JP2022132533A - Commodity registration device, program therefor and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable processing for purchasing registration and settlement to be efficiently performed.

SOLUTION: A commodity registration device of an embodiment includes a creation unit, a generation unit, a determination unit, a settlement unit and a notification unit. The creation unit acquires a commodity code of a purchased commodity to create a list of the purchased commodity. The generation unit generates settlement information for settlement of the purchased commodity on the basis of the list created during a registration period until a registration end is instructed. The determination unit determines that settlement processing for settlement is performed at a settlement device according to an instruction by an operator in a reception period predetermined after the registration period has been started. The settlement unit performs settlement processing on the basis of the settlement information according to an instruction of a registration end, when the settlement processing for settlement is not determined to be performed at the settlement device. The notification unit notifies the settlement device of the settlement information according to an instruction of registration end, when the settlement processing for settlement is determined to be performed at the settlement device.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a product registration device, its control program, and a checkout system.

Purchase registration and payment processing in supermarkets, etc., are performed by different product registration devices and payment devices, respectively, and the product registration devices are operated by employees, and the payment devices are operated by shoppers. Semi-self checkout systems are known.

In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from a product registration device to an idle payment device. Therefore, when all payment devices are executing payment processing, the payment information cannot be transferred to the payment terminal, and the purchase registration processing in the product registration device is delayed. .

Under these circumstances, it has been desired to efficiently perform processing for purchase registration and settlement.

JP 2006-344123 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device, its control program, and a checkout system that can efficiently perform processing for purchase registration and settlement.

The product registration device of the embodiment constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and includes a creation unit, a generation unit, a determination unit, a payment unit, and a notification unit. The creation unit acquires the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of purchased products. The generation unit generates payment information for payment of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed. The determination unit determines, in accordance with an instruction from the operator, that the settlement device performs settlement processing for settlement during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period. The settlement unit performs settlement based on the settlement information generated by the generation unit when it is not determined by the determination unit that the settlement device performs settlement processing for settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration. process. In response to the instruction to terminate registration, the notifying unit transmits the payment information generated by the generating unit to the payment device when the determination unit determines that the payment processing for payment is to be performed by the payment device. and notify.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a product registration device and a settlement device in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. 2; FIG. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the alerting|reporting screen as an example. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of control processing of a CPU included in the settlement apparatus in FIG. 2; FIG.

An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment.

The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12 . FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 . The number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 is also arbitrary.

The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The product registration device 11 is operated by an employee 21 of the store who plays a role called a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by the shopper 22 who purchases the merchandise sold at the store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 form passages for shoppers 22 by arranging the tabletops so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other.

The product registration device 11 has functions of purchase registration, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12 . The purchase registration is a process of registering the merchandise brought by the shopper who entered the aisle as the purchased merchandise. Settlement processing is processing for settlement of purchased products. Payment information is information necessary for payment processing.

When payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs payment processing based on the payment information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG.

Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 . Another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13 . Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. , a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.

The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the above computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various operations as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may also store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the above computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

The auxiliary memory unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a in performing various processes, or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD (solid state drive) can be used.

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 is transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the separately transferred auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, scanner 11f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has a display screen of any screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues receipts by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

The card reader/writer 11i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards can include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader/writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 11j performs communication via LAN13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader/writer 11i and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and various units can be used.

As the hardware of the product registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory unit 12d, an automatic change dispenser 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader/writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central portion of the above computer. Based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c, the CPU 12a controls each section to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG.

The ROM 12b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the above operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may also store data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The auxiliary memory unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a in performing various processes or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 12a. An EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, for example, can be used as the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in ROM 12b or auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 is transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

The automatic change dispenser 12e receives inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, scanner 12f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The screen of the display device is an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues receipts by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

The card reader/writer 12i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards can include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader/writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 12j performs communication via LAN13.

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change dispenser 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader/writer 12i and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

As the hardware of the payment device 12, for example, an existing self-service POS terminal can be used.

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

When the product registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts control processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

3 and 4 are flowcharts of the control processing of the CPU 11a.

In Act1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information on products for which purchase registration has been completed.

In Act2, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen displays the contents of the registered product table, etc., and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC1 as an example.

Registration screen SC1 includes areas R1 and R2.

Area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity and unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, as well as the total quantity and total price of purchased products after the product is registered. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and prices of products registered for purchase prior to the product displayed on the registration screen SC1.

The registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various types of information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made are displayed. represents only

In addition, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product, a subtotal button, etc. in areas other than the registration screen area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. are omitted.

In Act 3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act4.

In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act3.

Thus, in Acts 3 and 4, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched or the product code to be obtained. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

The CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by performing well-known processing different from the control processing shown in FIGS. When the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4, and proceeds to Act5.

