JP6349889B2 - Sheet issuing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet issuing device.

In stores such as supermarkets, receipts of different colors may be used depending on events. For example, in order to increase the frequency of customer visits, a receipt of a color different from the normal color (white) (for example, yellow) will be issued at the time of payment on special sales hours or days of the week when the number of customers is low, and at a later date depending on the payment amount and receipt color There is a case where the service counter provides a service to get a crude product, and the receipt itself has added value like a coupon.
Patent Document 1 describes a paper detection device that detects the paper used for image forming processing by comparing the output value of a paper detection sensor with a threshold value.

Japanese Patent No. 4371014

  However, since receipts of different colors are exchanged depending on the memory and consciousness of the operator, there are cases in which the customer is inconvenienced if a receipt is misplaced or forgotten. The paper detection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can detect the presence or absence of a receipt, but has a problem that it cannot prevent a receipt from being mistaken or forgotten to be replaced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet issuing device capable of preventing receipt mistakes and forgetting to replace.

To achieve the above object, a sheet issuing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sheet issuing unit for issuing a receipt, and detecting means for detecting the color of the receipt which is accommodated in the sheet issuing portion, the receipt information and identifying the color of a storage unit that associates and stores the date and time information about the time that the receipt is used, the receipt color of the receipt detected by said detection means is stored in said storage means Whether the color matches the information identifying the color of the receipt or is within the range of the information identifying the color of the receipt , and the detected time is within the time range of the date / time information stored in the storage means Determination means for determining whether or not , and output means for outputting the result of determination by the determination means.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the color of the sheet stored in the sheet issuing unit coincides with the information for identifying the color of the sheet stored by the storage means or is within the range of the information for identifying the color of the sheet. Judge and output the result of the decision. Thereby, it is possible to prevent mistakes in sheet insertion and forgetting to replace the sheet.

Further, in the sheet issuing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, further comprising a selection means for selecting a type of the receipt, the storage means stores information for identifying the color of the receipts for each type of the receipts, The determination unit compares the color of the receipt detected by the detection unit with information for identifying the color of the receipt corresponding to the type of the receipt selected by the selection unit. Also good.

  According to the present invention, the information for identifying the sheet color is stored for each sheet type. Further, the type of the sheet is selected, and the determination is made by comparing the detected sheet color with information for identifying the sheet color corresponding to the selected sheet type. As a result, at least one of a plurality of types of sheets can be selected, and a determination result obtained by comparing information for identifying the color of the sheet corresponding to the selected sheet type with the detected color can be output.

Further, in the sheet issuing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, information identifying a color of the receipt, a color indicating the end of the color or the receipt of the land of the receipt, the color or the receipt of the land of the receipt end further includes setting means for setting for each type of the receipts colors indicating the of the storage unit, the color of the land of the receipt that has been set by the setting unit, or the colors to indicate the end of the receipt You may make it memorize | store for every kind of receipt .

  According to the present invention, the background color of the sheet and the color indicating the end of the sheet can be set and stored for each type of sheet as a set.

In the sheet issuing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the output unit may be a display unit or a sign pole provided in the sheet issuing apparatus .

  According to the present invention, the date and time and / or output information can be further set and stored for each type of sheet.

  According to this invention, output information corresponding to the type of sheet corresponding to the current date and time can be output.

Further, in the sheet issuing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the sheet issuing unit includes a storage unit that stores the roll-shaped receipt , a cover unit that covers the storage unit, and an open / close that detects opening and closing of the cover unit. A detection unit, and the determination unit determines the color detected by the detection unit when the open / close detection unit detects the closing of the cover unit, and the output unit determines the color detected by the determination unit. The result may be output.

  According to the present invention, when the cover of the sheet issuing unit is closed, the color of the stored sheet can be determined and the determination result can be output.

  According to the present invention, whether or not the color of the sheet stored in the sheet issuing unit coincides with the information for identifying the color of the sheet stored by the storage means or is within the range of the information for identifying the color of the sheet. Judge and output the result of the decision. Thereby, it is possible to prevent mistakes in sheet insertion and forgetting to replace the sheet.

It is an example of the block diagram of the POS system by one Embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the external appearance front view and side view of the POS register | resistor included in the POS system in this embodiment. It is an example of the block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the POS register | resistor in this embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a printing apparatus included in a POS register in the present embodiment. It is an external appearance block diagram of the thermal head with which the printing apparatus in this embodiment is provided. It is sectional drawing of the printing operation | movement part of the printing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the roll paper accommodated in the printing apparatus in this embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the receipt setting table which the POS register | resistor in this embodiment memorize | stores. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting method of the receipt setting table which the POS register in this embodiment memorize | stores. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the color which the detection sensor in this embodiment detects, and the voltage value to output. It is a flowchart showing the operation | movement procedure of the receipt determination process which the POS register in this embodiment performs. It is a flowchart showing the operation | movement procedure of the start determination process which the POS register in this embodiment performs.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 includes N POS registers 2-1, POS registers 2-2,..., A POS register 2-N, and a monitoring device (also referred to as a management device) 3, as shown in FIG. . Each device is connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). In addition to the above, a store controller 4 is also connected on the LAN. The POS register 2-1, the POS register 2-2,..., And the POS register 2-N are collectively referred to as the POS register 2 unless otherwise distinguished.

