JP2023071976A - checkout system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a customer to start to prepare for payment at an accounting machine installation site without waiting for completion of inputting data on purchase object commodities.

SOLUTION: A checkout system causes a registration machine to get available for data communication with one of a plurality of accounting machines before a customer starts inputting data on commodities to be purchased at the registration machine or after the start inputting the data until the completion of input. The system causes the display of the one accounting machine available for data communication to display details of the commodities of which data has been input at the registration machine which is available for data communication with the accounting machine before the customer completes inputting data on all the commodities to be purchased. The system executes settlement on the basis of payment data input at the accounting machine available for data communication when the customer completes inputting data on all the commodities to be purchased at the registration machine.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to checkout systems.

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

In the case of the semi-self system, the customer goes to the counter with the product to be purchased. A clerk is present at the counter, and the clerk operates a registration machine to input data on the product to be purchased. The customer waits for data entry to finish. When the data entry is completed and the clerk instructs the customer to move to the accounting machine, the customer moves to the instructed location where the accounting machine is installed and operates the accounting machine to pay the price.

In this way, the customer waits by the registration machine until the data entry of the product to be purchased is completed, and after the data entry is completed, the customer moves to the place where the accounting machine is installed and starts preparations for payment. In other words, the customer does not start preparing for payment until after completing the data entry of the product to be purchased and moving to the place where the accounting machine is installed. there were.

JP 2013-242839 A

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

In one embodiment, a checkout system includes a register for entering data of items purchased by a customer, and a plurality of checkout machines for processing payment for the items based on the data entered at the register. It comprises means, display means, and payment means.
The linking means enables data communication between the registration machine and any one of the plurality of accounting machines before the registration machine starts data entry of the merchandise purchased by the customer or between the start and the end of the entry. state. The display means allows the customer to display the details of the goods entered by the registration machine, which is in a state capable of data communication with the accounting machine, on the display of any one of the accounting machines that are in a state capable of data communication by the linking means. Display before completing data entry for all products to be purchased. As for the means of payment, when the data entry of all products purchased by the customer is completed with the registration machine, any one of the accounting machines that are ready for data communication by the link means will receive the payment data entered at the accounting machine. Execute settlement based on

1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configurations of a registration machine and an accounting machine; 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a selection table; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure for one transaction executed by the CPU of the registration machine according to the control program; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure for one transaction executed by the CPU of the registration machine according to the control program; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an information processing procedure for one transaction executed by the CPU of the accounting machine according to the control program; FIG. The flowchart which shows the concrete procedure of the accounting pre-processing in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of electronic money processing in FIG. 7; FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of payment acceptance processing in FIG. 7; FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of accounting processing in FIG. 6; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a registration image displayed on the touch panel of the registration machine; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which a link destination image is displayed in the registered image of FIG. 11; The figure which shows an example of the accounting preparation image displayed on the touch panel of an accounting machine. The figure which shows an example of the accounting machine selection image displayed on the touch panel of a registration machine. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a checkout machine selection image displayed on the touch panel of the registration machine;

An embodiment of a checkout system that can start preparations for payment at the place where the accounting machine is installed without waiting for the customer to finish inputting data on the product to be purchased will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. A checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration machines 11 and accounting machines 12 . The registration machine 11 and accounting machine 12 are installed for each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration machines 11 and checkout machines 12 arranged in one checkout lane is arbitrary. However, the accounting machine 12 is larger in number than the registration machine 11 . This embodiment shows an example in which one registration machine 11 and two checkout machines 12 are installed in each of three checkout lanes.

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

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

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

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

In FIG. 1, two accounting machines 12 are arranged along the short side of each counter 14 opposite to the counter side. Each checkout machine 12 is installed so that the customer 22 who operates the checkout machine 12 faces the sales floor. On the right side of each accounting machine 12 as seen from the customer 22 who operates the accounting machine 12, there is a table 15 for bagging. Merchandise registered by the registration machine 11 and placed in the shopping basket 16 is placed on the table 15 by a store clerk. The customer 22 operates the checkout machine 12 to pay for the merchandise and packs the merchandise.

The arrangement of the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 is arbitrary, and is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. At least, it is sufficient that the customer 22 goes to the side of the registration machine 11, deposits the product to be purchased with the store clerk 21, proceeds to the place where the checkout machine 12 is installed, and operates the checkout machine 12.

