JP2023105021A - Registration machine and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable batch settlement of individually generated transaction information for multiple transactions.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a checkout system includes at least one registration machine and a plurality of accounting machines. The registration machine includes: generation means for generating a transaction information piece for settlement of goods for each one transaction; generation means for generating an identification information piece unique to one single transaction, and transmission means for transmitting the transaction information piece in correspondence with the identification information piece. The accounting machine includes: input means for inputting the plurality of identification information pieces at a time; reception means for receiving the plurality of transaction information pieces respectively corresponding to the plurality of identification information; and settlement means for integrating and settling the plurality of transaction information pieces.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registration machine and a control program.

In recent years, stores such as supermarkets have installed semi-self-type checkout systems. A semi-self-type checkout system consists of a registration machine that registers products and generates transaction information for payment processing, and an accounting machine that processes payments based on the transaction information about the products registered by the registration machine. The registration machine is operated by the cashier, and the checkout machine is operated by the shopper.

In such a system, transaction information generated at the registration machine is transferred to the idle accounting machine. The accounting machine that has received one piece of transaction information does not receive new transaction information until settlement based on that transaction information is completed.

By the way, the registration machine generates transaction information for each transaction. Therefore, when a shopper purchases a plurality of items, if the transaction is divided into multiple transactions, the registration machine generates transaction information for each of the multiple transactions. In this case, the shopper must individually operate the checkout machine to settle a plurality of pieces of transaction information generated by the registration machine.

In addition, when a plurality of shoppers (for example, family members) share the purchase of a plurality of products, and each of them registers the products with different registration machines, in this case as well, the Transaction information must be settled by operating the accounting machine individually.

As described above, in the conventional checkout system, multiple transaction information processed as different transactions in the registration machine must be operated individually for settlement in the accounting machine, which is time-consuming. Since settlement results (receipts, etc.) are output as different transactions, product purchase management becomes complicated.

JP 2013-242839 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration machine and a control program that can collectively settle transaction information generated individually for a plurality of transactions.

According to an embodiment, the register comprises generating means, detecting means, settlement means, generating means, storing means, first transmitting means and second transmitting means. The generating means generates transaction information for settlement of products for each transaction. The detecting means detects, from the transaction information, a first operation instructing execution of settlement processing in the own machine or a second operation instructing execution of settlement processing in the accounting machine. The payment means executes payment processing for the transaction information when the first operation is detected. The generating means generates identification information corresponding to the unique transaction information for each transaction when the second operation is detected. The storage means associates and stores the transaction information for each transaction and the identification information corresponding to each transaction information. The first transmitting means transmits a request for execution of settlement processing for the transaction information to one of the plurality of accounting machines when the second operation is detected. A second transmitting means transmits the transaction information to the accounting machine in response to a notification received from any one of the plurality of accounting machines in response to the execution request.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a registration machine and a plurality of checkout machines in the checkout system of this embodiment; 2 is a block diagram of a registration machine and a checkout machine according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart of control processing of a registration device (CPU) in this embodiment. 4 is a flow chart of control processing of a registration device (CPU) in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the registration screen in this embodiment. 4 is a flow chart of control processing of the accounting machine (CPU) in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the collective accounting selection screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the accounting ticket receipt reading screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows the specific example of integration of the transaction information in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The checkout system according to this embodiment is installed, for example, in a store such as a supermarket.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a registration machine 11 (11A, 11B) and a plurality of accounting machines 12 (12A1, 12A2, 12B1, 12B2) in the checkout system of this embodiment. The registration machine 11 and the checkout machine 12 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket. The checkout system shown in FIG. 1 is provided with two registration machines 11A and 11B. Two checkout machines 12A1 and 12A2 are provided near the registration machine 11A. Two checkout machines 12B1 and 12B2 are provided near the registration machine 11B.

