JP6441518B2 - Checkout system, registration device, settlement device, and control program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout system, a registration apparatus and a payment apparatus included in the system, and a control program for causing a computer to function as a registration apparatus or a payment apparatus.

  As a checkout system for mass merchandisers, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of a transaction for each transaction and a settlement device that processes settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are separated. . The registration device waits for input of data relating to product sales. When data is input by the operator, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data and transmits the accounting data to the settlement device. The settlement apparatus waits for input of payment data for the accounting data. When the payment data is input by the operator, the settlement apparatus processes transaction settlement based on the accounting data and the payment data. This type of checkout system in which the registration device and the payment device are separated includes a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by different store clerk, and a clerk operating the registration device and the payment device as a shopper. Is a so-called semi-self system.

  In the case of the semi-self method, if the shopper takes time to operate the settlement apparatus, the subsequent shopper waits for settlement. In order to avoid such a situation, normally, a plurality of settlement apparatuses are connected to one registration apparatus. Then, the registration device monitors the state of each payment device, automatically selects an available payment device, and transmits payment information to the payment device. Alternatively, the registration device displays the state of each payment device on the display, and the store clerk selects an available payment device and transmits the payment information to the payment device.

  However, in any case, in order for the registration device to monitor the state of each payment device, the registration device needs an information analysis function for collecting and analyzing state information (status) from the payment device.

JP 2013-242839 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system that can eliminate the need for an information analysis function for the registration device to monitor the state of each payment device, and a registration device and a payment device used in this system. It is what.

In one embodiment, the checkout system connects, for each transaction, a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction and a plurality of settlement devices that process transaction settlement based on the accounting data via a network. Do it.
The registration device includes a transmission unit and a notification unit. The transmission means transmits the accounting data via the network, together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set among a plurality of settlement apparatuses, and the settlement apparatus having the first accounting data transfer order as the transmission destination . The notifying means notifies information for identifying the settlement apparatus that is the transmission source of the license response in response to reception of the license response from any settlement apparatus via the network.
The settlement apparatus includes a receiving unit, a discarding unit, a permission response unit, and a transfer unit. The receiving means receives data including the accounting data and the list via the network. The discarding unit discards the received data when the transmission destination of the data received by the receiving unit is not its own device. The permission response means transmits a permission response to the registration apparatus via the network if the destination of the data received by the receiving means is the own apparatus, and if the transaction can be settled. If the destination of the data received by the receiving means is the own device, the transfer means is in a state where it is not possible to settle the transaction. the data received by the receiving means apparatus as a destination to transfer via the network.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system in one Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the main circuit structures of the registration apparatus and payment apparatus which are included in the checkout system. The schematic diagram which shows the main data memory area | region formed in each RAM of a registration apparatus and a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows the main data memory area | region formed in RAM and auxiliary storage device of a registration apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the account confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the account confirmation screen when an accountable response is received. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the account confirmation screen when an account impossible response is received. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the touchscreen of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touchscreen of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the completion screen displayed on the touchscreen of a payment apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system in which an information analysis function for the registration device to monitor the state of each settlement device can be eliminated will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a semi-self checkout system in which a clerk operates a registration device and a shopper operates a payment device is illustrated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 in the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 having a larger number than the registration devices 11. The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are arranged for each checkout lane of the store.

  FIG. 1 shows a case where two registration devices 11 and six settlement devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes. In FIG. 1, one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 are arranged for one checkout lane. It is arbitrary how many checkout systems 10 each include the registration device 11 and the payment device 12. The ratio of the number of registration devices 11 and settlement devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is also arbitrary.

  In the registration device 11, the store clerk 21 who has a role called a checker is the operator. In the settlement apparatus 12, a shopper 22 who purchases merchandise sold at a store is the operator. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be operated by the store clerk 21.

  The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel, a passage (checkout lane) for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The registration device 11 includes functions for registering sales merchandise, generating accounting data, transferring accounting data to the settlement device 12, and settlement processing. The sale product registration means that the product purchased by the shopper 22 is registered in the registration device 11 as a sale product. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a sales product. The accounting data is data relating to the accounting of sales merchandise registered as one transaction. The merchandise code, the merchandise name, the unit price, the number, the amount, etc., which are identification codes of the merchandise for sale, are included in the accounting data. The settlement process is a process for settlement of a transaction that is a merchandise buying and selling operation based on the accounting data. For payment, cash, credit card, electronic money or the like is used as a price.