  The POS register 2 is an apparatus for mainly executing a registration process for registering a product to be purchased and a settlement process (also referred to as an accounting process or a settlement process) for paying for the registered product. It is. That is, the POS register 2 is a sheet issuing apparatus that has both a function of a registration apparatus that mainly performs registration processing and a function of a settlement apparatus that mainly performs settlement processing. The POS register 2 is a sheet issuing device that issues a receipt.

  The monitoring device 3 (for example, a personal computer) monitors the operation status of each POS register 2, for example. For example, the monitoring device 3 determines whether or not each POS register 2 is being settled, and whether or not there is an unsettled transaction (a transaction in which the settlement process is not completed) in each POS register 2. Monitor. The monitoring device 3 monitors whether or not a correct receipt is stored in each POS register 2.

  The store controller 4 (for example, a server) receives and stores a product master from the outside (for example, a server installed in the headquarters), for example. The product master is a file that stores (holds) product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name, and sales price of each product. Further, the store controller 4 transmits the transaction information processed (generated) by the POS register 2 to the outside.

  FIG. 2 is an example of an external front view and a side view of the POS register 2 included in the POS system 1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric circuit of the POS register 2 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the entire POS register 2 and is connected to each of the other components as shown.

  CPU 101 (time measuring means) measures the current date time and day of the week based on an oscillation signal output from an oscillation circuit (not shown). Further, the CPU 101 (selecting means) selects a receipt type corresponding to the measured date and time, based on a receipt setting table to be described later. In addition, the CPU 101 (determination unit) determines that the color of the receipt detected by the detection sensor 35 (to be described later) corresponds to the selected receipt type when the opening / closing detection unit (to be described later) detects the closing of the printing apparatus 10 (cover unit). It is determined whether or not the information matches the information identifying the color of the corresponding receipt or is within the range of information identifying the color of the receipt. The CPU 101 (determination means) has an A / D converter that converts the detection signal input from the detection sensor 35 from an analog signal to a digital signal. In addition, the CPU 101 (output unit) causes the determined result to be output to the clerk display unit 104, the audio output unit 109, or the sign pole 113. For example, the CPU 101 (output unit) outputs the determination result based on the output information corresponding to the selected receipt type. Further, the CPU 101 transmits the determined result to the monitoring device 3 or the store controller 4 via the communication unit 110. Further, the CPU 101 (setting unit) sets receipt setting information related to the receipt in the receipt setting table.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 102 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various information. The ROM 102 stores a program executed by the CPU 101, for example. Reference numeral 103 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various information. The RAM 103 stores, for example, information (for example, the program) read from the ROM 102 by the CPU 101, information processed by the CPU 101, and the like. Reference numeral 112 denotes a hard disk that stores various information. The hard disk 112 stores, for example, information acquired from the store controller 4 (for example, a product master), information processed by the CPU 101, and the like. The hard disk 112 (storage means) stores a receipt setting table, which will be described later.

  2 and 3, reference numeral 104 denotes a clerk display unit (touch panel) that functions as a display unit that displays information for a clerk according to the control of the CPU 101 and also functions as an operation unit that receives an input operation from the clerk. Reference numeral 105 denotes an operation unit for inputting product registration completion or inputting numeric data such as a deposit amount received from a customer at the time of payment. Reference numeral 106 denotes a customer display unit that displays information for customers according to the control of the CPU 101.

  2 and 3, reference numeral 107 denotes a change bill machine that controls deposits and withdrawals into / from a storage unit (not shown) in which money (money) is stored. The change bill 107 is used in the POS register 2 when the price of a registered product is settled with cash. The change bill 107 includes a bill insertion slot (not shown) for inserting money (banknotes), a coin insertion slot (not shown) for inserting money (coins), and a discharge of money (banknotes). A bill discharge port (not shown), a coin discharge port (not shown) for discharging money (coins), a counting unit (not shown) for counting inserted or discharged money, an input port or a discharge port and a storage unit It has a money transfer mechanism (not shown) between them.

  In accordance with the control of the CPU 101, the change fishing bill machine 107 counts the money inserted in the change slot and stores it in the storage unit. Further, the change bill machine 107 counts the money to be discharged under the control of the CPU 101 and discharges it from the change outlet. For example, the change bill machine 107 counts the money deposited from the customer at the time of payment, stores the money in the storage unit, counts the money to be changed to the customer at the time of payment, and discharges it from the change outlet.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 108 denotes a scanner unit that reads code information (barcode). The scanner unit 108 supplies the read data to the CPU 101. For example, the scanner unit 108 reads code information (for example, JAN code) affixed to a product and supplies the data to the CPU 101. For example, the scanner unit 108 reads code information printed on an employee card and supplies the data to the CPU 101. Although the scanner unit 108 is not shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 108 may be configured to be connected to the apparatus body of the POS register 2 by wire and transmit the read data to the apparatus body by wire or wirelessly. The apparatus may be configured to be connected to the apparatus main body and transmit the read data to the apparatus main body wirelessly. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 109 denotes an audio output unit that outputs audio.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 110 denotes a communication unit that communicates with the outside via a LAN according to the control of the CPU 101. Specifically, the communication unit 110 receives a product master from the store controller 4 as appropriate. In addition, the communication unit 110 transmits the transaction information to the store controller 4 after the settlement process is completed.

