JP2022066252A - Accounting system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency of customer handling in accounting.

SOLUTION: A registration apparatus comprises: accounting identification information output means for outputting accounting identification information which specifies accounting information on a recording medium; and accounting information transmission means for associating the accounting identification information and the accounting information and for transmitting them to an accounting server. The accounting server includes accounting information management means for associating the accounting identification information and accounting information transmitted by the registration apparatus with each other and for storing them in the accounting information storage means. The accounting apparatus includes: reading means for reading the accounting identification information from a recording medium; accounting information reading means for reading accounting information corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means from the accounting information storage means; accounting means for performing accounting processing using the accounting information read by the accounting information reading means; and an accounting process status management means for writing information indicating that the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting identification information has been completed to at least one of the accounting information storage means and the recording medium of the accounting server after the accounting processing ends.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to accounting systems and accounting devices.

Conventionally, there is a semi-self-type checkout system (accounting system) in which a store clerk performs a product registration process with a registration device and a customer performs an accounting (payment) process from the accounting device. In such a semi-self-type accounting system, a clerk visually confirms a "waiting" accounting device, that is, an accounting device that is not being operated by a customer, and performs an operation of designating a destination of accounting data. When the registration device accepts the operation, it sends accounting data to the destination accounting device, and when the accounting device receives the accounting data, it is in a waiting state for the accounting operation by the corresponding customer.

In the accounting system as described above, the clerk must visually search for the accounting device to which the data is sent and select the corresponding accounting device from the registration devices, which is a burden on the clerk during busy hours. There was also a case. In addition, if all the accounting devices connected to the registration device are in use, customers waiting in line will be lined up in the accounting device, and even if the accounting data is transferred, there is a problem that some customers cannot immediately make an account. rice field. As described above, conventionally, it has been desired to develop a system that can improve the efficiency of customer handling in the semi-self-accounting system.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting system and an accounting device capable of improving the efficiency of customer handling in accounting processing.

The accounting system of the embodiment includes a registration device, an accounting server, and an accounting device. The registration device is an accounting identification information output means for outputting accounting identification information for specifying accounting information on a recording medium, and an accounting information transmitting means for associating the accounting identification information with the accounting information and transmitting the accounting identification information to the accounting server. And. The accounting server includes accounting information management means for storing the accounting identification information transmitted by the registration device and the accounting information in the accounting information storage means in association with each other. The accounting device reads the accounting identification information from the recording medium and the accounting information corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means from the accounting information storage means of the accounting server. The means, the accounting means for performing accounting processing using the accounting information read by the accounting information reading means, and the information indicating that the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting identification information is completed after the accounting processing is completed. The accounting server includes the accounting information storage means and the accounting processing status management means for writing to at least one of the recording media.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of an accounting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a printing example of an accounting label issued by a registration device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which an accounting label is attached to a basket. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device. FIG. 6 is an external view of the accounting device when the basket shown in FIG. 4 is placed on the mounting table. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the registration device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the accounting device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the accounting server. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the monitoring device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the accounting data file update process executed by the registration device and the accounting server. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the accounting data file update process executed by the accounting apparatus and the accounting server. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the monitoring process executed by the monitoring device and the accounting server.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of the accounting system 100 according to the embodiment. The accounting system 100 mainly includes a registration device 2 (2a, 2b), an accounting device 3 (3a to 3e), a monitoring device 4 (4a, 4b), and an accounting server 6. The registration device 2, the accounting device 3, and the monitoring device 4 are installed in the accounting area 60 of the store, and the accounting server 6 is installed in the backyard of the store. The registration devices 2a and 2b are installed and used on the counters 5a and 5b, respectively. Further, the monitoring device 4 is provided near the exit of the accounting area 60. The monitoring device 4 is a device for monitoring fraudulent activities in which an unaccounted basket is taken out of the accounting area 60. A packing stand for packing the accounted products from the basket into a plastic shopping bag, an eco bag (registered trademark), or the like is provided outside the accounting area 60. Each of these devices is connected to each other via a network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) so that data communication is possible. The connection method is not particularly limited, and a wired connection or a wireless connection may be used.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which two registration devices 2 are provided, five accounting devices 3 are provided, and the accounting area 60 of a store is provided, the number of each device is not limited to this. The number of registration devices 2 may be one or more, and the number of accounting devices 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more. Further, the number of monitoring devices 4 may be appropriately determined from the relationship between the entrance / exit of the store and the exit of the accounting area 60. In the following, when each device is described without distinction, the registration devices 2a and 2b are referred to as registration devices 2, and the accounting devices 3a to 3e are referred to as accounting devices 3. Similarly, the monitoring devices 4a and 4b are referred to as monitoring devices 4, and the counters 5a and 5b are referred to as counters 5.