  The payment apparatus 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when the transaction data is transferred from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes transaction settlement based on the transaction data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. Both the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a local area network (LAN) 13 that is a network. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server has a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product.

  The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 exchange information via the LAN 13. Note that the network may use another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN instead of the LAN 13. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transfers information between the registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 via a server.

  The registration device 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read-only memory (ROM) 11b, a random-access memory (RAM) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, and two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2. A printer 11h, a card reader / writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to constitute a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to implement various functions as the registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

  The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding information processing executed by the registration device 11. The transfer of the registration device 11 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the registration device 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is transferred after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11 that is separately transferred.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may include a type of scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a store clerk and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. Touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device uses an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen as its display screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The clerk touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the clerk 21 work space. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 such that the display screen faces the shopper 22 passage side.

  The printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. For example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used as this type of printer 11h.

  The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. The card may include a membership card called a member's card or a point card in addition to a settlement card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 11i reads and rewrites electronic money data (balance, etc.) stored in the electronic money card. The card reader / writer 11i may be any one of a magnetic type, a contact type, and a non-contact type device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with other registration devices 11 via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panels 11g1, 11g2, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. . As the transmission system 11k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

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

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, communication unit 12j, and transmission system 12k.

  The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and bills that are input. Moreover, the automatic change machine 12e discharge | releases the coin and banknote as change.

  Other functions of the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, communication unit 12j, and transmission system 12k are the functions of the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c of the registration device 11, and auxiliary storage. The unit 11d, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader / writer 11i, the communication unit 11j, and the transmission system 11k are equivalent.

  That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to constitute a computer. And CPU12a controls each part in order to implement | achieve various operation | movement as the payment apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program which were memorize | stored in ROM12b and RAM12c.

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding information processing executed by the settlement apparatus 12. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is transferred after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the settlement apparatus 12 that is separately transferred.

  As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, it is possible to use, for example, a POS terminal that supports an existing self method.

  The checkout system 10 including the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 having such a configuration forms the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 3 in the RAMs 11c and 12c of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12, respectively.

  The data memory area 31 is an area for storing data of sales merchandise in one transaction. The data includes items of product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and amount. The product code is a unique code for identifying each product individually. For example, a product code represented by a barcode is attached to each product, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11f. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per point. The number is the number of sales of the same product, and the amount is the amount of money for sale (sales amount). Hereinafter, the data memory area 31 is referred to as a transaction memory. And the thing of the registration apparatus 11 is represented by the transaction memory 31a, and the thing of the settlement apparatus 12 is represented by the transaction memory 31b.

  The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount. The total number is the total number of sales items stored in the transaction memory 31. The total amount is the sum of the sales amounts stored in the transaction memory 31. Hereinafter, the data memory area 32 is referred to as a total memory. And the thing of the registration apparatus 11 is represented by the total memory 32a, and the thing of the settlement apparatus 12 is represented by the total memory 32b.

  Also, the checkout system 10 forms the data memory area 41 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAM 11c of the registration apparatus 11, and forms the data memory area 42 in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration apparatus 11.

  The data memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing the merchandise code, merchandise name, unit price, quantity, and amount of one sale merchandise. Hereinafter, the data memory area 41 is referred to as a temporary buffer 41.

  The data memory area 42 stores a settlement apparatus ID and an identification name in association with a series of list numbers (accounting data transfer order) starting from “1”. The payment apparatus ID is a unique ID assigned to each payment apparatus 12 to individually identify each payment apparatus 12 and stored in the ROM 12b, for example. Incidentally, the same registration device ID is stored in the ROM 11b for each registration device 11. The identification name is a unique name set individually for each settlement apparatus 12. The operator of the registration device 11 can determine which settlement device 12 is indicated from the identification name. Hereinafter, the data memory area 42 is referred to as a list table 42.

