JP6461391B2 - 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 in which an information analysis function for the registration device to monitor the state of each payment device can be eliminated, 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 storage unit, a transmission unit, and a notification unit. Storage means, waiting for a response that can be processed whether the at least two payment instrumentation placed these settled to generate the accounting data is stored together with the priority data indicating the response result for each payment system. The transmission means transmits the data stored in the storage means to two or more settlement devices. The notifying unit waits for a notification to execute the settlement process from two or more settlement devices that transmitted the data stored in the storage unit, and when the notification is received from any one settlement device, the settlement device that has received the notification Is notified.
The settlement apparatus includes response means, determination means, and processing means. Response means transmits the whether can process the settlement response to the registration device. In response to receiving the data stored in the storage unit from the registration device , the determination unit determines whether or not the highest-priority payment device responding that the payment processing is possible from the data is the own device. Determine. Processing means, state priority order responses can be processed in the settlement is when payment device the uppermost is its own device is initiated payment notifies the registration unit to the effect that perform processing settlement To.

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. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a registration apparatus performs according to a control program in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the information processing which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program in 2nd Embodiment.

  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.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to the first 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.

  In FIG. 1, two registration apparatuses 11 (11-1, 11-2) and six settlement apparatuses 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12- 6) are arranged in two checkout lanes. In one checkout lane, one registration device 11 (11-1) and three settlement devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3) are arranged. Then, three settlement devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3) arranged in the same checkout lane are grouped with respect to the registration device 11 (11-1). Similarly, one registration device 11 (11-2) and three settlement devices 12 (12-4, 12-5, 12-6) are arranged in the other checkout lane. Then, for the registration device 11 (11-2), three settlement devices 12 (12-4, 12-5, 12-6) arranged in the same checkout lane are grouped. Incidentally, simultaneous transmission of data from the registration apparatus 11 to each settlement apparatus 12 is possible between one registration apparatus 11 and a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 grouped by grouping. Data transmitted from each settlement apparatus 12 is received by the registration apparatus 11 or the settlement apparatus 12 in the same group.

  Note that the number of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary. 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 sales merchandise data 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 stored in the transaction memory 31. The total price is the total sales price 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 product code, the product name, the unit price, the number, and the price of one sales product. Hereinafter, the data memory area 41 is referred to as a temporary buffer 41.

  The data memory area 42 is an area for storing information related to a plurality of payment apparatuses 12 grouped with respect to the registration apparatus 11. That is, in FIG. 1, the data memory area 42 of the registration device 11 (11-1) stores information related to the three settlement devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3). In the data memory area 42 of the registration device 11 (11-2), information relating to the three settlement devices 12 (12-4, 12-5, 12-6) is stored.

  The information regarding the settlement apparatus 12 includes a priority number, a settlement apparatus ID, an identification name, and response data. The priority number is an integer starting from “1”, and the numerical value indicates the priority order. That is, the priority number “1” represents the first priority and the priority number “2” represents the second priority. 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. The response data indicates whether or not payment processing is possible in the payment device 12 identified by the corresponding payment device ID. For example, the response data “OK” indicates that payment processing is possible. The response data “NG” indicates that payment processing is impossible. The response data “OK” or “NG” is shown for convenience of explanation, and the actual data is not limited to this. For example, the response data is 1-bit flag data, and “1” may indicate that payment processing is possible, and “0” may indicate that payment processing is impossible. Hereinafter, the data memory area is referred to as a group table 42.

  The group table 42 stores in advance the payment device ID and identification name of the payment device 12 grouped with respect to the registration device 11 having the group table 42. At this time, for the priority number “1”, the settlement apparatus ID and the identification name of the settlement apparatus 12 whose priority is set to the first rank with respect to the registration apparatus 11 are stored. Similarly, for the priority number “2”, the settlement device ID and identification name of the settlement device 12 whose priority is set to the second place are stored. In the area of the priority number “3”, the priority is 3 The settlement apparatus ID and identification name of the settlement apparatus 12 set to the place are stored. For example, the priority is set higher as the distance from the registration device 11 is shorter. Note that the priority setting method is not limited to the distance between the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12.