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configurations of the registration machine 11 and accounting machine 12. As shown in FIG. The 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 scanner 11e, a touch panel 11f, a printer 11g, a communication unit 11h, and a transmission system 11i. including.
The CPU 11a is connected to a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c and an auxiliary storage unit 11d via a transmission system 11i to form a computer. The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various functions of the registration machine 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 operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware or application programs. The ROM 11b may store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.
The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also 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. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a in performing various processes, or data created 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 Disc Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used. The application programs stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary storage unit 11 d include control programs describing information processing executed by the registration machine 11 .

The scanner 11e reads the bar code attached to the product to obtain the product code of the product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f is provided on the counter 14 so that the screen faces the work space side of the store clerk 21. - 特許庁The printer 11g issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. The communication unit 11h connects to the LAN13. The communication unit 11h performs data communication with a plurality of checkout machines 12 connected via the LAN13. The communication unit 11h can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13. FIG.

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

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

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

The automatic change dispenser 12m accepts inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change machine 12m discharges coins and banknotes as change.

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

The checkout system 10 comprising the registration machine 11 and accounting machine 12 having such configurations has the following functions A to G.
Function A: The registration machine 11 is registered in a plurality of accounting machines 12 before the data registration of the product that the customer intends to purchase, that is, the so-called purchase target product, is started or is completed after the start. A function (link means) that enables data communication with any one of the above. Function B: On the display (touch panel 12f) of any one of the accounting machines 12 in the linked state, the details of the products to be purchased, which are entered by the registration machine 11 in the linked state with the accounting machine 12, are displayed for one customer. A function (display means) to display before the end of data input of all purchase target products in .
Function C: A function to execute settlement based on the payment data input by any one of the accounting machines 12 in the linked state when data entry for all products to be purchased for one customer is completed with the registration machine 11 ( means of payment).
Function D: A function (release means) for releasing the link state between the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 after the settlement is completed.
Function E: A function of receiving input related to product payment at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 before data entry for all purchase target products for one customer is completed at the registration machine 11 (payment reception means).
Function F: A function (charge accepting means) of accepting charge of electronic money at the checkout machine 12 linked with the registration machine 11 before data entry of all purchase target products for one customer is completed at the registration machine 11 .
Function G: A function (notification means of reception).

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

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

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

The selection table memory 43 stores the selection table T1 having the data structure shown in FIG. The selection table T1 sets the device ID (registration ID) of each accounting machine 12 in descending order of priority, in association with the device ID (registration ID) of each registration device 11, respectively. The order of priority is in descending order of distance from the registration device 11 . However, adjustment is made so that the same checkout machine 12 does not rank in the same order with respect to different registration machines 11 .

In this embodiment, in FIG. 1, for the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R1", the device IDs "A2", "A1", "A3", "A4", "A5", and "A6" are set. For the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R2", the device IDs "A4", "A3", "A5", "A6", "A1", "A4", "A3", "A5", "A6", "A1", and " A2” is set. For the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R3", the device IDs "A6", "A5", "A4", "A3", "A2", and "A6", "A5", "A4", "A3", "A2", and " A1” is set.

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

The checkout system 10 implements control programs for realizing the functions A to G in one transaction in the registration machine 11 and accounting machine 12, respectively.
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the information processing procedure for one transaction executed by the CPU 11a of the registration machine 11 according to the control program. 6 to 10 are flow charts showing the information processing procedure for one transaction executed by the CPU 12a of the accounting machine 12 according to the control program. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing examples of images displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration device 11. FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the touch panel 12f of the accounting machine 12. As shown in FIG. Information processing executed for each transaction by the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 will be described below with reference to these figures. Note that the content of the information processing described below is merely an example, and various information processing capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

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

When the control program is activated in the registration device 11, the CPU 11a first clears the data buffer 31 as Act 1, as shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration image SC1 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act2.

The registration image SC1 represents the contents of the data buffer 31 and allows the store clerk 21 to confirm the execution status of the registration processing for one transaction. As shown in FIG. 11, registered image SC1 includes display areas D1 and D2. The display area D1 displays the product name, unit price, number of sales points (number), and sales price of the purchase target product registered in the data buffer 31 most recently. The display area D1 also displays the total number of points and the total price of all registered purchase target products. The display area D2 displays, in a list format, the product name, unit price, number of sales points (number) and sales amount of the products to be purchased registered in the data buffer 31 prior to the product shown in the display area D1. Incidentally, since no data is registered in the data buffer 31 at the time of Act2, no data is displayed in the display areas D1 and D2.