  In the list number “1” of the list table 42, the settlement device ID and the identification name of the settlement device 12 installed closest to the registration device 11 are set in advance, and the list number “2” is set. The payment device ID and identification name of the payment device 12 installed in the second closest place to the registration device 11 are preset. As described above, the transfer order of the accounting data is set in the order from the shortest distance from the registration device 11. Such setting is merely an example, and the transfer order may not necessarily be set in the order of the distance from the registration device 11.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration apparatus 11 according to the control program. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the registration apparatus 11. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these drawings. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

  The registration device 11 has a registration mode as one of operation modes. When the registration device 11 is activated in this registration mode, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a initializes the RAM 11c (Act1). By this initialization, the transaction memory 31a, the total memory 32a, and the temporary buffer 41 are cleared.

  Next, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 2).

  The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of the temporary buffer 41, transaction memory 31a, and total memory 32a, and allows the store clerk 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. Registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The display area R1 includes a display field r11 that displays the product name and unit price of the most recently registered product, a display field r12 that displays the number, a display field r13 that displays the amount, and one transaction. A display field r14 is formed in which the total number and total amount of each product registered for sale are displayed. In the display area R2, a list of product names, numbers, unit prices, and amounts of the products registered for sale before the products shown in the display area R1 is formed.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, CPU11a is a product button for the store clerk 21 to specify a product out of the area | region used as registration screen SC1 among the screens of the touch panel 11g, and the store clerk 21 for ordering the output of a subtotal Various function buttons such as subtotal buttons are also displayed.

  If the clerk 21 confirms that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the clerk 21 recognizes that the product purchased by the shopper 22 can be registered. When the shopper 22 brings the purchased product to the work table 23, the store clerk 21 inputs the product code of the product sequentially by operating the scanner 11f and the product button, for example. Then, after inputting the product codes of all the products, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. With the above operation, registration of a product purchased by one shopper (sales registration for one transaction) is completed.

  In response to such a registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a displaying the registration screen SC1 waits for an input of a product code (Act3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a acquires product information such as the product name and unit price set in the product database in association with the product code. . Further, the CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number to calculate the amount of money for the number. The number is a numerical value when the product code is entered with a numeric keypad before the product code is input, and is “1” when the product code is not entered. When the CPU 11a generates the product sales data including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the number, and the price, the product sales data is stored in the temporary buffer 41 (Act4). At this time, if the product sales data has already been stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the stored product sales data to the transaction memory 31, and then stores the new product sales data in the temporary buffer 41. To store.

  The CPU 11a adds the number and amount stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so that the contents of the temporary buffer 41 and the total memory 32a are displayed in the display area R1, and the contents of the transaction memory 31a are displayed in the display area R2 (Act5).

  After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the next product code has been input (Act 6). When the product code is not input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button is touched (Act 7). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not the product code has been input (Act 6). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be input or a subtotal button to be touched as Act6 and Act7. When the CPU 11a confirms the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, the CPU 11a shifts to processing according to the occurrence event. Such an operation is the same in other standby states.

  When the product code is input in the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7 (YES in Act 6), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  If the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a executes the processing of Act8 and Act9. Note that the processing procedures of Act8 and Act9 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act 8, the CPU 11a moves the merchandise sales data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the transaction memory 31. Then, the CPU 11a generates transaction data from the data in the transaction memory 31a and the data in the total memory 32a (generation unit). In Act 9, the CPU 11a displays an accounting confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  An example of the transaction confirmation screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The transaction confirmation screen SC2 includes a display area R3 and buttons B1, B2, B3, and B4. The display area R3 displays the total number and total amount of the total memory 32a. Buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the store clerk 21 to specify that a discount or discount is applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the store clerk 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is returned to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is an accounting button B4 for the clerk 21 to instruct the shift to accounting after registration of the product for one transaction is completed.

  The CPU 11a that has displayed the transaction confirmation screen SC2 confirms whether or not the transaction button has been input (Act 10). When the accounting button has not been input (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a checks whether or not the return button B3 has been input (Act 11). When the return button B3 is not input (NO in Act11), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not the accounting button is input (Act10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the accounting button B4 or the return button B3 as Act10 and Act11.

  The clerk 21 confirming the transaction confirmation screen SC2 confirms whether or not registration of the product purchased by the shopper 22 remains. If it remains, the clerk 21 touches the return button B3. If not, the clerk 21 touches the accounting button B4.