  Further, the communication unit 110 transmits the processing status to the monitoring device 3. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits a notification indicating the completion of the registration process to the monitoring device 3 when the registration process is completed, and transmits a notification indicating the completion of the payment process to the monitoring device 3 when the payment process is completed. In addition to the above, the communication unit 110 may transmit a notification indicating the start of the registration process and a notification indicating the start of the payment process to the monitoring device 3.

  Note that the POS register 2 is a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the outside through short-range wireless communication (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID, infrared communication) in addition to the communication unit 110 that communicates with the outside via a LAN. ) May be provided.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 111 denotes an imaging unit (camera) that captures an image according to the control of the CPU 101. For example, the imaging unit 111 images a clerk who operates the POS register 2 and a customer who has received registration or payment of goods using the POS register 2. Although the imaging unit 111 is not illustrated in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 111 may be configured to be connected to the device body of the POS register 2 by wire and transmit the captured image to the device body by wire, or wirelessly. It is good also as a structure connected to an apparatus main body and transmitting a captured image to an apparatus main body by radio | wireless. Moreover, in FIG. 3, the code | symbol 113 is a sine pole.

  2 and 3, reference numeral 10 denotes a printing apparatus (receipt printing unit) that issues a printed material under the control of the CPU 101. For example, after completing the checkout process, the printing apparatus 10 prints the detailed information of the purchased product on a print medium and issues it as a receipt.

  FIG. 5 is an external configuration diagram of the thermal head 21 provided in the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. 5A is a front view of the thermal head 21, FIG. 5B is a rear view of the thermal head 21, and FIGS. 5C and 5D are side views of the thermal head 21. . In the following description, the direction (arrow A direction) in which the receipt (print medium) 73 of the roll paper 70 stored in the printing apparatus 10 is pulled out is referred to as the front, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the printing apparatus 10 included in the POS register 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 10 swings around a lower case 11 (receipt receiving portion) and a portion near the upper side on the rear side of the lower case 11 to open and close the upper surface of the lower case 11 (lower case 11). And an upper case 90 (cover portion).

  A print medium placement surface 15 is provided on the upper front side of the lower case 11, and a concave roll paper storage unit 13 for storing roll paper 70 (roll receipt) is formed on the rear side. A platen roller 17 is installed in front of the print medium placement surface 15. The platen roller 17 is rotationally driven by driving means such as a stepping motor (not shown). The roll paper storage unit 13 is formed to have a size and shape for storing substantially the entire roll paper 70. In this example, the roll paper storage unit 13 is simply loaded into the roll paper storage unit 13 without supporting the rotating shaft 71 of the roll paper 70. The so-called drop-in type is used. In front of the platen roller 17, a cutter (movable side) 19A is installed. Further, an open / close detection unit (micro SW side) 500 is installed in front of the cutter 19A. The open / close detection unit (micro SW side) 500 is a micro SW (switch).

  A thermal head 21 is installed on the front side of the lower surface of the upper case 90, and a cutter (fixed portion) 19 </ b> B is installed on the front side of the thermal head 21. The thermal head 21 includes a heat radiating plate 24 and a head 26. A sensor block 27 is installed on one side of the rear side of the thermal head 21. The sensor block 27 includes a detection unit storage unit 29 and a sensor cover unit 31. In the sensor block 27, a detection sensor (detection unit) 35 is installed in the detection unit storage unit 29, and a pair of plate-shaped sensor cover units 31 are provided on both sides of the detection sensor 35. The detection sensor 35 has a light emitting / receiving part 35a. Further, as described in FIG. 6, the upper portion 33 of the sensor cover portion 31 has a trajectory of the receipt 73 that is horizontal with respect to the detection sensor 35 so that the receipt 73 does not come into contact with the detection sensor 35. The distance can be kept at a constant distance L1.

  The detection sensor 35 is a sensor that detects the color of the receipt 73. The detection sensor 35 is, for example, a reflection type optical sensor (reflection type sensor). The reflective sensor irradiates light emitted from the light emitting unit toward an object and detects the reflected light. The output voltage of the reflective sensor changes depending on the intensity of the reflected light. Since the detection sensor 35 is installed behind the thermal head 21, the color of the receipt 73 can be detected before the receipt 73 is printed. The detection sensor 35 is set so that the reflected light of the irradiated light is smaller than the reflected light of the black receipt 73 when there is no receipt 73.

  An opening / closing detector (convex portion) 501 is installed on the front side of the cutter 19B. When the upper case 90 is lowered to close the printing apparatus 10, the opening / closing detector (convex portion) 501 is opened / closed (micro SW side). ) Press 500. Thereby, the CPU 101 can detect that the printing apparatus 10 is in a closed state.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a printing operation portion of the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. In order to improve the detection accuracy of the color of the receipt 73 by the detection sensor 35, it is necessary to keep the distance between the detection sensor 35 and the receipt 73 constant. For this reason, the printing apparatus 10 includes a sensor block 27 that houses the detection sensor 35 in order to keep the distance between the detection sensor 35 and the receipt 73 constant. The sensor block 27 is attached by the sensor cover unit 31 so that the trajectory of the receipt 73 is horizontal with respect to the detection sensor 35 and the distance between the detection sensor 35 and the receipt 73 is kept at a constant distance L1.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the roll paper 70 stored in the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the vicinity of the end of the receipt 73 (between the end of the receipt 73 and the distance L2), a color indicating the end of the receipt 73 is arranged on one end portion 75 of the receipt 73. The color indicating the end of the receipt 73 is arranged at a position where the detection sensor 35 can detect.