Although not shown, outside the area of the screen of the touch panel 11f that serves as the registration image SC1, there are product buttons for the store clerk 21 to specify the product, and registration completion of the purchase target product registered as one transaction. Various function buttons such as a subtotal button for specifying are displayed.

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

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

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

When the link request command is received in the standby state of Act 3 and Act 4 (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a stores the device ID of the accounting machine 12 included in the link request command as the transmission source in the link destination ID memory 32 in Act 7. do. Next, the CPU 11a displays the link destination image SC2 (see FIG. 12) as Act8. Also, in Act 9, the CPU 11a transmits a consent response command to the accounting machine 12, which is the command transmission source. The approval response command includes the device ID of the registration device 11 as the sender. Note that the processing procedures of Act8 and Act9 are not limited to this. Front and back may be reversed.

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

After completing the processing of Act7 to Act9, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a product code has been input in Act11, as shown in FIG. If the product code has not been input (NO in Act11), the CPU 11a checks in Act12 whether or not a communication command has been received from the accounting machine 12 in the linked state. The communication command will be explained in the information processing of the accounting machine 12, which will be described later. If no communication command has been received (NO in Act12), the CPU 11a checks in Act13 whether or not the subtotal button has been input. If the subtotal button has not been input, the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act11. Therefore, in the processing of Act11 to Act13, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input, the communication command to be received, or the subtotal button to be input.

In the standby state of Act11 to Act13, when a product code is input (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a executes the same processing as Act5 and Act6 described above. That is, the CPU 11a registers product sales data in Act14, and updates the display areas D1 and D2 of the registered image SC1 in Act15. Further, in Act 16, the CPU 11a transmits display data including information on the product name, unit price, number of sales points and sales amount registered in the data buffer 31 and information on the total number of points and the total amount of money registered in the data buffer 31 to the accounting machine 12 in the linked state. The communication unit 11h is controlled so as to By this control, the display data whose destination is the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN 13 . This display data is received by the accounting machine 12 identified by the destination device ID. After controlling the transmission of the display data, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act11 to Act13.

In the standby state of Act11 to Act13, when a communication command is received (YES in Act12), the CPU 11a causes the touch panel 11f to display a message, icon, etc. corresponding to the command in Act17. The details of this processing will be explained in the information processing of the checkout machine 12, which will be described later.

In the standby state of Act11 to Act13, when the subtotal button is input (YES in Act13), the CPU 11a causes the touch panel 11f to display a transfer button in Act18. The transfer button may be displayed as part of registration image SC1. Alternatively, a transfer button may be displayed outside the area of the touch panel 11f for the registered image SC1.

The CPU 11a waits for an input of the transfer button in Act19. When the transfer button is pressed (YES in Act19), the CPU 11a issues a new registration machine transaction number in Act20. The registration machine transaction number is, for example, a number that increases one by one from 1. When the registration machine transaction number is issued, the CPU 11 a generates registration transaction data including the registration machine transaction number and the product sales data in the data buffer 31 as Act 21 . Then, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11h so as to transmit the registered transaction data to the accounting machine 12 in the linked state. By this control, registered transaction data whose destination is the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN 13 . This registered transaction data is received by the accounting machine 12 identified by the destination device ID.

After controlling the transmission of the registered transaction data, the CPU 11a saves the registered transaction data in the journal file of the auxiliary storage unit 11d as Act22. The CPU 11a also clears the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 as Act23. Further, the CPU 11a deletes the link destination image SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11f in Act24. Note that the processing order of Act22 to Act24 is not limited to this. The front and back may be interchanged as appropriate.
After completing the processing of Act20 to Act24, the CPU 11a ends the information processing for one transaction. Then, the CPU 11a starts processing from Act1 again.

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

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

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

The pre-accounting process is the process of accepting the customer's preparation for payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, the pre-accounting process is the process of receiving an appropriate denomination of banknotes or coins from the automatic change machine 12m. In the case of payment by electronic money, processing for receiving electronic money balance inquiry or electronic money charge is defined as pre-accounting processing. In the case of credit card payment, the process of reading credit card data is treated as pre-accounting processing.