  When the return button B3 is input in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act12). Thereafter, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act6 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  When the accounting button B4 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act13 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a reads a list of IDs and identification names of the settlement apparatus 12 from the list table 42 (Act 13). Next, the CPU 11a detects the settlement apparatus ID of the list number “1” from the list table 42 (Act 14). Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the accounting data generated by the process of Act 8 and the list data acquired by the process of Act 13 with the settlement apparatus ID of the list number “1” as the destination (Act 15). In response to this instruction, the communication unit 11j transmits “accounting data + list data” on the LAN 13 with the settlement apparatus ID of the list number “1” as the destination and the registration apparatus ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source. . This “accounting data + list data” is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose settlement apparatus ID as the destination matches the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a transmission unit in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

  When the CPU 12a of each settlement apparatus 12 receives “accounting data + list data” via the communication unit 12j, does the settlement apparatus ID added to the data as a transmission destination match the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b? Check. If they do not match, the CPU 12a discards “accounting data + list data”. If they match, the CPU 12a takes in “accounting data + list data”. Then, the CPU 12a starts a reception interrupt process specifically shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a receiving means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

  When the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12a first checks the busy flag F (Act 21). The busy flag F is 1-bit data that is set to “1” while the CPU 12a is processing transaction settlement based on the accounting data, and is reset to “0” when the processing is completed, and is stored in the RAM 12c. Yes. Thus, while the busy flag F is set, the settlement apparatus 12 is executing transaction settlement. For this reason, the settlement apparatus 12 cannot settle a new transaction. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes determination means for determining whether or not the transaction can be settled by the processing of Act21.

  When busy flag F is reset, that is, when payment device 12 is ready to perform transaction payment (YES in Act 21), CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 22, Act 23, and Act 24. The processing procedures of Act22, Act23, and Act24 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 22, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to “1”.
In Act 23, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit the command data of the accountable response to the registration device 11 that is the data transmission source. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j receives the command data of the accountable response with the registered device ID set as the transmission source of “accounting data + list data” as the destination and the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. Is transmitted on the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose registration device ID as the destination matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a permission response means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

In Act 24, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing based on the received accounting data (processing means). The accounting process will be described later. When the accounting process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to “0” (Act 25).
This completes the “accounting data + list data” reception interrupt process in the state where the busy flag F is reset.

  On the other hand, when busy flag F is set, that is, when payment device 12 cannot execute transaction payment (NO in Act 21), CPU 12a searches the received list data (Act 26). . Then, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b is associated with the final list number of the list data (Act 27).

  When the settlement apparatus ID is not associated with the final list number (NO in Act 27), the CPU 12a adds a list number obtained by adding “1” to the list number associated with the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b from the list data. The payment device ID associated with the is detected (Act 28). Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transfer “accounting data + list data” with the detected settlement apparatus ID as a destination (Act 29). Upon receiving this command, the communication unit 12j transmits “accounting data + list data” to the LAN 13 with the detected settlement apparatus ID as the destination and the registration apparatus ID indicating the transmission source as it is. This “accounting data + list data” is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose settlement apparatus ID as the destination matches the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a transfer unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

On the other hand, if the payment device ID is associated with the final list number (the maximum value of the list number) (YES in Act 27), the CPU 12a responds to the data transmission source registration device 11 with a non-accounting response. Commands communication unit 12j to send command data. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j receives the command data of the non-accounting response with the registration device ID set as the transmission source of “accounting data + list data” as the destination and the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. Is transmitted on the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose registration device ID as the destination matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a forms an error response means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.
This completes the “accounting data + list data” reception interrupt processing in the state where the busy flag F is set.

  The CPU 11a of the registration apparatus 11 that has transmitted “accounting data + list data” in Act 15 of FIG. 6 waits for a response from the settlement apparatus 12 (Act 16). When command data indicating a response is received via communication unit 11j (YES in Act 16), CPU 11a identifies whether the command data is an accountable response or an account impossible response (Act17).

  In the case of an accountable response (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a searches the list table 42 and reads the identification name stored in association with the settlement apparatus ID that is the transmission source of the command data. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the payment apparatus 12 with this identification name is ready for accounting in a partial area R4 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 (Act 18). The store clerk who confirmed this message notifies the shopper to perform accounting at the settlement apparatus 12 specified by the identification name.

  On the other hand, in the case of a non-accounting response (NO in Act 17), as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the accounting data could not be transmitted to a part of the region R5 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2. Display (Act 19). Thereafter, the CPU 11a performs a transmission disable process.

