JP2023153206A - Accounting device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress fraudulent actions in a semi-self type checkout system.SOLUTION: An accounting device of an embodiment is an accounting device used in an accounting system in which a registration device and the accounting device are connected. The accounting device includes transaction information receiving means, accounting processing means, and light emission control means. The transaction information receiving means receives transaction information including an amount billed from the registration device. The accounting processing means performs accounting processing for the amount billed. When the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, the light emission control means causes a light emitting unit to emit light in a first emission state, and in the case where there is no change in progress status of the accounting processing for a predetermined time until the accounting processing for one transaction is completed since the transaction information is received, changes the light emitting unit from the first emission state to a second emission state different from the first emission state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a semi-self checkout system (accounting system) in which a store clerk registers product information such as products and services using a registration device, and a customer performs checkout processing using an accounting device. If such a system is adopted, since the customer completes the checkout process, the clerk can move on to registering the next customer, thereby reducing the time spent waiting at the register.

In a semi-self checkout system, the registration device transfers transaction data to the accounting device upon completion of the data registration process. When the transaction data is transferred, the accounting device displays a standby screen and waits for the customer to start inputting accounting processing. However, even though transaction data has been transferred, a fraudulent act known as ``cart skipping'' may occur in which a customer takes away unpaid items without paying for them.

The term "cart skipping", which is commonly used in the past, refers to the act of shoplifting in which a cart filled with products is taken away from a store without stopping at the checkout counter. On the other hand, in semi-self checkout systems, items are registered on a registration device to make it appear as if they have gone through the cash register, but it is possible for someone to bypass the checkout device and take away unpaid items. Therefore, there was a desire to reduce the damage caused by carts being left out in semi-self-checkout systems.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a program that can suppress fraudulent acts in a semi-self checkout system.

The accounting device of the embodiment is an accounting device used in an accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected. The accounting device includes transaction information receiving means, accounting processing means, and light emission control means. The transaction information receiving means receives transaction information including the billed amount from the registration device. The accounting processing means performs accounting processing of the billed amount. The light emitting control means causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a first light emitting state when the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, and controls the light emitting unit to emit light in a first light emitting state from the time the transaction information is received until the accounting process for one transaction is completed. In this method, when there is no change in the progress of the accounting process for a predetermined period of time, the light emitting unit is changed from the first light emitting state to a second light emitting state different from the first light emitting state.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an accounting system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which it is determined that a fraudulent act has occurred and an example of light emission control at that time. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the registration process executed by the registration device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for accounting processing executed by the accounting device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an accounting system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the accounting system 1 includes a registration device 2 (2a, 2b) and an accounting device 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). The registration devices 2 (2a, 2b) are each installed on the counter 5. Placing tables 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for placing product baskets are installed next to the checkout devices 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), respectively.

The registration device 2a is connected to two accounting devices 3a and 3b via a connection interface 6. Similarly, the registration device 2b is connected to two accounting devices 3c and 3d via a connection interface 6. Further, the registration devices 2a and 2b are connected to a store server 8 installed in the backyard of the store via a network 7 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the accounting system 1 includes two registration devices 2a and 2b and four accounting devices 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, the number of each device is different from this example. but not limited to. Further, in FIG. 1, the number of accounting devices 3 connected to the registration device 2 is two, but the number is not limited to this, and multiple accounting devices 3 may be connected to the registration device 2. Bye.

It should be noted that each of the registration devices 2a and 2b has the same structure and function, so hereinafter, unless each device is specifically limited, they will be collectively referred to as the registration device 2. Further, since each of the accounting devices 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d has the same functional configuration, they will be collectively referred to as the accounting device 3 below unless the devices are specifically limited.

During the process of registering products for sale, clerk O and customer C face each other across the counter 5. As an example, when the registration process by the registration device 2a is completed, the clerk O or the customer C moves the product cart to one of the checkout devices 3a and 3b. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the product basket is moved to the placing table 4a of the checkout device 3a, the customer C pays the price using the checkout device 3a, that is, performs checkout processing. In this way, in the semi-self-type accounting system 1, the customer himself/herself performs the transaction using the accounting device 3, so the clerk O can move on to the registration process of the next customer's product information using the registration device 2.

Next, the configuration of the registration device 2 will be explained using FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the registration device 2 installed on the top surface of the counter 5 is configured based on a vertical scanner 111 having a reading window 112. The scanner 111 is, for example, a scanner equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as an imaging section. The registration device 2 uses techniques such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition), pattern recognition, or general object recognition (object recognition) to read product codes from captured images and identify products. Alternatively, an optical scanner may be used as the scanner 111. In this case, the registration device 2 scans a code symbol such as a barcode with a laser beam, and uses the reflected light to read the product code included in the code symbol.