  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). At this time, the CPU 11a generates accounting data in a text file format. 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 instructs the communication unit 11j to collectively transmit the accounting data in the text file format to the plurality of grouped payment devices 12 (Act 13). In response to this command, the communication unit 11j uses the settlement device ID set in the group table 42 as the transmission destination, the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source, and the accounting data in the text file format on the LAN 13. Send to. This accounting data is received by a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 whose settlement apparatus IDs as transmission destinations match the settlement apparatus IDs stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a first transmission unit in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

  When the CPU 12a of each settlement apparatus 12 receives the accounting data in the text file format via the communication unit 12j, whether or not the settlement apparatus ID added to the data as a transmission destination matches the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b. To check. If they do not match, the CPU 12a discards the accounting data. If they match, the CPU 12a takes the accounting data and stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM 12c in the text file format. 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 31). 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 the settlement process. For this reason, the settlement apparatus 12 cannot process settlement of a new transaction.

  When busy flag F is reset (YES in Act 31), that is, when payment device 12 is in a state where payment processing for a new transaction can be executed, CPU 12a notifies that payment processing is possible. The communication unit 12j is instructed to transmit an accounting ready (OK) response to the registration device 11 of the accounting data transmission source (Act 32). In response to this command, the communication unit 12j uses the registration device ID set as the transmission source of the accounting data as the transmission destination and the command data of the accountable response having the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source on the LAN 13. Send. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose registration device ID as the transmission destination matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b.

If the busy flag F is set (NO in Act 31), that is, if the settlement apparatus 12 is in a state where it cannot execute the settlement process for a new transaction, the CPU 12a determines that the settlement process is not possible. The communication unit 12j is instructed to transmit the accounting impossible (NG) response to be notified to the registration device 11 of the accounting data transmission source (Act 33). In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends, on the LAN 13, command data of an accounting impossible response having the registration device ID set as the accounting data transmission source as the transmission destination and the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. Send. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose registration device ID as the transmission destination matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b.
Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a response means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

  In Act 13 of FIG. 6, the CPU 11 a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the transaction data confirms whether or not the command data of the transaction enable response or the account disable response is received from the settlement device 12 as Act 14. If command data has not been received (NO in Act 14), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the elapsed time since transmitting the accounting data as Act 15 has reached a preset timeout time. The timeout time is set to a time sufficient for receiving the command data. From the plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 that have received the accounting data, command data of an accounting enabled response or an accounting disabled response is transmitted. At this time, since there is a possibility of data collision, the timeout time is set in consideration of data collision.

  If the elapsed time has not reached the timeout time (NO in Act 15), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not command data has been received (Act 14). Thus, the CPU 11a receives the command data of the accountable response or the accountless response as Act14 and Act15, or waits for the elapsed time to reach the timeout time.

  When the command data of the accountable response or the account impossible response is received (YES in Act 14), the CPU 11a writes the response data to the group table 42 as Act 16, based on the command data. That is, the CPU 11a detects the settlement apparatus ID that is the transmission source from the received command data. Then, the CPU 11a writes “OK” for the response data associated with the settlement device ID in the group table 42 if the command data is an accountable response, and “NG” if the command data is an unaccountable response. Write.

  The CPU 11a that has written the response data in the group table 42 determines whether or not the response is completed as Act17. When the command data of the accountable response or the account impossible response is received from all the settlement apparatuses 12 that have transmitted the account data, the CPU 11a determines that the response is completed. When the command data of the accountable response or the account impossible response is not received from at least one settlement apparatus 12, the CPU 11a determines that the response is not completed.

  If the response has not been completed (NO in Act 17), the CPU 11a returns to Act 14 and receives command data or waits for the elapsed time to reach the timeout time.

