11a first clears the data buffer 31 as Act1 as shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 11a causes the registered image SC1 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act2.

The registration image SC1 represents the contents of the data buffer 31 and causes the clerk 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process for one transaction. As shown in FIG. 11, the registered image SC1 includes display areas D1 and D2. The display area D1 displays the product name, unit price, number of items sold (quantity), and sales amount of the product to be purchased newly registered in the data buffer 31. The display area D1 also displays the total number of points and the total amount of all the registered products to be purchased. The display area D2 displays the product name, unit price, number of items sold (quantity), and sales amount of the product to be purchased registered in the data buffer 31 before the product shown in the display area D1 in a list format. Incidentally, at the time of Act2, since the data is not registered in the data buffer 31, the data is not displayed in the display areas D1 and D2.

Although not shown, the product button for the clerk 21 to specify the product and the registration end of the product to be purchased to be registered as one transaction are displayed outside the area of the touch panel 11f screen to be the registered image SC1. Various function buttons such as a subtotal button for specifying are displayed.

When the registered image SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a link request command has been received from any accounting machine 12 as Act3. The link request command will be described in the information processing of the accounting machine 12 described later. When the link request command is not received (NO in Act3), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code has been input as Act4. The product code is input via the scanner 11e or the touch panel 11f. If the product code is not entered (NO in Act4), the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act3. Therefore, in the processing of Act 3 and Act 4, the CPU 11a waits for the link request command to be received or the product code to be input.

When the product code is input in the standby state of Act3 and Act4 (YES in Act4), the CPU 11a registers the product sales data as Act5. That is, the CPU 11a acquires product information such as a product name and a unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the amount of sales points, that is, the so-called sales amount, by multiplying this unit price by the number of sales points. The number of items sold is a numerical value when the number is placed by the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and "1" when the number is not placed. Thus, the CPU 11a creates product sales data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a number of items sold, and a sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers the product sales data in the data buffer 31.

When the product sales data has been registered, the CPU 11a updates the display areas D1 and D2 of the registered image SC1 based on the data in the data buffer 31 as Act6. After that, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 and Act4. In this standby state, for example, when a subtotal button is input, the input is ignored.

When a link request command is received in the standby state of Act3 and Act4 (YES in Act3), the CPU 11a stores the device ID of the accounting machine 12 included as the source in the link request command as Act7 in the link destination ID memory 32. do. Next, the CPU 11a displays the linked image SC2 (see FIG. 12) as Act8. Further, the CPU 11a transmits a permission response command to the accounting machine 12 of the command transmission source as Act9. The permission response command includes the device ID of the registration machine 11 as a transmission source. The processing procedure of Act8 and Act9 is not limited to this. The front and back may be reversed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the link destination image SC2 represents information for guiding the customer 22 to the accounting machine 12 from which the link request command is transmitted. In FIG. 12, the linked image SC2 is displayed on the upper right of the registered image SC1. The display position of the linked image SC2 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. For example, it may be displayed in the center of the registered image SC1. In that case, the link destination image SC2 includes a confirmation button so that the link destination image SC2 is deleted when the confirmation button is touched.

When the processing of Act7 to Act9 is completed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code has been input as Act11, as shown in FIG. When the product code is not input (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a communicate command has been received from the accounting machine 12 in the linked state as Act 12. The communicate command will be described in the information processing of the accounting machine 12 described later. When the communicate command is not received (NO in Act12), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been input as Act13. If the subtotal button is not input, the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act11. Therefore, in the processing of Act 11 to Act 13, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input, the communicate command to be received, or the subtotal button to be input.

When the product code is input in the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a executes the same processing as the processing of Act 5 and Act 6 described above. That is, the CPU 11a registers the product sales data as Act 14, and updates the display areas D1 and D2 of the registered image SC1 as Act 15. Further, the CPU 11a transmits display data including information on the product name, unit price, number of points sold and sales amount registered in the data buffer 31 as Act16 and information on the total points and total amount to the accounting machine 12 in the linked state. The communication unit 11h is controlled so as to do so. By this control, the display data destined for the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN 13. This display data is received by the accounting machine 12 identified by the destination device ID. After controlling the transmission of the display data, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13.

When a communicate command is received in the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 (YES in Act 12), the CPU 11a displays a message, an icon, etc. corresponding to the command as Act 17 on the touch panel 11f. The details of this processing will be described in the information processing of the accounting machine 12 described later.

When the subtotal button is input in the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 (YES in Act 13), the CPU 11a displays the transfer button on the touch panel 11f as Act 18. The transfer button may be displayed as part of the registered image SC1. Alternatively, the transfer button may be displayed outside the area of the touch panel 11f as the registered image SC1.

