JP2022079488A - Commodity sales data processing system, registration apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of customer handling in a commodity sales data processing system provided with a registration device and a settlement device.

SOLUTION: The commodity sales data processing system includes a registration device for executing commodity registration processing according to the operation of a store clerk and a plurality of settlement devices for executing settlement processing based on settlement information on which the registration result of the commodity by the registration device is reflected according to the operation of the customer, and settlement device specifying means for specifying the settlement device to execute the settlement processing according to one transaction at the timing before the commodity registration processing corresponding to the one transaction is completed in the registration device.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system, a registration device and a program.

A registration device that executes a product registration process according to an operation performed by a clerk and a settlement device that executes a settlement process according to a product registration process executed by the registration device according to a customer's operation are individually provided. A checkout system (product sales data processing system) is known. In such a product sales data processing system, when the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed by the registration device, for example, by a subtotal operation, the settlement device is started to start the settlement process for the same transaction. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).
In such a product sales data processing system, after the product registration process is completed by the registration device, the customer makes a payment by the payment device. That is, on the registration device side, the clerk may sequentially perform operations according to product registration according to each transaction, and may not perform operations according to settlement. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of customer handling as compared with the case where a clerk performs operations according to product registration and settlement for each transaction, for example, with one POS register.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-16412

However, in a product sales data processing system including a registration device and a settlement device, for example, when there are many products to be purchased in one transaction, it takes time to register the product with the registration device. For this reason, for example, even though there is a payment device that is not used by the customer, the customer may be stuck in the registration device. In the product sales data processing system equipped with the registration device and the settlement device, there is still room for improving the efficiency of customer handling.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of customer handling in a product sales data processing system including a registration device and a settlement device.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a registration device that executes a product registration process in response to an operation of a clerk, and a settlement process based on settlement information that reflects the result of product registration by the registration device. It is a product sales data processing system equipped with a settlement device that is executed according to a customer's operation, and the settlement according to the one transaction is performed at the timing before the product registration process corresponding to the one transaction is completed by the registration device. It is a product sales data processing system provided with a settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device to execute processing.

One aspect of the present invention is a registration device that executes a product registration process in response to an operation of a store clerk, and registers a product according to the transaction at a timing before the product registration process corresponding to the transaction is completed. It is a registration device provided with a settlement device designating means for designating a settlement device for executing a settlement process based on settlement information reflecting a result from among a plurality of settlement devices.

Further, one aspect of the present invention is a registration device that executes a product registration process according to the operation of a clerk, and a settlement process based on settlement information that reflects the product registration result by the registration device according to the customer's operation. The computer as a predetermined device provided in the product sales data processing system including the settlement device to be executed was accepted for the one transaction at the timing before the product registration process for the one transaction was completed by the registration device. It is a program for functioning as a settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device to execute a settlement process.

One aspect of the present invention is to use a computer as a registration device that executes a product registration process according to the operation of a store clerk, at a timing before the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed, to the product corresponding to the one transaction. It is a program for functioning as a settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device from among a plurality of settlement devices, which should execute a settlement process based on the settlement information reflecting the registration result.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of customer handling for a product sales data processing system including a registration device and a settlement device.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the POS system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the appearance example of the registration apparatus and the settlement apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the registration apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the settlement apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the settlement device designation screen in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the settlement screen in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the settlement device designation screen in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the processing procedure executed by the registration apparatus and the settlement apparatus in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a POS system 1 (an example of a product sales data processing system) according to the present embodiment. The POS system 1 shown in the figure includes a management device 10, two registration devices 20-1, 20-2, and three settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3.
In the following description, when the registration devices 20-1 and 20-2 are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as the registration device 20. Further, when the settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 are not particularly distinguished, they are referred to as the settlement device 30.
The management device 10, the registration device 20, and the settlement device 30 are connected to each other by a wired or wirelessly connected LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in the figure is an example. For example, in the POS system 1, the number of the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 installed is not particularly limited, and may be one or more for each. Further, the POS system 1 of the present embodiment may be configured not to include the management device 10.
If the configuration of the POS system 1 does not include the management device 10, the management device 10 may be added to another device (for example, one registration device 20 that is representative of the plurality of registration devices 20). May be combined with the function as.

The management device 10 is an information processing device that manages the POS system 1, manages the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 in the POS system 1, and manages various information such as a product master. The management device 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master to the registration device 20 and each settlement device 30. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name (product name, item name), selling price, and discount information of each product.
The management device 10 acquires a product master reflecting the latest product information from an external device (for example, a server of the headquarters or a removable storage medium) and appropriately transmits the product master to the registration device 20 and each settlement device 30.

The registration device 20 executes a product registration process for registering a product to be purchased. The operation of registering a product (product registration operation) is performed, for example, as an operation of scanning a barcode attached to the product using a scanner, an operation of a preset button displayed on the product registration screen, or the like. By such a product registration operation, for example, product identification information is input to the registration device 20, and the registration device 20 acquires product information corresponding to the input product identification information.
Further, the registration device 20 generates and stores information (hereinafter referred to as settlement information) used for settlement of the products registered corresponding to each transaction.

The settlement information includes transaction identification information that identifies the corresponding transaction, settlement information identification information that identifies the settlement information, registration date and time, product identification information of each registered product, product name of each registered product, and selling price. It may include discount information, the number of transaction points indicating the number of products to be purchased (number of purchase points), and the total amount of products to be purchased (total amount). Further, the settlement information may further include registration device identification information for identifying the registration device 20 that generated the settlement information (that is, the registration device 20 that registered the product related to the settlement information). As described above, the settlement information has the content that reflects the product registration processing result corresponding to one transaction.

The settlement information is used for the settlement process in the settlement apparatus 30. The settlement process is a process of selectively paying and settling the price of a registered product using cash, electronic money, a credit card, or the like.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of settlement devices 30 are installed, and any one of the plurality of settlement devices 30 executes the settlement process using the settlement information generated by the registration device 20. Among the plurality of payment devices 30, examples of the mode for designating the payment device 30 to execute the payment processing include the following first designation mode and second designation mode.

The first designation mode is a mode in which the clerk designates the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process by the registration device 20.
That is, the store clerk designates the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process from among the plurality of settlement devices 30 by performing the operation of designating the settlement device 30 on the registration device 20.
The registration device 20 displays the operation information indicating the operation status of each settlement device 30, and the registration device 20 confirms the operation status of each settlement device 30 when the store clerk designates the settlement device 30. You may be able to do it.

When the clerk designates the settlement device 30, the settlement information generated by the registration device 20 is transmitted to the designated settlement device 30 via the LAN 11. That is, when the settlement device 30 is designated after the product registration process, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement information reflecting the result of the product registration process to the designated settlement device 30.
In the present embodiment, the registration device 20 directly transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 30, but the settlement information may be transmitted to the settlement device 30 via the management device 10.

Further, in the second designation mode, a medium for settlement processing (accounting ticket (registered trademark)) is issued from the registration device 20, and the customer reads the accounting ticket handed by the clerk to one settlement device 30. It is an aspect to make.
That is, the customer designates the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process from among the plurality of settlement devices 30 by having the settlement device 30 read the accounting ticket handed over by the clerk.
The registration device identification information and settlement information indicating the issuer's registration device 20 are printed (printed) on the accounting ticket in the form of either a barcode (one-dimensional code) or a two-dimensional code. .. When the checkout device 30 reads the code of the checkout ticket, the checkout device 30 acquires the checkout information indicated by the read code.