The accounting process is the process of completing the customer's payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, the amount deposited in the automatic change dispenser 12m is used as the deposit amount, and the process of calculating the amount of change and paying it out from the automatic change dispenser 12m is accounting processing. In the case of electronic money payment, the process of subtracting the payment amount from the electronic money balance is accounting processing. In the case of credit card payment, the process of authenticating the credit card shall be the accounting process.

The CPU 12a confirms the device status ST as Act33. At this point, the device status ST is "0", so the CPU 12a communicates with another accounting machine 12 via the LAN 13 as Act 34, and the accounting machine 12 whose device status ST is set to "0" is selected. Explore. Then, in Act 35, the CPU 12a refers to the selection table T1 and determines whether it is the highest priority accounting machine. The top-priority checkout machine is the checkout machine 12 that has the highest priority among the checkout machines 12 whose device status ST is set to “0” with respect to the registration machine 11 . When the highest priority checkout machine is given to a plurality of registration machines 11, the highest priority checkout machine is given to the registration machine 11 with the highest priority.

A specific example of the processing for determining the highest priority checkout machine will be described using the selection table T1 in FIG. As an example, it is assumed that the device status of all accounting machines 12 is "0". In this case, for the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R1", the checkout machine with the highest priority, that is, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A2" becomes the highest priority checkout machine. For the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R2", the checkout machine with the highest priority, that is, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A4" is given the highest priority. For the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R3", the checkout machine with the highest priority, that is, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A6" is given the highest priority. The accounting machines 12 with other device IDs "A1", "A3" and "A5" do not have the highest priority.

As another example, assume that the device status of the accounting machine 12 other than the device ID "A2" is "0". In this case, for the registered machine 11 with the device ID "R1", the checkout machine with the second highest priority, that is, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A1" has the highest priority.

Further, as another example, the device status of the accounting machine 12 with the device IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" is not "0", Assume that the device status of the device 12 is "0". In this case, for the registered machine 11 with the device ID "R1", the checkout machine with the fourth highest priority, that is, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A4" has the highest priority. However, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A4" is given the highest priority with respect to the registration machine 11 with the device ID "R2". Therefore, for the registering machine 11 with the device ID "R1", the checkout machine with the fifth highest priority, that is, the checkout machine 12 with the device ID "A5" has the highest priority.

When the CPU 12a determines in Act35 that it is not the highest priority accounting machine (NO in Act35), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST remains "0", the CPU 12a repeats the processing of Act34 to Act35.

When the CPU 12a determines in Act 35 that it is the highest priority accounting machine (YES in Act 35), the CPU 12a transmits a link request command to the registration machine 11 that becomes the highest priority accounting machine in Act 36. It controls the communication unit 12h. By this control, a link request command addressed to the device ID of the corresponding registration device 11 is transmitted to the LAN 13 . The link request command includes its own device ID (accounting machine ID) as the sender. The link request command is received by the registration device 11 in which the destination device ID is set.

After transmitting the link request command, the CPU 11a determines in Act 37 whether or not the approval response command has been received.
As described above, when the registration device 11 in the standby state of Act3 and Act4 receives the link request command, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the processing of Act7 to Act9. That is, the CPU 11a stores the source device ID (accounting machine ID) included in the link request command in the link destination ID memory (Act 7), and displays the link destination image on the touch panel 11f (Act 8). The CPU 11a also transmits a consent response command to the accounting machine 12, which is the transmission source of the link request command (Act 9). On the other hand, the registration device 11 in the waiting state from Act11 to Act13 does not accept the link request command. Therefore, the registration machine 11 does not transmit the approval response command to the accounting machine 12, which is the transmission source of the link request command.

If the permission response command cannot be received in response to the link request command (NO in Act37), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST remains "0", the CPU 12a repeats the processing of Act34 to Act37.

When the approval response command is received in response to the link request command (YES in Act 37), the CPU 12a stores the device ID of the registration device 11 included in the command as the destination in the link destination ID memory 44 in Act 38. Further, the CPU 12a updates the device status ST to "1" in Act39. After that, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act33.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a link means by the processing of Act7-Act9 of the registration machine 11 and the processing of Act34-Act39 of the accounting machine 12. FIG.