  Note that the example shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The color indicating the end of the receipt 73 may be the left end instead of the right end, or may be a color arranged on the entire or at least a part of the receipt 73. Further, the color indicating the end of the receipt 73 may be an oblique line, a pattern, a character, a symbol, or the like. Further, the color indicating the end of the receipt 73 may be the combination described above. The color indicating the end of the receipt 73 may be any color as long as the detection sensor 35 can detect the color. The number of detection sensors 35 is not limited to one, and may be a plurality, or may be a sensor capable of detecting a color in a predetermined range, such as a surface emitting sensor.

  Next, information stored in the POS register 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt setting table stored in the POS register 2 in the present embodiment. The receipt setting table includes a receipt type, background color, voltage (Vr), end color, voltage (Ve), day of use, use start time, use end time, and start message. And an end detection message, a receipt comparison NG message, and other output items. Background color, voltage (Vr), end color, voltage (Ve), day of use, use start time, use end time, start message, end detection message, receipt comparison The NG message and other output are receipt setting information. The ground color, voltage (Vr), end color, and voltage (Ve) are information for identifying the color of the receipt. Further, output information includes a start time message, an end detection time message, a receipt comparison NG message, and other outputs. Further, the use day of the week, the use start time, and the use end time are the date time.

  The receipt type is the type (type) of the receipt. The color of the ground is the surface color of the receipt. The voltage (Vr) is a voltage range to be output when the detection sensor 35 detects the ground color. The color indicating the end is a color arranged to visually notify the worker that the receipt will soon be exhausted, and is different from the background color. The voltage (Ve) is a voltage range that is output when the detection sensor 35 detects a color indicating the end. The day of use is the day of the week on which the receipt is used. The day of use “all” indicates all days of the week. The use start time is a time for starting use of the receipt. The use end time is a time for ending use of the receipt. “Other” in the use start time and use end time indicates a time other than the time when a receipt of another receipt type is used. The start message is message identification information that is output when use of the receipt is started. The end detection message is identification information of a message output when the detection sensor 35 detects a color indicating the end of the receipt. The receipt comparison NG message is identification information of a message output when different receipts are stored in the printing apparatus 10. The other output is a color output by the sign pole 113.

  In the illustrated example, the background color corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (1)” is “white”, and the voltage (Vr) of the background color “white” is “0 to 1.0 V”, and the end. The color indicating the end is “pink”, the voltage (Ve) of the color “pink” indicating the end is “2.5 to 3.5 V”, the day of use is “all”, and the use start time is “others” ”, The use end time is“ other ”, the start time message is“ D ”, the end detection time message is“ B ”, the receipt comparison NG message is“ C ”, and the other output is“ "White". The background color corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (2)” is “yellow”, and the voltage (Vr) of the background color “yellow” is “1.0 to 2.0 V”, indicating the end color. Is “blue”, the voltage (Ve) of the end color “blue” is “3.5 to 4.0 V”, the day of the week is “Monday / Wednesday / Friday”, and the use start time is “ 17:00 ”, use end time is“ 18:00 ”, start message is“ A ”, end detection message is“ B ”, and receipt comparison NG message is“ C ”. The other output is “yellow”.

  The background color corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (3)” is “red”, and the voltage (Vr) of the background color “red” is “2.0 to 2.5 V”, indicating the end color. Is “black”, the voltage (Ve) of the color “black” indicating the end is “4.0 to 4.5 V”, the day of use is “Tue”, and the use start time is “21:00” Usage end time is “23:00”, start time message is “A”, end detection time message is “B”, receipt comparison NG message is “C”, and other outputs are “Red”. The background color corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (4)” is “blue”, and the voltage (Vr) of the background color “blue” is “3.5 to 4.0 V”, indicating the end color. Is “white”, the voltage (Ve) of the color “white” indicating the end is “0 to 1.0 V”, the use day is “Saturday / Sunday”, and the use start time is “11:00” The use end time is “13:00”, the start time message is “A”, the end detection time message is “B”, the receipt comparison NG message is “C”, and other outputs are “Blue”.

This receipt setting table can be set and edited by a user or an administrator. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a setting method of the receipt setting table stored in the POS register 2 in the present embodiment. This figure shows a case where the receipt type “receipt (1)” is set using the setting screen.
The contents of this setting screen can be edited such as addition / deletion of tabs and items in the tabs by the user or administrator.