An outline of an example of the accounting treatment operation method according to the present embodiment will be described. The operator O, who is a clerk, operates the registration device 2 to register the product purchased by the customer C. Operator O packs the products in the basket in the order in which the registration process is completed. When the registration of all the products is completed, the registration device 2 of the present embodiment transmits the accounting data used for the accounting process to the accounting server 6. Further, the registration device 2 prints the code symbol 71, which encodes the accounting identification information for identifying the accounting data, on the accounting label 70 (both see FIG. 3). Operator O attaches the accounting label 70 to the basket 80 (see FIG. 4) containing the product. Customer C holds the basket 80 to which the accounting label 70 is affixed, selects an accounting device 3 in which other customers are not lined up or has a small number of people waiting, and starts accounting processing in the accounting device 3. When the accounting process is started, the accounting device 3 reads the accounting identification information from the code symbol 71 of the accounting label 70, reads the accounting data corresponding to the accounting identification information from the accounting server 6, and performs the accounting process.

Conventionally, when multiple accounting devices are connected to one registration device and the registration device transmits accounting data to the accounting device connected to the own device, the number of accounting devices that can be specified as the data transmission destination is own. It is limited to the number of accounting devices connected to the device. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the accounting data generated by all the registration devices 2 is once aggregated in the accounting server 6, the maximum number of accounting devices as the data transmission destination is the total number of accounting devices owned by the store. can do. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of effectively used accounting devices and improve the efficiency of customer handling in accounting processing.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the customer searches for and selects the vacant accounting device 3 by himself / herself, the clerk can quickly shift to the registration work of the next customer, and the customer handling efficiency of the registration device 2 is improved. can. Further, by attaching the accounting label as described above to the basket, the accounting apparatus 3 can read the accounting data from the accounting server 6 without any trouble for the customer.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each device and the procedure of accounting processing will be described in more detail.

First, the configuration of the registration device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device. As shown in FIG. 2, the registration device 2 installed on the upper surface of the counter 5 is configured based on a vertical scanner 111 having a reading window 112. The scanner 111 scans the code symbol (for example, a bar code) attached to the product with a laser beam, and reads the product code from the code symbol. The scanner 111 may specify the product included in the captured image by using the technique of general object recognition.

Further, the registration device 2 includes an operator display 114 and an operation unit 115 on the upper part of the scanner 111. The operator display 114 displays the product name, price, etc. of the product imaged by the image pickup unit of the scanner 111. A touch panel 113 is provided on the surface of the operator display 114. The touch panel 113 and the operation unit 115 are for assisting the input of product information.

A printer 116 is provided on the left side of the operator display 114. The printer 116 prints the accounting label 70 (see FIG. 3) according to the present embodiment. A card reader 118 is provided on the right side of the operator display 114. The card reader 118 magnetically reads and writes information to and from a magnetic card such as a point card inserted from the insertion slot 118A. Further, a customer display 117 is provided on the back side of the printer 116 at a position opposite to the display surface of the operator display 114.

The registration device 2 reads a code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code attached to the product, and identifies the product based on the product code included in the code. The registration device 2 displays on the operator display 114 a screen for confirming the product specified based on the product code and accepting input such as the number of products. Then, the registration device 2 stores the product information such as the product classification, product code, product name, and unit price of the product corresponding to the product code based on the information such as the product code of the product for which the input is accepted and the input quantity. It is read from F1 (see FIG. 7) and stored in the sales file F2 (see FIG. 7) as sales data.

When the registration of all the products is completed, the registration device 2 generates accounting data including the total amount of money and the number of points granted, and transmits the accounting data to the accounting server 6 in association with the accounting identification information for specifying the accounting data. Further, the registration device 2 generates a code symbol in which the accounting identification information is encoded, and issues an accounting label 70 (see FIG. 3) on which the code symbol is printed by the printer 116.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a printing example of the accounting label 70 issued by the registration device 2. A code symbol 71 in which accounting identification information is encoded is printed on the accounting label 70. Even if the code symbol 71 is encoded with information such as the total amount, the membership number, the date and time when the registration process was performed, the identification information of the registration device 2 which performed the registration process, and the identification information of the clerk who performed the registration process. good. The operator of the registration device 2 attaches the accounting label 70 issued by the printer 116 to the side surface 81 (both see FIG. 4) of the basket 80 packed with the registered products.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the accounting label 70 is attached to the basket 80. The size of the accounting label 70 may be a size corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 303 (see FIG. 5) of the accounting apparatus 3 described later. Further, since the basket 80 to which the accounting label 70 is affixed is a registered and pre-accounting basket, that is, a basket containing unsettled products, the attendant clerk or the monitoring clerk is an unsettled basket. It is desirable to be able to identify at a glance. Further, as will be described later, since the code symbol 71 is read by the monitoring device 4, the size of the accounting label 70 or the code symbol 71 is set to, for example, 6 to 8 cm or more, and the code can be read even from a position several meters away. Desirably the size.

The position where the accounting label 70 is attached to the basket 80 may be a position corresponding to the imaging range of the camera 303 (see FIG. 5) of the accounting apparatus 3 described later. In the example of FIG. 4, one accounting label 70 is attached to substantially the center of the side surface 81 of the larger area of the basket 80. The registration device 2 may issue two accounting labels 70 for each transaction, and may attach one accounting label 70 to each of the front side surface and the back side surface of the basket 80.

Next, the configuration of the accounting device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the accounting apparatus 3 includes a first housing 301 and a second housing 302.