The settlement device 30 executes the settlement process according to the operation of the customer. Further, when the settlement device 30 finishes the settlement process, the settlement device 20 notifies the registration device 20 of the end of the settlement process.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the registration device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a storage unit 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, a store clerk display unit 205, and a customer display. A unit 205a, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, a buzzer 208, a printing unit 209, and a card reader 210 are provided. These can communicate with each other via the bus.

The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the registration device 20 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 202.
The storage unit 202 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 201, and stores various information used by the CPU 201 including a program.

The RAM 203 is the main storage device of the CPU 201 and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores a product master acquired from the management device 10, settlement information generated after the product registration process, and the like.
The scanner unit 204 optically reads a barcode (product code) attached to the product.

The clerk display unit 205 is a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information for the clerk.
For example, the clerk display unit 205 displays a product registration screen or the like in which preset buttons associated with product information (product code, etc.) are arranged.

The customer display unit 205a displays various information for the customer. For example, the customer display unit 205a displays the price or the like of the registered product. The customer display unit 205a may be a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel).

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

The communication unit 207 communicates with another device via the LAN 11.
The buzzer 208 generates a buzzer sound when it is necessary for a clerk to confirm the operation.
The printing unit 209 prints and publishes the medium as needed. For example, the printing unit 209 can print and issue a bill.

The card reader 210 is, for example, a device that reads information from an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag in the form of an IC (Integrated Circuit) card.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the registration device 20 including the scanner unit 204, the store clerk display unit 205, the operation unit 206, the printing unit 209, and the card reader 210.

As shown in FIG. 4, the settlement device 30 includes a CPU 301, a storage unit 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, and a printing unit 309. , A settlement unit 310, a barber's pole 311, a human detection sensor 312, and a card reader 313. These can communicate with each other via the bus.

The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the settlement device 30 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 302.
The storage unit 302 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 301, and stores various information used by the CPU 301 including a program.

The RAM 303 is the main storage device of the CPU 301 and stores various information. For example, the RAM 303 stores the product master acquired from the management device 10 and the settlement processing information reflecting the result of executing the settlement process based on the settlement information acquired from the registration device 20.
The scanner unit 304 optically reads, for example, a code (bar code or two-dimensional code) printed on a checkout ticket or a code (membership code) attached to a membership card or the like.

The display unit 305 is a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information. For example, the display unit 305 displays a settlement screen on which the total amount and the like are displayed.

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

The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11.
When an error or the like occurs, the buzzer 308 generates a buzzer sound for notifying the error.
The printing unit 309 prints the medium and issues it. For example, when the settlement process (that is, the settlement of the purchase price of the product) is completed, the printing unit 309 prints and issues the settlement receipt that the customer brings back.

The settlement unit 310 performs processing related to settlement (settlement). As an example of the type of payment that can be handled by the payment unit 310 in the present embodiment, there is a case where at least one of cash payment, payment by using a credit card, and payment by using electronic money is used. Listed in.
The settlement unit 310 is provided with a change machine in order to support settlement by cash. The change machine is provided with a bill insertion slot for inserting and discharging bills, a coin insertion slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection port for discharging change. The settlement unit 310 executes the settlement by cash by the change machine, and outputs the result of executing the settlement (for example, information indicating whether or not the settlement is successful) to the CPU 301 via the bus.
Further, when the payment is made by using a credit card, the payment unit 310 is provided with a credit card reader and performs payment processing using the information read by the credit card reader.
Further, when dealing with payment by using electronic money, the payment unit 310 is provided with an electronic money reader and performs payment processing using the information read by the electronic money reader.

The barber's pole 311 has a plurality of color indicator lights, and by turning on or blinking these indicator lights, it is possible to notify or operate information indicating that the checkout device 30 is a device designated by a clerk. Notify that there is.
The human detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects that a person (customer) is within a predetermined range in front of the settlement device 30.
The detection output of the human detection sensor 312 indicates whether or not a person has approached the own machine when, for example, the settlement device 30 automatically displays the settlement screen in response to the person approaching the own machine. Used to determine. However, the settlement device 30 may display, for example, the settlement screen in response to, for example, reception of settlement information or reading of a barcode printed on a checkout ticket. In this case, a person is detected. The sensor 312 may be omitted.

The card reader 313 is, for example, a device that reads information from an RFID tag in the form of an IC card.

FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of a payment device 30 including a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a printing unit 309, a payment unit 310, a barber's pole 311 and a card reader 313.

In the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process for the same one transaction is designated at the timing before the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed in the registration device 20, before the registration is completed. It is possible to specify the settlement. Hereinafter, the pre-registration settlement designation in the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the case where the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process is specified according to the above-mentioned first designation mode will be given as an example.

The clerk who operates the registration device 20 performs a subtotal operation when the registration operation for all the purchased products corresponding to one transaction is completed. In response to the subtotal operation, the registration device 20 completes the product registration process corresponding to one transaction.
In this way, when the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed, the registration device 20 causes the salesperson display unit 205 to display the settlement device designation screen. The settlement device designation screen displayed in this way is a screen on which an operation for designating the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process according to the product registration process to be executed next is performed. Hereinafter, the operation of designating the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process is also described as a settlement device designation operation.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a settlement device designation screen displayed on the clerk display unit 205 after the completion of the product registration process corresponding to one transaction.
The settlement device designation screen WD1 is displayed, for example, in the form of a window arranged so as to be superimposed on the product registration screen corresponding to the product registration operation corresponding to the next transaction.
First, the product registration screen displayed in the background of the settlement device designation screen WD1 in the figure will be described.
The product registration screen in the figure has a structure in which sheets (product registration sheets) showing the corresponding product registration contents for each transaction are stacked. Each product registration sheet has a tab (product registration tab: an example of a heading area). In the figure, three product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, and TAB1-3 are displayed. The product registration screen in the figure has a structure in which these three product registration sheets are stacked.
Numbers indicating registration order numbers are displayed on the product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, and TAB1-3. The registration order number indicates the order in which the registration of the products is started. In the figure, the registration order numbers "1", "2", and "3" are displayed on the product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, and TAB1-3, respectively. This means that the order in which the product registration is started is the order of the transaction corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-1, the transaction corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-2, and the transaction corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-3. Is shown.
In the following description, when individual product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, TAB1-3, etc. are not particularly distinguished, they are described as product registration tabs TAB1.

The fact that the three product registration tabs TAB1 are displayed as shown in the figure indicates that there are three transactions for which product registration has not yet been completed (during product registration) in the registration device 20. The clerk can perform an operation on the product registration sheet arranged in the foreground among these three product registration sheets to register the product for the corresponding transaction. For transactions corresponding to the product registration sheet placed below the front, the product registration is suspended.
By performing an operation (touch operation) on the product registration tab TAB1, the clerk moves the product registration sheet with the operated product registration tab TAB1 to the front, and corresponds to the product registration sheet moved to the front. It is possible to register the product of the transaction to be carried out. That is, the clerk selects the product registration sheet corresponding to any one transaction from among the transactions being registered for a plurality of products by operating the product registration tab TAB1, and corresponds to the active product registration sheet. You can perform product registration operations in transactions.

