JP6591643B2 - Product registration apparatus and control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a commodity registration apparatus used in a semi-self type checkout system and a control program for the apparatus.

  A semi-self type system is known as a checkout system for mass merchandisers such as supermarkets. In this system, processing for registration and settlement of purchased products is performed by different product registration devices and settlement devices. The employee operates the merchandise registration apparatus, and the shopper operates the settlement apparatus. In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from the merchandise registration device to a payment device in an empty state.

  Incidentally, there is a cash voucher such as a gift certificate as one of the settlement means. There are two types of cash vouchers: a type that pays change when the amount of the cash voucher is larger than the total amount (settlement amount), and a type that does not pay change even when the amount is over-tend. For this reason, when a shopper applies for a settlement using a cash voucher, the store side must determine whether the cash voucher is a type for paying change or not. Therefore, even when a semi-self-type checkout system is introduced, a customer who pays at least a part of the price with a cash voucher needs to be settled on the merchandise registration apparatus side. However, when a change occurs, it is desired to pay out the change from one of the settlement apparatuses.

JP 2006-344123 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a product registration apparatus and a control program for this apparatus that can smoothly process the settlement of customers who pay with a voucher in a semi-self type checkout system.

In one embodiment, a product registration apparatus that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment apparatus includes a calculation unit, an acquisition unit, an output unit, and an issue unit.

The calculating means calculates the total amount of purchased products. The acquisition means acquires the payment amount by the cash voucher and the type of the cash voucher .

When the payment amount acquired by the acquisition unit is less than the total amount calculated by the calculation unit, or the output unit is a cash voucher in which the type of the cash voucher acquired by the acquisition unit can be changed and the payment amount is When it is larger than the total amount, the payment apparatus outputs information necessary for the payment process and the voucher information including the payment amount in order to perform the payment process .

The issuing means issues a receipt when the amount of payment acquired by the acquiring means is equal to or greater than the total amount calculated by the calculating means and the type of cash voucher acquired by the acquiring means is a cash voucher that cannot be changed.

The perspective view of the checkout system concerning this embodiment. The block diagram of the goods registration apparatus and payment apparatus of the checkout system shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the data table formed in RAM of the goods registration apparatus shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the money classification total file preserve | saved at the auxiliary storage device of the goods registration apparatus shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU of a goods registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU of a goods registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU of a goods registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touchscreen of goods registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the price payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on the touchscreen of a goods registration apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a merchandise registration apparatus capable of smoothly processing a customer paying with a cash voucher in a semi-self type checkout system will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one settlement device 12. In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 is shown. The number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is also arbitrary. The merchandise registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is an operator of the store employee 21 who has a role called a checker. In the settlement apparatus 12, a shopper 22 who purchases a product for sale at the store is the operator. However, the payment apparatus 12 may be operated by an employee.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 23 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plate are substantially parallel to each other, whereby a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes functions of a purchase merchandise registration process, payment information generation, payment processing, and payment information notification to the payment apparatus 12. The registration process is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper entering the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of the commercial transaction of the purchased product. The payment information is information necessary for the payment process.

  When the payment information is notified from the merchandise registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12. The merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 that is a network. Instead of the LAN 13, another network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used as the network. Or it is good also as a structure which transfers information between the goods registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 via a server.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 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, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. A card reader / writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to constitute a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. CPU11a controls each part in order to implement | achieve various functions as the merchandise registration apparatus 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program which were memorize | stored in ROM11b and RAM11c.

  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 and application programs. The ROM 11b may store data that is 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. Further, the RAM 11c is 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 control processing described later. The product registration apparatus 11 is generally transferred in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 may be transferred without the control program being 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 separately-registered product registration apparatus 11.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads product information and obtains a 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 scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 11g includes 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 printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings and 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 member card records information for identifying at least the member who owns the 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 another product registration device 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 panel 11g, 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 commodity registration apparatus 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 CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to realize various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

  The ROM 12b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

  The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used when the CPU 12a performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. 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 without the control program being 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.

  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.

  The scanner 12f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy type two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI 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 12a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The printer 12h issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on the receipt paper. For example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used as this type of printer.