In Act 5, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. Further, in response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. After that, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 and Act4. As a result of the CPU 11a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as its central part functions as a production unit.

If the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act3, and proceeds to Act6 in FIG.

In Act 6, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment for the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The payment information includes information such as a list of registered products, the total number of purchased products, and the total price. As a result of the CPU 11a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as its central part functions as a generator.

In Act7, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the semi-self mode is on. The CPU 11a sets the semi-self mode to ON or OFF based on the operation by the employee 21 by processing different from the control processing shown in FIGS. If the determination is No because the semi-self mode is off, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act8.

In Act8, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a first selection screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the first selection screen SC2 as an example.

The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

The CPU 11a displays the total number and the total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept the transfer of settlement information while the settlement process is being executed, and the CPU 11a displays "transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state. That is, when the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is set as the first selection screen SC2, only the settlement device 12 named "device A" is executing the settlement process. Buttons B4 to B7 are displayed differently depending on whether or not the associated payment apparatus 12 has accepted transfer of payment information, or the associated payment apparatus 12 has accepted transfer of payment information. If not, it may be hidden.

Buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount should be applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify to move to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product. Buttons B4 to B7 are used by the employee 21 to designate transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. FIG. The button B8 is for the employee 21 to designate returning to a state where a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the registration screen.

If the result of Act7 is Yes because the semi-self mode is ON, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act9.

In Act 9, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a second selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the second selection screen SC3 as an example. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

That is, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen obtained by removing the button B3 from the first selection screen SC2. As a result, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen in which the employee 21 cannot input a designation to move to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product.

After the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is set to the first or second selection screen in Act8 or Act9, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act10.

In Act 10, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been obtained. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act11.

In Act11, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement device 12 to which the settlement information is to be transferred has been specified. If the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act12.

In Act12, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the tightening operation has been performed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the tightening operation is not performed, the process returns to Act10.

Thus, in Act10-Act12, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired, the settlement device 12 to be specified, or the closing operation to be performed. However, the tightening operation is, for example, the touch of the button B3. Therefore, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second selection screen, the button B3 does not exist and the closing operation is not performed, so the CPU 11a always determines No in Act12. It will be. In other words, in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, the CPU 11a waits for either the product code to be acquired or the payment device 12 to be specified if the semi-self mode is on.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a also waits for buttons B1 and B2 to be touched in this standby state. For example, when one of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and this is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a adjusts the total amount included in the settlement information according to the instruction by the employee 21 thereafter. to change.

When the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act10, and proceeds to Act13.

In Act13, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen, then proceeds to Act5 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10-Act12, for example, the employee 21 touches any one of the buttons B4-B7 of the first or second selection screens SC2 and SC3, thereby specifying the settlement device 12. If it has been done, it is determined as Yes in Act11, and the process proceeds to Act14. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11 even if one of the buttons B4 to B7 associated with the settlement device 12 that has not accepted the transfer of settlement information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information. If all of the settlement devices 12 are in a stopped state or in an operating state that does not accept transfer of settlement information, the CPU 11a designates the settlement device 12 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12. It will not wait. The CPU 11a may set the cashier mode to ON or OFF based on the operation by the employee 21, and may not accept designation of any settlement device 12 when the cashier mode is ON.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information generated in Act 6 to the specified payment device 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the settlement information to the LAN 13 with the specified settlement device 12 as the destination. As a result, the transfer information is notified to the settlement device 12 . Thus, the CPU 11a determines that the settlement device 12 performs settlement processing in response to any one of the buttons B4 to B7 being touched. In other words, the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as its central part functions as a determining unit. Further, the CPU 11a accepts that one of the buttons B4 to B7 has been touched as an instruction to end registration, and notifies the payment information to the payment apparatus 12 accordingly. In other words, the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, and the communication unit 11j cooperates with the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part to realize the function of the notification unit.

In Act 15, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC4 as an example.

The notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11.

The CPU 11a displays an image in the display area AR11 to make the employee 21 recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. It should be noted that semi-self-payment is a form of payment in which payment processing is executed by the payment device 12 according to an operation by the shopper 22 .

In the display area AR12, the CPU 11a displays the total number and total amount indicated in the payment information, and indicates to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents was transferred.

The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4.

When the button B11 is touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the CPU 11a is in the waiting state of Act10 to Act12, if the employee 21 performs a closing operation such as touching the button B3, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act12, and proceeds to Act16.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a executes settlement processing. The settlement processing here is processing for settlement of the total amount indicated in the settlement information generated in Act 6 while the employee 21 interacts with the shopper 22 . For the settlement process here, for example, the process performed by an existing interactive POS terminal can be applied as it is. Thus, the CPU 11a executes the control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a settlement section and a first settlement section.