  When the response is completed (YES in Act 17), or when the elapsed time reaches the timeout time (YES in Act 15), the CPU 11a creates data indicating the response result from the settlement apparatus 12 as Act 18. Specifically, the CPU 11a reads the priority number, the settlement device ID, and the response data from the group table 42 as a set, in ascending order of the priority number, and displays the data indicating the response result, for example, by arranging each set in ascending order of the priority number. And The CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to collectively transmit the data indicating the response result to the plurality of grouped payment apparatuses 12. In response to this command, the communication unit 11j uses all the settlement device IDs set in the group table 42 as the transmission destination, and the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source. Send. Data indicating the response result is received by a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 whose settlement apparatus IDs as transmission destinations match the settlement apparatus IDs stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a second transmission unit in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

  The CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 which has transmitted the command data of the accountable response or the account impossible response as the process of Act32 or Act33 waits for data indicating the response result from the registration apparatus 11 as Act34. When data indicating the response result is received (YES in Act 34), the CPU 12a searches for the settlement apparatus ID satisfying the execution condition of the settlement process from the data as Act 35.

  Specifically, the CPU 12a first detects the set having the smallest priority number from the data indicating the response result. Then, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not this set of response data is the data “OK” of the accounting possible response. In the case of the data “OK” for the accountable response, the CPU 12a sets the set of payment device IDs as a payment device ID that satisfies the conditions for executing the payment process. On the other hand, in the case of the data “NG” indicating that the transaction is not possible, the CPU 12a detects the pair having the next lowest priority number. Then, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not this set of response data is the data “OK” of the accounting possible response. In the case of the data “OK” for the accountable response, the CPU 12a sets the set of payment device IDs as a payment device ID that satisfies the conditions for executing the payment process. On the other hand, in the case of the data “NG” indicating that the transaction is not possible, the CPU 12a detects the set having the next smallest priority number.

  As described above, the CPU 12a examines the response data for each pair in ascending order of priority numbers, and sets the settlement apparatus ID of the pair that first detected the accounting-acceptable response data “OK” as the settlement apparatus ID that satisfies the conditions for executing the settlement process. And If all of the response data with the highest priority number are non-accounting response data “NG”, the CPU 12a cannot detect a settlement apparatus ID that satisfies the execution condition of the settlement process.

  When the search for the payment device ID satisfying the execution condition of the payment processing is completed, the CPU 12a confirms as Act 36 whether the payment device ID matches the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b. If the payment device IDs do not match, or if a payment device ID that satisfies the conditions for executing the payment process cannot be detected (NO in Act 36), the CPU 12a ends the reception interrupt process.

  On the other hand, when the payment device ID satisfying the execution condition of the payment processing matches the payment device ID stored in ROM 12b (YES in Act 36), CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 37, Act 38, Act 39, Act 40, and Act 41. To do. Note that the processing procedures from Act 37 to Act 39 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 37, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag to “1”.
In Act 38, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit a command for notifying the transaction execution to the registration device 11 that is a transmission source of data indicating the response result. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j receives the command data of the transaction execution notification with the registered device ID set as the transmission source of the data indicating the response result as the transmission destination and the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. Transmit on the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose registration device ID as the transmission destination matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b.

  In Act 39, the CPU 12a converts the accounting data in the text file format stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 12c into accounting data in the file format used in the settlement process. Specifically, the CPU 12a converts the accounting data in the text file format into data in the DAT file format (data file with the extension “.dac”). When the accounting data becomes data in the DAT file format, the settlement apparatus 12 enters a state where settlement can be started.

As described above, in this embodiment, the DAT file format is defined as a file format used in the settlement process, and the text file format is defined as a file format other than the file format used in the settlement process. Note that the file format used in the settlement process is not limited to the DAT file format. Needless to say, the file format other than the file format used in the settlement process is not limited to the text file format.
Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a determination unit and a processing unit by the processing of Act35 to Act38.