The registration device 2 also includes an operator display 114 and an operation section 115 above the scanner 111. The operator display 114 displays the product name, price, etc. of the product held over the scanner 111. A touch panel 113 is provided on the surface of the operator display 114. The touch panel 113 and the operation unit 115 are used to assist in inputting product information.

A printer 116 is provided on the left side of the registration device 2 when viewed from the clerk O side. A card reader 118 is provided on the right side of the registration device 2 when viewed from the clerk O side. The card reader 118 magnetically reads and writes information on a magnetic card inserted through the insertion slot 118A. Further, on the opposite side of the operator display 114, a customer display 117 is provided that displays information necessary for the transaction to the customer C.

Next, the configuration of the accounting device 3 will be explained using FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the accounting device 3 includes a first casing 10 and a second casing 11. The first housing 10 includes a deposit/withdrawal device 34 and a scanner 35. The second housing 11 is placed on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10, and includes a display 61, a printer 9, and a card reader 38.

Scanner 35 has a similar structure to scanner 111. The display 61 includes a touch panel 62 on its surface and is attached above the second housing 11. The display device 61 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information regarding the operating state of the accounting device 3 in images and characters. The touch panel 62 is provided on the surface of the display 61, and outputs information based on the position touched by the customer C to the control unit 50 (see FIG. 4).

The card reader 38 is disposed on the left side of the second housing 11 and on the upper surface 10a of the first housing 10. The card reader 38 reads and writes information on a credit card, membership card, etc. inserted through the card insertion slot 38a.

The deposit/withdrawal device 34 includes a coin input port 46 , a bill input port 41 , a bill withdrawal port 42 , and a coin withdrawal section 43 . The deposit/withdrawal device 34 stores the banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 41 into a banknote storage section (not shown). Further, the deposit/withdrawal device 34 stores the coins inserted into the coin slot 46 in a coin storage section (not shown). Then, the deposit/withdrawal device 34 pays out change in the banknotes to the banknote withdrawal port 42 in response to a change payout request from the control unit 50 . Further, the deposit/withdrawal device 34 pays out change in coins to the coin dispenser 43 in response to a change payout request from the control unit 50 .

The printer 9 has a printing section (not shown) built into the second housing 11 and a receipt issuing port 9a provided on the front surface 11a of the second housing 11. The printer 9 prints a receipt and issues it from the receipt issuing port 9a under the control of the control unit 50.

The accounting device 3 also includes a cylindrical display pole 22 erected on the rear side of the upper surface 10a of the first housing 10. The display pole 22 has a light emitting section 23 at its upper tip.

The light emitting unit 23 includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit blue light and a plurality of LEDs that emit red light. Incidentally, since the reason for using a plurality of LEDs is to obtain luminous intensity, each color may be provided with a single LED as long as the intensity can be maintained with a single LED. The light emitting section 23 may use an LED of a color different from blue or red, or may use other light emitting elements. Since the light emitting section 23 is provided at the upper end of the tall display pole 22, it is easily visible not only to the store clerk O who is the operator of the registration device 2, but also to other store employees. Since the light emission can be easily confirmed from the position of the registration device 2, it is also easy for the customer standing in front of the registration device 2 to visually check.

When the accounting device 3 receives transaction data from the registration device 2, the light emitting unit 23 emits light in a first light emitting state (for example, flashing blue) indicating that the accounting device 3 is waiting for a customer. Furthermore, the light emitting unit 23 is configured to display a second light emitting state (for example, red (flashing) to notify the store staff of the abnormality.

By switching the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 in this manner, it is possible to alert the store clerk when there is a possibility that the cart has been left out. By having a structure in which the light emitting pattern changes when there is a possibility that fraud has occurred, such as someone leaving the cart, customers are informed that fraud is being monitored, and this is intended to deter fraud. . The method for determining whether fraud has occurred and switching the light emitting pattern will be described later together with the functional configuration of the control unit 50 (see FIG. 5) of the accounting device 3.

Furthermore, the display pole 22 has a display 70 below the light emitting section 23 that displays images and characters. The display 70 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display 70 displays, for example, the details of the error that occurred in the accounting device 3.

The customer operates the accounting device 3 to pay for the product using cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., ie, performs accounting processing. In accounting processing, the accounting device 3 displays the total billed amount for one transaction based on the transaction data (transaction information) received from the registration device 2, and controls processing related to accounting for the amount. The transaction data includes information such as the total billed amount for one transaction to be processed, product information of the transaction target product, the device number of the registration device 2 that is the data transmission source, and the name of the clerk in charge. The transaction data may also include other information necessary for receipt printing. For example, transaction data may include promotional information for receipt printing.

Next, the hardware configurations of the registration device 2 and the accounting device 3 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configurations of the registration device 2 and the accounting device 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the registration device 2 includes a control section 150. The control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes control processing, and storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (both not shown). The ROM stores various programs executed by the CPU and various data. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs. The RAM also stores various screen display data to be displayed on the operator display 114.