  For example, the transmission disable process waits for the accounting button B4 to be input again, and if it is input, the processes after Act13 are executed again. In this case, the clerk who confirmed the message touches the accounting button B4.

  In the non-transmission process, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and transmitted to the server, and the printer 11h is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a barcode indicating the identification code is printed. In this case, the store clerk who confirmed the message gives the bill to the shopper. For example, the shopper reads the barcode of the accounting ticket with the scanner 12f of the settlement apparatus 12 prepared in a place different from the chuck-out lane. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 acquires the transaction data attached with the identification code obtained from the barcode from the server. The CPU 12a executes the processes of Act22, Act24, and Act25 in FIG. 7 based on the accounting data.

  In this way, the clerk 21 registers the product purchased by the shopper 22 with the registration device 11. When the registration is completed, the clerk 21 touches the accounting button B4 on the accounting confirmation screen SC2. Then, the accounting data necessary for the settlement of the transaction with the shopper 22 is transmitted together with the list data of the list table 42. The transmission destination of this “accounting data + list data” is the payment device 12 (referred to as payment device 12-1) identified by the payment device ID of the list number “1”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-1 can execute transaction settlement (busy flag F = 0), command data of an accountable response is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-1 to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the preparation for the transaction is completed together with the identification name representing the settlement device 12-1 is displayed. The settlement apparatus 12-1 is instructed to perform accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus 12-1 cannot execute transaction settlement (busy flag F = 1), “accounting data + list data” is transferred from the settlement apparatus 12-1 to another settlement apparatus 12. The The transfer destination is the payment apparatus 12 (referred to as payment apparatus 12-2) identified by the payment apparatus ID of the list number “2”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-2 can execute the settlement of the transaction (busy flag F = 0), the command data of the accountable response is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-2 to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the preparation for the transaction is completed together with the identification name representing the settlement device 12-2 is displayed. Announcement is made that the settlement apparatus 12-2 performs accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus 12-2 cannot execute transaction settlement (busy flag F = 1), “accounting data + list data” is transferred from the settlement apparatus 12-2 to another settlement apparatus 12. The The transfer destination is the payment device 12 (referred to as payment device 12-3) identified by the payment device ID of the list number “3”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-3 can execute transaction settlement (busy flag F = 0), command data of an accountable response is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-3 to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the preparation for the transaction is completed together with the identification name representing the settlement device 12-3 is displayed. The settlement apparatus 12-3 is notified to perform the accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus 12-3 cannot execute transaction settlement (busy flag F = 1), transaction settlement is performed by all three settlement apparatuses 12-1, 12-2, 12-3. Is impossible. In this case, command data indicating a non-accounting response is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12-3 to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, a message indicating that transmission is not possible is displayed on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, and the salesclerk 21 touches the transaction button B4 again. Alternatively, since an accounting ticket is issued together with a message that cannot be transmitted, the clerk 21 gives the accounting ticket to the shopper 22.

  The shopper 22 notified by the clerk 21 to perform accounting with any of the settlement apparatuses 12 moves to the location of the settlement apparatus 12. At this time, in the payment apparatus 12, the accounting process has begun. When the accounting process starts, the payment apparatus 12 displays a payment method selection screen SC3 (see FIG. 12) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  An example of the payment method selection screen SC3 is shown in FIG. Payment method selection screen SC3 includes display areas R11 and R12 and buttons B11 and B12. The display area R11 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R12 displays the total number and the total amount stored in the total memory 32b. The button B11 is a payment method button B11 for the shopper to specify one of the plurality of payment methods. The button B12 is a clerk call button B13 for the shopper 22 to specify that the clerk 21 is called.

  In this embodiment, cash, credit card, and electronic money are exemplified as the payment method, but the payment method is not limited to these. Other payment methods may be added. Also, any payment method may be omitted.

  The shopper 22 confirming the payment method selection screen SC3 determines a payment method for the price, and touches the payment method button B11. When payment method button B11 is touched, payment apparatus 12 displays payment screen SC4 (see FIG. 13) of the payment method selected by payment method button B11 on a part of the screen of touch panel 12g.

  An example of the payment screen SC4 is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows a payment screen SC4 when cash is selected as the payment method. Payment screen SC4 includes display areas R13, R14 and button B13. The display area R13 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment apparatus 12. The display area R14 displays the total amount, the input amount, and the remaining amount. The button B13 is a checkout button B13 for a shopper who has finished putting in cash to designate execution of checkout.