The registration machine 11A is used to input the product code of the product that the shopper 4 (4A-1) intends to purchase, and to generate transaction information to be used for payment processing in the accounting machine 12 based on the product code. It is a device. The registration machine 11A generates transaction information for each transaction. The transaction information includes information about at least one product and an amount to be settled (total transaction amount). The registration machine 11A is operated by an employee 2-1 who is called a checker and performs merchandise registration operations. Further, the registration machine 11A has a function of performing settlement processing similar to that of the accounting machine 12 by operating a checker based on the transaction information.

The accounting machines 12A1 and 12A2 are devices for receiving transaction information generated by the registration machine 11A and performing settlement processing based on this transaction information. The accounting machines 12A1, 12A2 are operated by shoppers 4 (4A-2, 4A-3). Note that the accounting machines 12A1 and 12A2 may be operated by the employee 2-1.

The registration machine 11A is attached to the work table in FIG. The work table has, for example, a rectangular top plate. The employee 2-1 performs a scanning operation (merchandise registration operation) for the merchandise that the shopper 4A-1 intends to purchase on the work table.

The accounting machines 12A1 and 12A2 are arranged near the work table on which the registration machine 11A is attached, for example. FIG. 1 shows an example in which two accounting machines 12A1 and 12A2 are arranged. Three or more accounting machines 12 may be provided.

The registration machine 11B is a device for registering products that the shopper 4 (4B-1) intends to purchase and generating transaction information. The registration machine 11B is operated by an employee 2-2 called a checker who performs the product registration operation. Further, the registration machine 11B has a function of performing settlement processing similar to that of the accounting machine 12 by operating a checker based on the transaction information.

The accounting machines 12B1 and 12B2 are devices for receiving transaction information generated by the registration machine 11B and performing settlement processing based on this transaction information. The checkout machines 12B1 and 12B2 are operated by shoppers 4 (4B-2 and 4B-3). Note that the accounting machines 12B1 and 12B2 may be operated by the employee 2-2.

Since the registration device 11B is configured in the same manner as the registration device 11A, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, since the accounting machines 12B1 and 12B2 are configured in the same manner as the accounting machines 12A1 and 12A2, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The number of registration machines 11 in the checkout system of this embodiment is not limited. The transaction information generated by the registration machine 11 is basically processed by the accounting machine 12 installed near the registration machine 11 that generated the transaction information. Settlement processing may be executed at the checkout machine 12 . For example, the transaction information generated by the registration machine 11A may be processed by the accounting machine 12B or the accounting machine 12B.

In addition, the checkout system according to the present embodiment stores a plurality of transaction information generated for each of a plurality of transactions by one registration machine 11, or a plurality of transaction information generated for each different transaction by different registration machines 11, into one transaction information. One accounting machine 12 can collectively account for one transaction information.

For example, when a family goes shopping and divides up a plurality of products to be purchased and registers the products in the registration machines 11A and 11B respectively, the two transactions processed in the registration machines 11A and 11B are, for example, one transaction. A single accounting machine 12A1 can be used for collective accounting.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the registration machine 11 and accounting machine 12 in this embodiment.

The registration machines 11A, 11B and the accounting machines 12A1, 12A2, 12B1, 12B2 are all connected to a LAN (local area network) 14. FIG. Another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 14 . Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the registration machines 11A, 11B and the accounting machines 12A1, 12A2, 12B1, 12B2 via the server 13 (store computer).

The registration device 11A is equipped with the functions of a computer, and 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, It has a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, a printer 11h, a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a display 11m.

The CPU 11a is a circuit for controlling each part to realize various operations as the registration machine 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b and the RAM 11c record various programs executed by the CPU 11a and data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. In the RAM 11c, as data to be temporarily recorded, for example, when a process of registering product information is executed, an identification unique to one transaction issued for the purchase (transaction) of the product by the shopper 4 is stored. information and a registered product table in which information of each product is registered.

The program executed by the CPU 11a includes a process of inputting product information (product code, etc.) through the scanner 11f, a process of generating transaction information used for payment processing according to product information registered in the registered product table, Processing for generating identification information for identifying one transaction (generally, purchase of a product by one shopper 4), settlement processing based on the transaction information, and transaction information associated with the identification information are sent to the server 13. Alternatively, it includes a control program for executing processing for transmission to the accounting machine 12 and the like.