The first housing 301 includes a scanner 317 and a change machine 320. The scanner 317 has the same structure as the scanner 111 (see FIG. 7), and is used for additional registration of forgotten products and for reading codes such as coupons. The change machine 320 includes a bill insertion slot 321, a bill withdrawal port 322, a coin insertion slot 323, and a coin withdrawal unit 324. The change machine 320 stores the bills inserted in the bill insertion slot 321 in the bill storage unit (not shown). Further, the change machine 320 stores the coins inserted in the coin insertion slot 323 in the coin storage unit (not shown). Then, the change machine 320 pays out the change of the bill to the bill withdrawal port 322 in response to the change payout request from the control unit 340 (see FIG. 8). Further, the change machine 320 pays out the coin change to the coin withdrawal unit 324 in response to the change withdrawal request from the control unit 340.

The second housing 302 is provided on the upper surface 301a of the first housing 301, and includes a display 315, a card reader 318, and a printer 319. The display 315 is attached above the second housing 302, and is composed of a liquid crystal panel having a touch panel 316 on the surface thereof. The card reader 318 reads and writes information to and from the credit card, membership card, and the like inserted from the card insertion slot 318a. The printer 319 prints a receipt and issues it from the receipt issuing port 319a under the control of the control unit 50.

Further, the accounting device 3 includes a columnar display pole 325 erected on the rear side of the upper surface 301a of the first housing 301. The display pole 325 has a light emitting unit 326 that selectively emits blue or red light at the upper tip portion. The light emitting unit 326 changes the color according to the processing status of the accounting device 3 and emits light to alert the clerk. It should be noted that the processing status for emitting light, the emission color, and the emission pattern can all be appropriately set. Since the light emitting unit 326 is provided at the upper end of the tall display pole 325, it is easily noticeable not only by the operator of the registration device 2 but also by other clerk. Since it is easy to check the light emission from the position of the registration device 2, it is easy for the customer standing in front of the registration device 2 to visually check the light emission.

Further, the display pole 325 has an information display unit 327 below the light emitting unit 326. The information display unit 327 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays image information and character information. The information display unit 327 is fixedly installed with the display surface facing in the same direction as the display unit 315. The information display unit 327 displays, for example, the content of an error that has occurred in the accounting device 3.

A mounting table 329 on which the basket 80 is placed is provided on the side surface 301b of the first housing 301. A hooking portion for hooking the hand scanner 328 is provided on the front side surface of the mounting table 329. Like the scanner 317, the hand scanner 328 is used for additional registration of a forgotten product and for reading a code such as a coupon.

The accounting device 3 of the present embodiment includes a camera 303 for capturing the code symbol 71 of the accounting label 70 inside the first housing 301. As shown in FIG. 5, a reading window 304 for the camera 303 is provided on the side surface 301b of the first housing 301. Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the positional relationship between the position of the image pickup region and the reading window 304 of the camera 303 and the accounting label 70 attached to the basket 80 will be described.

FIG. 6 is an external view of the accounting device 3 when the basket 80 shown in FIG. 4 is placed on the mounting table 329. The camera 303 is adjusted and installed at a position where the code symbol 71 (see FIG. 4) of the basket 80 placed on the mounting table 329 can be imaged via the reading window 304.

Here, the basket 80 is placed on the mounting table 329 so that the longitudinal direction of the basket 80 is the depth direction of the mounting table 329. By placing the basket 80 in this way, the size of the accounting device 3 in the width direction is made compact. Then, as described above in FIG. 4, the accounting label 70 is attached to substantially the center of the side surface 81 (see FIG. 4) having a larger area in the basket 80.

Therefore, after placing the basket 80 to which the accounting label 70 is attached at the relevant position in advance on the mounting table 329, the position of the camera 303 or the attaching position of the accounting label 70 while checking the captured image of the camera 303. It is good to adjust. In the present embodiment, the camera 303 and the reading window 304 are arranged on the side surface 301b of the first housing 301 through such an adjustment step. As a result, when the customer places the basket 80 on the mounting table 329, the code symbol 71 of the accounting label 70 can be inserted into the image pickup area of the camera 303 without the customer being particularly conscious of it.

As a general procedure of accounting processing, the customer takes the basket 80 from the counter 5 of the registration device 2 and moves to the vacant accounting device 3 and puts the basket 80 on the mounting table 329 of the accounting device 3. When the camera 303 detects the code symbol 71 in the imaging region, the accounting device 3 reads the accounting identification information from the code symbol 71 and inquires the accounting server 6 of the corresponding accounting data. Then, the accounting device 3 displays information such as the total amount on the display 315 based on the accounting data read from the accounting server 6, and starts the accounting process. The customer operates the accounting device 3 to perform accounting processing for paying the price of the product by cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like.

After the accounting process is completed, the customer removes the accounting label 70 from the basket 80 and puts it in the collection box installed in the accounting area 60. By collecting the used accounting label 70 in this way, it is possible to prevent the accounting label 70 used by another person from being misused.

Further, as a possible fraudulent act, there may be a case where another person misuses the accounting label 70, which has been once accounted for, regardless of the presence or absence of the collection box. For example, the accounting label 70 that has been forgotten to be removed may be removed from the collection box or removed from the collected basket 80 for misuse.