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

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure for pre-accounting processing. When entering pre-accounting processing, the CPU 12a sets the media data M to "0" in Act 51. The media data M is data for identifying payment means. In this embodiment, the media data M identifying cash payment is "1", the media data M identifying electronic money payment is "2", and the media data M identifying credit card payment is "3". "0" indicates that the payment method is indeterminate.

The CPU 12a clears the data buffer 41 as Act52. Then, in Act 53, the CPU 11a causes the accounting preparation image SC3 (see FIG. 13) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12f.

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

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

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

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

In the registration end area D54, information is displayed to notify the customer that the registration transaction data has been received from the registration machine 11 that has responded to the link request command with permission, that is, from the registration machine 11 in the linked state. This information may be, for example, a message "Please pay with the selected payment method". A total number of points or a total amount of money included in the registered transaction data may be displayed. The total number of points or the total amount of money included in the registered transaction data may be displayed in the registration end area D54, and the above-mentioned message may be displayed in the display area D3.

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

When the display data is received in the standby state of Act54 to Act58 (YES in Act54), the CPU 12a updates the display of the registration details in the display area D4 in Act59. The display data includes information on the product name, unit price, number of sales points, and sales amount registered in the data buffer 31 of the registration device 11 in the linked state, and information on the total number of points and the total amount of sales. The CPU 12a updates the registration details displayed in the display area D4 based on the received display data. After updating the display of the registration details in the display area D4, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act54 to Act58.

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

When the communication buttons B1, B2, and B3 are input in the standby state of Act54 to Act58, the CPU 12a instructs the registration device 11 in the link state in Act60 according to the type of the input communication buttons B1, B2, and B3. control the communication unit 12h to transmit the communicate command. By this control, a communication command addressed to the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 44 is transmitted to the LAN 13 . This communicate command is received by the registration device 11 identified by the destination device ID. As described above, in the registration device 11 that has received the communication command, a message, icon, etc. corresponding to the command are displayed on the touch panel 11f.

For example, when a communication command corresponding to the communication button B1 is received, the registration machine 11 displays a message, an icon, etc. informing the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 uses the gift certificate on the touch panel 11f. After confirming this notification, the store clerk 21 may go to the customer 22 to receive the gift certificate and register the denomination amount in the checkout machine 12 or the registration machine 11 .

When the communication command corresponding to the communication button B2 is received, the registration machine 11 displays a message, an icon, etc., on the touch panel 11f to inform the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 uses a pay shopping bag. After confirming this notification, the store clerk 21 registers the paid shopping bag with the registration machine 11 and puts the shopping bag into the shopping basket 16 containing the product to be purchased.

Further, when a communication command corresponding to the communication button B3 is received, the registration device 11 displays a message, an icon, etc., on the touch panel 11f to inform the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 requests equipment such as chopsticks or a spoon. Is displayed. After confirming this notification, the store clerk 21 should hand over the necessary fixtures from the product to be purchased to the customer 22 .
After controlling transmission of the communication command, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state from Act54 to Act58.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes notification reception means by the processing of Act 55 and Act 60 of the accounting machine 12 .

In the standby state of Act54 to Act58, when the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are pressed, the CPU 12a executes the electronic money process in Act61.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of electronic money processing. When the electronic money process is entered, the CPU 12a confirms in Act 71 which of the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 has been input. When the electronic money button B4 is pressed ("Charge" in Act71), the CPU 12a detects the balance of electronic money from the electronic money medium data read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k in Act72, and touch panel 12f. to display. At this time, the touch panel 12f displays the balance of the electronic money and an end button for the customer 22 to command the end of charging.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the end button has been pressed in Act73. If the end button has not been pressed, the CPU 12a checks in Act 74 whether or not the charge amount has been deposited into the automatic change dispenser 12m. If the charge amount has not been received, the CPU 12a returns to Act73. Therefore, in the processing of Act73 and Act74, the CPU 12a waits for the end button to be input or the charge amount to be paid.

In the standby state of Act73 and Act74, when the charge amount is deposited, the CPU 12a updates the balance of the electronic money medium so that it is increased by the amount of the deposited amount in Act75. The CPU 12a also displays the updated balance on the touch panel 12f. After that, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act73 and Act74.