The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, EEPROM (registered trademark) (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD (solid state drive) can be used.

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

The scanner 11f reads product information by optical scanning and inputs a product code unique to the product. The scanner 11f may be a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner, or may be of a type that uses image recognition technology to identify products from photographed images of the products. Also, the scanner 11f may be provided with only one type, or may be provided with a plurality of types.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. A display device displays arbitrary screens, such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen. For example, the display device displays a list of transaction information (product name, price, etc.) related to products registered as purchase targets, subtotal amounts, various menus, buttons for inputting commands, and the like. A known device such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 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. A transaction receipt printed with the transaction details such as the total amount, and an accounting ticket receipt printed with identification information for identifying the transaction to be read by the accounting machine 12 are issued. The identification information is printed in a pattern such as a bar code, for example.

The card reader/writer 11i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards for recording information related to accounting 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 communicates with the server 13 and the accounting machine 12 via the LAN14.

A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display 11m. The display 11m displays, for the shopper 4A-1, a screen or the like for displaying information on products registered as purchased products.

As the hardware of the registration machine 11A, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used. The registration device 11B is configured in the same manner as the registration device 11A, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The accounting machine 12A1 has computer functions and includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader/writer 12i, and a communication unit 12j. .

The CPU 12a is a circuit for controlling each part to realize various operations as the accounting machine 12A1 based on the operating system, middleware and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c.

The ROM 12b and the RAM 12c record various programs executed by the CPU 12a and data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. In the RAM 12c, as data temporarily recorded, the identification information recorded on the accounting ticket receipt read by the scanner 12f by the operation of the shopper 4, and the registered product table transmitted from the registration machine 11 are stored. Data indicating the transaction information is recorded.

The program executed by the CPU 12a includes processing for inputting identification information generated by the registration machine 11 based on the code read from the accounting receipt through the scanner 12f, and transaction information used for settlement processing corresponding to the identification information. , processing to switch whether or not to perform collective accounting according to an instruction input by the operation of the shopper 4 through the selection screen, processing to integrate each transaction information corresponding to a plurality of identification information into one transaction information. , and a control program for executing settlement processing based on transaction information.

The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used when the CPU 12a performs 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 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 data recorded on a medium such as a receipt by optical scanning. For example, scanner 12f is used to read the code pattern printed on the accounting receipt printed by registration machine 11 . The scanner 12f may be a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner, or may be of a type that uses image recognition technology to identify products from captured images of the products. Also, the scanner 12f may be provided with only one type, or may be provided with a plurality of types.

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. A display device displays arbitrary screens, such as a GUI screen. For example, the display device displays a list of transaction information (product name, price, etc.) related to products registered as purchase targets, subtotal amounts, various menus, buttons for inputting commands, and the like. 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 transaction receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper.

The card reader/writer 12i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards for recording information related to accounting 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 communicates with the server 13 and the registration machine 11 via the LAN14.

Also, the checkout machine 12A1 may be provided with a human sensor or the like capable of detecting the approach of the shopper 4A-2.
As the hardware of the checkout machine 12A1, for example, an existing self-service POS terminal can be used. The accounting machines 12A2, 12B1, and 12B2 are configured in the same manner as the accounting machine 12A1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the checkout system according to this embodiment 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. In the following explanation, the operations of the registration machine 11A and the accounting machine 12A1 are taken as examples.

When the registration machine 11A is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts control processing based on the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

3 and 4 are flowcharts of control processing of the registration device 11A (CPU 11a) in this embodiment.

When starting the control process, the CPU 11a clears the registered contents of the registered product table recorded in the RAM 11c (Act 1). Further, the CPU 11a causes the touch panel 11g to display a registration screen and a registration operation screen (Act 2). The registration screen is for displaying information about the products registered in the registered product table, and for allowing the employee 2-1 to confirm the progress of the registration process. The registration operation screen is a screen for displaying various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 2-1 to specify products and a subtotal button.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen SC1 in this embodiment.
The registration screen SC1 shown in FIG. 5 includes areas R1 and R2. The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity and unit price of the product last registered in the registered product table, and the total number and total price of the products purchased after the registration of the product. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts of products registered prior to the product displayed on the registration screen SC1. The registration screen SC1 shows only a basic form for displaying various information related to the registered product, and it is possible to display various information related to product registration other than those shown in FIG. .