  When the operation unit 105 receives an operation input for setting the receipt setting table, the CPU 101 displays a setting screen (see FIG. 9A or 9B) on the salesclerk display unit 104. On the setting screen, tabs of “color”, “date time”, “output information (1)”, and “output information (2)” are displayed. When the tab “color” is selected, the CPU 101 displays a color tab (see FIG. 9A) on the setting screen for setting the background color and the color indicating the end on the salesclerk display unit 104. In the color tab of the setting screen, colors that can be set as the background color or the end color can be selected from “white”, “yellow”, “pink”, “red”, “blue”, “black”. ing. The CPU 101 writes the color selected as the background color or the end color in the color tab of the setting screen in the receipt setting table (see FIG. 9C). In the illustrated example, the CPU 101 selects “white” as the background color and “pink” as the end color, so that the background color corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (1)” in the receipt setting table is displayed. Write "white" in the box and write "pink" in the end color. Further, the CPU 101 writes a voltage range corresponding to “white” to the voltage (Vr), and writes a voltage range corresponding to “pink” to the voltage (Ve).

In addition, when the tab “date time” is selected, the CPU 101 displays a date / time tab of a setting screen for setting a use day of the week, a use start time, and a use end time on the clerk display unit 104. The CPU 101 writes the information set in the date / time tab of the setting screen to the receipt setting table. Further, when the tab “output information (1)” is selected, the CPU 101 sets the output information (1) tab on the setting screen for setting the start time message, the end detection message, and the receipt comparison NG message (FIG. 9B). )) Is displayed on the display 104 for clerk. On the output information (1) tab of the setting screen, a configurable message “A: When XX. Change to a receipt of △△.”, “B: The receipt is low. "Please note.", "C: The receipt is not correct. Replace it with a receipt of △△.", "D: The event is over. Replace it with a white receipt." It is displayed. The CPU 101 writes the identification information of the selected message in the message setting table in the output information (1) tab of the setting screen. In the example shown in the figure, since “D” is selected as the start message and “B” is selected as the end detection message, the CPU 101 sets the start message corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (1)” in the receipt setting table. Write “D” and write “B” in the end detection message. In addition, when the tab “output information (2)” is selected, the CPU 101 displays the output information (2) tab of the setting screen for setting other outputs on the salesclerk display unit 104. The CPU 101 writes the information set in the output information (2) tab of the setting screen to the receipt setting table.
The output message on the setting screen (1) The tab message has blank parts such as “XX hour” and “△△ color”, etc. The color and use start time from the color tab of the setting screen and the date time tab of the setting screen By setting, the numerical value is reflected in the blank part. As a result, the contents set in the receipt setting table are displayed in the message output to the clerk display unit 104.

  In addition, on the setting screen, the receipt setting information regarding the already set receipt type can be changed. If the receipt setting information has already been set, the CPU 101 displays information on each set item on the setting screen. As a result, the user can check the information currently set in the receipt setting table. Then, the CPU 101 overwrites the receipt setting information with the information newly set on the setting screen.

  Note that each setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and information displayed in the setting screen can be edited. For example, in the color tab shown in FIG. 9A, the CPU 101 may display an add button (not shown). In the case of a receipt of a color not on the color tab, the operator may press this add button to add a new color. Information regarding the added color is overwritten in the receipt setting information by the CPU 101. Alternatively, the operator selects an image indicating the color displayed on the color tab, and corrects the information indicating the selected color by touching an image indicating the selected color, for example, “pink” for a predetermined time or longer. You may make it do. For example, “pink” may be changed to “purple”.

Furthermore, the image displayed on the salesclerk display unit 104 is not limited to the images shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The image displayed on the salesclerk display unit 104 may be different from the order shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and the tabs may be displayed in the vertical direction. The number of tabs is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and can be added, deleted, and edited by the operator. For example, a receipt tab (not shown) may be prepared in advance, and this tab may be displayed for each receipt of a combination of colors indicating the background color and the end.
Alternatively, the operator may create a combination of the background color and the end color in the receipt, register the created combination, and display the registered information in the tab.
Further, each image displayed in each tab can be added, edited, and deleted as described above. Furthermore, information used for the setting shown in FIG. 9C can be added, edited, and deleted. In these cases, addition, editing, and deletion may be displayed on the salesclerk display unit 104 in each tab, or the operation may be performed by the operation unit 105 included in the POS register 2.
The information edited in this way is transmitted to the monitoring device 3 via, for example, the network shown in FIG. 1, and the received monitoring device 3 transmits the information to another POS register 2 to overwrite the information. It may be.

  Next, the voltage (Vr) and voltage (Ve) set in the receipt setting information will be described. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the color detected by the detection sensor 35 and the output voltage value in the present embodiment. In this graph, the horizontal axis indicates the color, and the vertical axis indicates the voltage value (unit: V (volt)). As shown in FIG. 10A, the voltage value is smaller as the luminance is higher, and the voltage value is larger as the luminance is lower. Further, the voltage value output from the detection sensor 35 in the state where there is no receipt is larger than that of black having the lowest luminance. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 10B, the lower limit of the voltage value in the absence of a receipt is V1, the upper limit of the ground color voltage (Vr) is Vr1, the lower limit of the ground color voltage (Vr) is Vr2, The upper limit of the end color voltage (Ve) is referred to as Ve1, and the lower end of the end color voltage (Ve) is referred to as Ve2.