The CPU 11a waits for the transfer button to be input as Act 19. When the transfer button is input (YES in Act 19), the CPU 11a issues a new registered machine transaction number as Act 20. The registered machine transaction number is, for example, a number that increases by 1 in order from 1. When the registered machine transaction number is issued, the CPU 11a generates registered transaction data including the registered machine transaction number and the product sales data in the data buffer 31 as Act21. Then, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11h so as to transmit the registered transaction data to the accounting machine 12 in the linked state. By this control, the registration transaction data destined for the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN 13. This registered transaction data is received by the accounting machine 12 identified by the destination device ID.

After controlling the transmission of the registered transaction data, the CPU 11a saves the registered transaction data in the journal file of the auxiliary storage unit 11d as Act22. Further, the CPU 11a clears the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 as Act23. Further, the CPU 11a erases the linked image SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11f as Act24. The processing order of Act 22 to Act 24 is not limited to this. The front and back may be interchanged as appropriate.
When the processing of Act 20 to Act 24 is completed, the CPU 11a ends the information processing for one transaction. Then, the CPU 11a starts the process again from Act1.

Next, the information processing executed by the accounting machine 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. This information processing follows a control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

When the control program is activated in the accounting machine 12, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 12a first sets the device status ST to “0” as Act31. Further, the CPU 12a causes the default image to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act32.
The default image is arbitrary. For example, the message "Welcome" may be displayed. Alternatively, an advertisement image of a promotional product may be displayed.

The device status ST is information representing the state of the accounting machine 12, and is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In the present embodiment, the device status ST when not linked to the registration machine 11 is set to "0". Set the device status ST to "1" when it is linked to the registration machine 11 and pre-accounting processing is possible. When the registered transaction data is received from the registered machine in the linked state and the accounting process is possible, the device status ST is set to "2".

The pre-accounting process is a process of accepting a customer to prepare for payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, the pre-accounting process is the process of accepting the deposit of banknotes and coins of an appropriate amount with the automatic change machine 12 m. In the case of electronic money payment, the process of inquiring the balance of electronic money or accepting the charge of electronic money is the pre-accounting process. In the case of credit card payment, the process of reading credit card data is the pre-accounting process.

Accounting is the process of completing a customer's payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, the deposit amount inserted into the automatic change machine 12 m is used as the deposit amount, and the process of calculating the change amount and paying out from the automatic change machine 12 m is the accounting process. In the case of electronic money payment, the processing of reducing the payment amount from the balance of electronic money is the accounting process. In the case of credit card payment, the process of authenticating the credit card is the accounting process.

The CPU 12a confirms the device status ST as Act 33. At this point, since the device status ST is “0”, the CPU 12a communicates with another accounting machine 12 via LAN 13 as Act 34, and sets the device status ST to “0”. Explore. Then, the CPU 12a refers to the selection table T1 as Act35 and determines whether or not it is the highest priority accounting machine. The highest priority accounting machine is the accounting machine 12 having the highest priority among the accounting machines 12 in which the device status ST is set to “0” with respect to the registration machine 11. When it becomes the highest priority accounting machine for a plurality of registration machines 11, it becomes the highest priority accounting machine for the registration machine 11 having the highest priority.

A specific example of the process of determining the highest priority accounting machine will be described with reference to the selection table T1 of FIG. As an example, the device status of all accounting machines 12 is set to "0". In this case, with respect to the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R1", the accounting machine having the highest priority, that is, the accounting machine 12 of the device ID "A2" is the highest priority accounting machine. For the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R2", the accounting machine having the highest priority, that is, the accounting machine 12 of the device ID "A4" is the highest priority accounting machine. For the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R3", the accounting machine having the highest priority, that is, the accounting machine 12 of the device ID "A6" is the highest priority accounting machine. Accounting machines 12 with other device IDs "A1", "A3" and "A5" do not have the highest priority.

As another example, it is assumed that the device status of the accounting machine 12 other than the device ID "A2" is "0". In this case, with respect to the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R1", the accounting machine having the second highest priority, that is, the accounting machine 12 of the device ID "A1" is the highest priority accounting machine.

As yet another example, the device status of the accounting machine 12 of the device IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" is not "0", but the accounting of the device IDs "A4", "A5", and "A6". It is assumed that the device status of the machine 12 is "0". In this case, with respect to the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R1", the accounting machine having the fourth highest priority, that is, the accounting machine 12 of the device ID "A4" is the highest priority accounting machine. However, the accounting machine 12 with the device ID "A4" has the highest priority with respect to the registered machine 11 with the device ID "R2" and becomes the highest priority accounting machine. Therefore, for the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R1", the accounting machine having the fifth priority, that is, the accounting machine 12 of the device ID "A5" is the highest priority accounting machine.