With the registration screen and the registration operation screen displayed, the CPU 11a waits for a touch operation on the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g and acquisition of the product code through the scanner 11f.

When the employee 2-1 detects that the product code attached to the product has been read by the scanner 11f (Act 4, Yes), the CPU 11a registers the product information corresponding to the product code in the registered product table ( update) (Act 5). Further, the CPU 11a updates the product information on the registration screen SC1 according to the contents of the updated registered product table.

After that, as described above, the CPU 11a sequentially stores the product information corresponding to the obtained product code in the registered product table each time the employee 2-1 performs an operation to read the product code with the scanner 11f. Add (Act 4, 5).

After at least one product has been registered in this way, when the CPU 11a detects that the subtotal button has been touched (Act 3, Yes), it is registered in the registered product table based on the contents registered in the registered product table. Generate transaction information for settlement processing for the purchased product (Act 6). The transaction information includes information such as the list of registered products, the total number of purchased products, and the total price. The CPU 11a causes the touch panel 11g to display a small plan screen including information such as the list of registered products, the total number of registered products, and the total price (Act 7). In addition, the sub-plan screen is provided with a checkout button for performing checkout operations on the registration machine 11A for checkout processing, and a transfer button for designating checkout processing on the checkout machine 12. FIG.

Here, when it is further detected that the product code attached to the product has been read by the scanner 11f through the operation of the employee 2-1 (Act 8, Yes), the CPU 11a registers the product information corresponding to the product code as the registered product. Register (update) in the table and display the registration screen (Act 9).

Further, when detecting that the checkout button for closing operation has been touched on the small plan screen (Act 11), the CPU 11a executes settlement processing for the transaction information according to the payment method requested by the shopper (Act 12). A printed transaction receipt is issued by the printer 11h (Act 13).

On the other hand, when it is detected that the transfer button designating the accounting process has been touched on the accounting machine 12 (Act 10, Yes), the CPU 11a generates identification information for identifying the current transaction. Then, the transaction information associated with this identification information is transmitted to the server 13 (Act 14). The CPU 11a also causes the printer 11h to issue an accounting coupon receipt on which a code representing identification information is printed (Act 15).

In this way, the registration machine 11A transmits the transaction information to the server 13 in association with the identification information when executing accounting processing in the accounting machine 12 for each transaction, and also sends the accounting ticket on which the identification information is recorded. Issue a receipt.

Accordingly, the server 13 records the identification information associated with the identification information transmitted from each registration device 11A, 11B included in the checkout system. That is, the server 13 stores transaction information corresponding to a plurality of transactions processed by one registration machine 11A (or registration machine 11B), transaction information corresponding to a plurality of transactions processed respectively by a plurality of different registration machines 11A and 11B. Information is recorded in association with different identification information.

Next, the operation of the checkout machine 12A1 in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control processing of the accounting machine 12A1 (CPU 12a) in this embodiment.
The accounting machine 12A1 (CPU 12a) causes the touch panel 12g to display a standby screen in the initial state. The standby screen indicates that the payment process is not in progress, and any information may be displayed. For example, the standby screen displays, for example, a message indicating that payment cannot be processed, or an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screensaver.

In the standby state, the CPU 12a monitors input for instructing the start of operation. The input for instructing the operation start includes, for example, touch operation by the shopper 4 on the touch panel 12g, detection of a human sensor provided in the accounting machine 12A1, and the like.

Here, when an input instructing the start of operation is detected (Act 22, Yes), the CPU 12a causes the touch panel 12g to display a collective accounting selection screen (Act 23).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the collective accounting selection screen SC2 in this embodiment. The collective checkout selection screen SC2 is an operation screen for allowing the shopper 4 to select whether or not to collectively check out a plurality of transactions processed by the registration machine 11 . The CPU 12a switches control between execution of normal settlement processing and settlement by collective settlement according to an instruction input through the collective settlement selection screen SC2.