  Since the CPU 101 can confirm the voltage value output from the detection sensor 35 on the setting screen, the upper and lower limit numerical values can be set for each color with reference to this voltage value. Further, the CPU 101 may set the voltage value output from the detection sensor 35 as a center value, and set a range of ± ◯◯ V from this center value as an upper / lower limit value for each color. Similarly, a color item can be created by setting, and in either case, a newly set color or voltage value range can be written in the receipt setting table. Further, the RAM 103 or the hard disk 112 may store each color and the voltage value range in advance in association with each other. In this case, when a color is set on the setting screen, the CPU 101 reads a voltage value range corresponding to the color from the RAM 103 or the hard disk 112, and writes the read voltage value range to the receipt setting table.

  Next, an operation example of the POS register 2 will be described with reference to the data example shown in FIG. A case where the current date time is 16:00 on Monday will be described. The CPU 101 selects the receipt type “receipt (1)” corresponding to the current date and time. The CPU 101 compares the voltage value output from the detection sensor 35 (hereinafter referred to as a detection value) with the voltage (Vr) or voltage (Ve) corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (1)”. When the detected value is within the voltage (Ve) range, the CPU 101 determines that the receipt color is pink and the end of the receipt is near. Then, the CPU 101 displays an end detection message “Receipt remaining amount is low. Please be careful” corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (1)” on the clerk display unit 104. Thereby, the operator can know that the end of the receipt is near. Therefore, a receipt for replacement can be prepared in advance before the receipt runs out, and replacement is possible if there is a vacant time.

  Further, when the detected value is equal to or higher than the voltage value V1, the CPU 101 determines that the receipt has been exhausted, and displays a message “The receipt has been exhausted, please insert a new receipt” on the display 104 for the clerk. To do. As a result, the operator can know that the receipt has been exhausted.

  When the time has elapsed and the current date and time is 17:00 on Monday, the CPU 101 selects the receipt type “receipt (2)” corresponding to the current date and time. Then, the CPU 101 displays the start message corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (2)”, “17 o'clock. Please replace it with a yellow receipt.” On the clerk display unit 104. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to change the receipt.

  When the receipt of the receipt type “receipt (3)” is stored in the printing apparatus 10 at the time of receipt exchange, the detection sensor 35 detects a detection value indicating red as the background color of the receipt (3). Output. Since the detected value is outside the range of the voltage (Vr) indicating yellow that is the background color of the receipt (2), the CPU 101 is the “correct” receipt receipt NG message corresponding to the receipt type “receipt (2)”. It is not a receipt, please replace it with a yellow receipt. ”Is displayed on the display 104 for the clerk. Thereby, an operator's receipt exchange mistake can be prevented.

Next, the operation procedure of the POS register 2 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of receipt determination processing executed by the POS register 2 in the present embodiment. The POS register 2 performs the processing shown in this figure when the upper case 90 is lowered and the printing apparatus 10 is closed, periodically after the closed state, or at the start of receipt printing (heading). This is executed while the feed is in progress.
Note that the cover flag CVF = 0 indicates that the cover of the printing apparatus 10 is open, and the cover flag CVF = 1 indicates that the cover of the printing apparatus 10 is closed. Next, the CPU 101 sets the end message flag EMF to 0. Note that the end message flag EMF = 0 indicates a state where the end detection message has not been output, and the end message flag EMF = 1 indicates a state where the end detection message has already been output. When the end detection message is output, the end message flag is set to EMF = 1, and in the subsequent flow, the end detection message is not output until the cover of the printing apparatus 10 is opened (EMF = 0).

(Step S101) The CPU 101 reads receipt setting information of a receipt type corresponding to the current date and time from the receipt setting table. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.
(Step S102) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the printing apparatus 10 is in a closed state. When the CPU 101 determines that the printing apparatus 10 is closed (step S102; Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S105. If the CPU 101 determines that the printing apparatus 10 is open (step S102; No), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S103. That is, the CPU 101 repeats the processes of steps S101 to S115 while it is detected that the printing apparatus 10 is closed. When it is detected that the printing apparatus 10 is open, steps S103 and S104 are performed. Then, each flag is reset, and the processing of steps S101 to S115 (except for steps S103 and S104) is stopped.

(Step S103) The CPU 101 sets a cover flag CVF to 0. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.
(Step S104) The CPU 101 sets an end message flag EMF to 0. Thereafter, the process returns to step S102.

(Step S105) The CPU 101 executes receipt detection processing. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires the detection value output from the detection sensor 35. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.
(Step S106) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the detected value is within the range of the ground color voltage (Vr) read in step S101. When the CPU 101 determines that the detected value is within the voltage (Vr) range (step S106; Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. If the CPU 101 determines that the detected value is outside the range of the voltage (Vr) (step S106; No), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S108.

(Step S107) The CPU 101 sets the cover flag CVF to 1. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and the process is repeated from step S101.
(Step S <b> 108) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the detection value is within the range of the color voltage (Ve) indicating the end read in step S <b> 101. When the CPU 101 determines that the detected value is within the voltage (Ve) range (step S108; Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S109. If the CPU 101 determines that the detected value is outside the range of the voltage (Ve) (step S108; No), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S113.