In the figure, the state in which the product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-1 is displayed in the foreground is shown. In the product registration sheet displayed in the foreground, the product button area AR10 is arranged. In the product button area AR10, a corresponding product button is arranged for each product. On the product button, for example, a product name indicating a corresponding product is displayed.
The clerk can specify the product to be registered by operating the product button in the product registration operation. The clerk can sequentially register the products by operating the corresponding product buttons for each purchased product.

On the product registration screen, the registered product list area AR11, the registered product area AR12, and the total amount area AR13 are arranged. The registered product list area AR11 is an area showing the breakdown of the products registered up to the present time in one transaction. The registered product area AR12 is an area showing information about the last registered product in one transaction. The total amount area AR13 is an area showing the total number of products registered so far in one transaction and the total amount.

The product registration operation corresponding to the product registration sheet in the figure has not been started yet. Therefore, the registered product list area AR11 does not show information about the registered products. Also in the registered product area AR12, the information regarding the last registered product is not shown, and the price of the product is shown as 0 yen. In the total amount area AR13, the total number of products registered so far is "0", and the total amount is also shown as 0 yen.

Further, on the product registration screen, payment device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2, and BT1-3 are arranged. Settlement device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2, and BT1-3 correspond to the settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3, respectively, and are buttons for performing a settlement device designation operation. In the case of the present embodiment, the settlement device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2, and BT1-3 are used when the settlement device designation operation is performed at the stage when the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed.
When the settlement device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2, and BT1-3 are not particularly distinguished, they are described as the settlement device designation button BT1.

In addition, the settlement device designation button BT1 displays the settlement device status indicating the current status of the corresponding settlement device 30. In the figure, an example is shown in which the settlement device status display is performed by the badge BG arranged for each settlement device designation button BT1.
Specifically, an example in which the badge BG displayed as "standby" is arranged is shown on the settlement device designation button BT1-1 in the figure. The state of the settlement device designation button BT1-1 indicates that the settlement device 30-1 is in a standby state waiting for the start of the settlement process. That is, the settlement device 30-1 at this time is in a state in which the settlement-related operation has not been started and the settlement instruction information has not been received.
In the figure, the badge BG displayed as "standby" is also arranged on the settlement device designation button BT1-2, indicating that the settlement device 30-1 is in the standby state.
Further, an example in which the badge BG displayed as "in use" is arranged on the settlement device designation button BT1-3 is shown. Further, a diagonal line is drawn with respect to the character "Settlement machine 3" in the settlement device designation button BT1-3. The state of the settlement device designation button BT1-3 indicates that the settlement device 30-3 is executing the settlement process based on the settlement information acquired by receiving the settlement instruction information according to the operation of the customer.
It should be noted that, for example, the color, pattern, etc. of the settlement device designation button BT1 itself may be displayed so as to be changed according to the state of the settlement device 30 as described above.

Depending on the settlement device status display, various states other than the above-mentioned "standby" and "in use" such as near-end, near-full, and failure may also be indicated. The settlement device status display is displayed by a mode other than the badge BG, such as displaying by characters or icons so that it fits in the settlement device designation button BT1 or displaying it in an area different from the settlement device designation button BT1. May be done.

As for the display regarding the state of each settlement device 30 in the registration device 20 as described above, in the POS system 1, the settlement device 30 periodically or responds to inquiries from the registration device 20 and the management device 10 to notify about its own status. It is realized by doing it.

Next, the settlement device designation screen WD1 arranged on the above-mentioned product registration screen will be described. On the settlement device designation screen WD1, the settlement device designation buttons BT2-1, BT2-2, and BT2-3 are arranged together with the display of a message instructing the clerk to perform the settlement device designation operation before starting the product registration operation. Has been done.
The settlement device designation buttons BT2-1, BT2-2, and BT2-3 specify the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process according to the product registration process corresponding to the next transaction to be started as the settlement device designation operation. It is a hotan that is operated. The settlement device designation buttons BT2-1, BT2-2, and BT2-3 in the figure correspond to the settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3, respectively. In the following description, when the settlement device designation buttons BT2-1, BT2-2, and BT2-3 are not particularly distinguished, they are described as the settlement device designation button BT2.

The settlement device designation button BT2 is displayed in an active state in which it can be operated when the corresponding settlement device 30 is in a standby state and can be specified. On the other hand, the settlement device designation button BT2 cannot be operated when the corresponding settlement device 30 is in use or is in a state where it cannot be specified due to a failure or the like, and is displayed in a mode such as gray out.
In the example of the figure, the corresponding settlement device designation buttons BT2-1 and BT2-2 are displayed in an operable active state according to the settlement devices 30-1 and 30-2 in the standby state. There is. On the other hand, since the settlement device 30-3 is in use, the corresponding settlement device designation button BT2-3 is displayed in gray out and cannot be operated.

With the settlement device designation screen WD1 displayed as described above, the clerk waits for the customer who comes to the registration device 20 to receive the next product registration. Then, at the timing when the customer arrives at the registration device 20, the clerk confirms, for example, the distance from the registration device 20 to the checkout device 30, the situation of the store, etc., and responds to the next transaction in response to the checkout device 30-1. , 30-2 to determine which of the following should be used to execute the settlement process. For example, when it is determined that the settlement device 30-1 should execute the settlement process, the clerk operates the settlement device designation button BT2-1 corresponding to the settlement device 30-1.
In this case, the clerk entrusts the purchased product from the customer who came to the registration device 20, and then asks the customer to go to the settlement device 30-1 as it is without waiting for the completion of the product registration process, and the settlement device 30 Tell them to start the settlement operation at -1.
After that, the clerk sequentially performs the operation of registering the purchased products entrusted by the customer. In addition, the customer goes to the checkout device 30-1.

The registration device 20 responds to the operation for the settlement device designation button BT2-1 on the settlement device designation screen WD1 as described above for the settlement device 30-1 corresponding to the settlement device designation button BT2-1. And send the settlement instruction information. In this case, since the product registration process has not been started, the settlement instruction information does not include the settlement information reflecting the product registration result.

When the settlement device 30-1 in the standby state receives the settlement instruction information transmitted from the registration device 20 as described above, the settlement device 30-1 shifts to the settlement processing mode. As a result, the settlement device 30-1 is in a state of being able to accept the settlement operation by the customer, and is also in a state of being able to accept the reception of the product registration information transmitted from the registration device 20.
Thereby, in the present embodiment, the product registration operation of the clerk for the registration device 20 and the customer settlement operation for the settlement device 30 can be performed in parallel in response to the same transaction.

In this case, when the store clerk performs the product registration operation corresponding to each product, the registration device 20 sequentially transmits the product registration information corresponding to each registered product to the settlement device 30-1. The settlement device 30-1 uses the received product registration information to generate settlement information that reflects the result of the product registration process that has been executed on the registration device side so far. At this time, the settlement device 30-1 updates the settlement information so that the contents of the received product registration information are additionally reflected each time the product registration information is received.

The settlement device 30-1 receives an operation corresponding to the settlement by the customer and executes the settlement process. Further, the settlement device 30-1 causes the display unit 305 to display the settlement screen corresponding to the settlement process.
FIG. 6 shows an example of the settlement screen displayed by the settlement device 30-1. The figure shows an example of a settlement screen when cash payment is made.
On the settlement screen of the figure, the registered number area AR31, the total amount area AR32, the deposit amount area AR33, the change amount area AR34, and the registered product list area AR35 are arranged.
The registered number area AR31 is an area indicating the number of products registered by the registration device 20 so far.
The total price area AR32 is an area showing the total price of the products registered by the registration device 20 so far.