If it is determined in Act35 that it is not the highest priority accounting machine (NO in Act35), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST remains “0”, the CPU 12a repeats the processes of Act 34 to Act 35.

If it is determined in Act35 that it is the highest priority accounting machine (YES in Act35), the CPU 12a is requested to send a link request command to the registration machine 11 in which it is the highest priority accounting machine as Act36. Controls the communication unit 12h. By this control, a link request command destined for the device ID of the corresponding registration machine 11 is transmitted to the LAN 13. The link request command includes its own device ID (accounting machine ID) as a transmission source. The link request command is received by the registration machine 11 in which the destination device ID is set.

After transmitting the link request command, the CPU 11a determines whether or not the permission response command has been received as Act37.
As described above, when the registration machine 11 in the standby state of Act3 and Act4 receives the link request command, the CPU 11a of the registration machine 11 executes the processes of Act7 to Act9. That is, the CPU 11a stores the device ID (accounting machine ID) of the transmission source included in the link request command in the link destination ID memory (Act7), and displays the link destination image on the touch panel 11f (Act8). Further, the CPU 11a transmits a permission response command to the accounting machine 12 which is the transmission source of the link request command (Act9). On the other hand, the registration machine 11 in the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 does not accept the link request command. Therefore, the registration machine 11 does not send the permission response command to the accounting machine 12 which is the transmission source of the link request command.

If the permission response command cannot be received for the link request command (NO in Act37), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST remains “0”, the CPU 12a repeats the processes of Act 34 to Act 37.

When the permission response command is received for the link request command (YES in Act 37), the CPU 12a stores the device ID of the registration machine 11 included as the destination in the command as Act 38 in the link destination ID memory 44. Further, the CPU 12a updates the device status ST to "1" as Act 39. After that, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act33.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a link means by processing Acts 7 to 9 of the registration machine 11 and processing Acts 34 to 39 of the accounting machine 12.

When returning to the processing of Act33 after the processing of Act39, the device status ST has been updated to "1", so that the CPU 12a executes the pre-accounting processing as Act40.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of pre-accounting processing. When entering the pre-accounting process, the CPU 12a sets the media data M to “0” as Act51. The media data M is data that identifies the payment method of the price. In the present embodiment, the media data M for identifying cash payment is "1", the media data M for identifying electronic money payment is "2", and the media data M for identifying credit card payment is "3". “0” represents a state in which the payment method is indefinite.

The CPU 12a clears the data buffer 41 as Act 52. Then, the CPU 11a displays the accounting preparation image SC3 (see FIG. 13) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12f as Act53.

The accounting preparation image SC3 supports a customer who prepares for payment. As shown in FIG. 13, the accounting preparation image SC3 includes display areas D3, D4, and D5. The display area D3 displays guidance and the like to customers. The display area D4 displays the registration details of the product that the customer intends to purchase. The display area D5 includes a communication area D51, an electronic money area D52, a payment selection area D53, and a registration end area D54.

Three types of communication buttons B1, B2, and B3 are displayed in the communication area D51. The communicate button B1 is touched when the customer uses the gift certificate to pay the price. The communicate button B2 is touched when the customer purchases a paid shopping bag. The communicate button B3 is touched when the customer wants equipment such as chopsticks or a spoon. Needless to say, the communicate buttons B1, B2, and B3 are not limited to the three types shown in FIG.

Two types of electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are displayed in the electronic money area D52. The electronic money button B4 is touched when the customer charges the electronic money. The electronic money button B5 is touched when the customer inquires about the balance of electronic money. Needless to say, the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are not limited to the two types shown in FIG.

Three types of payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 are displayed in the payment selection area D53. The payment means button B6 is touched when the customer selects cash payment. The payment means button B7 is touched when the customer selects electronic money payment. The payment method button B8 is touched when the customer selects credit card payment. Needless to say, the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 are not limited to the three types shown in FIG.

In the registration end area D54, information for notifying the customer that the registration transaction data has been received from the registration machine 11 that has received a permission response to the link request command, that is, the registration machine 11 in the link state is displayed. As this information, for example, the message "Please pay with the payment method of your choice" may be displayed. The total points or total amount included in the registered transaction data may be displayed. The total points or total amount included in the registered transaction data may be displayed in the registration end area D54, and the above-mentioned message may be displayed in the display area D3.

After displaying the accounting preparation image SC3, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the display data has been received from the registration machine 11 in the linked state as Act 54. When the display data is not received (NO in Act54), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the communicate buttons B1, B2, and B3 have been input as Act55. When the communicate buttons B1, B2, and B3 are not input (NO in Act55), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are input as Act56. When the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are not input (NO in Act56), the CPU 12a examines the media data M as Act57. Then, when the media data M is “0” (YES in Act57), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 have been input as Act58. If the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 are not input (NO in Act58), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act54. Therefore, when the media data M is "0", that is, when the payment method is undefined, the CPU 11a receives the display data, the communicate buttons B1, B2, and B3 are input, or the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are input. It waits for the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 to be input.