Assuming such a situation, the accounting apparatus 3 of the present embodiment writes information indicating that the accounting process is normally completed in at least one of the storage means and the recording medium of the accounting server 6 after the accounting process is completed. As a result, when the code symbol 71 is read from the accounting label 70 that has been accounted for due to fraudulent activity and the accounting data is inquired, it is found that the accounting corresponding to the code symbol 71 has already been completed. , It is possible to prevent fraudulent activity by outputting an error.

Next, the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the registration device 2 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the registration device 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the registration device 2 includes a control unit 150. The control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes control processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (both not shown), which are storage media. The ROM stores various programs and various data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs.

The control unit 150 includes a scanner 111, a touch panel 113, an operation unit 115 such as a keyboard, a printer 116, and a customer display 117 via an I / O (Input / Output) device control unit 139 and a bus 138. , Is connected to the card reader 118 and the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 136. Further, the control unit 150 performs data communication with the accounting server 6 connected by the network NT (see FIG. 1) via the communication I / F (interface) 140.

The operation unit 115 includes operation keys such as the current total key 1151 and the confirmation key 1152. The current total key 1151 is an operation key for receiving an instruction to close one transaction and move to the payment processing (accounting processing) of the transaction, and is an operation key for updating the total amount. Further, the confirmation key 1152 is an operation key used when confirming the total amount by inputting information such as the customer base. The registration device 2 prints the accounting label 70 and transmits accounting data, triggered by the operation of the confirmation key 1152. The above-mentioned operation keys may be displayed on the operator display 114 and may accept the selection operation via the touch panel 113.

The HDD 136 stores a program 137 executed by the CPU of the control unit 150, a PLU file F1, and a sales file F2. The PLU file F1 stores a product code uniquely assigned to each product and product information related to the product such as the name, price, and product classification of the product in association with each other. Further, if the registration device 2 is configured to specify the product by general object recognition (object recognition), the PLU file F1 further stores the feature amount or the reference image of each product. The feature amount is data such as the color tone and the unevenness of the surface read from the reference image of the product. The sales file F2 is a file for storing the sales data registered by the registration device 2.

Next, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 will be described.

The program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the HDD 136 or the like in advance. The program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

Further, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 7, the program 137 has a modular configuration including a display control unit 151, an input reception unit 152, a registration unit 153, a data communication unit 154, a code symbol generation unit 155, and a print control unit 156. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 150 reads the program 137 from the HDD 136 and loads each of the above units on the main storage device. As a result, each of the above parts is generated on the main storage device.

The display control unit 151 generates display data to be output to the operator display 114 and the customer display 117, and controls the display processing in these displays. For example, the display control unit 151 displays a registration screen for performing the product registration process on the operator display 114. Further, when the confirmation key 1152 is operated, the display control unit 151 displays a message such as "Please move to the accounting device and perform accounting" on the customer display 117.

The input receiving unit 152 receives various inputs from the scanner 111, the touch panel 113, the operation unit 115, and the card reader 118.

When the product code or product name of the product for sale is input via the scanner 111 and the touch panel 113, the registration unit 153 reads the product information of the product from the PLU file F1. Then, when the instruction to end one transaction is input via the current total key 1151, the registration unit 153 ends the registration process of the product in the transaction and calculates the total amount of money for the transaction. Then, the registration unit 153 includes accounting used for accounting processing, including product information of all products registered in the transaction, total amount of money for the transaction, identification information of the registration device 2, clerk information for identifying the clerk in charge, and the like. Generate data (accounting information). In addition, the registration unit 153 issues an accounting number as accounting identification information that identifies the accounting data when new accounting data is generated.

The data communication unit 154 controls data communication with the accounting server 6 connected via the communication I / F 140. The data communication unit 154 (accounting information transmission means) associates the accounting data generated by the registration unit 153 with the accounting number and transmits the accounting data to the accounting server 6.

The code symbol generation unit 155 generates a code symbol including the accounting number issued by the registration unit 153.

The print control unit 156 controls the printer 116 to print out the code symbol generated by the code symbol generation unit 155 on the label paper, and issues the accounting label 70 (see FIG. 3). That is, the print control unit 156 functions as an example of the accounting identification information output means for outputting the accounting identification information for specifying the accounting data on the recording medium.

Next, the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the accounting device 3 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the accounting device 3. The accounting device 3 includes a control unit 340 having a computer configuration including a CPU and a ROM and RAM (both not shown) which are storage media. The ROM stores various programs and various data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs.

The control unit 340 includes a display unit 315, a touch panel 316, a scanner 317, a card reader 318, a printer 319, a change machine 320, a light emitting unit 326, an information display unit 327, and a hand via the I / O device control unit 314 and the bus 312. It is connected to the scanner 328, the camera 303, and the HDD 305. The control unit 340 performs data communication with the accounting server 6 connected by the network NT via the communication I / F 313.

The card reader 318 reads information from the credit card or membership card inserted from the card insertion slot 318a. The printer 319 prints the receipt after the payment is made, and issues the receipt from the receipt issuing port 319a. The change machine 320 processes the deposit of the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 321 or the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 323. Further, the change machine 320 pays out the change from the bill withdrawal port 322 or the coin withdrawal unit 324 in response to the withdrawal instruction from the control unit 340.

The HDD 305 stores the program 3051 executed by the control unit 340 and the transaction file F3. The transaction file F3 is a data file for storing data (transaction data) related to the accounting process executed by the accounting device 3 based on the accounting data received from the accounting server 6.