In Act 40, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing based on the accounting data converted into the DAT file format. The settlement process will be described later.
In Act 41, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to “0”. Thus, the CPU 12a ends the reception interrupt process.

  In Act 18 of FIG. 6, the CPU 11 a of the registration apparatus 11 that has transmitted the data indicating the response result confirms whether or not the command data for the transaction execution notification is received as Act 19. When the command data is not received (NO in Act 19), the CPU 11a checks whether or not the elapsed time after transmitting the data indicating the response result as Act 20 has reached a preset timeout time. The timeout time is set to a time sufficient for receiving the accounting execution notification command data. In the plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 that have received the data indicating the response result, it is determined whether or not to perform the settlement process. After this determination, command execution notification command data is transmitted from any one of the settlement apparatuses 12 that performs the settlement process. The time-out time is set in consideration of the time required until the settlement apparatus 12 that performs the settlement process is determined.

  If the elapsed time has not reached the timeout time (NO in Act 20), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not the command data for the accounting execution notification has been received (Act 19). Thus, the CPU 11a, as Act 19 and Act 20, receives command execution notification command data or waits for the elapsed time to reach the timeout time.

  When the accounting execution notification command data is received (YES in Act 19), the CPU 11a searches the group table 42 as Act 21, and stores the identification name stored in association with the settlement apparatus ID that is the transmission source of the command data. read out. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the payment processing device 12 with this identification name is ready for the payment process in a partial area R4 of the transaction confirmation screen SC2. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a notification means by the processing of Act21.

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time reaches the timeout time (YES in Act 20), there is no settlement apparatus 12 that performs the settlement process. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the transaction data could not be transmitted in a part of the region R5 of the transaction confirmation screen SC2, as shown in FIG. 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. Then, the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 37, Act 39, Act 40, and Act 41 in FIG. 7 based on the transaction 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 created in the text file format. Then, the accounting data is transmitted from the registration device 11 to the plurality of settlement devices 12 grouped.

  The settlement apparatus 12 that has received the accounting data in the text file format determines whether or not settlement processing is possible. Then, from the settlement apparatus 12 that can perform the settlement process, an accountable response is transmitted to the registration apparatus 11. A payment impossible response is transmitted to the registration device 11 from the payment device 12 that cannot perform the payment process.

  In the registration device 11, the response data in the group table 42 is updated based on the accounting possible response or the accounting impossible response from the settlement device 12. Then, data indicating the response result created with the priority number, settlement device ID, and response data of the group table 42 is transmitted from the registration device 11 to the plurality of settlement devices 12 grouped. Based on the data indicating the response result, one of the payment apparatuses 12 that satisfies the payment process execution condition is determined. Specifically, the settlement apparatus 12 having the smallest priority number among the settlement apparatuses 12 that transmitted the accounting available response when receiving the accounting data is determined as satisfying the conditions for executing the settlement process.

  For example, in the example of the group table 42 shown in FIG. 4, when the payment apparatus A can perform the payment process when receiving the accounting data, even if the other payment apparatuses B and C can perform the payment process. The settlement apparatus A satisfies the conditions for executing the settlement process. On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus A cannot perform the settlement process, the settlement apparatus B satisfies the execution condition of the settlement process if the settlement apparatus B can perform the settlement process. If the settlement apparatus B is also unable to perform the settlement process, the settlement apparatus C satisfies the execution condition of the settlement process if the settlement apparatus C can perform the settlement process. When the settlement apparatus C is also unable to perform the settlement process, a settlement apparatus that satisfies the settlement process execution condition is not determined. In this case, since the registration device 11 times out, a transmission disable process is executed.

  When the settlement apparatus 12 that satisfies the execution condition of the settlement process is determined, a command for notifying the registration execution is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12 to the registration apparatus 11. By this command, in the registration apparatus 11, a message indicating that the preparation for accounting is completed is displayed in a partial area R4 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 together with the identification name of the settlement apparatus 12. Therefore, the store clerk guides the shopper to perform accounting at the settlement apparatus 12 specified by the identification name.