  (Step S109) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the cover flag CVF is 1. When the CPU 101 determines that the cover flag CVF is 1 (step S1099; Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S110. When the CPU 101 determines that the cover flag CVF is 0 (step S109; No), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S113.

  (Step S110) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the end message flag EMF is zero. When the CPU 101 determines that the end message flag EMF is 0 (step S110; Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S111. When determining that the end message flag EMF is 1 (step S110; No), the CPU 101 ends the process and repeats the process from step S101.

(Step S <b> 111) The CPU 101 displays the end detection message read in step S <b> 101 on the clerk display unit 104 and outputs the sound from the audio output unit 109. The end detection message is, for example, “Receipt is low. Please note.” Further, the CPU 101 lights up the sign pole 113 with the other output color read in step S101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112.
(Step S <b> 112) The CPU 101 sets the end message flag EMF to 1 because the end detection message has been output. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and the process is repeated from step S101.

  (Step S113) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the detected value is within a voltage range (V1 or more) indicating no receipt. When the detected value is equal to or higher than the voltage V1 (step S113; Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S114. If the detected value is smaller than the voltage V1 (step S113; No), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S115.

(Step S <b> 114) The CPU 101 displays a message alerting that no receipt is stored on the clerk display unit 104 and outputs the message from the audio output unit 109. The message that alerts that the receipt is not stored is, for example, “No receipts, please insert a new receipt”. Further, the CPU 101 lights up the sign pole 113 with the other output color read in step S101. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and the process is repeated from step S101.
(Step S <b> 115) The CPU 101 displays the receipt comparison NG message read out in step S <b> 101 on the clerk display unit 104 and outputs the sound from the audio output unit 109. The receipt comparison NG message is, for example, “It is not a correct receipt. Please replace it with a receipt of ΔΔ color”. Further, the CPU 101 lights up the sign pole 113 with the other output color read in step S101. Thereafter, the process is terminated, and the process is repeated from step S101.

Next, an example of a specific processing procedure will be described with reference to FIG. For example, when the date is 11:00 am on Saturday, it is exchanged for a receipt (4) (FIG. 8). A case where the receipt is correctly replaced with the receipt (4) will be described.
Since the receipt was exchanged in S102, CVF = 0 and EMF = 0. In step S101, the CPU 101 reads the setting of the receipt (4). Then, the CPU 101 identifies the background color of the receipt in step S106, and sets CVF = 1 in step S107 because the detected value is blue. In the next routine, since the cover is closed, the CPU 101 repeats steps S101, S102, S105, S106, and S107 until it approaches the end.

Next, the case where the receipt is mistakenly replaced with the receipt (1) instead of the receipt (4) will be described.
Since the receipt is exchanged in S102, CVF = 0 and EMF = 0 are set in steps S103 and S104. In step S106, the CPU 101 identifies the background color of the receipt. Since the detected value is not blue but white, the process proceeds to step S108. At this point, the receipt is not near the end, so it is white, the background color. Therefore, the CPU 101 identifies that the detected value is white in step S108. In step S102, the CVF is 0 because the cover is opened and the receipt is exchanged. For this reason, after step S113, in step S115, the CPU 101 outputs a receipt comparison NG message.

Next, a case where the receipt is close to the end of the receipt (4) will be described.
After the receipt (4) is exchanged, the background color of the receipt is correct, so CVF = 1 is set in step S107, and EMF = 0 is set in step S104 in the exchange routine. In step S108 of the routine where the receipt is nearing the end, the background color is white instead of blue, and thus the CPU 101 identifies that the detected value is a color indicating the end. Since CVF = 1, through steps S109 and S110, the CPU 101 outputs an end detection time message. Since EMF = 1 is set in step S112, the CPU 101 determines that EMF = 1 in step S110 of the next routine, and does not output an end detection message.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the start determination process executed by the POS register 2 in this embodiment. The POS register 2 periodically executes the processing shown in this figure.
(Step S201) The CPU 101 reads the use day of the week, use start time, and use end time of each receipt type from the receipt setting table. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.
(Step S202) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the current date and time is the use start time of any receipt type based on the information read in step S201. If the current date time is the use start time of any receipt type, the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S203. Further, the CPU 101 ends the process when the current date time is not the use start time of any receipt type.
(Step S <b> 203) The CPU 101 displays a start time message corresponding to the receipt type whose current date and time is the use start time on the clerk display unit 104 and outputs the sound from the audio output unit 109. Further, the CPU 101 lights the sign pole 113 with the output color corresponding to the receipt type. Thereafter, the process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the POS register 2 indicates that the receipt color stored in the printing apparatus 10 is neither the receipt color corresponding to the current date and time nor the end color. Output a receipt comparison NG message (a message prompting the exchange of receipts). Thereby, the operator can know that the receipt must be exchanged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent mistakes in receipts and forgetting to replace them.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the POS register 2 detects the end when the color of the receipt stored in the printing apparatus 10 is the color indicating the end of the receipt type corresponding to the current date and time. A message (message notifying that the receipt will be exhausted) is output. Thereby, the operator can know that the end of the receipt is near and needs to be replaced. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the exchange of the receipt before the receipt is finished.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the use start time of any receipt type is reached, the POS register outputs a start time message (message for prompting replacement of the receipt) corresponding to the receipt type that has reached the use start time. . Thereby, the worker can know that the receipt needs to be exchanged for the start or end of the event.