When the display data is received in the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58 (YES in Act 54), the CPU 12a updates the registration details display in the display area D4 as Act 59. The display data includes information on the product name, unit price, number of points sold, and amount of sales registered in the data buffer 31 in the registration machine 11 in the linked state, and information on the total number of points and the total amount of money. The CPU 12a updates the registration details display in the display area D4 based on the received display data. After updating the registration details display in the display area D4, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a display means by processing Act 16 of the registration machine 11 and processing Act 54 and Act 59 of the accounting machine 12.

When the communicate buttons B1, B2, B3 are input in the standby state of Act54 to Act58, the CPU 12a responds to the type of the communicate buttons B1, B2, B3 input to the registration machine 11 linked as Act60. The communication unit 12h is controlled so as to transmit the communication command. By this control, a communicate command destined for the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 44 is transmitted to the LAN 13. This communicate command is received by the registration machine 11 identified by the destination device ID. As described above, in the registration machine 11 that has received the communicate command, a message, an icon, or the like corresponding to the command is displayed on the touch panel 11f.

For example, when a communicate command corresponding to the communicate button B1 is received, the registration machine 11 displays a message, an icon, or the like informing the clerk 21 that the customer 22 will use the gift certificate on the touch panel 11f. The clerk 21 who has confirmed this notification may go to the customer 22 to receive the gift certificate and register the face value of the gift certificate in the accounting machine 12 or the registration machine 11.

When a communicate command corresponding to the communicate button B2 is received, the registration machine 11 displays a message, an icon, or the like informing the clerk 21 that the customer 22 will use the pay shopping bag on the touch panel 11f. After confirming this notification, the clerk 21 may register the paid shopping bag in the registration machine 11 and put the shopping bag in the shopping cart 16 containing the product to be purchased.

Further, when a communicate command corresponding to the communicate button B3 is received, the registration machine 11 displays a message, an icon, etc. on the touch panel 11f informing the clerk 21 that the customer 22 requests equipment such as chopsticks or spoons. Is displayed. The clerk 21 who confirms this notification may hand over the necessary equipment from the product to be purchased to the customer 22.
After controlling the transmission of the communicate command, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a notification receiving means by processing Act55 and Act60 of the accounting machine 12.

When the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are input in the standby state of Act54 to Act58, the CPU 12a executes the electronic money processing as Act61.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of electronic money processing. When entering the electronic money processing, the CPU 12a confirms which of the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 is input as Act71. When the electronic money button B4 is input (“charged” in Act71), the CPU 12a detects the balance of electronic money from the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronic money reader / writer 12k as Act72, and touch panel 12f. Display on. At this time, the touch panel 12f displays the balance of the electronic money and the end button for the customer 22 to command the end of charging.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the end button has been input as Act 73. When the end button is not input, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the charge amount has been deposited in the automatic change machine 12m as Act 74. If the charge amount has not been deposited, the CPU 12a returns to Act 73. Therefore, in the processing of Act73 and Act74, the CPU 12a waits for the end button to be input or the charge amount to be deposited.

When the charge amount is deposited in the standby state of Act73 and Act74, the CPU 12a updates the balance of the electronic money medium as Act75 so as to be increased by the deposit amount. Further, the CPU 12a displays the updated balance on the touch panel 12f. After that, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act73 and Act74.

When the end button is input in the standby state of Act73 and Act74, the CPU 12a issues a new accounting machine transaction number as Act76. The accounting machine transaction number is, for example, a number that increases by 1 in order from 1. When the accounting machine transaction number is issued, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12g so as to issue a charge receipt as Act 77. By this control, a charge receipt is issued on which the balance before charging, the amount charged, the balance after charging, the accounting machine transaction number, and the like are printed.

After controlling the issuance of the charge receipt, the CPU 12a erases the balance displayed on the touch panel 12f as Act78. This completes the electronic money processing when the electronic money button B4 is input.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a charge receiving means by processing Act56 and Act61 (Act71 to Act77) of the accounting machine 12.

On the other hand, when the electronic money button B5 is input (“inquiry” in Act71), the CPU 12a detects the balance of electronic money from the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronic money reader / writer 12k as Act79. Then, it is displayed on the touch panel 12f. At this time, the touch panel 12f displays a confirmation button for instructing the customer 22 to confirm the confirmation along with the balance of the electronic money.