Next, the program 3051 executed by the accounting device 3 will be described.

The program 3051 executed by the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the HDD 305 in advance. The program 3051 executed by the accounting apparatus 3 of the present embodiment is a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD, which is a file in an installable format or an executable format and can be read by a computer. It may be configured to be recorded and provided in.

Further, the program 3051 executed by the accounting apparatus 3 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program 3051 executed by the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 8, the program 3051 has a module configuration including a display control unit 341, an input reception unit 342, an image acquisition unit 343, a code reading unit 344, a data communication unit 345, an accounting processing unit 346, and an error output unit 347. It has become. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 340 reads the program 3051 from the HDD 305 and loads each of the above units on the main storage device. As a result, each of the above parts is generated on the main storage device.

The display control unit 341 controls the display operation in the display unit 315 and the information display unit 327.

The input receiving unit 342 receives various inputs from the touch panel 316, the scanner 317, the card reader 318, the change machine 320, the hand scanner 328, and the like.

The image capture unit 343 captures the captured image of the camera 303 onto the work memory of the control unit 41. Frame images are sequentially captured on the work memory according to the image pickup rate of the camera 303.

The code reading unit 344 detects the code symbol from the captured image captured by the image capturing unit 343, and reads the information contained in the code symbol. Specifically, the code reading unit 344 reads the accounting number from the code symbol 71 of the accounting label 70 attached to the basket 80. That is, the code reading unit 344 functions as an example of the reading means for reading the accounting identification information.

The data communication unit 345 controls data communication between the communication I / F 313 and the accounting server 6 connected via the network NT.

The accounting processing unit 346 (means for reading accounting information) inquires the accounting server 6 of the accounting number read from the code symbol 71 by the code reading unit 344, and inputs the accounting data corresponding to the accounting number from the accounting data file 672 of the accounting server 6. Read. Then, the accounting processing unit 346 (accounting means) performs accounting processing on the total amount included in the read accounting data by the settlement method selected by the customer via the touch panel 316. That is, in the case of cash settlement, the change machine 320 is controlled to count the amount of money deposited from the coin slot 323 or the bill slot 321 to calculate the fishing, and then the coin for the change is used in the coin withdrawal section 324. Alternatively, withdraw from the bill withdrawal port 322. In the case of credit card payment, the card information is read from the card reader 318, sent to the payment server together with the payment amount, and the payment process is performed.

Further, the accounting processing unit 346 (accounting processing status management means) outputs information indicating that the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting number is completed to the accounting data file 672 of the accounting server 6 after the accounting processing is completed. As an example of the information indicating that the accounting process is completed, it is assumed that a flag indicating the end of the accounting process is set in the accounting data file 672, and if the flag value is 0, which is the initial value, the accounting process is unaccounted and the flag value is set. If is 1, it can be assumed that the accounting process has already been completed.

The error output unit 347 (error output means) outputs an error in the accounting data file 672, assuming that the accounting process has already been completed if the flag value corresponding to the accounting number read by the code reading unit 344 is 1. Perform processing. In the error output process, the error output unit 347 lights the light emitting unit 326 in red, displays information for notifying the occurrence of an error on the information display unit 327, and notifies the attendant clerk or the like of the occurrence of the error. Further, the error output unit 347 displays and outputs a warning message to the display 315 to the effect that the read accounting label 70 has already been used.

The error output destination is not limited to the above, and the error output unit 347 outputs the accounting number and the error information to the accounting server 6 and identifies the output source accounting device 3 on the display 66 of the accounting server 6. Information, accounting numbers, and error status may be displayed and output. The accounting server 6 may record the error status in the accounting data file 672 based on the received error information.

Next, the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the accounting server 6 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the accounting server 6. The accounting server 6 includes a control unit 61 having a computer configuration including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. Further, an operation unit 65 such as a keyboard, a display 66, and an HDD 67 are connected to the control unit 61 via a bus 62 and an I / O device control unit 64. The control unit 61 performs data communication with the registration device 2, the accounting device 3, and the monitoring device 4 via the communication I / F 63 and the network NT.

The HDD 67 stores the program 671 executed by the control unit 61 and the accounting data file 672. The accounting data file 672 (accounting information storage means) is a data file that stores the accounting number received from the registration device 2 in association with the accounting data.

Next, the program 671 executed by the accounting server 6 will be described.

The program 671 executed by the accounting server 6 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the HDD 67 in advance. The program 671 executed by the accounting server 6 of the present embodiment is a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD, which is a file in an installable format or an executable format and can be read by a computer. It may be configured to be recorded and provided in.

Further, the program 671 executed by the accounting server 6 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program 671 executed by the accounting server 6 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 9, the program 671 has a modular configuration including a communication control unit 611 and an accounting data management unit 612. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 61 reads the program 671 from the HDD 67 and loads each of the above units on the main storage device. As a result, each of the above parts is generated on the main storage device.

The communication control unit 611 controls data communication between the communication I / F 63 and the registration device 2, the accounting device 3, and the monitoring device 4 connected via the network NT.

The accounting data management unit 612 functions as an accounting information management means for storing the accounting number and the accounting data transmitted by the registration device 2 in the accounting data file 672 in association with each other.