  A shopper who has selected cash as the payment method inserts cash into the automatic change machine 12e. And if cash more than the total amount is thrown in, it touches the settlement button B13. When the settlement button B13 is touched, the settlement apparatus 12 executes settlement processing using the selected payment method. Since such payment processing is well known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the settlement process is completed, the settlement apparatus 12 displays a completion screen SC5 (see FIG. 14) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  An example of the completion screen SC5 for cash payment is shown in FIG. Completion screen SC5 includes display areas R15, R16, and R17. The display area R15 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R16 displays a guidance image. The guidance image is an image for guiding the shopper 22 through the receipt issuing port and the change payout port. Therefore, the shopper can easily know the place where the receipt is issued and the place where the change is paid out from the guide image. The display area R16 displays the change amount. Therefore, the shopper can know the amount of change from the data in the display area R16.

  The shopper who confirmed the completion screen SC8 receives a receipt and change according to the guide image. In response to this, the settlement apparatus 12 resets the busy flag F to “0”, and enters into an accounting standby state.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the registration device 11 may transmit the accounting data to the payment device 12 set to the list number “1” regardless of the state of each payment device 12. Therefore, the information analysis function for the registration apparatus 11 to monitor the state of each payment apparatus 12 is unnecessary.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the embodiment described above, the registration device 11 may have a data (settlement device ID / identification name) setting mode for the list table 42 so that the data in the list table 42 can be arbitrarily changed. In the case of the above-described embodiment, the accounting data is first transmitted to the settlement apparatus 12 set to the list number “1”, so that the frequency with which transaction settlement is processed by the settlement apparatus 12 increases. Thus, by changing the data in the list table 42 at an appropriate timing, the frequency with which transaction settlement is processed can be leveled.

  In addition, the screens SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, and SC5 illustrated and described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and needless to say, the layout is not limited to the illustrated layout.

In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
[1] A checkout in which a registration device that generates accounting data required for settlement of a transaction for each transaction and a plurality of settlement devices that process settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are connected via a network. In the system, the registration device transmits the accounting data via the network together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices to any of the payment devices; And a notifying means for notifying information for identifying the settlement apparatus that is the transmission source of the license response in response to reception of the permission response from any one of the settlement apparatuses via the network, Determining whether to receive the transaction data and the list via the network, and to determine whether the transaction can be settled And when the transaction data and the list are received in a state where the transaction can be settled, a permission response means for transmitting the permission response to the registration device via the network; A transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to the other settlement device via the network based on the list when the accounting data and the list are received in an inexecutable state; A checkout system comprising:
[2] When the settlement apparatus receives the accounting data and the list in a state where the settlement of the transaction cannot be performed, all the other settlement apparatuses cannot perform the settlement of the transaction. An error response means for transmitting an error response to the registration device via the network when recognizing that the registration device receives the error response from any of the payment devices via the network. Then, the checkout system according to the supplementary note [1], further comprising notification means for reporting an error.
[3] generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction for each transaction, and for any one of the plurality of settlement apparatuses that process settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, Sending means for sending the accounting data via a network together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, and receiving a permission response from any of the payment devices via the network According to the circumstances, a registration device comprising notification means for notifying information for identifying the settlement device as the permission response transmission source.
[4] From the registration device that generates the transaction data necessary for the settlement of the transaction for each transaction, the transaction data and a list indicating the transaction data transfer order set between the plurality of settlement devices are received via the network. Receiving means, processing means for processing settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, determination means for determining whether or not the settlement of the transaction can be executed, and a state capable of executing the settlement of the transaction And when the accounting data and the list are received, a permission response means for transmitting a permission response to the registration device via the network, and the accounting data and the list in a state in which the transaction cannot be settled. A transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any one of the other settlement apparatuses via the network based on the list. And settlement system.
[5] A computer of a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for the settlement of the transaction for each transaction, to any one of the plurality of settlement devices that process the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data A function of transmitting the accounting data via a network together with a list indicating accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, and receiving a permission response from any of the payment devices via the network A control program for realizing a function of notifying information for identifying the settlement apparatus that is the transmission source of the permission response in response to the above.
[6] From the registration device that generates the accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction, the accounting data and a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of settlement devices are received via the network. A function of causing a computer of a settlement apparatus provided with a receiving means to process settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, a function of determining whether or not the settlement of the transaction is executable, and settlement of the transaction When receiving the accounting data and the list in a state in which the transaction can be executed, a function for transmitting a permission response to the registration device via the network, and the accounting data and the state in a state in which the settlement of the transaction cannot be performed. When receiving the list, the function of causing the other settlement apparatus to transfer the accounting data and the list via the network based on the list is implemented. Control program for.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Registration apparatus, 12 ... Payment apparatus, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer release unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 11f, 12f ... Scanner, 11g1, 11g2, 12g ... Touch panel, 11h, 12h ... Printer, 11i, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 11j, 12j ... Communication unit, 11k, 12k ... Transmission system, 13 ... LAN, 31 (31a, 31b) ... transaction memory, 32 (32a, 32b) ... total memory, 41 ... temporary buffer, 42 ... list table.