The CPU 12a waits for the confirmation button to be input as Act 80. If the confirmation button is input (YES in Act80), the CPU 12a erases the balance displayed on the touch panel 12f as Act78. This completes the electronic money processing when the electronic money button B5 is input. When the electronic money processing is completed, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58.

When the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 are input in the standby state of Act54 to Act58 (YES in Act58), the CPU 12a changes the media data M as Act62. That is, when the payment means button B6 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “1”, and when the payment means button B7 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “2”. When the payment means button B8 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “3”. After that, the CPU 12a executes the payment acceptance process as Act 63.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of payment acceptance processing. Upon entering the payment acceptance process, the CPU 12a examines the media data M as Act91.
When the media data M is "1", the CPU 12a confirms the presence or absence of payment as Act92. If no cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12m (NO in Act92), the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process. When cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12m (YES in Act92), the CPU 12a stores the deposit amount in the data buffer 41 as Act93, and displays a message indicating that cash payment has been selected on the touch panel 12f. Display on. With the above, the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process.

When the media data M is "2", the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the data of the electronic money medium is read by the electronic money reader / writer 12k as Act94. When the data in the electronic money medium is not read (NO in Act94), the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process. When the data of the electronic money medium is read (YES in Act94), the CPU 12a detects the balance of the electronic money from the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronic money reader / writer 12k as Act95. Then, the CPU 12a stores the balance in the data buffer 41 and displays a message indicating that the electronic money payment has been selected on the touch panel 12f. With the above, the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process.

When the media data M is "3", the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the credit card data is read by the card reader / writer 12j as Act 96. If the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act96), the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process. If the credit card data is being read (YES in Act96), the CPU 12a stores the credit card data read by the card reader / writer 12j as Act97 in the data buffer 41, and credit card payment is selected. A message indicating that the data has been sent is displayed on the touch panel 12f. With the above, the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a payment receiving means by processing Act58 and Act62 to Act63 (Act91 to Act97) of the accounting machine 12.

When the payment acceptance process is completed, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 54. Therefore, since the media data M is not "0" this time (NO in Act57), the CPU 12a proceeds to NO in Act57. That is, the CPU 12a waits for the display data to be received, the communicate buttons B1, B2, B3 to be input, or the electronic money buttons B4, B5 to be input. Further, the CPU 12a executes the payment acceptance process.

The explanation is returned to FIG. While executing the pre-accounting process, the CPU 12a waits for the registration transaction data transmitted from the registration machine 11 as Act 41. When the registered transaction data is received (YES in Act41), the CPU 12a updates the device status ST to "2" as Act42. After that, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST has been updated to "2", the CPU 12a stores the registered transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 as Act43.

After storing the registered transaction data in the transaction buffer 42, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing as Act44.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of accounting processing. When the accounting process is started, the CPU 12a displays information as Act101 in the registration end area D54 of the accounting preparation image SC3 to notify the customer that the registration transaction data has been received as described above.

Next, the CPU 12a examines the media data M as Act 102. When the media data M is "0" (YES in Act 102), the payment method is undefined. In this case, the CPU 12a waits for the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 to be input as Act103. If the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 are input (YES in Act102), the CPU 12a changes the media data M as Act104. That is, when the payment means button B6 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “1”, and when the payment means button B7 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “2”. When the payment means button B8 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to “3”. Therefore, it is possible for the customer 22 to select the payment method not only before the accounting machine 12 receives the registered transaction data but also after receiving the registered transaction data.

If the media data M is changed in Act 104, or if the media data M is not already "0" in Act 102 (NO in Act 102), the CPU 12a issues a new accounting machine transaction number as Act 105. When the accounting machine transaction number is issued, the CPU 12a edits the transaction data as Act106. Specifically, the CPU 12a adds the payment transaction data stored in the data buffer 41 together with the accounting machine transaction number to the registered transaction data stored in the transaction buffer 42 to generate transaction data representing the content of one transaction.

Next, the CPU 12a examines the media data M as Act107. Here, when the media data M is "1", the CPU 12a executes the cash settlement process as Act108. That is, when the deposit amount put into the automatic change machine 12m becomes equal to or more than the total amount, the CPU 12a calculates the change amount. At this time, if the deposit amount is stored in the payment acceptance process, the deposit amount becomes the deposit amount. When more cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12 m, the inserted amount is added to the deposit amount to become the deposit amount. Therefore, the customer can take measures such as inserting banknotes for an approximate price at the stage of pre-accounting processing and inserting coins for a fraction of the price determined at the stage of accounting processing.

When the cash settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 as Act109. Specifically, the CPU 12a adds the deposit amount and the change amount to the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12a creates print data of the purchase receipt as Act110 based on the data of the transaction buffer 42, outputs the print data to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the purchase receipt.