The control unit 150 performs data communication with the store server 8 (see FIG. 1) connected via the network 7 via the communication I/F (Interface) 140. Further, the control unit 150 performs data communication with the accounting device 3 connected via the connection interface 6 via the communication I/F 140 .

Further, the control unit 150 is connected to the scanner 111 and the touch panel 113 via an I/O (Input/Output) device control unit 139 and a bus 138. Further, the control unit 150 is connected to an operator display 114 and an operation unit 115 such as a keyboard via an I/O device control unit 139 and a bus 138. Further, the control unit 150 is connected to the printer 116, the customer display 117, the card reader 118, and the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 136 via the I/O device control unit 139 and the bus 138.

The operation unit 115 includes operation keys such as a current total key, a number key 1150, a confirmation key 1151, and a cart removal release key 1152. The current total key is an operation key that accepts an instruction to finish reading the products in one transaction and calculate the total billed amount for the transaction. The confirmation key 1151 is an operation key that accepts an instruction to confirm the total amount of one transaction, generate transaction data for one transaction including the total amount, and send it to the accounting device 3.

As an example of the operation, the clerk operates the cash key to display the total amount on the customer display 117, and then looks at the accounting device 3 to determine which accounting device 3 the transaction data should be sent to. Transaction data can be transmitted to the accounting device 3 that is activated, is not occupied by a previous customer, and is in a waiting state for accounting processing. The clerk selects such checkout device 3 in the standby state, inputs the device number assigned to the checkout device 3 using the number keys 1150 of the operation section 115, and then operates the enter key 1151. When the registration device 2 receives the operation of the confirmation key 1151, it starts transmitting transaction data to the accounting device 3 associated with the numerical value input by the numeric key 1150.

On the other hand, when the number key 1150 and the confirmation key 1151 are operated, the registration device 2 finishes the registration process for the previous customer and moves on to the registration process for the next customer. While the clerk starts the registration process for the next customer, the previous customer moves from the registration device 2 to the checkout device 3 instructed by the clerk and starts the checkout process. The accounting device 3 receives the transaction data and waits for the customer to initiate payment processing based on the transaction data.

Cart omission release key 1152 is an operation key for canceling uncompleted accounting processing in the accounting device 3 and making the next accounting process possible when a fraudulent act such as cart omission occurs. be.

That is, if the previous customer takes away the product without completing the checkout due to the customer leaving the cart, the checkout device 3 will be in a state of waiting for input without completing the process, and will not be able to receive the next transaction data. Conventionally, in order to enable the use of the accounting device 3 that has fallen into a so-called locked state, the clerk leaves the registration device 2, rushes to the accounting device 3, and performs an operation to cancel the incomplete processing on the accounting device 3. There was a need. Therefore, there has been a desire to be able to restore the state of the checkout device 3 without leaving the registration device 2 by the clerk.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a cart removal release key 1152 is provided on the operation unit 115, and by operating the key, the accounting processing in the accounting device 3 is forcibly terminated, the waiting state of the accounting device 3 is released, and the next operation is performed. Configured to accept transaction data. As a result, in this embodiment, when a fraudulent act occurs, the accounting device 3 is promptly restored, and the next customer can proceed to the accounting process without any delay.

In the above description, each operation key is provided on the keyboard of the operation unit 115, but these operation keys may be displayed on the operator display 114 and selection operations may be accepted via the touch panel 113.

The HDD 136 stores a program 137 executed by the CPU of the control unit 150, a PLU file F1, and a sales file F2. The PLU file F1 stores a product code uniquely assigned to each product in association with product information regarding the product such as the name, price, and product classification of the product. Furthermore, if the registration device 2 is configured to identify products by general object recognition, the PLU file F1 further stores feature amounts or reference images of each product. Note that the feature amount is data such as the color tone and surface unevenness read from the reference image of the product. The sales file F2 is a file that stores transaction data generated by the registration device 2.

The accounting device 3 includes a control unit 50 having a computer configuration including a CPU, and storage media such as ROM and RAM (both not shown). The control unit 50 controls the sensor 39, the touch panel 62, the display 61, the scanner 35, the card reader 38, the printer 9, the deposit/withdrawal device 34, the light emitting unit 23, and the display via the I/O device control unit 32 and the bus 31. 70, connected to HDD36. The control unit 50 performs data communication with the registration device 2 connected via the connection interface 6 via the communication I/F 40 .

The sensor 39 is an infrared type human sensor and detects that the operator is standing in front of the checkout device 3. Note that the sensor 39 is not limited to an infrared type, and may be an ultrasonic type, a visible light type, or a combination of these types of human sensors.