  The shopper 22 who is guided by the clerk 21 to perform the accounting with any settlement apparatus 12 moves to the place of the settlement apparatus 12. At this time, the settlement apparatus 12 has started the settlement process. When the payment 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.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the registration device 11 may transmit the accounting data to a plurality of grouped payment devices 12 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 becomes unnecessary.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
1 to 5 and FIGS. 8 to 14 used in the first embodiment are also applied to the second embodiment as they are, and the description thereof is omitted except for differences from the first embodiment.

  One of the differences of the second embodiment from the first embodiment is that a priority number memory is formed in the auxiliary storage unit 12 d of each settlement apparatus 12. In the priority number memory, a priority number assigned to the settlement apparatus 12 is stored. For example, taking the group table 42 shown in FIG. 4 as an example, the priority number “1” is stored in the priority number memory of the settlement apparatus A, and the priority number “2” is stored in the priority number memory of the settlement apparatus B. The priority number “3” is stored in the priority number memory of the settlement apparatus C.

  Another difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the CPU 11a of the registration apparatus touches the accounting button B4 in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, and the accounting data in text file format as Act13. Is a procedure of information processing after collectively transmitting to a plurality of grouped payment devices 12. The processing procedure from Act1 to Act13 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, a part of the reception interrupt process executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the accounting data is also different from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed after the accounting button B4 is touched in the second embodiment. That is, after instructing the communication unit 11j to transmit the accounting data as Act3, the CPU 11a omits the processes of Act14 to Act18. That is, the CPU 11a waits for the elapsed time from receiving the accounting execution notification command data from any of the settlement apparatuses 12 as Act 19 or the time elapsed since transmitting the accounting data as Act 20 to reach a preset time-out time. When the accounting execution notification command data is received, the CPU 11a executes the processing of Act21 as in the first embodiment. Even when the elapsed time after transmitting the accounting data reaches the timeout time, the CPU 11a executes the process of Act22 as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the reception interrupt process executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the accounting data in accordance with the control program in the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in 1st Embodiment.

  That is, when the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12a checks the busy flag F as Act31. Here, when the busy flag F is set (NO in Act 31), that is, when the settlement apparatus 12 is incapable of executing a settlement process for a new transaction, the CPU 12a ends the reception interrupt process. To do.

  On the other hand, when the busy flag F is reset (YES in Act 31), that is, when the settlement apparatus 12 is in a state where it can execute a settlement process for a new transaction, the CPU 12a sets the priority number memory as Act 51. The priority number stored in is read. Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit to the other settlement apparatus 12 an accounting enabled response that notifies that settlement processing is possible together with this priority number.

In response to this instruction, the communication unit 12j stores, in the ROM 12b, the payment device ID that does not match the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b among the payment device IDs set as the transmission destinations of the accounting data. The command data of the accounting possible response with the settlement apparatus ID being transmitted as the transmission source is transmitted on the LAN 13. The command data includes a priority number stored in the priority number memory. The command data is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose settlement apparatus ID as the transmission destination matches the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b.
Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a third transmission means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

  The CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 that has transmitted the accountable response confirms whether an accountable response from another settlement apparatus 12 has been received as Act 52. When the accounting possible response has not been received (NO in Act 52), the CPU 12a confirms as Act 53 whether or not the elapsed time after receiving the accounting data has reached a preset timeout time. The time-out time is set to a time sufficient for the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the transaction data to transmit a transaction enable response to another settlement apparatus 12. The plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 that have received the transaction data may transmit command data for a transaction possible response substantially simultaneously. For this reason, the timeout time is set in consideration of data collision.

  If the elapsed time has not reached the timeout time (NO in Act 53), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not command data has been received (Act 52). Thus, the CPU 11a receives the command data of the accounting possible response as Act 52 and Act 53, or waits for the elapsed time to reach the timeout time.