In Act107, when the media data M is "2", the CPU 12a executes the electronic money payment process as Act111. That is, the CPU 12a subtracts the total amount from the balance of electronic money obtained from the data read from the electronic money medium by the electronic money reader / writer 12k. At this time, if the electronic money balance is already stored in the payment acceptance process, the electronic money balance is used.

When the electronic commerce payment process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 as Act112. Specifically, the balance of electronic money before payment and the balance of electronic money after payment are added to the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12a creates print data of the purchase receipt as Act 113 based on the data of the transaction buffer 42, outputs the print data to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the purchase receipt.

In Act107, when the media data M is "3", the CPU 12a executes the credit card payment process as Act114. That is, the CPU 12a authenticates the data read from the credit card by the card reader / writer 12j. At this time, if the credit card data is stored in the payment acceptance process, the data is authenticated.

When the credit card data is authenticated and the credit card payment process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 as Act 115. Specifically, the payment amount by credit card, some information of the credit card, etc. are added to the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12a creates print data of the credit slip based on the data of the transaction buffer 42 as Act116, outputs the print data to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the credit slip.

In this way, when the purchase receipt is issued (Act110, Act113) or the credit slip is issued (Act116), the CPU 12a stores the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 as Act117 in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. With the above, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a settlement means by processing Act13, Act18 to Act21 of the registration machine 11 and processing of Act41, Act43 to Act44 of the accounting machine 12.

The explanation is returned to FIG. When the accounting process is completed, the CPU 12a clears the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 as Act45.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a cancellation means by processing Act 23 of the registration machine 11 and processing Act 45 of the accounting machine 12.

When the processing of Act45 is completed, the CPU 12a ends the information processing for one transaction. Then, the CPU 12a starts the process again from Act 31.

Next, the operation and effect of the checkout system 10 will be described by taking a checkout lane in which the registration machine 11 of the device ID "R1" (hereinafter referred to as the registration machine 11-R1) is installed as an example.
In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the registration work of the product to be purchased by the customer 22 at the installation location of the accounting machine 12 (hereinafter referred to as the accounting machine 12-A2) of the device ID "A2" is completed by the registration machine 11-R1. Then, the device status ST of the accounting machine 12-A2 becomes “2”. On the other hand, it is assumed that the accounting machine 12 (hereinafter referred to as accounting machine 12-A1) of the device ID "A1" is in the idle state. In this case, the accounting machine 12-A1 is the highest priority accounting machine for the registration machine 11-R1. Therefore, the link request command is transmitted from the accounting machine 12-A1 to the registration machine 11-R1. Then, when the registration machine 11-R1 and the accounting machine 12-A1 are in a linked state, the link destination image SC2 that guides the customer 22 to the accounting machine 12-A1 is displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration machine 11-R1. .. Further, the accounting preparation image SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12f of the accounting machine 12-A1.

Here, when the next customer 22 arrives at the checkout lane, the clerk 21 guides the customer 22 to guide the customer 22 to the accounting machine 12-A1 represented by the linked image SC2. The guidance method is not particularly limited. Generally, it is conceivable to verbally inform you, "Please move to the A1 accounting machine and prepare for payment." The customer 22 who hears the guidance moves to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1.

The clerk 21 who is the operator of the registration machine 11-R1 starts data input of the product to be purchased by the customer 22 who has moved to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1. Then, in the registration machine 11-R1, the data of the product to be purchased is stored in the data buffer 31. Further, in the accounting machine 12-A1, the data stored in the data buffer 31, that is, the details of the product to be purchased (product name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount) are displayed in the display area D4 of the accounting preparation image SC3. NS. Therefore, the customer 22 who has moved to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1 can confirm the registered contents in the registration machine 11-R1 in real time from the contents of the display area D4. In this way, it can be confirmed that the product to be purchased is correctly registered by the clerk 21 even if he / she leaves the clerk 21, so that the customer 22 can move to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1 with confidence. can.

On the other hand, the customer 22 who moves to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1 and confirms the accounting preparation image SC3 uses the gift certificate for the clerk 21 who operates the registration machine 11-R1 by touching the communicate button B1. Can be notified. Similarly, by touching the communicate button B2, the use of a paid plastic shopping bag can be notified, and by touching the communicate button B3, a request for equipment such as chopsticks or a spoon can be notified. In this way, even if the customer 22 moves to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1, the customer 22 can communicate with the clerk 21 who operates the registration machine 11-R1). Therefore, the customer 22 can safely move to the installation location of the accounting machine 12 according to the instruction of the clerk 21 even before the data input of the product to be purchased is completed.