The card reader 38 reads information from a credit card or membership card inserted through the card insertion slot 38a. The printer 9 prints a receipt after the transaction and issues it from the receipt issuing port 9a. The deposit/withdrawal device 34 performs a deposit process for banknotes inserted into the bill slot 41 or coins inserted into the coin slot 46 . Further, the deposit/withdrawal device 34 pays out change from the banknote dispensing port 42 or the coin dispensing section 43 in response to a dispensing instruction from the control section 50 .

The HDD 36 stores a program 37 executed by the control unit 50, a transaction file F3, and a fraud record file F4. The transaction file F3 is a data file for storing transaction data received from the registration device 2, accounting data recording details of accounting processing executed by the accounting device 3, and the like.

The fraud record file F4 is a data file for recording the date and time of occurrence, transaction data, amount of damage, etc. when a fraudulent act such as cart withdrawal occurs. That is, the fraud record file F4 is a file that stores transaction data when the transaction data is transferred from the registration device 2 but the transaction data is not fraudulently accounted for.

Next, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 and the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the registration device 2 and the accounting device 3. The program 137 executed by the registration device 2 has a module configuration including a display control section 151, an input reception section 152, a registration section 153, and a communication control section 154, as shown in FIG. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 150 reads the program 137 from the HDD 136 and loads each of the above units onto the main storage device. As a result, each of the above units is generated on the main storage device.

In addition, the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 includes a communication control section 51, a display control section 52, an operator detection section 53, an input reception section 54, an accounting processing section 55, and a light emission control section 56, as shown in FIG. It has a module structure that includes. The CPU (processor) of the control section 50 reads the program 37 from the HDD 36 and loads the above-mentioned sections onto the main storage device. As a result, each of the above units is generated on the main storage device. Further, the control unit 50 of the accounting device 3 includes an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 57.

Next, the functions of each unit realized by the control unit 150 of the registration device 2 will be explained.

The display control unit 151 generates display data to be output to the operator display 114 and the customer display 117 (see FIGS. 2 and 4), and controls display processing on these displays. For example, the display control unit 151 displays a registration screen for performing product registration processing on the operator display 114.

Further, when the numeric key 1150 and the confirmation key 1151 are operated in sequence on the operation unit 115, the display control unit 151 displays a message on the customer display 117 to guide the customer to the accounting device 3 to which the data is to be transferred. . As the guidance message, for example, a message such as "Please move to the No. 1 accounting device and make the transaction" is displayed. Normally, the customer would follow this guidance or the clerk's guidance to move to the accounting device 3 to which the data is transferred and begin transaction processing. After the confirmation key 1151 is operated as described above, the display control unit 151 clears the display of the data related to the previous transaction displayed on the registration screen and moves on to the registration process of the next transaction.

The input reception unit 152 receives various inputs from the touch panel 113, the scanner 111, the card reader 118, the operation unit 115, and the communication I/F 140. For example, the input receiving unit 152 receives an input of a product code read from a code symbol by the scanner 111. Further, when the touch panel 113 is touched on various screens displayed on the operator display 114, the input reception unit 152 receives the input operation.

For example, when the numeric key 1150 and the confirmation key 1151 are operated in sequence on the operation unit 115, the input reception unit 152 selects the accounting device 3 to which data is to be transferred, and transfers transaction data to the accounting device 3. Accepts instructions to transfer.

In addition, when the input number key 11150 and the cart removal release key 1152 are operated in sequence on the operation unit 115, the input reception unit 152 (cancellation operation reception means) responds to the checkout device 3 selected by the number key 1150. , accepts an instruction to cancel accounting processing.

When the product code and name of a sales product are input via the touch panel 113 and the scanner 111, the registration unit 153 reads product information of the product from the PLU file F1. Then, when the confirmation key 1151 is operated, the registration unit 153 ends the product registration process for one transaction and confirms the billing amount for the transaction. Then, the registration unit 153 generates transaction data including product information of all products registered in the transaction, the billed amount, the device number of the registration device 2, clerk information for identifying the clerk in charge, and the like.

The communication control unit 154 controls transmission and reception of various information with the accounting device 3 or the store server 8 connected via the communication I/F 140. For example, the communication control unit 154 (transaction information transmission means) transmits the transaction data generated by the registration unit 153 to the accounting device 3 selected by the numeric key 1150 and the data transfer destination.

Further, when the input receiving unit 152 receives the operation of the numeric key 1150 and the cart removal release key 1152, the communication control unit 154 (cancellation instruction transmitting means) transmits the current information to the accounting device 3 selected by the numeric key 1150. Send a cancellation instruction to cancel the accounting process. As a result, the registration device 2 changes the accounting device 3 into a state in which it can receive the next transaction data and can start accounting processing for the next transaction.

Next, the functions of each section realized by the control section 50 of the accounting device 3 will be explained.