Claims (6)

In a checkout system in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of a transaction for each transaction and a plurality of settlement devices that process settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are connected via a network.
The registration device
Transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data via the network together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of settlement apparatuses as the destination of the settlement apparatus having the first accounting data transfer order When,
In response to receiving a permission response from any one of the settlement devices via the network, notification means for notifying information for identifying the settlement device of the permission response transmission source,
The settlement device
Receiving means for receiving data including the accounting data and the list via the network;
A discarding unit for discarding the received data when the transmission destination of the data received by the receiving unit is not its own device;
When the transmission destination of the data received by the receiving unit is the own device , if the settlement of the transaction is in an executable state, a permission response unit that transmits the permission response to the registration device via the network;
When the destination of the data received by the receiving means is the own device , if the transaction cannot be settled, the settlement of the next rank of the accounting data transfer order for the own device based on the list checkout system the data received by said receiving means apparatus as a destination that immediately Preparations and transfer means, a to transferred via the network. The settlement device
When the destination of the data received by the receiving means is the own device and the transaction settlement is not executable, when the accounting data transfer order for the own device of the list is the final order , Error response means for transmitting an error response to the registration device via the network,
The registration device
When receiving the error response from the payment device of any via the network, informing means checkout system according to claim 1, you still immediately Bei the notifying errors. In a registration device that connects multiple payment devices via a network,
Generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction;
Transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data via the network together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of settlement apparatuses as the destination of the settlement apparatus having the first accounting data transfer order When,
In response to receiving permission response from the payment device of any via the network, the acceptance reply sender of the payment device and the notification means for notifying the information identifying, that immediately Bei registration device. In a payment device formed by connecting a registration device and other payment device for generating transaction data necessary for the payment of the transaction for each transaction via the network ,
Receiving means for receiving data comprising a list indicating the accounting data transfer order to be set between the accounting data and a plurality of settlement device via the network,
A discarding unit for discarding the received data when the transmission destination of the data received by the receiving unit is not its own device;
When the transmission destination of the data received by the receiving means is its own device , if it is in a state where payment for the transaction can be executed, a permission response means for transmitting a permission response to the registration device via the network;
When the destination of the data received by the receiving means is the own device , if the transaction cannot be settled, the settlement of the next rank of the accounting data transfer order for the own device based on the list transfer means the data received by the receiving unit as a destination device to transfer via the network, that immediately Started settlement device. To a computer of a registration device that connects multiple payment devices via a network ,
A function for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction,
A function of transmitting the accounting data via the network as a transmission destination together with a list indicating accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of settlement apparatuses, and the settlement apparatus having the first accounting data transfer order ; ,
A control program for realizing a function of notifying information for identifying the settlement apparatus as a license response transmission source in response to reception of a permission response from any of the settlement apparatuses via the network. To a computer of a payment device formed by connecting a registration device and other payment device for generating transaction data necessary for payment of the transaction for each transaction via a network ,
A function of receiving data including the accounting data and a list indicating accounting data transfer order set between a plurality of settlement apparatuses via the network;
A function of discarding received data when the destination of the received data is not its own device;
When the destination of the received data is its own device , if it is in a state in which the transaction can be settled, a function of transmitting a permission response to the registration device via the network;
When the destination of the received data is the own device, if the settlement of the transaction cannot be executed , the settlement device of the next rank of the accounting data transfer order to the own device is transmitted based on the list. a control program for causing the received data as previously realizing a function to transfer via the network.