In addition, the customer 22 who confirmed the accounting preparation image SC3 touches the electronic money button B4, holds the electronic money medium on the electronic money reader / writer 12k, and puts the charge amount into the automatic change machine 12m. Can be charged. Similarly, by touching the electronic money button B5 and holding the electronic money medium over the electronic money reader / writer 12k, the customer 22 can inquire about the balance of the electronic money. In this way, while the accounting preparation image SC3 is displayed, that is, while the data of the product to be purchased is being input by the registration machine 11-R1, the customer 22 operates the accounting machine 12-A1 and electronically. You can charge money or check the balance.

Similarly, the customer 22 who has confirmed the accounting preparation image SC3 can proceed with the preparation for cash payment by touching the payment means button B6. Specifically, the cash required for payment can be input to the automatic change machine 12 m in advance. Further, by touching the payment means button B7, the customer 22 can proceed with preparations for electronic money payment, and by touching the payment means button B8, the customer 22 prepares for credit card payment. Can proceed.

Therefore, the customer 22 can start the preparation for payment at the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1 without waiting for the data input of the product to be purchased to be completed. As a result, the staying time of the customer 22 at the place where the accounting machine 12-A1 is installed is shortened, so that the efficiency of the accounting work can be improved.

Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described.
In the above embodiment, the accounting machine 12 having the device status ST of “0” determines whether or not it is the highest priority accounting machine with respect to the registration machine 11 by using the selection table T1. Then, in the case of the highest priority accounting machine, the accounting machine 12 transmits a link request command to the registration machine 11. When there is a permission response command from the registration machine 11 in response to this command, the checkout system 10 links the accounting machine 12 and the registration machine 11.

In another embodiment, the accounting machine 12 having the device status ST of "0" transmits a link request command to the registration machine 11. The registration machine 11 which is not linked to the accounting machine 12 causes the touch panel 11f to display the accounting machine selection image SC4 (see FIG. 14) in which the device ID of the accounting machine 12 to which the link request command is transmitted can be selected.

As shown in FIG. 14, the accounting machine selection image SC4 includes buttons B11-A1, B11-A3, and B11-A4 that have a one-to-one correspondence with the device ID of the accounting machine 12 whose device status ST is “0”. The accounting machine selection image SC4 is displayed in the center of the registered image SC1, for example. The clerk 21 who confirmed the image SC1 touches any one of the buttons B11. Then, the permission response command is transmitted from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 of the device ID corresponding to the button B11. Then, the checkout system 10 links the accounting machine 12 and the registration machine 11.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the buttons B11-A1, B11-A2, B11-A3, B11-A4, B11 corresponding to the accounting machine selection image SC5 on a one-to-one basis with the device IDs of all the accounting machines 12. -Display A5. Then, only the button corresponding to the device ID of the accounting machine 12 whose device status ST is "0" may be displayed in a state in which it can be input.

In the above embodiment, the registration end area D54 is a part of the display area D5. In another embodiment, when the registration transaction data is received from the registration machine 11 in the linked state on the condition that the payment method is selected at the stage of pre-accounting processing, the entire display area D5 is set as the registration end area. Erase buttons B1 to B8. By doing so, it is possible to accurately notify the customer 22 that the registration of the product to be purchased has been completed by the registration machine 11.

In this case, if the payment method is not selected at the stage of pre-accounting processing, the communication area D51 and the electronic money area D52 are set as the registration end area, and the buttons B6 to B8 of the payment selection area D53 accept the input. It may be.

In the above embodiment, the registration transaction data based on the input product data is transferred from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12.
In another embodiment, the registered transaction data based on the input product data is stored in the server on the LAN 13. Then, the registered transaction data stored in the server is transferred from the server to the accounting machine 12, and the settlement process is executed based on the payment data input by the accounting machine 12. Alternatively, the server executes the payment process based on the registered transaction data stored in the server and the payment data input by the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11. Then, if there is change, the accounting machine 12 pays out the change, and the accounting machine 12 issues a receipt.

The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 are generally transferred in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like transferred separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to an operation by a user or the like. The control program or the like can be transferred by recording on a removable recording medium or by communicating via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and the device can read it. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with the OS (operating system) or the like inside the device.

In addition, 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 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Registration machine, 12 ... Accounting machine, 13 ... LAN, 14 ... Counter, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e, 12e ... Scanner, 11f, 12f ... Touch panel, 11g, 12g ... Printer, 11h, 12h ... Communication unit, 11i, 12i ... Transmission system, 12j ... Card reader / writer, 12k ... Electronic money reader / writer, 12m ... Automatic Change machine, 31, 41 ... Data buffer, 32, 44 ... Link destination ID, 42 ... Transaction buffer, 43 ... Selection table memory, T1 ... Selection table, SC1 ... Registration image, SC2 ... Link destination image, SC3 ... Accounting preparation Image, SC4, SC5 ... Accounting machine selection image.