As a settlement operation when making a payment in cash, the customer can perform an operation of inserting money for payment into the settlement device 30. The inserted money is managed as a deposit by the settlement device 30. The deposit amount area AR33 is an area showing the amount of money (deposit amount) deposited as deposits up to the present time.

The change amount area AR34 is an area showing the amount of change (change amount) calculated at the present time. The change amount is calculated by subtracting the total amount from the deposit amount.
The registered product list area AR35 is an area in which the product list registered by the registration device 20 up to the present time is displayed. The registered product list area AR35 grasps the breakdown of the products registered by the registration device 20 so far. In the list items of the registered product list area AR35, the order of registration, the product name, the number of purchased products, and the price are shown.

In the example of the figure, the registered product list area AR35 shows that the products have been registered in the registration device 20 in the order of one "product A" and one "product B" so far. There is. Further, in the registered product list area AR35, it is shown that the prices of one "product A" and "product B" are 800 yen and 1100 yen, respectively. By looking at the registered product list area AR35, the customer can grasp the breakdown of the products registered by the registration device 20 up to the present time.
Further, in the registration number area AR31, it is shown that two products have been registered so far. In the total amount area AR32, it is shown that the total amount is 1900 yen.
In the deposit amount area AR33, it is shown that the deposit amount invested so far is 1000 yen.
In the change amount area AR34, it is shown that the change amount calculated at the present time is -900 yen. In this way, when the deposit amount invested at the present time is less than the total amount, the change amount is represented by a negative value. This makes it easier for the customer to grasp the shortfall amount.

Here, in the registered product list area AR35, the content of the transmitted product registration information is changed by transmitting the product registration information from the registration device 20 in response to the registration of the next product by the registration device 20. It changes to be reflected. That is, the registered product list area AR35 changes so that the list item of the registered product is newly displayed every time the next product is registered in the registration device 20.
As the registered product list area AR35 changes as described above, the number of products shown in the registered product list area AR31 changes so as to increase. Further, in the total amount area AR32, the total amount changes so that the price of the newly registered product is added to the amount displayed so far. Further, the deposit amount displayed in the change amount area AR34 also changes to the amount calculated by the total amount to which the price of the newly registered product is added and the current deposit amount.

The clerk who has completed the product registration with the registration device 20 operates the subtotal. In response to the subtotal operation, the registration device 20 transmits a notification that the product registration process is completed (product registration completion notification) to the settlement device 30-1.
Upon receiving the product registration completion notification, the settlement device 30-1 recognizes that the product registration has been completed by the registration device 20. The fact that the product registration is completed by the registration device 20 means that no further product registration information is transmitted from the registration device 20 to the settlement device 30-1.
Therefore, the settlement device 30-1 notifies the customer that the product registration has been completed by display or voice, and then waits for the deposit amount to be put in by the customer to be equal to or more than the total amount. .. Then, when the deposit amount becomes equal to or more than the total amount, the settlement device 30-1 discharges the money as the change when the change is generated. In addition, the settlement device 30-1 issues a receipt showing the result of the settlement processing so far. In this way, the settlement process is completed in the settlement device 30-1.

The clerk who has completed the product registration puts the product for which the product registration has been completed in a basket, for example, and then puts the product in the product storage area near the registration device 20. The customer who has completed the payment receives the basket placed in the product storage area and replaces it with a shopping bag or the like as necessary.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in response to the same transaction, the product registration performed by the clerk operating the registration device 20 and the payment performed by the customer operating the payment device 30 can be performed in parallel. .. That is, in the present embodiment, the customer does not have to wait for the product registration to be completed in the registration device 20 and perform the payment in the payment device 30. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for accounting from product registration to settlement in one transaction, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of customer handling.

The above description corresponds to the case where there is a settlement device 30 that can be designated as a standby state at the timing when the product registration process corresponding to the previous transaction is completed. However, at the timing when the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed, there is a possibility that any of the settlement devices 30 is in use (during settlement processing) or is in a state of failure and cannot be specified.
In such a case, the registration device 20 does not display the settlement device designation screen WD1 as shown in FIG. 5 at the timing when the product registration process corresponding to the previous transaction is completed, and the product registration corresponding to the next transaction as it is. With the screen displayed, wait for the product registration operation to start. At this time, for example, a display may be provided to notify the clerk that there is no settlement device 30 capable of executing the settlement process at present.

In this case, the clerk may start the product registration operation according to the next transaction in response to the next customer. The registration device 20 starts the product registration process according to the product registration operation.
Then, when the settlement process becomes possible with any of the settlement devices 30 at the timing after the product registration process is started and before the product registration process is completed as described above, the registration device 20 sets the registration device 20 at this timing. Display the checkout device designation screen WD1. That is, in this case, the settlement device designation screen WD1 is displayed during the product registration process.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the mode of the settlement device designation screen WD1 displayed during the product registration process as described above.
As shown in the figure, the settlement device designation screen WD1 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the product registration screen even when it is displayed during the product registration process. In this case, the product registration screen shows the content that reflects the product registration results so far. In the figure, it is shown that one "Product A" having a price of 800 yen is registered.

Further, the payment device designation button BT1 on the product registration screen in the figure is displayed as follows.
That is, the settlement device designation button BT1-1 is in a state in which the badge BG of "in use" is arranged and the characters of "payment machine 1" are shaded. A "standby" badge BG is placed on the checkout device designation button BT1-2. The settlement device designation button BT1-3 is in a state in which the badge BG of "in use" is arranged and the characters of "payment machine 3" are shaded.
The display of each of the above-mentioned settlement device designation button BT1 indicates that the settlement devices 30-1 and 30-3 are in use (the settlement process is in progress), but the settlement device 30-2 is in the standby state.

Depending on the state of the settlement device 30, the settlement device designation button BT2 is displayed on the settlement device designation screen WD1 in the figure as follows. That is, the settlement device designation button BT2-2 corresponding to the settlement device 30-2 is displayed in an operable active state, but the settlement device designation button BT2-1 corresponding to the settlement devices 30-1 and 30-3 is displayed. , BT2-3 are all displayed in gray out and cannot be operated.

Therefore, the clerk in this case operates the checkout device designation button BT2-2. In response to the operation of the settlement device designation button BT2-2, the settlement device designation screen WD1 is erased, the product registration screen becomes active, and the product registration operation can be accepted.
Further, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement instruction information to the settlement device 30-2 in response to the operation of the settlement device designation button BT2-2. The settlement instruction information transmitted during the product registration process includes product registration information for each product registered so far.

The settlement device 30-2, which has received the settlement instruction information, shifts to the settlement processing mode and is in a state where it can accept operations related to settlement from the customer. At this time, the settlement device 30-2 displays a settlement screen that reflects the content of the settlement information generated by the product registration information included in the received settlement instruction information. In correspondence with the example of FIG. 7, the settlement screen displayed on the settlement device 30-2 at the timing immediately after receiving the settlement instruction information displays the contents corresponding to the registration of one "product A". It will be in the state of being done.