  When the command data of the accountable response is received (YES in Act 52), the CPU 12a compares the priority number included in the command data with the priority number stored in the priority number memory as Act 54. As a result, when the priority number included in the command data is larger than the priority number stored in the priority number memory (NO in Act 54), the command data transmission source payment device 12 has a higher priority than itself. Low. In this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 52 and again receives the command data of the accounting enabled response or waits for the elapsed time to reach the timeout time.

  On the other hand, when the priority number included in the command data is smaller than the priority number stored in the priority number memory (NO in Act 54), the command data transmission source settlement apparatus 12 is more than itself. High priority. In this case, the CPU 12a ends this reception interrupt process.

  If the elapsed time reaches the time-out time without receiving the command data of the accountable response including the priority number smaller than the priority number stored in the priority number memory (YES in Act 53), the CPU 12a The processes of Act37 to Act41 described in the embodiment are executed.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the accounting data is transmitted from the registration device 11 to the plurality of grouped payment devices 12 all at once. On the other hand, in each settlement apparatus 12 that has received the accounting data, it is determined whether or not settlement processing is possible. Then, from the settlement apparatus 12 capable of settlement processing, command data of an accounting possible response is transmitted to another settlement apparatus 12. This command data includes the priority number stored in the priority number memory of the settlement apparatus 12. On the other hand, no command data is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 12 that cannot perform the settlement process.

  Therefore, when there is only one settlement apparatus 12 that can perform the settlement process, the settlement apparatus 12 is timed out in Act 53, so that it is determined as one that satisfies the conditions for executing the settlement process.

  Further, when there are two or more payment devices 12 capable of payment processing, one of the payment devices 12 having the smallest priority number stored in the priority number memory satisfies the conditions for executing the payment processing. As determined.

  From the settlement apparatus 12 that satisfies the conditions for executing the settlement process, a command for notifying the registration apparatus 11 of the execution of accounting is transmitted. By this command, in the registration apparatus 11, a message indicating that the preparation for accounting is completed is displayed in a partial area R4 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 together with the identification name of the settlement apparatus 12. Therefore, the store clerk guides the shopper to perform accounting at the settlement apparatus 12 specified by the identification name. The shopper 22 who is guided by the clerk 21 to make an account with one of the payment devices 12 moves to the place of the payment device 12 and makes a payment.

  Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the information analysis function for the registration device 11 to monitor the state of each settlement device 12 can be made unnecessary.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the settlement apparatuses 12 arranged in the same checkout lane are grouped with respect to the registration apparatus 11, but the settlement apparatuses 12 arranged in other checkout lanes are also grouped. Also good.

  Further, when a plurality of payment devices 12 are collectively arranged at a position different from the checkout lane, for example, a plurality of payment devices 12 located within a predetermined distance from the registration device 11 may be grouped.