In the standby state of Act73 and Act74, when the end button is pressed, the CPU 12a issues a new account transaction number in Act76. The accounting machine transaction number is, for example, a number that increases one by one from 1. After issuing the account transaction number, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12g to issue a charge receipt in Act77. By this control, a charge receipt is issued on which the balance before charging, the amount of charge, the balance after charging, the accounting machine transaction number, etc. are printed.

After controlling the issuance of the charge receipt, the CPU 12a deletes the balance displayed on the touch panel 12f in Act78. Thus, the electronic money processing when the electronic money button B4 is pressed is completed.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes charge reception means by the processing of Act 56 and Act 61 (Act 71 to Act 77) of the checkout machine 12. FIG.

On the other hand, when the electronic money button B5 is pressed ("inquiry" at Act71), the CPU 12a detects the electronic money balance from the electronic money medium data read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k at Act79. and displayed on the touch panel 12f. At this time, the touch panel 12f displays the electronic money balance and a confirmation button for instructing that the customer 22 has confirmed.

The CPU 12a waits for the confirmation button to be input in Act80. If the confirmation button is pressed (YES in Act80), the CPU 12a deletes the balance displayed on the touch panel 12f in Act78. Thus, the electronic money processing when the electronic money button B5 is pressed is completed. When the electronic money processing ends, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act54 to Act58.

In the standby state of Act54 to Act58, when the payment method buttons B6, B7, B8 are input (YES in Act58), the CPU 12a changes the media data M in Act62. That is, when the payment method button B6 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "1", and when the payment method button B7 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "2". , and the payment method button B8 is pressed, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "3". After that, the CPU 12a executes payment acceptance processing as Act63.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of payment acceptance processing. When entering the payment acceptance process, the CPU 12a examines the media data M in Act91.
When the media data M is "1", the CPU 12a confirms the presence or absence of payment in Act92. If cash has not been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12m (NO in Act 92), the CPU 12a terminates the payment acceptance process. If cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12m (YES in Act 92), the CPU 12a stores the amount of money deposited in the data buffer 41 in Act 93, and displays a message indicating that cash payment has been selected on the touch panel 12f. to display. With this, the CPU 12a terminates the payment acceptance process.

When the media data M is "2", the CPU 12a checks in Act 94 whether or not the electronic money reader/writer 12k is reading the data of the electronic money medium. If the data of the electronic money medium has not been read (NO in Act 94), the CPU 12a terminates the payment acceptance process. If the electronic money medium data is read (YES at Act94), the CPU 12a detects the electronic money balance from the electronic money medium data read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k at Act95. Then, the CPU 12a stores the balance in the data buffer 41 and displays a message indicating that electronic money payment has been selected on the touch panel 12f. With this, the CPU 12a terminates the payment acceptance process.

If the media data M is "3", the CPU 12a checks in Act 96 whether or not the card reader/writer 12j is reading the credit card data. If the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act 96), the CPU 12a terminates the payment acceptance process. If the credit card data is read (YES at Act96), the CPU 12a stores the credit card data read by the card reader/writer 12j in the data buffer 41 at Act97, and selects credit card payment. A message indicating that it has been done is displayed on the touch panel 12f. With this, the CPU 12a terminates the payment acceptance process.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes payment acceptance means through the processing of Act 58, Act 62-Act 63 (Act 91-Act 97) of the accounting machine 12. FIG.

After completing the payment acceptance process, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act54. Therefore, since the media data M is not "0" this time (NO at Act57), the CPU 12a proceeds to NO at Act57. That is, the CPU 12a waits for reception of display data, input from the communication buttons B1, B2 and B3, or input from the electronic money buttons B4 and B5. The CPU 12a also executes payment acceptance processing.

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

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

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

Next, the CPU 12a examines the media data M as Act102. If the media data M is "0" (YES in Act 102), the means of payment is undefined. In this case, the CPU 12a waits for input of the payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 as Act103. If the payment method buttons B6, B7, B8 are input (YES in Act102), the CPU 12a changes the media data M in Act104. That is, when the payment method button B6 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "1", and when the payment method button B7 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "2". , and the payment method button B8 is pressed, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "3". Thus, it is possible for customer 22 to select a payment method after checkout machine 12 receives the registered transaction data as well as before.