The communication control unit 51 controls transmission and reception of various information with the registration device 2 connected via the communication I/F 40. For example, the communication control unit 51 (transaction information receiving means) receives transaction data for one transaction most recently performed by the registration device 2 from the registration device 2. As described above, the transaction data includes information such as the product information of the product registered for sale in one transaction recently conducted by the registration device 2 of the transmission source, and the billed amount for the transaction. Further, the communication control unit 51 (cancellation instruction receiving means) receives a cancellation instruction to cancel the accounting process of the current transaction from the registration device 2.

The display control unit 52 generates display data to be output to the display device 61 and the display device 70 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and controls display processing on these display devices. For example, the display control section 52 displays and outputs the billed amount for one transaction on the accounting screen (not shown) of the display 61 based on the transaction data that the communication control section 51 receives from the registration device 2 . Note that the configuration of the accounting screen may be similar to that used in accounting devices of conventional semi-self-type checkout systems. For example, the checkout screen is provided with a selection icon for selecting one payment method among cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. The customer selects a desired payment method from the selection icon and makes payment.

The operator detection unit 53 (operator detection means) detects the operator standing in front of the accounting device 3 based on the detection level of the sensor 39 or the input operation on the touch panel 62.

The input receiving unit 54 (operation receiving means) receives operations on the touch panel 62, the scanner 35, the card reader 38, and the deposit/withdrawal device 34, and receives input operations related to accounting processing.

Based on the transaction data received by the communication control section 51, the accounting processing section 55 controls accounting processing of the billed amount included in the transaction data. That is, when the customer selects a payment method from the checkout screen (not shown) as described above and the input reception unit 54 receives the operation input, the checkout processing unit 55 controls the checkout process according to the payment method. do. That is, in the case of cash payment, the accounting processing unit 55 opens the bill slot 41 and the coin slot 46, counts the bills or coins inserted into these slots, and calculates change.

Then, the accounting processing section 55 controls the deposit/withdrawal device 34, and if there are banknotes for change, they will be paid out from the banknote dispensing port 42, and if there are coins for change, they will be paid out from the coin dispensing unit 43. If the payment is by credit card, the accounting processing unit 55 reads information from the credit card inserted into the card reader 38, transmits the information to the data center of the credit company, and inquires whether the transaction is possible. Upon receiving the transaction approval, the accounting processing unit 55 transmits information including the card number, payment amount, etc. to the data center.

Furthermore, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that the accounting process for one transaction has been successfully completed based on the input/output status of the deposit/withdrawal device 34, card reader 38, etc. For example, when a sensor (not shown) included in the receipt issuing port 9a of the printer 9 detects that a receipt has been removed from the receipt issuing port 9a, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that accounting processing for one transaction has been completed. do. Alternatively, when a sensor (not shown) provided at the payout port of the deposit/withdrawal device 34 detects that the change paid out to the deposit/withdrawal device 34 has been collected by the customer, the accounting processing unit 55 performs one accounting process. is determined to have been completed. Alternatively, when a sensor (not shown) provided in the card insertion slot 38a of the card reader 38 detects that the card has been removed from the card insertion slot 38a, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that one accounting process has been completed. Good too. Furthermore, the accounting processing unit 55 may comprehensively judge these detection results to determine whether the accounting processing for one transaction is complete.

Further, upon receiving a cancellation instruction to cancel the current accounting process from the registration device 2, the accounting processing unit 55 (processing cancellation means) clears the transaction data that was received from the registration device 2 immediately before and is expanded on the work memory. and cancel the accounting treatment. Thereby, the accounting processing unit 55 becomes ready to receive the next transaction data from the registration device 2.

Furthermore, when the communication control unit 51 receives a cancellation instruction to cancel the current accounting process from the registration device 2, the accounting processing unit 55 (cancellation recording means) records the transaction data to be canceled as fraudulently cancelled. Record in recording file F4.

The light emission control unit 56 outputs a light emission control signal according to a light emission pattern to each color LED of the light emission unit 23, and performs control to switch each LED between a continuous lighting state, a blinking state, and a non-lighting state.

When the communication control unit 51 receives transaction data from the registration device 2, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission unit 23 to emit light in the first light emission state. The light emission control unit 56 also controls whether the progress status of the accounting process changes for a predetermined period of time after the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2 until the accounting process for one transaction is completed. If not, the light emitting section 23 is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state.

For example, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emitting unit 23 to blink in blue in the first light emission state, and causes the light emission unit 23 to blink in red in the second light emission state. In the following example, an example will be explained in which the first light emitting state is set by blinking blue and the second light emitting state is set by blinking red. Not limited. As the second light emitting state, other colors such as yellow or orange may be flashed, or the light emitting elements of a plurality of colors may be flashed alternately, for example, to create an alert state.

In addition, the light emission control unit 56 controls, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the operator detection unit 53 detecting the operator of the accounting device 3 after the communication control unit 51 received the transaction data from the registration device 2. The light emitting unit 23 is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state.