On the collective checkout selection screen SC2 shown in FIG. 7, a message 30 ("Would you like to make a collective checkout?") is displayed to inform the shopper 4 of the details of the operation on the screen. A button 31 (“Yes”) for indicating and a button 32 (“No”) for indicating that the message 30 is not accepted are displayed.

Here, when the operation of touching the button 32 (“No”) is detected (Act 24, No), the CPU 12a determines that the shopper 4 has selected not to perform the collective checkout, and scans the checkout receipt with the scanner 12f. read waiting state. When the shopper 4 causes the scanner 12f to read the accounting ticket receipt, the scanner 12f detects the identification information printed on the accounting ticket receipt. Based on the identification information input through the scanner 12f, the CPU 12a requests the server 13 to transmit the transaction information associated with this identification information. The server 13 transmits the transaction information associated with the identification information requested by the accounting machine 12A1 to the accounting machine 12A1.

The accounting machine 12A1 receives transaction information from the server 13 (Act 26). When the transaction information is received from the server 13, the CPU 12a changes the display of the touch panel 12g to a settlement screen.

The payment screen is an operation screen for accepting an operation by the shopper 4 for payment processing based on the transaction information received from the server 13 . The settlement screen displays, for example, the total amount indicated in the transaction information. Also, the settlement screen may include the total number of items and a list of products purchased. In addition, when a plurality of payment methods (payment methods) are possible, the payment screen includes a button or the like for the shopper 4 to select a payment method.

The CPU 12a detects an operation by the shopper 4 on the payment screen, and executes payment processing according to this operation (Act 27). The settlement processing is processing for settlement of the total amount indicated in the transaction information recorded in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d according to the operation by the shopper 4. FIG.

The CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a transaction receipt showing the information indicated in the transaction information recorded in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the settlement process. This ends the processing for one transaction. After that, the CPU 12a returns to Act21 and performs the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, when the operation of touching the button 31 (“Yes”) on the collective checkout selection screen SC2 is detected (Act 24, Yes), the CPU 12a determines that collective checkout has been selected by the shopper 4, and The accounting ticket receipt reading screen for accounting is displayed on the touch panel 12g (Act 29).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the accounting coupon receipt reading screen SC3 in this embodiment. While the accounting coupon receipt reading screen SC3 is displayed, a plurality of accounting coupon receipts can be continuously scanned by the scanner 12f to collectively read a plurality of pieces of identification information recorded on the accounting coupon receipts. can.

As shown in FIG. 8, the accounting coupon receipt reading screen SC3 includes a message 40 ("Please scan the accounting coupon receipt") for notifying the shopper 4 of the details of the operation on the screen, as well as a scanning operation. A guide image 41 for explaining to the customer 4, a number display 42 indicating the number of accounting ticket receipts read by scanning, and an end button 43 for instructing the end of reading accounting ticket receipts are displayed.

Here, when it is detected that the identification information recorded on the accounting ticket receipt has been read through the scanner 12f (Act 31, Yes), the CPU 12a records the read identification information in the RAM 12c (Act 32), and the number display 42 1 is added to the number of (Act 29).

That is, when the shopper 4 makes the scanner 12f read a plurality of accounting coupon receipts corresponding to a plurality of transactions to be collectively accounted for, the number display 42 of the accounting coupon receipt reading screen SC3 is sequentially updated. be. The RAM 12c also records a plurality of pieces of identification information corresponding to a plurality of transactions read from a plurality of accounting coupon receipts.

When the reading of a plurality of billing coupon receipts corresponding to the transactions targeted for collective billing is completed and it is detected that the end button 43 has been touched by the shopper 4 (Act 30, Yes), the CPU 12a records the data in the RAM 12c. Integrate multiple transaction information. That is, the CPU 12a puts together information about products included in each transaction information, calculates the total amount of all products included in each transaction information to be settled (total transaction amount), Record in the storage unit 12d.