  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, is the registration device capable of processing the payment from the first transmission means that transmits the accounting data to at least two or more payment devices and the two or more payment devices that transmitted the accounting data? A second transmission unit that waits for a response to determine whether or not to transmit the data indicating the response result to the two or more payment devices; and the payment from the two or more payment devices that transmitted the data indicating the response result. A notification means for waiting for a notification to execute processing and receiving the notification from any one of the payment devices; And a response means for returning to the registration device a response as to whether or not the settlement processing is possible in response to receiving the transaction data from the registration device, and data indicating the response result from the registration device. And determining means for determining whether or not to execute the settlement process based on the data, and when it is determined to execute the settlement process, the registration device And a processing means for making the payment ready to be notified.
[2] The first transmission unit transmits the accounting data to the two or more settlement apparatuses in a file format other than the file format used in the settlement process, and the processing unit is a file used in the settlement process. Additional note [1], wherein the settlement is started by converting the accounting data sent from the registration device in a file format other than a format into a file format used in the settlement process. Checkout system described.
[3] Generation means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction for each transaction, and first transmission of the accounting data to at least two or more settlement devices that process settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data. A transmission means and a response indicating whether or not the payment processing is possible from the two or more payment apparatuses that have transmitted the accounting data, and data indicating the response result is transmitted to the two or more payment apparatuses. 2 and waiting for a notification to execute the settlement process from the two or more settlement devices that transmitted the data indicating the response result, and receiving the notification from any one of the settlement devices An informing means for informing the settlement apparatus that has been notified.
[4] Receiving means for receiving the accounting data via a network from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for the settlement of the transaction for each transaction, and in response to receiving the accounting data, Response means for returning a response indicating whether processing is possible or not to the registration device, and whether or not to execute the settlement processing based on the data in response to receiving data indicating a response result from the registration device And a processing means for notifying the registration device and initiating the settlement when it is determined to execute the settlement process. Payment device.
[5] In response to receipt of the accounting data from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction to a computer having receiving means for receiving the accounting data via a network A function for returning a response indicating whether the settlement process is possible or not to the registration apparatus; and in response to receiving data indicating a response result from the registration apparatus, the settlement process is executed based on the data. A control program for realizing a function for determining whether or not to execute the settlement processing and a function for notifying the registration device to the effect and allowing the settlement to be started .

  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 ... group table.

Claims (5)

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
Storing said generated waiting at least two or more of the payment instrumentation placed et the whether the process of settlement Possible responses against accounting data, for storing data indicating the response result for each of the payment system with priority Means,
A signal unit transmission that sends the stored data to the two or more settling apparatus in the storage means,
Waiting for a notification to execute the payment processing from the two or more payment devices that transmitted the data stored in the storage means, and receiving the notification from any one of the payment devices, the notification was received An informing means for informing the settlement apparatus,
The settlement device
And response means for sending process can whether the response of the payment to the registration device,
In response to receiving the data stored in the storage unit from the registration device, whether or not the highest-priority payment device that responded that the payment processing is possible from the data is the own device. Determination means for determining;
State priority order responses and can process the payment when payment device the uppermost is its own device, begin the payment to notify that perform processing of said payment to said registration device check-out system and the processing means, the that immediately Bei to. The checkout system according to claim 1 , wherein the priority is higher as the settlement apparatus has a shorter distance from the registration apparatus . Generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction;
Waiting at least 2 or more settlement instrumentation put whether these said processing of payment can respond to the accounting data the generation, storage means for storing together with priority data indicating the response result for each of the payment system When,
A signal unit transmission that sends the stored data to the two or more settling apparatus in the storage means,
Waiting for a notification to execute the payment processing from the two or more payment devices that transmitted the data stored in the storage means, and receiving the notification from any one of the payment devices, the notification was received A registration device comprising: notification means for notifying the settlement device. Waiting for a response that can be processed whether the at least two payment instrumentation placed these settled to generate the accounting data, the data indicating the response result to each of the payment device to stored with priority, and the storage a registration device that sends data to said two or more settling apparatus, is connected via a network,
And response means for sending process can whether the response of the payment to the registration device,
A determination to determine whether the highest-priority payment apparatus is the own apparatus in response to receiving the stored data from the registration apparatus and responding that the payment processing is possible from the data Means,
State priority order responses and can process the payment when payment device the uppermost is its own device, begin the payment to notify that perform processing of said payment to said registration device A settlement apparatus comprising: Waiting for a response that can be processed whether the at least two payment instrumentation placed these settled to generate the accounting data, the data indicating the response result to each of the payment device to stored with priority, and the storage a registration device that sends data to the two or more payment devices, the computer of the payment device connected via a network,
Ability to send a response whether or not it is possible to process the payment to the registration device,
A function of determining whether the highest-priority payment apparatus is the own apparatus in response to receiving the stored data from the registration apparatus and responding that the payment processing is possible from the data. ,
State priority order responses and can process the payment when payment device the uppermost is its own device, begin the payment to notify that perform processing of said payment to said registration device A control program for realizing the function.