In addition, when the operator detection unit 53 detects an operator but a predetermined period of time has elapsed without completing the accounting process, the light emission control unit 56 changes the light emission unit 23 from the first light emission state to the second light emission state. Change to state.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the criteria for determining that a fraudulent act has occurred and an example of light emission control at that time will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which it is determined that a fraudulent act has occurred and an example of light emission control at that time.

First, FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 when payment is successfully completed. Here, it is assumed that the communication control unit 51 receives transaction data at time t0, as shown in FIG. 6(a). The light emission control section 56 causes the light emitting section 23 to flash blue light from time t0. When the operator detection unit 53 detects the operator via the sensor 39 or the touch panel 62 at time t1, the light emission control unit 56 switches the light emission unit 23 to continuous blue light emission. Further, the display control unit 52 displays "processing in progress" or "payment in progress" on the display 70. Then, at time t2, when the accounting processing unit 55 determines that the accounting process is completed, the light emission control unit 56 turns off the light emitting unit 23. The display control unit 52 causes the display 70 to display text such as "normally completed" or "payment completed" for several seconds, and then switches the display to a standby display message or the like.

FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a change in the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 in a case where the customer takes away the product without stopping by the checkout device 3 after the registration process is completed, as an example of fraudulent activity. . When the communication control unit 51 receives transaction data from the registration device 2 at time t0, the accounting processing unit 55 uses the RTC 57 to count the elapsed time from time t0. The light emission control unit 56 starts blinking the light emission unit 23 in blue from time t0 (first light emission state). Then, when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold T1 at time t3, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that there is a possibility of fraudulent activity occurring. When the accounting processing unit 55 determines that fraud has occurred at time t3, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission unit 23 to blink in red (second light emission state). Thereafter, when the cart cancellation release key 1152 is operated in the registration device 2 and the communication control section 51 receives a cancellation instruction from the checkout device 3 at time t4, the light emission control section 56 turns off the light emission section 23.

FIG. 6(c) shows an example of a change in the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 in a case where, as another example of fraudulent activity, a customer stopped by the checkout device 3 but took away the product without completing the checkout process. It is a diagram. When the communication control unit 51 receives transaction data from the registration device 2 at time t0, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission unit 23 to emit blue blinking light (first light emission state). Then, at time t5, when the operator detection section 53 detects the operator via the sensor 39 or the touch panel 62, the light emission control section 56 switches the light emission section 23 to continuous blue lighting. The accounting processing unit 55 counts the elapsed time from time t5 using the RTC 57. Then, when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold T2 at time t6, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that there is a possibility of fraudulent activity occurring. When the accounting processing unit 55 determines that fraud has occurred at time t6, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission unit 23 to blink in red (second light emission state). Thereafter, when the cart cancellation release key 1152 is operated in the registration device 2 and the communication control section 51 receives a cancellation instruction from the checkout device 3 at time t7, the light emission control section 56 turns off the light emission section 23.

Note that the threshold value T1 and the threshold value T2 may be the same or different values. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the values of these threshold values can be changed as appropriate.

Next, an example of a procedure for accounting processing executed by the accounting system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the registration process executed by the registration device 2. As shown in FIG. In the registration device 2, when the input reception unit 152 receives the product code, the registration unit 153 reads product information corresponding to the product code from the PLU file F1 and registers the product (step S1). The display control unit 151 displays the read product information on the registration screen.

The input reception unit 152 determines whether the cart release release key 1152 has been operated (step S2). Note that this step can be interrupted at any time. If the cart release release key 1152 is not operated (step S2: No), the process moves to step S4. When the numeric key 1150 for specifying the accounting device 3 and the cart removal release key 1152 are operated in sequence (step S2: Yes), the communication control unit 154 selects the accounting device 3 specified by the numeric key 1150. An instruction to cancel accounting processing is sent to (step S3).

While the input receiving unit 152 does not accept the operation of the confirm key 1151 (step S4: No), the process returns to step S1 to continue product registration. When the input reception unit 152 accepts the operation of the confirmation key 1151 (step S4: Yes), the registration unit 153 calculates the billed amount for one transaction, and records the billed amount, clerk number, cashier number, transaction date and time, and each product. Generate transaction data including product information. The communication control unit 154 transmits the generated transaction data to the accounting device 3 (step S5). Further, the registration unit 153 stores the generated transaction data in the sales file F2. The display control unit 151 displays on the customer display 117 a guidance screen that includes a device number identifying the accounting device 3 that transmitted the transaction data and a message guiding the customer to the accounting device 3 (step S6). Thereafter, the process moves to the next customer registration process (step S1). Note that the input receiving unit 152 executes the determination in step S2 at predetermined time intervals as an interrupt process even if product registration for the next transaction has not started.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for accounting processing executed by the accounting device 3. As shown in FIG. When the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2 (step S11: Yes), the accounting processing unit 55 starts counting the elapsed time t using the RTC 57 (step S12). While transaction data is not received (step S11: No), reception is waited for (step S11). Further, when the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission unit 23 to blink in blue to emit light (step S13).