  The card reader / writer 12i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. The card may include various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as a member's card or a point card, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 12i may be any of a magnetic type, a contact type, or a non-contact type device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

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

  The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the 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, and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, 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 the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self POS terminal can be used.

  The checkout system 10 including the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12 configured as described above includes the following configuration in the merchandise registration apparatus 11 in order to smoothly process the settlement of customers who pay with a voucher. . That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 forms a registered merchandise table 31 and a voucher information table 32 in the RAM 11c. Moreover, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 saves the total file 40 for each voucher having the data structure shown in FIG.

  The registered product table 31 is a data table for registering sales data of products for which purchase registration has been completed. The voucher information table 32 is a data table for registering information on the voucher used for settlement.

  The total file 40 for each voucher stores an overtend flag OTF as the type of voucher that can be used for settlement, and totals payment data by the voucher. The payment data includes the number of payments and the payment amount. The overtending flag OTF is information for identifying whether the corresponding cash voucher is a type for paying change or not. For example, in the overtending flag OTF, the type information for paying change is set to “1”, and the type information for not changing change is set to “0”. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, there are two types of “voucher 1” and “voucher 2” that can be used for settlement. “Cash voucher 1” is a type that pays out change, and “Voucher 2” is a type that does not pay out change.

  5-7 is a flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 performs according to a control program. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 11g of the commodity registration apparatus 11 by the control process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 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.

  When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table 31 and the voucher information table 32 (Act1). 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 indicates the contents of the registered product table 31, and allows the employee 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 regions R1 and R2. The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, the number and the unit price of the product for which purchase registration has been made most recently, and the total number and total price of the purchased product after the product is registered. The region R2 is a region for displaying a list of product names, numbers, unit prices, and amounts regarding products for which purchase registration has been made before the products shown on the registration screen SC1.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, CPU11a is outside the area | region used as registration screen SC1 among the screens of the touchscreen 11g, and various function buttons, such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify goods, and a subtotal button, are provided. indicate.

  The CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 3). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act 3), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 4). When the product code is not acquired (NO in Act4), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not the subtotal button is touched (Act3). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for Act3 and Act4 to touch the subtotal button or to acquire the product code. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  The product code can be acquired by a known process based on the operation by the employee 21. When the product code is acquired (YES in Act 4), the CPU 11a registers the sales data of the product specified by the product code in the registered product table 31 (Act 5: registration means). The sales data includes a product code, a product name, the number and unit price of the product specified by the product code, and an amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the number. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the total score and the total amount of the purchased products registered during the registration period based on the sales data registered in the registered product table 31 (Act 6: calculation means). Thereafter, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 in accordance with the contents of the registered product table 31 after the sales data registration (Act7).

  After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 and Act4. If the subtotal button is touched in this standby state (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 8 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a generates settlement information based on the contents of the registered product table 31 at this time (Act8). The settlement information includes a list of product names, number, unit price, and amount of registered products, and the total number and total amount of purchased products.

  Next, the CPU 11a displays a transfer destination selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 9). An example of the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The transfer destination selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5, AR6 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  The display area AR1 displays the total number and total amount included in the payment information. The display area AR2 displays various messages. The buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that discount is applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify that the process proceeds to selection of a payment method for the price of the purchased product. The button B4 is for the employee 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is returned to the registration screen SC1.

  The display areas AR3 to AR6 display whether or not payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. Buttons B <b> 5 to B <b> 8 are used for the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. The payment apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of payment information during execution of the payment process. In the display areas AR3 to AR6 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state, “transfer impossible” is displayed. On the contrary, “transfer is possible” is displayed in the display areas AR3 to AR6 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that accepts settlement information transfer. The buttons B5 to B8 may have different display forms depending on whether or not the associated payment apparatus 12 accepts payment information transfer. Alternatively, when the associated payment apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of payment information, the buttons B5 to B8 may be hidden.

  When the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act10). When the product code is not acquired (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus 12 that is the transfer destination of the settlement information is designated (Act 11). When the settlement apparatus 12 is not specified (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not it is specified to shift to the payment method selection (Act 12). When it is not designated to shift to the payment method selection (NO in Act 12), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not a product code has been acquired (Act 10). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for Act 10 to Act 12 to acquire a product code, specify a settlement apparatus 12, or specify to shift to a payment method selection. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event. For example, if either of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and this is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a determines the total amount included in the settlement information in accordance with an instruction from the employee 21 thereafter. change.