Then, the CPU 12a causes the touch panel 12g to display a settlement screen including a list of the integrated transaction information and the total amount so that the shopper 4 can confirm the contents of the integrated transaction information (Act 35).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of integration of transaction information in this embodiment.
FIG. 9A shows a list of products included in the transaction information generated by the registration machine 11A, for example, and FIG. 9B shows a list of products included in the transaction information generated by the registration machine 11B. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing; Four products (products A, B, C, and D) are registered in the registration machine 11A and the total amount is 998 yen, and three products (products E, F, and G) are registered in the registration machine 11B. is registered, indicating that the total amount is "642 yen".

By integrating the transaction information shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the transaction information shown in FIG. 9C is generated. That is, transaction information including seven products (products A to G) with a total transaction amount of "1640 yen" is generated. The CPU 12a causes the touch panel 12g to display the contents of the integrated transaction information shown in FIG. 9(C) as a list.

It should be noted that the CPU 12a, when displaying the integrated transaction information list on the settlement screen, displays the transaction information in a display form that allows the contents of each transaction to be identified. For example, it is possible to classify and display product information for each transaction, or to display each product information with a transaction number or the like for identifying the transaction added thereto. Furthermore, the product information included in the integrated transaction information may be classified (sorted) by type and displayed. In this way, by making it possible to easily identify the contents of the integrated transaction information, it is possible to easily confirm, for example, products that have not been purchased.

The CPU 12a detects an operation by the shopper 4 on the payment screen, and executes payment processing according to this operation (Act 36). That is, the CPU 12a settles the total transaction amount of the integrated transaction information recorded in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d according to the operation by the shopper 4 by the settlement process.

The CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a transaction receipt showing the information indicated in the transaction information recorded in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the settlement process. This ends the processing for one transaction. After that, the CPU 12a returns to Act21 and performs the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

Thus, in the checkout system of this embodiment, a plurality of transaction information generated for each of a plurality of transactions by one registration machine 11, or a plurality of transaction information generated for each different transaction by different registration machines 11 can be combined into one piece of transaction information in one accounting machine 12 for collective accounting. Therefore, for example, when a family goes shopping, even if a plurality of transactions are divided and registered in the registration device 11, the operation for settlement (cash insertion, etc.) is repeated for each transaction. It is not necessary, and the work load on the shopper 4 can be reduced. In addition, since the transaction information generated by a plurality of registration processes is combined into one transaction information for settlement processing, the shopper 4 can easily manage product purchases.

In the above description, the transaction information transmitted from the registration machines 11A and 11B is transferred to the accounting machine 12 that executes accounting processing via the server 13. 12, the transaction information may be transmitted. In this case, for example, the registration machines 11A and 11B include unique information indicating themselves in the identification information printed on the accounting ticket receipt. The checkout machine 12 extracts unique information from the identification information read from the checkout receipt and requests transaction information from the registration machine 11 indicated by this unique information.

Therefore, when the identification information is read from a plurality of receipts for batch accounting, the accounting machine 12 requests transaction information from the register indicated by each identification information. For example, when the checkout machine 12A reads the identification information from the checkout receipt issued by each of the registration machines 11A and 11B, the checkout machine 12A requests transaction information from each of the registration machines 11A and 11B. The accounting machine 12A integrates the transaction information received from each of the registration machines 11A and 11B and settles them collectively.

In the above description, the accounting machine 12 is made to read the accounting coupon receipt issued by the registration machine 11, thereby allowing the accounting machine 12 to perform accounting processing. The machine 12 may be caused to perform accounting processing.