Next, the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the monitoring device 4 will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the monitoring device 4. The monitoring device 4 includes a control unit 41 having a computer configuration including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. Further, the camera 45, the warning light 46, and the speaker 47 are connected to the control unit 41 via the bus 42 and the I / O device control unit 44. The control unit 41 performs data communication with the accounting server 6 via the communication I / F 43 and the network NT.

Next, the program executed by the monitoring device 4 will be described.

The program executed by the monitoring device 4 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the ROM of the control unit 41 in advance. The program executed by the monitoring device 4 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD that can be read by a computer. It may be configured to be recorded and provided.

Further, the program executed by the monitoring device 4 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program executed by the monitoring device 4 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 10, the program executed by the monitoring device 4 has a modular configuration including an image acquisition unit 411, a code reading unit 412, an accounting status inquiry unit 413, and an error output unit 414. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 41 reads a program from the ROM and loads each unit on the main storage device. As a result, each of the above parts is generated on the main storage device.

The image capture unit 411 captures the captured image of the camera 45 on the work memory of the control unit 41. Frame images are sequentially captured on the work memory according to the image pickup rate of the camera 45.

The code reading unit 412 detects the code symbol from the captured image captured by the image capturing unit 411 and reads the information contained in the code symbol. Specifically, the code reading unit 412 reads the accounting number from the code symbol 71 of the accounting label 70 attached to the basket 80. That is, the code reading unit 412 functions as an example of the reading means for reading the accounting identification information.

The accounting status inquiry unit 413 inquires the accounting server 6 about the flag value corresponding to the accounting number read by the code reading unit 412, and inquires about the accounting status, that is, whether or not the accounting process has already been completed.

The error output unit 414 (error output means) detects fraudulent activity and outputs an error when the basket 80 containing the unaccounted goods is taken out of the accounting area 60 (see FIG. 1). That is, if the flag value corresponding to the accounting number read by the code reading unit 412 is 0 in the accounting data file 672, the error output unit 414 performs the error output processing assuming that the accounting processing has not been completed yet. .. In the error output process, the error output unit 414 turns on the warning light 46 to notify the attendant clerk and the like of the occurrence of the error. Further, the error output unit 414 controls the speaker 47 and outputs a warning message to the effect that the read accounting label 70 has already been used.

The error output unit 414 may notify the accounting server 6 of the accounting number in which the error has occurred, and the accounting server 6 may record the error content of the accounting number in the accounting data file 672.

Next, an operation example of the accounting system 100 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the accounting data file update process executed by the registration device 2 and the accounting server 6.

The registration device 2 performs a product registration process (step S1). That is, the display control unit 151 displays the registration screen on the operator display 114. The input receiving unit 152 accepts the input of the product code via the scanner 111 or the touch panel 113. The registration unit 153 reads the product information corresponding to the product code from the PLU file F1 and calculates the subtotal amount.

When the operation of the current total key 1151 of the operation unit 115 is accepted (step S2: Yes), the registration unit 153 calculates the total amount of money for the transaction, and the display control unit 151 calculates the total amount of money on the operator display 114 and the customer. It is displayed on the display device 117 (step S3). While the operation of the current total key 1151 is not accepted (step S2: No), the process returns to step S1 and the product registration is continued. When the input receiving unit 152 accepts the operation of the confirmation key 1152 (step S4: Yes), the registration unit 153 generates sales data including product information of the product for sale, the total amount, etc., and registers it in the sales file F2 (step S5). ). If step S4: No, the process returns to step S1.

In addition, the registration unit 153 generates accounting data including product information of all products registered in the transaction, total amount of money for the transaction, identification information of the registration device 2, clerk information for identifying the clerk in charge, and the like ( Step S6). In addition, the registration unit 153 issues an accounting number that specifies the accounting data (step S7). The data communication unit 154 associates the accounting number with the accounting data and transmits the accounting data to the accounting server 6 (step S8).

Then, the code symbol generation unit 155 of the registration device 2 generates a code symbol including the accounting number (step S9). The print control unit 156 controls the printer 116 to print the code symbol generated in step S9, and issues the accounting label 70 (step S10). The operator attaches the accounting label 70 to the basket 80 (see FIG. 4) containing the registered products, and informs the customer to perform accounting processing with the accounting device 3. The registration device 2 shifts to the product registration (step S1) of the next customer.

In the accounting server 6, the communication control unit 611 receives the accounting number and accounting data transmitted by the registration device 2 in step S8 (step S11). The accounting data management unit 612 associates the accounting number received in step S11 with the accounting data and stores it in the accounting data file 672. As a result, the accounting data management unit 612 updates the accounting data file 672 (step S12).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the accounting data file update process executed by the accounting apparatus 3 and the accounting server 6.

The customer takes the basket 80 to which the accounting label 70 is affixed, moves to an empty accounting device 3, and places the basket 80 on the mounting table 329 of the accounting device 3. In the accounting device 3, the image capture unit 343 captures the captured image of the camera 303. While the code symbol is not detected in the captured image (step S21: No), the process returns to step S21 to continue the code symbol detection process.