  In recent years, self-systems in which customers perform registration and settlement are also widespread. In this system, since the store worker cannot grasp the state of the receipt, there is a case where the customer is kept waiting when the receipt is finished during the customer's work. By using the present invention, it is possible to notify the worker that the end of the receipt is near, and therefore, it is possible to reduce the case where the customer who uses the system waits for the receipt to run out.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sheet issuing device is described as the receipt issuing device mounted on the POS register 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sheet issuing device issues a label printer that issues a label or issues a ticket. Ticket printers that issue tickets, ticket machines that issue tickets, printing devices that print blood pressure meter measurement results, printing devices that are connected to weighing scales such as stores, printing devices that issue receipts at rental stores, etc. Any material that issues a sheet-like sheet may be used. Receipts refer to recording paper in general and include specifications, receipts, coupons, and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the open / close detection unit that detects the opening / closing of the case of the printing apparatus 10 is the micro SW. Any device can be used as long as it can detect the opening / closing of.

  In the above-described embodiment, the POS register 2 detects the color of the receipt by the reflection type sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and based on the output value (RGB) with the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera. You may detect the color of a receipt by other methods, such as the method of detecting a color, the method of detecting a color based on the wavelength by a spectrometer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 includes one detection sensor 35. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of detection sensors 35 may be provided. For example, the printing apparatus 10 may include a detection sensor 35 for detecting a background color and a detection sensor 35 for detecting a color indicating the end. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 10 may be provided with a plurality of position detection sensors 35 in the receipt flow direction.

  In the above-described embodiment, the background color and the color indicating the end are set on one color setting screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the background color and the color indicating the end can be set separately. You may do it. For example, the colors may be classified into a group of colors that can be set as a background color and a group of colors that can be set as a color indicating the end so that only the colors of each group can be selected. In addition, even in the same color (for example, pink), different voltage values may be detected for the ground color and the color indicating the end (brightness is different), so the “pink” of the ground color and the color “ Different voltage ranges may be set for “pink”.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the POS register 2 displays a message on the store clerk display unit 104, and outputs related to the receipt (the end of the receipt is approaching, the receipt is exhausted, and it is time to replace the receipt. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be output by printing a message, turning on a rotating lamp, sounding a buzzer, or the like.

  In addition, the POS register 2 may indicate that when the receipt is output, the end of the receipt is approaching, the receipt has run out, the date and time when the receipt is exchanged, or a different receipt is stored. May be notified to the monitoring device 3 or the store controller 4.

  The program for realizing the POS register 2 and the POS system 1 described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed. Execution processing may be performed. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used. The “computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk built in a computer system, etc. This is a storage device.

Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic) in a computer system serving as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Random Access Memory)) that holds a program for a certain period of time is also included.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS system 2 ... POS register 3 ... Monitoring apparatus 4 ... Store controller 10 ... Printing apparatus 11 ... Lower case 35 ... Detection sensor 90 ... Upper case 101 ... CPU 102 ... ROM 103 ... RAM 104 ... Display for store clerk 105 ... Operation Numeral 106: Display unit for customer 107: Change bill machine 108 ... Scanner unit 109 ... Audio output unit 110 ... Communication unit 111 ... Imaging unit 112 ... Hard disk 113 ... Sign pole 500 ... Open / close detection unit (micro SW side) 501 ... Open / close Detection part (convex part)

Claims (5)

A sheet issuing unit for issuing receipts ;
Detecting means for detecting the color of the receipt stored in the sheet issuing unit;
Storage means for associating and storing information for identifying the color of the receipt and date and time information relating to the time when the receipt is used ;
Whether or not the color of the receipt detected by the detection means coincides with the information for identifying the color of the receipt stored in the storage means or is within a range of information for identifying the color of the receipt , and the detection Determining means for determining whether or not the time is within a time range of the date and time information stored in the storage means ;
Output means for outputting a result of determination by the determination means;
A sheet issuing device comprising: A selection means for selecting the type of receipt ;
The storage means may store information identifying a color of the receipts for each type of the receipts,
The determination means, the color of the receipt which is detected by the detecting means, determines claim by comparing the information identifying the color of the receipt corresponding to the type of the receipts that are selected by the selection means 1 The sheet issuing device described in 1. Information identifying a color of the receipt, a color indicating the end of the color or the receipt of the land of the receipt,
Further comprising setting means for setting the color to indicate the end of the color or the receipt of the land of the receipts for each type of the receipts,
Wherein the storage unit, the color of the land of the receipt that has been set by the setting unit, or sheet issuing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 for storing color to indicate the end of the receipt for each type of the receipts . The sheet issuing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output unit is a display unit or a sign pole provided in the sheet issuing apparatus. The sheet issuing unit
A storage unit for storing the receipt in the form of a roll ;
A cover portion covering the storage portion;
An opening / closing detection unit for detecting opening / closing of the cover unit;
With
The determination unit determines the color detected by the detection unit when the open / close detection unit detects the closing of the cover unit;
And the output means, the sheet issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for outputting a result of determination by the determining means.

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