In Act 17, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h and issues a receipt showing the information indicated in the payment information generated in Act 6 and the result of the above payment processing. After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 and performs the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, when the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts control processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of control processing of the CPU 12a.

In Act21, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen indicates that the settlement process is not in progress, and any information may be displayed. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screen saver.

In Act 22, the CPU 12a confirms whether payment information has been received. If the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a determines No, and repeats Act22. Thus, in Act 22, the CPU 12a waits for payment information to be received.

As described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the payment apparatus 12, which is the destination of the payment information sent from the communication unit 11j of the product registration apparatus 11 to the LAN 13, receives the payment information, Save in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response to this, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act22, and proceeds to Act23.

In Act23, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.

The settlement screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for settlement based on the received settlement information. The payment screen, for example, represents at least the total amount indicated in the payment information. The payment screen may also include the total number of items and a list of purchased items. Also, if multiple payment methods are allowed, the payment screen includes a button or the like for the shopper 22 to select a payment method.

In Act 24, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the shopper 22 has performed an operation for payment. If the CPU 12a determines No because the relevant operation has not been performed, the CPU 12a repeats Act24. Thus, in Act 24, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement.

By the way, when the employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 touches one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screens SC2 and SC3 to transfer the payment information to one of the payment devices 12, , notifies the shopper 22 that payment should be made at the transfer destination payment device 12. - 特許庁The shopper 22 who has received this notice moves to the specified settlement device 12 and performs an operation for settlement on the aforementioned settlement screen. If the operation for settlement is performed in this way and this is detected by the touch panel 12g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act24 and proceeds to Act25.

In Act25, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing. The settlement processing here is processing for settlement of the total amount indicated in the settlement information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d according to the operation by the shopper 22. FIG. For the settlement processing here, for example, the processing performed by existing self-service POS terminals can be applied as it is. As a result of the CPU 12a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as its central part functions as a second settlement section.

In Act 26, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt showing the information indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the above payment processing. After that, the CPU 12a returns to Act21 and performs the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10, after completing the registration of the purchased product on the product registration device 11, the employee 21 determines whether the payment processing is to be performed by the product registration device 11 or by the payment device 12. can be selected. As a result, the employee 21 considers the number of shoppers 22 waiting at the product registration device 11 at the timing when the payment process should be started and the congestion situation of the payment device 12, and performs the payment processing at the product registration device 11. It is possible to properly use the settlement processing in the settlement device 12 properly. For example, when the number of shoppers 22 waiting at the product registration device 11 is small, by applying payment processing while the employee 21 interacts with the shoppers 22, advanced shopper services can be provided while waiting. When the number of customers increases, by using the payment processing by the payment device 12 alone or in combination, it is possible to operate such that the waiting time of the shoppers 22 is minimized.

Further, according to the checkout system 10, by turning on the semi-self mode, it is possible to operate so that the settlement process is performed only by the settlement device 12. FIG.

Further, according to the checkout system 10, as described above, the CPU 11a does not wait for the designation of the payment device 12 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, so that the payment processing is performed only by the product registration device 11. be able to.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any one of the buttons B4 to B7 as both a specification to perform the payment processing with the payment device 12 and a specification to end the registration. The acceptance period is defined as the period from when the subtotal button is touched until any of the buttons B3 to B7 is touched. However, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any one of the buttons B4 to B7 as a specification to perform the payment processing on the payment device 12, and accepts a touch on the separately prepared end button as a specification to end the registration. , in response to touching the end button after any one of the buttons B4 to B7 is touched, the payment information is transferred to the payment device 12 associated with the touched one of the buttons B4 to B7. Also good. Alternatively, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on a semi-self button separately prepared for specifying that the settlement process is to be performed by the settlement apparatus 12 as a designation that the settlement process is to be performed by the settlement apparatus 12, and presses one of the buttons B4 to B7. is accepted as designation of registration end, and when any one of the buttons B4 to B7 is touched after the semi-self button is touched, it is associated with the touched one of the buttons B4 to B7. The payment information may be transferred to the payment device 12 provided by the client. In these cases, the acceptance period for accepting the designation of the settlement processing to be performed by the settlement apparatus 12 is the period from the start of purchase registration until the designation of termination of registration is made, or part of that period. can be a period.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

10 Checkout system 11 Product registration device 11a CPU 11b ROM 11c RAM 11d Auxiliary storage unit 11e Drawer opening unit 11f Scanner 11g Touch panel 11h Printer 11i Card reader/writer 11j Communication unit 11k Transmission system 12 Payment device 12a CPU 12b ROM 12c RAM 12d Auxiliary storage unit 12e Automatic change dispenser 12f Scanner 12g Touch panel , 12h... Printer, 12i... Card reader/writer, 12j... Communication unit, 12k... Transmission system.