In one embodiment, the accounting machine includes a communication means, an acquisition means, a first determination means, a first transmission means, and a settlement means.
The communication means communicates with a registration machine that inputs data of the product purchased by the customer and a plurality of other accounting machines that process payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine, respectively, via the network. To do . The acquisition means acquires information representing the status of another accounting machine . The first determination means determines whether or not the registered machine is the highest priority accounting machine in the order of priority based on the information indicating the state of the other accounting machine acquired by the acquisition means. When the first determination means determines that the registration machine is the highest priority accounting machine, the first transmission means transmits a request command requesting the registration machine to enable data communication with the highest priority accounting machine. do. The payment means executes payment based on the registration transaction data transmitted from the registration machine that has received the request command.

In addition, 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.
The inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application are described below.
[1] The customer includes a registration machine for inputting data of a product purchased by a customer and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine. A link means for making the registration machine capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the data entry of the product to be purchased is started or between the start and the end. And, on the display of any one of the accounting machines in which data communication is possible by the link means, the total amount of the products whose data is input by the registration machine in which data communication is possible with the accounting machine is displayed. A display means to be displayed before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed, and a state in which data communication is possible by the link means when the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine. A checkout system in which any one of the accounting machines is provided with a payment means for executing payment based on payment data input in the accounting machine.
[2] The checkout system according to [1], further comprising a canceling means for canceling a data communication enable state between the registration machine and the accounting machine after the settlement by the payment means is completed.
[3] The payment of the product is related to the accounting machine in which data communication is possible between the registration machine and the link means before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine. The checkout system according to [1] or [2], further comprising a payment receiving means for accepting input.
[4] A charge that accepts an electronic money charge at the accounting machine that has become capable of data communication between the registration machine and the link means before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine. The checkout system according to [1] or [2], further comprising a reception means.
[5] Before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, the accounting machine in which data communication is possible by the registration machine and the link means is sent to the operator of the registration machine. The checkout system according to [1] or [2], further comprising a notification receiving means for receiving notifications.
[6] The customer includes a registration machine for inputting data of a product purchased by a customer and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine. Check-out that makes the registration machine capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the data entry of the product to be purchased is started or between the start and the end. A display means for displaying the total amount of data input by the registration machine in the accounting machine of the system in a state where data communication is possible before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed. An accounting machine including a payment means for executing payment based on the input payment data when data input of all products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible.
[7] The customer includes a registration machine for inputting data of a product purchased by a customer and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine. Check-out that makes the registration machine capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the data entry of the product to be purchased is started or between the start and the end. A function to display on the computer of the accounting machine in the system the total amount of the products data input by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed. , A program for realizing a function of executing payment based on the input payment data when data input of all products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible.

Claims (7)

Including a registration machine for inputting data of a product purchased by a customer and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine.
The registration machine can perform data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the data input of the product purchased by the customer is started or between the start and the end. Linking means to make it in a good state,
On the display of any one of the accounting machines in which data communication is possible by the link means, the total amount of the products whose data is input by the registration machine in which data communication is possible with the accounting machine is displayed on the customer. Display means to display before data entry of all products purchased by
When the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, the payment data input in the accounting machine is performed by any one of the accounting machines in which data communication is possible by the link means. A payment method that executes payment based on
Check-out system equipped with. A canceling means for canceling the data communication enable state between the registration machine and the accounting machine after the settlement by the payment means is completed.
The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising. Before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, the accounting machine in which data communication is possible between the registration machine and the link means accepts the input related to the payment of the product. Payment receiving means,
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising. A charge receiving means that accepts an electronic money charge at the accounting machine that has become capable of data communication between the registration machine and the link means before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine.
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising. Before the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, the accounting machine in which data communication is possible between the registration machine and the link means receives a notification to the operator of the registration machine. Notification receiving means,
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising. A registration machine for inputting data of a product purchased by a customer and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine are included, and the customer purchases with the registration machine. The checkout system for making the registration machine capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the data input of the product is started or between the start and the end. It ’s an accounting machine,
A display means for displaying the total amount of products whose data has been input by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible before the data input of all products purchased by the customer is completed.
When the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible, a payment means for executing payment based on the input payment data and a payment means.
Accounting machine equipped with. A registration machine for inputting data of a product purchased by a customer and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the product based on the data input by the registration machine are included, and the customer purchases with the registration machine. The above in the checkout system in which the registration machine is in a state of being able to perform data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the data input of the product is started or between the start and the end. On the computer of the accounting machine
A function to display the total amount of products whose data has been input by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible before the data input of all products purchased by the customer is completed.
When the data input of all the products purchased by the customer is completed by the registration machine in a state where data communication is possible, a function of executing payment based on the input payment data and
A program to realize.

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