When the code symbol is detected in the captured image (step S21: Yes), the code reading unit 344 decodes the code symbol and reads the information. When the accounting number is read from the code symbol (step S22: Yes), the accounting number is transmitted to the accounting server 6 and the accounting data is inquired (step S23). If the information read from the code symbol is information other than the accounting number (step S22: No), the process returns to step S21 to continue detecting the code symbol.

The accounting data management unit 612 of the accounting server 6 reads the accounting data corresponding to the accounting number inquired from the accounting device 3 and the flag value indicating the presence or absence of accounting from the accounting data file 672, and causes the inquiry source accounting device 3 to read the accounting data. Respond for transmission (step S31).

If the flag value of the accounting processing unit 346 of the accounting device 3 is 1 (step S24: No). It is determined that the accounting has already been accounted for and that the appropriate accounting label 70 has not been read. The error output unit 347 lights the light emitting unit 326 in the warning mode, displays the error content on the information display unit 327, and outputs an error (step S25).

On the other hand, if the flag value is 0 (step S24: Yes), the accounting is unaccounted and the appropriate accounting label 70 is read. In this case, the display control unit 341 of the accounting device 3 displays the total amount on the display 315 based on the accounting data received from the accounting server 6. Further, the accounting processing unit 346 performs accounting processing by the settlement method selected by the customer from the operation unit 115 (step S26). If the accounting process is completed normally (step S27: Yes), the accounting processing unit 346 generates receipt data based on the accounting data, prints the receipt by the printer 319, and issues it from the receipt issuing port 319a (step S28). .. Further, the accounting processing unit 346 notifies the accounting server 6 of the information indicating that the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting number has been completed (step S29). The accounting data management unit 612 of the accounting server 6 changes the flag value corresponding to the accounting number in the accounting data file 672 to 1 and updates the accounting data file 672 (step S32).

On the other hand, if the accounting process is not completed even after a predetermined time (step S27: No), the error output unit 347 lights the light emitting unit 326 in the caution mode, displays the error content on the information display unit 327, and outputs an error. (Step S30).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the monitoring process executed by the monitoring device 4 and the accounting server 6.

The customer who has completed the accounting process passes between the gates of the monitoring device 4 when leaving the accounting area 60 and moving to the packing space. The image capture unit 411 of the monitoring device 4 captures the captured image of the camera 45. While the code symbol is not detected in the captured image (step S41: No), the process returns to step S41 to continue the code symbol detection process.

When the code symbol is detected in the captured image (step S41: Yes), the code reading unit 412 decodes the code symbol and reads the information. When the accounting number is read from the code symbol (step S42: Yes), the accounting status inquiry unit 413 transmits the accounting number to the accounting server 6 and inquires about the accounting status (step S43). If the information read from the code symbol is information other than the accounting number (step S42: No), the process returns to step S41 to continue detecting the code symbol.

The accounting data management unit 612 of the accounting server 6 reads the flag value of the inquired accounting number from the accounting data file 672 and sends and responds to the monitoring device 4 of the inquiry source (step S51). If the flag value is 1, the accounting status inquiry unit 413 of the monitoring device 4 assumes that the goods in the basket 80 have been paid, that is, the accounting processing has been completed normally (step S44: Yes), and outputs an error. The process returns to step S41 and the monitoring process is continued. On the other hand, if the flag value is 0, the error output unit 414 performs error output processing (step S45), assuming that the product in the basket 80 has not been paid (step S44: No). That is, the error output unit 414 turns on the warning light 46 and outputs a warning message and a warning sound from the speaker 47.

(Other aspects)
Example of using RFID tag In the above, the registration device 2 prints the code symbol 71 including the accounting number on the accounting label 70, and uses the accounting label 70 as a recording medium for recording and holding the accounting identification information. Accounting identification information may be recorded and retained on a recording medium. For example, a recording medium such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag may be used. In this case, the RFID tag is attached to the basket 80, and the registration device 2 uses an RFID reader / writer to write the accounting number on the RFID tag of the basket 80 via short-range wireless communication.

The accounting device 3 is provided with an RFID reader / writer at a position corresponding to the position of the RFID tag of the basket 80 placed on the mounting table 329 on the mounting table 329 or the side surface 301b of the first housing 301. back. Then, when the basket 80 is placed on the mounting table 329 and the RFID reader / writer reads the accounting number from the RFID tag (another example of the reading means), the accounting device 3 inquires the accounting server 6 for the accounting number and makes an accounting. All you have to do is read the data (other examples of accounting information reading methods).

When the RFID tag is used in this way, the accounting device 3 may include an RFID reader / writer and write information indicating that the accounting process is normally completed in the RFID tag after the accounting process is completed (accounting process status management). Other examples of means). That is, the accounting device 3 (accounting processing status management means) displays information indicating that the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting identification information is completed in the accounting data file 672 of the accounting server 6 and the recording medium after the accounting processing is completed. It suffices to write in at least one of (for example, an RFID tag).

Then, if the information indicating that the accounting process is completed is written in the RFID tag, the accounting device 3 assumes that the contents of the basket to which the RFID tag is attached have already been accounted for, and outputs an error. good.

Further, when the monitoring device 4 is equipped with an RFID reader and detects an RFID tag to which information indicating that the accounting process has been normally completed is not written, it is assumed that the unaccounted product is illegally taken out from the accounting area 60. , Error output may be performed.