For example, when registration processing is completed in the registration machine 11A, a request for execution of accounting processing is transmitted to at least one of the plurality of accounting machines 12A, 12A2, 12B1, and 12B2. The accounting machines 12A1, 12A2, 12B1, and 12B2 determine any one accounting machine, for example, the accounting machine 12A1, to execute accounting processing in response to the accounting processing execution request from the registration device 11A. The accounting machine that executes accounting processing is determined based on preset conditions, such as selecting the accounting machine that is in an idle state (standby state) and that is closest to the requesting registration machine 11A. and The accounting machine 12A1 notifies the registration machine 11A that accounting processing will be executed. The registration machine 11A transmits the transaction information to the accounting machine 12A1 in response to the notification from the accounting machine 12A1.

In this embodiment, in such a checkout system, it may be possible to make batch accounting for a plurality of transactions. That is, the accounting machine 12A1 integrates the transaction information received by notifying the registration machine 11A and the transaction information received by reading the accounting coupon receipt, and makes a batch accounting.

For example, when the shopper 4 intends to make a lump sum payment with another transaction, the shopper 4 informs the employee 2-1 of that effect at the registration machine 11. FIG. The registration machine 11 issues an accounting coupon receipt for the transaction as described above in accordance with the instruction from the employee 2-1.

On the other hand, the checkout machine 12A1 shifts to a state of reading the checkout receipt when the shopper 4 instructs to make a batch checkout with other transactions when performing checkout processing for the transaction information received from the registration machine 11A. When the accounting machine 12A1 reads the identification information from the accounting coupon receipt (at least one receipt), it receives the transaction information corresponding to this identification information, integrates it with the previously received transaction information, and performs settlement processing.

In this way, basically, in a checkout system that allows the accounting machine 12 to perform accounting processing without using accounting coupon receipts, accounting coupon receipts are issued for transactions that are to be collectively accounted for, and are read by the accounting machine 12A1. This makes it possible to integrate multiple transaction information and perform batch accounting.

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 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 their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Further, the processing described in the above-described embodiments can be performed by using a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), a semiconductor memory, etc. as a program that can be executed by a computer. can be written to and provided to various devices. Moreover, it is also possible to transmit it by a communication medium and provide it to various devices. The computer reads a program recorded on a recording medium or receives the program via a communication medium, and executes the above-described processes by being controlled by the program.

10 Checkout system 11 Registration machine 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 11m Display 12 Accounting machine 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.

Claims (4)

a generation means for generating transaction information for product settlement for each transaction;
detection means for detecting a first operation instructing execution of payment processing in the transaction information or a second operation instructing execution of payment processing in the accounting machine;
payment means for executing payment processing for the transaction information when the first operation is detected;
generating means for generating identification information corresponding to the transaction information unique to each transaction when the second operation is detected;
a storage means for storing the transaction information for each transaction and identification information corresponding to each transaction information in association with each other;
a first transmission means for transmitting a request for execution of settlement processing for the transaction information to one of a plurality of accounting machines when the second operation is detected;
and second transmitting means for transmitting said transaction information to said accounting machine in response to a notification received from any of said plurality of accounting machines in response to said execution request. the detection means detects a third operation instructing execution of collective accounting for a plurality of transactions in the accounting machine;
further comprising issuing means for issuing a recording medium on which the identification information is recorded when the third operation is detected;
The second transmitting means requests to transmit the transaction information corresponding to the identification information to the accounting machine when a request for transaction information corresponding to the identification information recorded on the recording medium is received from the accounting machine. Item 1. Registration machine according to item 1. 3. The registration machine according to claim 2, wherein said issuing means records unique information indicating the machine itself together with said identification information on said recording medium. the computer,
a generation means for generating transaction information for product settlement for each transaction;
detection means for detecting a first operation instructing execution of payment processing in the transaction information or a second operation instructing execution of payment processing in the accounting machine;
payment means for executing payment processing for the transaction information when the first operation is detected;
generating means for generating identification information corresponding to the transaction information unique to each transaction when the second operation is detected;
a storage means for storing the transaction information for each transaction and identification information corresponding to each transaction information in association with each other;
a first transmission means for transmitting a request for execution of settlement processing for the transaction information to one of a plurality of accounting machines when the second operation is detected;
A control program for functioning as second transmission means for transmitting the transaction information to the accounting machine in response to a notification received from any one of the plurality of accounting machines in response to the execution request.