When the operator detection unit 53 detects the operator of the accounting device 3 via the sensor 39 or the touch panel 62 (step S14: Yes), the accounting processing unit 55 resets the elapsed time counted from step S12 and starts a new operation. The elapsed time starts counting (step S15). Then, the light emission control unit 56 switches the light emission unit 23 from the blue blinking state to the blue lighting state (step S16). If no customer is detected (step S14: No), the process moves to step S19.

If a series of accounting processes are completed for the transaction data received in step S11 (step S17: Yes), the light emission control unit 56 turns off the light emission unit 23. Furthermore, the accounting processing unit 55 clears the elapsed time t, moves to step S11, and waits for the next transaction data to be received. If the accounting process is not completed (step S17: No), the process moves to step S21.

In step S19, the accounting processing unit 55 determines whether the elapsed time t that started counting in step S12 exceeds the threshold T1. If the elapsed time t exceeds the threshold T1 (step S19: Yes), the light emission control section 56 switches the light emitting section 23 from blinking blue to blinking red to emit light (step S20). After that, the process moves to step S23. Step S19: If No, the process moves to step S14.

In step S21, the accounting processing unit 55 determines whether the elapsed time t that started counting in step S15 exceeds the threshold T2. When the elapsed time t exceeds the threshold value T2 (step S21: Yes), the light emission control section 56 switches the light emitting section 23 from lighting in blue to blinking in red to emit light (step S22). After that, the process moves to step S23. Step S21: If No, the process moves to step S17.

In step S23, when the communication control unit 51 receives an instruction to cancel the accounting process from the registration device 2 (step S23: Yes), the light emission control unit 56 turns off the light emission unit 23 (step S24). The accounting processing unit 55 records the transaction data received in step S11 as transaction data canceled due to fraudulent activity in the fraud record file F4, along with the date and time of reception, the date and time of receiving the cancellation instruction, the date and time of cancellation processing, etc. (Step S25). After that, the process moves to step S11. While the cancellation instruction is not received (step S23: No), the light emitting unit 23 continues blinking in red (step S23).

Note that the criteria for determining the occurrence of fraud are not limited to the above example. As another example, the accounting processing unit 55 may perform processing when there is no change in the progress of accounting processing for a predetermined period of time after receiving transaction data until the accounting processing for one transaction is normally completed. , it may be determined that there is a possibility of fraud.

That is, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission unit 23 to be activated when the input reception unit 54 has received one input operation but has not received the next input operation and a predetermined period of time has elapsed without completing the accounting process. The first light emitting state may be changed to the second light emitting state. As a specific example, the elapsed time from one input operation to the next input operation may be counted, and when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold, the light emitting unit 23 may be switched to flashing red. .

Moreover, when changing the light emission pattern according to the threshold value, the threshold value may be provided in more stages, and the light emission pattern may be switched in more stages. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 6(b) described above, two levels of threshold value T10 and threshold value T11 are provided instead of threshold value T1. The accounting processing unit 55 causes the light emitting unit 23 to blink in yellow when the elapsed time from time t0 exceeds a threshold T10, and causes the light emitting unit 23 to blink in red when the elapsed time from time t0 further exceeds the threshold T11. You can also use it as

Further, in the above description, when it is determined that there is a risk of fraud occurring, the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 is changed and an alert is notified, but the notification method is not limited to this. The accounting device 3 may change the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 23 and may issue an alert notification by outputting an audio warning message or a warning sound.

As described above, the accounting device 3 according to the present embodiment can call the store clerk's attention by changing the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 and notifying the clerk when there is a risk of fraud occurring. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts by letting customers know that they are being monitored for fraudulent acts. Therefore, the accounting device 3 according to the present embodiment can provide an accounting device and a program that can suppress fraudulent acts in a semi-self checkout system.

Note that the program 137 (see FIG. 4) executed by the registration device 2 of this embodiment is provided by being pre-installed in the HDD 136 (see FIG. 4) or the like. The program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of this embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format and can be stored on a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and provided.

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

Further, the program 37 (see FIG. 4) executed by the accounting device 3 of this embodiment is provided by being pre-installed in the HDD 36 (see FIG. 4). The program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 of this embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format and can be stored on a computer such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded on a readable recording medium and provided.