Further, the settlement device 30-2 notifies that the POS system 1 has shifted to the settlement processing mode. In response to this notification, the payment device designation button BT1-2 arranged on the product registration screen changes from the mode showing the standby state in the figure to the mode indicating in use (payment processing).

When the clerk operates the settlement device designation button BT2-2 as described above, the clerk guides the customer to go to 30-1 and have the settlement device 30-1 start the settlement operation. In addition, the clerk performs the product registration operation for the remaining products.
As described above, in the present embodiment, even if there is no settlement device 30 in the standby state at the timing before the start of the product registration process, one or more settlement devices 30 are in the standby state during the product registration process. The checkout device designation operation can be performed at the same timing.
Also in this case, after the settlement device designation operation is performed, the product registration performed by the clerk operating the registration device 20 and the settlement process performed by the customer operating the settlement device 30 are performed in parallel. be able to.

An example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device 20 will be described.
Step S101: The registration device 20 is waiting for the product registration process corresponding to the transaction of the previous customer to be completed.
Step S102: When the product registration process of the transaction corresponding to the previous customer is completed, the registration device 20 determines whether or not there is a settlement device 30 in the standby state at present. If there is no settlement device 30 in the standby state, that is, if all the settlement devices 30 cannot be specified, the process proceeds to step S106 described later.

Step S103: When there is a settlement device 30 in a standby state, the registration device 20 corresponds to the next transaction (hereinafter, also referred to as “current transaction”) of the transaction for which the product registration process has been completed in step S101. Display the settlement device designation screen WD1 for the designated operation. On the settlement device designation screen WD1, the settlement device designation button BT2 of the settlement device 30 corresponding to the standby state is displayed in the active state, and the settlement device designation button BT2 of the settlement device 30 which is not in the standby state is not active due to grayout or the like. It is displayed in the state.
Step S104: The registration device 20 receives an operation (settlement device designation operation) performed on the settlement device designation button BT2 in the active state on the settlement device designation screen WD1 displayed in step S103.
Step S105: When the registration device 20 receives the operation performed on the settlement device designation button BT2, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement instruction information to the settlement device 30 corresponding to the operated settlement device designation button BT2.
If the product registration process corresponding to the current transaction has not been started at the timing before the settlement instruction information is transmitted in step S105, the settlement instruction information does not include the product registration information. On the other hand, if the product registration process corresponding to the current transaction has already been started at the timing before the settlement instruction information is transmitted in step S105, the settlement instruction information includes the product registration information.

Step S106: When it is determined in step S102 that there is no settlement device 30 in the standby state, or when it is determined in step S111 that the subtotal operation is not performed, or after the processing in step S105, the registration device. 20 executes the following processing.
That is, the registration device 20 determines whether or not the product registration operation corresponding to the next transaction (hereinafter, also referred to as “current transaction”) of the transaction for which the product registration process has been completed in step S101 has been performed.

Step S107: When the product registration operation is performed, the registration device 20 executes the product registration process according to the product registration operation.
Step S108: The registration device 20 determines whether or not the settlement instruction information corresponding to the current transaction has been transmitted at the present time. When the settlement instruction information corresponding to the current transaction has been transmitted, the settlement device designation screen WD1 displayed as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7 between the completion of the product registration process corresponding to step S101 and the present. The payment device designation operation is being performed for.
Step S109: When the settlement instruction information corresponding to the current transaction has been transmitted, the registration device 20 transmits the product registration information corresponding to the product registration process of this step S107 to the settlement device 30.

Step S110: When it is determined in step S106 that the product registration operation has not been performed, or when it is determined in step S108 that the settlement instruction information has not been transmitted, or after the processing in step S109, the registration device 20 Executes the following processing.
That is, the registration device 20 has not yet transmitted the settlement instruction information (that is, the settlement device designation operation in the current transaction has not been performed), and the settlement device 30 has not been able to be specified until now. It is determined whether or not the situation has changed to the standby state (hereinafter, also referred to as “the settlement device can be specified”).
The situation in which the settlement device can be specified includes a situation in which the settlement instruction information has not been transmitted yet, but all the settlement devices 30 have not changed from the non-designable state. Further, the situation in which the settlement instruction information has already been transmitted corresponds to the situation in which the settlement device can not be specified regardless of the change in the state of the settlement device 30.
When it is determined that the settlement device can be specified, the process is returned to step S103. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the settlement device designation screen WD1 is displayed during the product registration process, and the settlement device designation operation by the clerk becomes possible.

Step S111: On the other hand, when it is determined that the settlement device can be specified, the registration device 20 determines whether or not the subtotal operation corresponding to the current transaction has been performed. If it is determined that the subtotal operation has not been performed, the process is returned to step S106.
Step S112: When the subtotal operation corresponding to the current transaction is performed, the product registration process for the current transaction is completed. In this case, the registration device 20 transmits a product registration completion notification indicating that the product registration process corresponding to the current transaction has been completed to the settlement device 30.

Subsequently, an example of the processing procedure executed by the settlement device 30 will be described.
Step S201: The settlement device 30 waits for the settlement instruction information transmitted from the registration device 20 in step S105 to be received.
Step S202: When the settlement instruction information is received, the settlement device 30 shifts from the standby state to the settlement processing mode, and the display unit 305 starts displaying the settlement screen. When the product registration information is included in the received settlement instruction information at the start of the display of the settlement screen, the settlement device 30 includes the settlement information used for its own settlement processing in the received settlement instruction information. It is generated based on the product registration information that was used. As shown in FIG. 6, the settlement device 30 displays a settlement screen that reflects the contents of the generated settlement information.

Step S203: The settlement device 30 determines whether or not the product registration completion notification transmitted from the registration device 20 by step S112 has been received.
Step S204: If the product registration completion notification is not received, the registration device 20 further determines whether or not the product registration information transmitted from the registration device 20 in step S109 has been received.
Step S205: When the product registration information is received, the settlement device 30 includes the product registration information received corresponding to step S204 in the settlement information. Then, the settlement device 30 calculates the current total amount (current total amount) by adding the price of the product indicated by the product registration information received corresponding to step S204 to the total amount so far. .. The settlement device 30 also calculates the current change amount based on the calculated current total amount and the current deposit amount.

Step S206: The settlement device 30 changes the display on the settlement screen in response to the receipt of the product registration information in step S204.
Specifically, the settlement device 30 changes the number of products displayed in the registration number area AR31 on the settlement screen according to the number of products indicated by the product registration information received in step S204. Further, the settlement device 30 displays the current total amount and the current change amount calculated in step S205 in the total amount area AR32 and the change amount area AR34, respectively. Further, the settlement device 30 adds a list item of the product indicated by the product registration information received in step S204 in the registered product list area AR35.

Step S207: When it is determined in step S203 that the product registration completion notification has been received, or when it is determined in step S204 that the product registration information has been received, or after the processing in step S206, the settlement device 30 executes the following processing.
That is, the settlement device 30 determines whether or not the input of money as the deposit of the deposit by the customer is detected.
If the insertion of money is not detected, the process is returned to step S203.

Step S208: When the insertion of money is detected, the settlement device 30 calculates the current deposit amount (current deposit amount) by adding the amount of the inserted money to the deposit amount so far. .. In addition, the current change amount will change as the current deposit amount changes. Therefore, the settlement device 30 calculates the current change amount using the calculated current deposit amount and the current total amount.