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a product registration device, its control program, and control method .

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device, its control program, and control method that can efficiently perform processing for purchase registration and settlement.

The product registration device of the embodiment constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and includes acquisition means, generation means, setting means, payment means, and output means . The acquisition means acquires the product code of the purchased product. The generation means generates settlement information for settlement including the total amount of purchased commodities based on the commodity code acquired by the acquisition means . The setting means sets the first mode or the second mode. The settlement means performs settlement processing based on the settlement information generated by the generation means when the first mode is set . The output means outputs the payment information generated by the generation means to the payment device when the second mode is set .

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The following is a supplementary description of the inventions originally claimed in this application.
[Appendix 1] A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
a creation unit that acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit for generating payment information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during a registration period until an instruction to end registration is given;
a determining unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the payment processing for the payment be performed by the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
based on the payment information generated by the generation unit in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, when the determination unit has not determined that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device a settlement unit that performs the settlement process by
When the determination unit determines that the settlement device performs settlement processing for the settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, the settlement information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
A product registration device characterized by comprising:
[Supplementary Note 2] The determination unit receives a designation operation by the operator for designating the payment device during the acceptance period as a designation that the payment processing is to be performed by the payment device,
The product registration device according to appendix 1, wherein the notification unit receives the designation operation as an instruction to end the registration.
[Appendix 3] When semi-self mode is set,
The settlement unit does not perform the settlement process regardless of the determination result of the determination unit,
The notification unit notifies the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result of the determination unit;
The commodity registration device according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, characterized by:
[Appendix 4] When none of the payment devices have received the payment information notification, or when the cashier mode is set,
The settlement unit performs the settlement process regardless of the determination result of the determination unit,
The notification unit does not notify the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result of the determination unit.
The product registration device according to any one of appendices 1-3, characterized in that:
[Appendix 5] A checkout system including at least one product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device
a creation unit that acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit for generating payment information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during a registration period until an instruction to end registration is given;
a determining unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the payment processing for the payment be performed by the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
based on the payment information generated by the generation unit in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, when the determination unit has not determined that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device a first settlement unit that performs the settlement process by
When the determination unit determines that the settlement device performs settlement processing for the settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, the settlement information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
and
The payment device
a second settlement unit that performs the settlement process based on the settlement information notified by the notification unit;
A checkout system comprising:
[Appendix 6] A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
a creation unit that acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit for generating payment information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during a registration period until an instruction to end registration is given;
a determination unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the payment processing for the payment be performed by the payment device during a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period;
based on the payment information generated by the generation unit in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, when the determination unit has not determined that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device a settlement unit that performs the settlement process by
When the determination unit determines that the settlement device performs settlement processing for the settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, the settlement information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
control program to function as

Claims (6)

A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
a creation unit that acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit for generating payment information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during a registration period until an instruction to end registration is given;
a determining unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the payment processing for the payment be performed by the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
based on the payment information generated by the generation unit in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, when the determination unit has not determined that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device a settlement unit that performs the settlement process by
When the determination unit determines that the settlement device performs settlement processing for the settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, the settlement information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
A product registration device characterized by comprising: The determining unit receives a designation operation by the operator for designating the payment device during the reception period as a designation that the payment processing is to be performed by the payment device,
2. The product registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit receives the specifying operation as an instruction to terminate the registration. When semi-self mode is set,
The settlement unit does not perform the settlement process regardless of the determination result of the determination unit,
The notification unit notifies the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result of the determination unit;
3. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein: When none of the payment devices have received notification of the payment information, or when the cashier mode is set,
The settlement unit performs the settlement process regardless of the determination result of the determination unit,
The notification unit does not notify the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result of the determination unit.
The commodity registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A checkout system including at least one product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device
a creation unit that acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit for generating payment information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during a registration period until an instruction to end registration is given;
a determining unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the payment processing for the payment be performed by the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
based on the payment information generated by the generation unit in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, when the determination unit has not determined that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device a first settlement unit that performs the settlement process by
When the determination unit determines that the settlement device performs settlement processing for the settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, the settlement information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
and
The payment device
a second settlement unit that performs the settlement process based on the settlement information notified by the notification unit;
A checkout system comprising: A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
a creation unit that acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit for generating payment information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during a registration period until an instruction to end registration is given;
a determining unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the payment processing for the payment be performed by the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
based on the payment information generated by the generation unit in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, when the determination unit has not determined that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device a settlement unit that performs the settlement process by
When the determination unit determines that the settlement device performs settlement processing for the settlement in response to the instruction to terminate the registration, the settlement information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
control program to function as

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