Furthermore, the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

<Additional notes>
<Additional note 1>
An accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected,
The registration device includes:
transaction information transmitting means for generating transaction information including a billed amount for one transaction and transmitting the generated transaction information to the accounting device;
Cancellation operation reception means for accepting an instruction operation to cancel accounting processing in the accounting device;
and a cancellation instruction transmitting means for transmitting a cancellation instruction to cancel the accounting process of the current transaction to the accounting device when the cancellation operation receiving means receives the instruction operation,
The accounting device includes:
transaction information receiving means for receiving the transaction information from the registration device;
an accounting processing means for accounting for the billed amount;
Cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving the cancellation instruction from the registration device;
Processing canceling means for canceling the accounting process and making it possible to receive the next transaction information upon receiving the cancellation instruction;
Accounting system with.
<Additional note 2>
The accounting device includes:
The accounting system according to supplementary note 1, further comprising a cancellation recording means for recording in a storage means the transaction information to be canceled when the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction. .
<Additional note 3>
The accounting device includes:
If there is no change in the progress of the accounting process for a predetermined period of time after receiving the transaction information until the accounting process for one transaction is completed, the light emitting unit is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state. 3. The accounting system according to appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a light emission control means that changes the light emission state to a light emission state of 1 and turns off the light emission section when the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction.

According to the accounting system in Appendix 1, the clerk who operates the registration device 2 cancels the transaction in the accounting device 3 from the registration device 2 at hand without going to the accounting device 3, thereby resolving the error state caused by the occurrence of fraud. be able to. This makes it possible to promptly guide subsequent customers to the checkout device 3, thereby shortening the waiting time at the register.

According to the accounting system in Appendix 2, by collecting records, the store can collect information regarding fraudulent acts and take countermeasures against fraudulent acts.

According to the accounting system in Appendix 3, the clerk who operates the registration device 2 can easily notice fraudulent acts. Further, by having the accounting device 3 output an alert when there is a risk of fraudulent activity, it is possible to notify other customers that fraudulent activity is being monitored, thereby suppressing fraudulent activity.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are 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, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts in a semi-self checkout system.

1 Accounting system 2 Registration device 3 Accounting device 23 Light emitting unit 51 Communication control unit 52 Display control unit 53 Operator detection unit 54 Input reception unit 55 Accounting processing unit 56 Light emission control unit 151 Display control unit 152 Input reception unit 153 Registration unit 154 Communication Control unit 1152 Cart removal release key F4 Illegal record file

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-237886

An accounting device according to an embodiment is an accounting device used in an accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected , and includes transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billed amount from the registration device, and transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billed amount from the registration device; The accounting processing means that performs the accounting processing of the amount and the transaction information receiving means record the progress of the accounting processing for a predetermined period of time from when the transaction information is received until the accounting processing for one transaction is completed. a light emitting control means for changing the light emitting unit to a light emitting state indicating an alert when there is no change in the amount of the transaction; a cancellation instruction obtaining means for obtaining a cancellation instruction for canceling the accounting process from the registration device; and processing canceling means for setting the next transaction information in a receivable state when the cancellation instruction is acquired, and the emission control means terminates the emission state when the cancellation instruction acquisition means acquires the cancellation instruction. .

Claims (6)

An accounting device used in an accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected,
transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billed amount from the registration device;
an accounting processing means for accounting for the billed amount;
When the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, it causes the light emitting section to emit light in a first light emitting state, and for a predetermined period of time after receiving the transaction information until the accounting process for one transaction is completed. light emission control means for changing the light emitting unit from the first light emission state to a second light emission state different from the first light emission state when there is no change in the progress of the accounting process;
Accounting device with. comprising an operator detection means for detecting an operator of the accounting device,
The light emitting control means changes the light emitting unit to the first light emitting state when a predetermined time elapses without the operator detection means detecting the operator after the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information. The accounting device according to claim 1, wherein the accounting device changes from the light emitting state to the second light emitting state. The light emitting control means changes the light emitting unit from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state when the operator detection means detects an operator but a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the accounting process being completed. The accounting device according to claim 2, wherein the accounting device changes to a light emitting state. further comprising operation reception means for accepting input operations related to the accounting process,
The light emitting control means controls the light emitting unit to control the light emitting unit when a predetermined period of time has elapsed with the accounting process being incomplete, with the operation receiving unit having accepted one input operation but not receiving the next input operation. The accounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the accounting device changes from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state. further comprising a cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving a cancellation instruction for canceling the accounting process in the accounting device from the registration device,
5. The accounting device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting control means turns off the light emitting section when the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction. In an accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected, a computer that controls the accounting device,
transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billed amount from the registration device;
an accounting processing means for accounting for the billed amount;
When the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, it causes the light emitting section to emit light in a first light emitting state, and for a predetermined period of time after receiving the transaction information until the accounting process for one transaction is completed. light emission control means for changing the light emitting unit from the first light emission state to a second light emission state different from the first light emission state when there is no change in the progress of the accounting process;
A program that makes it work.

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