Step S209: The settlement device 30 changes the display on the settlement screen according to the input of money detected in step S207.
Specifically, the settlement device 30 displays the current deposit amount calculated in step S208 in the deposit amount area AR33. Further, the settlement device 30 displays the current deposit amount and the current change amount calculated in step S208 in the deposit amount area AR33 and the change amount area AR34, respectively.

Step S210: After the process of step S209, the settlement device 30 determines whether or not the deposit of the deposit has been completed. Deposit of deposit is completed on condition that the product registration completion notification has been received and the current deposit amount is equal to or greater than the current total amount.
If the deposit has not been completed yet, the process is returned to step S203.
Step S211: When the deposit of the deposit is completed, the settlement device 30 executes the settlement process. The settlement process here includes a process of discharging the money of the change amount calculated by the current deposit amount and the current total amount at the time when the deposit of the deposit is completed as change. It also includes a process of issuing a receipt that reflects the results of the settlement process so far.

<Modification example>
Hereinafter, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described.
[First modification]
In the above embodiment, for the same transaction, the customer can perform the settlement operation on the settlement device 30 in parallel with the product registration operation on the registration device 20. In this case, the customer can grasp how far the clerk in the registration device 20 has registered the product by looking at the display of the registered product list area AR35 on the settlement screen. However, it is not possible to visually grasp the situation in which the product is registered by the clerk, for example, when the customer is registered with the registration device 20.

Therefore, the POS system 1 of this modification is provided with an image pickup device so that the registration device 20 can take an image of the state in which the store clerk is performing the product registration operation. Then, after the settlement instruction information is transmitted from the registration device 20 to the settlement device 30, the captured image captured by the image pickup device is transmitted to the settlement device 30 to which the settlement instruction information is transmitted.
As for the mode of transmitting the captured image, for example, the imaging device may be configured to transmit to the designated checkout device 30 according to the control of the registration device 20. Alternatively, the registration device 20 (may be the management device 10) inputs the captured image captured by the image pickup device, and after the input captured image is transmitted of the settlement instruction information, the settlement device 30 to which the settlement instruction information is transmitted is transmitted. May be sent to.

Although not shown, the settlement device 30 that received the captured image was received together with the registered number area AR31, the total amount area AR32, the deposit amount area AR33, the change amount area AR34, and the registered product list area AR35 on the settlement screen. Display the captured image.
By displaying the captured image on the settlement screen in this way, the customer can visually grasp the state of the product registration operation performed by the customer on the registration device 20.
The display of the captured image on the settlement device 30 may be stopped, for example, when the product registration process is completed on the registration device 20.

Further, in the present modification, an image pickup device is provided so that the state of the customer performing the settlement can be imaged, and the captured image is transmitted to the registration device 20 of the transmission source of the settlement instruction information. good. In this case, the registration device 20 displays the received captured image together with the product registration screen. As a result, the clerk can also visually grasp the state of the customer performing the payment with the payment device 30.

[Second modification]
In a POS system equipped with a registration device and a payment device, it is common that the registration device performs the payment processing corresponding to the payment by using the gift certificate, and the payment device cannot perform the payment processing. .. One of the reasons why the registration device performs the payment process corresponding to the payment by using the gift certificate is that the clerk needs to collect the used gift certificate so that it will not be reused illegally. Can be mentioned.
However, in the present embodiment, when the settlement device cannot perform the settlement process corresponding to the payment by using the gift certificate, the customer who uses the gift certificate must wait until the product registration process is completed. It doesn't become.
Therefore, in this modification, the settlement device 30 enables the settlement process to be performed in response to the payment by using the gift certificate.
However, since the checkout device 30 is operated by the customer, no clerk is resident in the vicinity of the checkout device 30. Therefore, there is a possibility that the gift certificate used for payment is not collected and is illegally reused by the customer.
Therefore, the settlement device 30 of the present embodiment notifies the clerk when executing the settlement process by using the gift certificate. As a mode of notification, for example, the barber's pole 311 may be lit with a predetermined color and pattern. Alternatively, the registration device 20 or the management device 10 may be configured to perform display or voice notification.
By making the notification in this way, the clerk at the store can immediately go to the checkout device 30 and collect the used gift certificate.

[Third modification example]
In the above embodiment, the registration device 20 displays the settlement device designation screen WD1 shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7, and the clerk is configured to perform the settlement device designation operation on the settlement device designation screen WD1. That is, in the above embodiment, the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process is designated by the operation of the clerk.
On the other hand, in this modification, instead of displaying the settlement device designation screen WD1, the registration device 20 determines the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process, and transmits the settlement instruction information to the determined settlement device 30. May be done. In the case of this modification, instead of displaying the settlement device designation screen WD1, for example, a screen for notifying the clerk of which settlement device 30 is designated is displayed.
Further, in the present modification, in determining the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process, for example, in the following fourth modification, the third designation mode, the fifth designation mode, and the seventh designation mode are used. Any designation aspect may be applied.

[Fourth variant]
In the above embodiment, as an embodiment for designating the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process from among the plurality of settlement devices 30, the clerk designates the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process with the registration device 20. (First designated mode) and a mode in which the registration device 20 issues an accounting ticket handed to the customer, and the customer reads the accounting ticket handed by the clerk to one payment device 30 (second designated mode). Designation mode). However, the mode for designating the settlement device 30 is not limited to the above mode. For example, the settlement device 30 may be designated as in the third designated mode to the seventh designated mode below.

As a third designation mode, in response to an operation performed on the checkout device designation button displayed on the clerk display unit 205 in response to the completion of product registration (or an operation for declaring the completion of product registration). The registration device 20 recognizes and uses the settlement device 30 which can perform settlement processing (for example, no failure has occurred and is not in use) by inquiring the settlement device 30 for the status. One settlement device 30 is determined from among the settlement devices 30 that are not in the middle, according to a predetermined rule. Then, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement information to the determined settlement device 30 to instruct the execution of the settlement process.

As a fourth designation mode, the priority of the settlement process is set in advance for the settlement device 30. Then, upon completion of product registration, the display unit 205 for the clerk is displayed so that the operation of the send button instructing the transmission of the settlement information to the settlement device 30 becomes effective. In response to the operation of the send button, the registration device 20 confirms whether or not the settlement device 30 can perform the settlement processing in the order according to the set priority, and the settlement processing is possible. If is not confirmed, the priority is to confirm the next checkout device 30. Then, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 30 which is first confirmed to be capable of the settlement process, and instructs the execution of the settlement process.

The priority of the settlement device 30 according to the predetermined rule in the third designated embodiment or the settlement device 30 in the fourth designated embodiment is determined based on, for example, the number assigned to the settlement device 30. It's okay. Alternatively, it may be determined based on the distance from the registration device 20 to the checkout device 30. Alternatively, it may be determined based on the relationship between the breakdown of the denomination of change predicted based on the total amount and the number of coins stored in the change machine of the settlement device 30 for each denomination.