-Other Configuration Example of Accounting Device If the configuration of the accounting device 3 described above is referred to as a main body including the first housing 301 and the second housing 302, the main body is the display 315 and the display device 315. It has an insertion slot for payment media (banknotes, coins, credit cards, etc.) and a receipt issuing slot. The configuration of the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment is not limited by the external configuration of the accounting device 3 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Further, the configuration of the accounting device 3 according to the present embodiment is not limited by the type of the payment medium. Further, although it is said that a mounting table 329 for mounting the product registered by the registration device 2 is provided on the side portion (side surface) of the main body, the mounting table is separate from the accounting device 3. In the above, the accounting number may be read from the recording medium attached to the basket on the mounting table.

Further, the side surface portion of the main body, that is, the side surface 301b, is provided with a reading window 304 of the camera 303 as an image pickup means for imaging an article on the mounting table 329, but the installation location of the camera 303 is not limited to this. As another example, in a configuration in which the camera is separate from the accounting device 3, the accounting number may be read from the code symbol included in the captured image of the camera.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide an accounting system and an accounting device capable of improving the efficiency of customer handling in accounting processing.

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.

2 Registration device 3 Accounting device 4 Monitoring device 6 Accounting server 70 Accounting label 71 Code symbol 80 Basket 100 Accounting system 301 First housing 301b Side 303 Camera 304 Reading window 329 Mounting table 672 Accounting data file

Japanese Patent No. 578314

Embodiments of the present invention relate to accounting equipment and programs .

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a program capable of improving the efficiency of customer handling in accounting processing.

The accounting device of the embodiment includes a main body provided with a display, a payment medium insertion port, and a receipt issuing port, a columnar display pole erected on the upper surface of the main body and having an information display unit, and a columnar display pole. From a mounting table provided on the side of the main body and storing a basket for storing products registered by the registration device, and an RFID tag attached to the basket mounted on the above-mentioned table. A reading means that reads accounting identification information that specifies accounting processing, and an accounting server that stores accounting information corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means in an accounting data file in association with accounting identification information and accounting information. The accounting information reading means read from, the accounting means that performs accounting processing using the accounting information read by the accounting information reading means, and the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting identification information is completed after the accounting processing is completed. The accounting means includes an accounting processing status management means for writing information indicating the above in the RFID tag and an error output means for notifying an error by using the information display unit, and the accounting means is based on a reading result of the reading means. If it is determined that the accounting process has already been completed, the accounting process is suppressed, and the error output means displays the information if it is determined that the accounting process has already been completed. Display information to notify the occurrence of an error in the department.

Claims (6)

Equipped with a registration device, an accounting server, and an accounting device,
The registration device is
Accounting identification information output means that outputs accounting identification information that identifies accounting information on a recording medium,
The accounting information transmitting means for associating the accounting identification information with the accounting information and transmitting the accounting information to the accounting server is provided.
The accounting server
The accounting information management means for storing the accounting identification information and the accounting information transmitted by the registration device in the accounting information storage means in association with each other is provided.
The accounting device is
A reading means for reading the accounting identification information from the recording medium,
An accounting information reading means for reading the accounting information corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means from the accounting information storage means of the accounting server.
An accounting means that performs accounting processing using the accounting information read by the accounting information reading means, and
With the accounting processing status management means for writing information indicating that the accounting processing corresponding to the accounting identification information is completed in at least one of the accounting information storage means and the recording medium of the accounting server after the accounting processing is completed. ,
Accounting system with. The accounting identification information output means of the registration device prints out a code symbol including the accounting identification information on a label, and outputs the code symbol.
The accounting system according to claim 1, wherein the reading means of the accounting device reads the accounting identification information from a code symbol printed on the label. The accounting device is
An error output means for outputting an error is further provided if the accounting process corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means has already been completed based on at least one of the accounting information storage means and the recording medium. , The accounting system according to claim 1 or 2. The accounting system further comprises a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device is
A reading means for reading the accounting identification information from the recording medium,
An error output means for outputting an error if the accounting process corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means is not completed based on at least one of the accounting information storage means and the recording medium. The accounting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The accounting identification information output means of the registration device writes the accounting identification information on the RFID tag by short-range wireless communication.
The reading means of the accounting device reads the accounting identification information from the RFID tag and reads the accounting identification information.
After the accounting process is completed, the accounting processing status management means of the accounting device writes information indicating that the accounting process is completed on the RFID tag.
4. The error output means of the monitoring device reads the accounting identification information from the RFID tag, but outputs an error when the RFID tag cannot read the information indicating that the accounting process is completed. The accounting system described in. A main body equipped with a display, a payment medium insertion slot, and a receipt issuing slot,
A mounting table provided on the side of the main body and on which products registered by the registration device are placed.
An imaging means provided on the side surface of the main body and for imaging an article on the above-mentioned table.
A reading means that reads accounting identification information that specifies accounting processing from a code symbol included in an image captured by the imaging means.
An accounting information reading means that reads accounting information corresponding to the accounting identification information read by the reading means from an accounting server that stores the accounting identification information in association with the accounting information.
An accounting means that performs accounting processing using the accounting information read by the accounting information reading means, and
Accounting equipment equipped with.

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