If the media data M is changed in Act104 or if the media data M is not already "0" in Act102 (NO in Act102), the CPU 12a issues a new account transaction number in Act105. After issuing the accounting machine transaction number, the CPU 12a edits the transaction data in Act106. Specifically, the CPU 12a adds the payment transaction data stored in the data buffer 41 together with the accounting machine transaction number to the registered transaction data stored in the transaction buffer 42 to generate transaction data representing the content of one transaction.

Next, the CPU 12a examines the media data M as Act107. Here, when the media data M is "1", the CPU 12a executes cash settlement processing as Act108. That is, the CPU 12a calculates the amount of change when the amount of money deposited into the automatic change dispenser 12m is greater than or equal to the total amount. At this time, if the payment amount is stored in the payment acceptance process, the payment amount becomes the deposit amount. If more cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12m, the amount of money inserted is added to the amount of money deposited, resulting in the deposit amount. Therefore, the customer can, for example, insert banknotes for the approximate price at the stage of pre-accounting processing, and insert coins for the fraction of the price determined at the stage of accounting processing.

When the cash settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act109. Specifically, the CPU 12a adds the deposit amount and change amount to the transaction data. Then, in Act 110, the CPU 12a creates print data for the purchase receipt based on the data in the transaction buffer 42, outputs the print data to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the purchase receipt.

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

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

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

When the credit card data is authenticated and the credit card settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act115. Specifically, the payment amount by credit card, partial credit card information, etc. are added to the transaction data. Then, in Act 116, the CPU 12a creates print data for the credit slip based on the data in the transaction buffer 42, outputs it to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the credit slip.

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

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

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

After completing the processing of Act 45, the CPU 12a ends the information processing for one transaction. Then, the CPU 12a starts processing from Act31 again.

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

Here, when the next customer 22 comes to the checkout lane, the clerk 21 guides the customer 22 to the checkout machine 12-A1 indicated by the link destination image SC2. The guidance method is not particularly limited. In general, it is conceivable to verbally advise the customer, "Please move to the accounting machine in A1 and prepare for payment." After hearing the guidance, the customer 22 moves to the installation location of the checkout machine 12-A1.

The store clerk 21, who is the operator of the registration machine 11-R1, starts entering data on the products to be purchased by the customer 22 who has moved to the installation location of the accounting machine 12-A1. Then, the data of the product to be purchased is stored in the data buffer 31 of the registration device 11-R1. Also, in the accounting machine 12-A1, the data stored in the data buffer 31, that is, the details of the product to be purchased (product name, unit price, number of sales, and sales amount) are displayed in the display area D4 of the accounting preparation image SC3. be. Therefore, the customer 22 who has moved to the place where the checkout machine 12-A1 is installed can confirm the contents registered in the registration machine 11-R1 in real time from the contents of the display area D4. In this way, even if the customer 21 leaves the store clerk 21, the customer 22 can confirm that the clerk 21 has correctly registered the product to be purchased, so that the customer 22 can move to the installation place of the checkout machine 12-A1 with peace of mind. can.

On the other hand, the customer 22 who moves to the installation place of the checkout machine 12-A1 and confirms the checkout preparation image SC3 touches the communication button B1 to ask the clerk 21 who operates the registration machine 11-R1 to use the gift certificate. can be notified. Similarly, by touching the communication button B2, the user can be notified of the use of pay shopping bags, and by touching the communication button B3, the user can be notified of a request for supplies such as chopsticks or spoons. In this way, the customer 22 can communicate with the store clerk 21 who operates the registration machine 11-R1) even after moving to the place where the checkout machine 12-A1 is installed. Therefore, the customer 22 can safely move to the installation place of the checkout machine 12 according to the instruction of the store clerk 21 even before the data entry of the product to be purchased is completed.

Further, the customer 22 who has confirmed the checkout preparation image SC3 touches the electronic money button B4, holds up the electronic money medium to the electronic money reader/writer 12k, and inserts the charged amount into the automatic change machine 12m to obtain electronic money. can be charged. Similarly, by touching the electronic money button B5 and holding the electronic money medium over the electronic money reader/writer 12k, the customer 22 can inquire about the electronic money balance. In this way, while the checkout preparation image SC3 is being displayed, that is, while the data of the product to be purchased is being entered on the registration machine 11-R1, the customer 22 operates the checkout machine 12-A1 to electronically Money can be charged or balance inquiries can be made.