As a fifth designation mode, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement information to all the settlement devices 30. When the settlement device 30 that has received the settlement information becomes in a state where the settlement process can be executed by using the settlement information included in the settlement information received by itself, the settlement process execution notification that the self notifies that the settlement process is executed. Is transmitted to the registration device 20 of the transmission source of the settlement information.
The registration device 20 displays (settlement process execution display) indicating the settlement device 30 to which the settlement process execution notification is transmitted in response to the receipt of the settlement process execution notification. The clerk may look at the settlement process execution display and tell the customer which settlement device 30 executes the settlement process.
At this time, along with the settlement processing execution display, the sign pole 311 of the settlement device 30 that has transmitted the settlement processing execution notification is turned on in a predetermined pattern, or the settlement device 30 outputs a predetermined notification sound, so that the self can do it. It may be notified that the settlement process is to be executed.

According to the designation of the settlement device 30 according to the third to fifth designation modes described above, it is not necessary to determine which settlement device 30 should execute the settlement process.

As a sixth designation mode, a shopping cart containing a product whose product has been registered by the registration device 20 is placed in one of the basket storage areas set up by the clerk for each checkout device 30. To move.
The basket storage area is equipped with a sensor (weight sensor, optical sensor, etc.) for detecting the placed shopping cart. When it is determined by the sensor that the shopping cart is placed in the basket storage area, the corresponding settlement device 30 makes a request, acquires the corresponding settlement information from the registration device 20, and executes the settlement process. ..
Also in this case, the settlement device 30 that has to execute the settlement process may notify itself that the settlement process is to be executed by lighting the barber's pole 311 or outputting a notification sound.
In addition, instead of the sensor for detecting the placed shopping cart, a motion sensor or an image pickup device may be provided, for example, corresponding to a store clerk. Then, the registration device 20 determines the movement of the clerk based on the detection output of the motion sensor, the image obtained by imaging with the image pickup device, and the like, and the clerk determines each of the settlement devices 30 based on the determined result. It is determined in which of the basket storage areas installed in response to the above, the shopping cart was installed. Then, the settlement device 30 corresponding to the determined basket storage place may be determined as the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process.

As a seventh designation mode, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement instruction information including the settlement information and the transfer order information in which the transfer order between the plurality of settlement devices 30 is set to a certain settlement device 30. .. The transfer order information may specify the transfer order cyclically between the settlement devices 30.
If the settlement device 30 that has received the settlement instruction information can execute the settlement process, the settlement device 30 transmits a settlement process execution notification to the registration device 20 that is the sender of the settlement instruction information, and the received settlement instruction information. The settlement process is executed using the settlement information contained in.
On the other hand, when the settlement device 30 that has received the settlement instruction information cannot execute the settlement process, the settlement device 30 has a transfer order of the next settlement device 30 according to the transfer order information included in the received settlement instruction information. Transfer the received settlement instruction information. In this way, the procedure corresponding to the designation of the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process is also realized by sequentially transferring the settlement instruction information between the settlement devices 30.

In each of the above-mentioned designated modes, in the process relating to the determination of the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process, a predetermined device other than the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30, such as the management device 10, registers the product by the registration device 20. It may be executed according to the end of the process. As the predetermined device other than the registration device 20 and the checkout device 30, for example, a device provided for monitoring the state of the checkout device 30 may be used.

[Fifth variant]
In the above embodiment, the POS system 1 including a product registration device that performs a product registration process according to the operation of a clerk and a settlement device that executes a settlement process according to the operation of a customer is given as an example.
However, the configuration in which the settlement process is started at the timing before the product registration process is completed as in the above embodiment may be applied to the following POS system.
That is, in the configuration in which the settlement process is started before the product registration process is completed, the clerk performs the product registration operation, and the customer performs the operation corresponding to the settlement in the face-to-face manner of the clerk. It may also be applied to a POS system having a plurality of POS registers. In the case of such a POS system, it is instructed to execute the settlement process in one of a plurality of other POS registers before the product registration process is completed in one POS register (settlement instruction). Information transmission) may be performed.
In addition, the configuration in which the settlement process is started before the product registration process is completed includes the first accounting mode in which the clerk performs the product registration operation and the operation corresponding to the settlement, and the clerk Switching between the second accounting mode in which the customer performs the product registration operation and the operation corresponding to the settlement, and the third accounting mode in which the customer performs the product registration operation and the operation corresponding to the settlement. It can also be applied to a POS system having a plurality of POS registers enabled. In the case of such a POS system, for example, the second accounting mode or the third accounting mode is performed at the timing before the product registration process by the operation of the clerk is completed in one POS register of the first accounting mode or the second accounting mode. It suffices to instruct (send the settlement instruction information) to execute the settlement process in any of the other POS registers in the state of.

[Sixth variant]
Further, for example, when the customer has received the product registration on the registration device 20, the payment type (cash, credit card, electronic money) can be obtained by operating the customer display unit 205a before the product registration process is completed. , Prepaid card, gift certificate, code payment, etc.) and the settlement device 30 for which the settlement is performed by oneself may be specified. In such a configuration, even if the product registration process is not completed, the customer can move to the designated settlement device 30 and start the operation for settlement.
The code payment is performed as follows. As an example, the customer's credit card or the like is registered in the payment application installed on the customer's terminal. At the time of payment, the application of the terminal displays a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code indicating information corresponding to the registered credit card or the like, and causes the payment device 30 to read the displayed code. As a result, the settlement device 30 executes the settlement process using the credit card or the like corresponding to the read code.
Further, as an example of code payment, the settlement device 30 causes the display unit 305 to display a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code during the settlement process. The displayed code indicates information (settlement information) related to settlement based on the settlement information received by the settlement device 30 from the registration device 20. The customer performs an operation to make the terminal read the displayed code by the code reader function of the terminal owned by the customer. For example, a payment application corresponding to payment is installed in the terminal. The payment application of the terminal communicates with, for example, a payment server in response to the reading of the code, and executes a transaction corresponding to the payment with the payment server using the payment information indicated by the read code.

[7th variant]
For example, the settlement device 30 in the above embodiment can execute the settlement process corresponding to the designated settlement type in response to the operation of designating the settlement type performed when the customer performs the settlement.
On the other hand, as an example of this modification, when the store clerk is performing the product registration operation on the registration device 20, the operation of designating the payment type transmitted from the customer may be performed. In this case, the registration device 20 is configured to instruct the settlement device 30 selected from the settlement devices 30 capable of the settlement processing corresponding to the designated settlement type when instructing the settlement process. May be good.

[8th modification]
Further, for example, when the clerk is configured to perform an operation of designating the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process according to the first designation mode described above, the settlement device designation button shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 and the like. In each of the BT2s, the payment type that can be settled by the corresponding settlement device 30 may be displayed. As a result, the clerk can perform the settlement device designation operation after accurately grasping, for example, the settlement device 30 capable of the settlement processing corresponding to the designated settlement type.

[9th variant]
Further, regarding the settlement device designation button BT1 arranged on the product registration screen, in addition to the states such as "in use" and "standby" by the badge BG exemplified in FIGS. 5 and 7, for example, the settlement process is executed. If it is inside, a display indicating that the settlement process is being executed according to the specified payment type may be performed. For example, when the payment type is cash, a display indicating the amount currently being deposited may be displayed. If the payment type is credit card, electronic money, gift certificate, code payment, etc., for example, "card payment", "electronic money payment", "use of gift certificate" can be used according to these payment types. Display such as "payment in progress", "code payment in progress", etc. may be performed.
Similarly, with respect to the settlement device designation button BT2 arranged on the settlement device designation screen WD1, a display or the like indicating which settlement type the settlement process is being executed may be performed.

A program for realizing the functions as the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed. As a result, the above-mentioned processing as the registration device 20, the settlement device 30, and the like may be performed. Here, "loading and executing a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system" includes installing the program in the computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and a dedicated line. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. As described above, the recording medium in which the program is stored may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes an internal or external recording medium accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format that can be executed by the terminal device. That is, the format stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that can be executed by the terminal device. It should be noted that the configuration in which the program is divided into a plurality of parts and downloaded at different timings and then combined by the terminal device, or the distribution server for distributing each of the divided programs may be different. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" is a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network, and holds the program for a certain period of time. It shall include things. Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Further, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used, which can realize the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

<Summary of embodiments>
(1) As described above, one aspect of the present embodiment is a registration device (20) that executes a product registration process in response to an operation of a clerk, and settlement information that reflects a product registration result by the registration device. A product sales data processing system (for example, POS system 1) including a payment device (30) that executes a payment process based on the above according to a customer's operation, and the product registration process corresponding to one transaction by the registration device. The payment device designating means for designating the payment device for executing the payment processing according to the one transaction is provided at the timing before the completion of the transaction.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain a period during which the product registration operation of the clerk for the registration device 20 and the customer settlement operation for the settlement device 30 can be performed in parallel corresponding to the same transaction. As a result, the efficiency of customer handling in the POS system 1 including the registration device and the settlement device can be improved.

(2) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing system according to (1), in which the payment device designation means starts the product registration process corresponding to one transaction in the registration device. Specify the checkout device at the previous timing.

According to the above configuration, the customer can start the payment operation for the payment device 30 at almost the same timing as the product registration operation for the registration device 20 by the store clerk. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for accounting from product registration to settlement in one transaction as much as possible, and it is possible to further improve the efficiency of customer handling.

(3) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing system according to (1) or (2), in which the settlement device designating means cannot perform settlement processing for all the settlement devices. The settlement device that has transitioned from the existing state to the state where the settlement processing is possible is designated as the settlement device to execute the settlement processing according to the one transaction.

According to the above configuration, during the product registration process, the settlement device 30 that has transitioned to a state in which the settlement process can be performed can be designated as the settlement device that should execute the settlement process. That is, even if the product registration process is started in a state where the settlement process of all the settlement devices 30 is not possible, the customer can be asked to perform the settlement operation for the settlement device 30 from the middle of the product registration process.

(4) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), and the display unit of the settlement device designated by the settlement device designation means (4). In 305), a display control unit for displaying information about products registered by the registration device up to the present time is further provided.

According to the above configuration, a customer who is performing a payment operation on the payment device 30 can grasp the products registered so far on the registration device 20 by looking at the display unit 305.

(5) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the settlement device is designated by the settlement device designation means. Further, the registration device further includes a settlement processing means for starting the settlement process from a stage before the completion of the product registration process corresponding to the one transaction.

According to the above configuration, even if the product registration process is not completed in the registration device 20, the settlement device 30 can execute the settlement process according to the operation of the customer. Become. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of customer handling.

(6) One aspect of the present embodiment is the product sales data processing system according to any one of (1) to (5), and is a predetermined product corresponding to a registration device on which a product registration process is executed. Further provided are an image pickup unit that captures an image pickup range, and a display control unit that displays an image captured by the image pickup means on a display unit 305 corresponding to the settlement device designated by the settlement device designation means.

According to the above configuration, the customer performing the payment operation on the payment device 30 can visually grasp the status of the product registration operation performed by the clerk on the registration device 20 by looking at the display unit 305. can.

(7) One aspect of the present embodiment is a registration device that executes a product registration process in response to an operation of a store clerk, and responds to the one transaction at a timing before the product registration process corresponding to the one transaction is completed. It is a settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device from among a plurality of settlement devices to execute a settlement process based on the settlement information reflecting the registration result of the product.

(8) One aspect of the present embodiment is a registration device that executes a product registration process according to the operation of a clerk, and a customer operation based on the settlement information that reflects the registration result of the product by the registration device. A computer as a predetermined device provided in a product sales data processing system including a settlement device to be executed in response to the transaction is executed at the timing before the product registration process corresponding to the transaction is completed by the registration device. It is a program for functioning as a settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device to execute a corresponding settlement process.

(9) In one aspect of the present embodiment, a computer as a registration device that executes a product registration process in response to an operation of a store clerk is subjected to the above-mentioned one transaction at a timing before the product registration process corresponding to the one transaction is completed. It is a program for functioning as a settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device from among a plurality of settlement devices, which should execute a settlement process based on the settlement information reflecting the registration result of the corresponding product.

1 POS system, 10 management device, 11 LAN, 20 (20-1, 20-2) registration device, 30 (30-1 to 30-3) settlement device, 201 CPU, 202 storage unit, 203 RAM, 204 scanner unit , 205 clerk display, 205a customer display, 206 operation, 207 communication, 208 buzzer, 209 printing, 210 card reader, 301 CPU, 302 storage, 303 RAM, 304 scanner, 305 display, 306 operation unit, 307 communication unit, 308 buzzer, 309 printing unit, 310 payment unit, 311 sign pole, 312 person detection sensor, 313 card reader

Claims (4)

It is provided with a registration device that executes a product registration process according to the operation of a clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that execute a settlement process based on settlement information reflecting the registration result of the product by the registration device according to the customer's operation. It is a product sales data processing system,
A settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device to execute the settlement process according to the transaction at a timing before the product registration process corresponding to the transaction is completed by the registration device.
An imaging means that captures a predetermined imaging range corresponding to the registration device on which the product registration process is executed, and
A product sales data processing system including a display control unit that displays an image captured by the image pickup means on a display unit corresponding to the settlement device designated by the settlement device designation means. It is provided with a registration device that executes a product registration process according to the operation of a clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that execute a settlement process based on settlement information reflecting the registration result of the product by the registration device according to the customer's operation. A computer as a predetermined device provided in a product sales data processing system,
A settlement device designation means for designating a settlement device to execute the settlement process according to the transaction at a timing before the product registration process corresponding to the transaction is completed by the registration device.
Display control to display the image captured by the imaging means that captures the predetermined imaging range corresponding to the registration device on which the product registration process is executed on the display unit corresponding to the settlement device designated by the settlement device designation means. A program to function as a department. It is a registration device that executes product registration processing according to the operation of the clerk.
Of the multiple settlement devices, the settlement device that should execute the settlement process based on the settlement information that reflects the registration result of the product corresponding to the one transaction at the timing before the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed. Settlement device designation means specified from
In order to display the image captured by the imaging means that captures a predetermined imaging range corresponding to the registration device on which the product registration process is executed on the display unit corresponding to the settlement device designated by the settlement device designation means. A registration device including a transmission means for transmitting an captured image to the designated settlement device. A computer as a registration device that executes product registration processing according to the operation of a clerk,
Of the multiple settlement devices, the settlement device that should execute the settlement process based on the settlement information that reflects the registration result of the product corresponding to the one transaction at the timing before the product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed. Settlement device designation means specified from
In order to display the image captured by the imaging means that captures a predetermined imaging range corresponding to the registration device on which the product registration process is executed on the display unit corresponding to the settlement device designated by the settlement device designation means. A program for functioning as a transmission means for transmitting an captured image to the designated checkout device.

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