Similarly, the customer 22 who confirmed the checkout preparation image SC3 can proceed with preparations for cash payment by touching the payment method button B6. Specifically, the cash required for payment can be entered in the automatic change machine 12m in advance. Further, by touching the payment method button B7, the customer 22 can proceed with preparations for electronic money payment, and by touching the payment method button B8, the customer 22 can prepare for credit card payment. can proceed.

Therefore, the customer 22 can start preparations for payment at the place where the checkout machine 12-A1 is installed without waiting for the data input of the purchase target product to be completed. As a result, the length of time the customer 22 stays at the place where the checkout machine 12-A1 is installed is shortened, so that checkout operations can be made more efficient.

Other embodiments will be described below.
In the above embodiment, the checkout machine 12 whose device status ST is "0" determines whether or not it is the highest priority checkout machine with respect to the registration machine 11 using the selection table T1. In the case of the top-priority checkout machine, the checkout machine 12 transmits a link request command to the registration machine 11 . When the registration machine 11 sends a permission response command in response to this command, the checkout system 10 puts the checkout machine 12 and the registration machine 11 into a linked state.

In another embodiment, the accounting machine 12 whose device status ST is “0” transmits a link request command to the registration machine 11 . The registration machine 11 that is not in a linked state with the accounting machine 12 causes the touch panel 11f to display an accounting machine selection image SC4 (see FIG. 14) in which the device ID of the accounting machine 12 that has transmitted the link request command is selectable.

As shown in FIG. 14, the accounting machine selection image SC4 includes buttons B11-A1, B11-A3, and B11-A4 that correspond one-to-one with the device ID of the accounting machine 12 whose device status ST is "0". The accounting machine selection image SC4 is displayed, for example, in the center of the registration image SC1. After confirming this image SC1, the store clerk 21 touches one of the buttons B11. Then, a consent response command is transmitted from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 having the device ID corresponding to the button B11. Thus, the checkout system 10 puts the checkout machine 12 and the registration machine 11 into a linked state.

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

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

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

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

Note that the transfer of the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 is generally carried out in a state in which programs such as control programs are stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to the user's operation. Transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be of any form, such as CD-ROM, memory card, etc., as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. Also, the functions obtained by installing or downloading a program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (Operating System) or the like inside the device.

Additionally, 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 Registration machine 12 Accounting machine 13 LAN 14 Counter 11a, 12a CPU 11b, 12b ROM 11c, 12c RAM 11d, 12d Auxiliary storage unit, 11e, 12e scanner 11f, 12f touch panel 11g, 12g printer 11h, 12h communication unit 11i, 12i transmission system 12j card reader/writer 12k electronic money reader/writer 12m automatic Change dispenser 31, 41 Data buffer 32, 44 Link destination ID 42 Transaction buffer 43 Selection table memory T1 Selection table SC1 Registration image SC2 Link destination image SC3 Accounting preparation Image, SC4, SC5... Accounting machine selection image.

Claims (5)

a registration machine for entering data of products purchased by customers; and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the products based on the data entered by the registration machine;
Data communication between the registration machine and any one of the plurality of accounting machines is possible before the data entry of the merchandise purchased by the customer is started with the registration machine or after the start and the end of the data entry. and a linking means for
The customer displays, on the display of any one of the checkout machines that are enabled for data communication by the linking means, the details of the goods entered by the registration machine that is enabled for data communication with the checkout machine. display means for displaying before data entry for all products to be purchased is completed;
When the data entry of all the products purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, any one of the accounting machines, which has become ready for data communication by the linking means, receives the payment data entered in the accounting machine. a payment instrument that executes payment based on
A checkout system with canceling means for canceling the data communication enabled state between the registration machine and the accounting machine after the settlement by the settlement means is completed;
The checkout system of Claim 1, further comprising: Before data entry of all the commodities purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, the accounting machine in which data communication is enabled by the registration machine and the link means accepts an input relating to the payment of the commodities. payment acceptance means;
3. The checkout system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: charge receiving means for receiving a charge of electronic money at the checkout machine, which is in a state capable of data communication by the linking means and the registration machine, before data entry of all the products purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine;
3. The checkout system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Before data entry of all the commodities purchased by the customer is completed in the registration machine, the accounting machine in which data communication is enabled by the registration machine and the link means receives a notification to an operator of the registration machine. notification receiving means,
3. The checkout system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

Images