  When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act10 to Act12 (YES in Act10), 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 Act5 in FIG. 5 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  When any of the buttons B5 to B8 on the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is touched by the employee 21 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, the CPU 11a considers that the settlement apparatus 12 has been designated. When the payment device 12 is designated (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a transmits the payment information generated in the process of Act 8 to the designated payment device 12 (Act 14). Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so that the payment information is transmitted to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as a destination. As a result, the payment information is transmitted to the payment apparatus 12 via the LAN 13.

  Further, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen SC4 (see FIG. 11) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 15). An example of the notification screen SC4 is shown in FIG. Notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11.

  Display area AR11 displays an image for allowing employee 21 to recognize that semi-self-payment has been selected. The semi-self-settlement is a settlement form in which settlement processing is executed in the settlement apparatus 12 in response to an operation by the shopper 22.

  The display area AR12 displays the total number and total amount included in the payment information, and displays which of the four payment apparatuses 12 has transferred the payment information including such contents.

  The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4. In response to the button B11 being touched, the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act1 in FIG. 5 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  When the buttons B5 to B8 associated with the payment apparatus 12 that has not accepted the transfer of payment information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information. Therefore, if all of the payment devices 12 are in an operation stop state or are in an operation state in which transfer of payment information is not accepted, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the payment device 12.

  When the payment method selection button B3 is touched by the employee 21 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, the CPU 11a considers that it is designated to shift to the selection of the payment method. When it is specified to shift to the payment method selection (YES in Act 12), the CPU 11a displays the payment screen SC3 (see FIG. 10) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 16). An example of the payment screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The payment screen SC3 displays buttons B9 and B10 in place of the buttons B1, B2 and B3 on the transfer destination selection screen SC2, and the rest is the same as the transfer destination selection screen SC2. . However, the contents of the messages displayed in the area where the buttons B9 and B10 are displayed and the display area AR2 are different.

  Buttons B9 and B10 are for the employee 21 to specify the type of cash voucher that is one of the payment methods. As described above, in the present embodiment, there are two types of cash vouchers: “cash voucher 1” that can be changed and “cash voucher 2” that cannot be changed. On the payment screen SC3, the button B9 is a button for the employee 21 to designate “Cash voucher 1”. The button B10 is a button for the employee 21 to designate “Cash voucher 2”.

  After displaying the payment screen SC3, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act 17 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a waits for input of the voucher information (Act 17: accepting means). The voucher information includes the type and number of vouchers used for settlement and the face value. When the shopper 22 offers the employee 21 to use a cash voucher for settlement, the employee 21 checks whether the cash voucher is “Cash Voucher 1” or “Cash Voucher 2”. In the case of “Cash voucher 1”, the employee 21 touches the button B9. In the case of “cash voucher 2”, the employee 21 touches the button B10. Then, for example, a numeric keypad with soft keys is displayed on the payment screen SC3, and the employee 21 sequentially sets the number of the vouchers and the face value. The face value is the amount described on the cash voucher. In addition, when there is one voucher used for payment, the input of the number of vouchers can be omitted. Further, a numeric keypad may be connected to the commodity registration apparatus 11 as a hard key instead of a soft key, and the employee 21 may set the number of sheets, the face value, etc. using the numeric keypad.

  When the voucher information including the type, number and face value of the voucher is input (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a registers this voucher information in the voucher information table 32 (Act 18). Next, the CPU 11a compares the amount paid by the voucher with the total amount of purchased products included in the settlement information generated in the process of Act 8 (Act 19: comparison means). The amount paid by the voucher is the sum of the face value for the number of sheets input in the processing of Act17.

  As a result of comparing the payment amount by the voucher with the total amount of the purchased product, if the payment amount is smaller than the total amount (NO in Act 19), the product registration device 11 cannot complete the settlement. In this case, the CPU 11a calculates the shortage amount by reducing the payment amount by the cash voucher from the total amount (Act20). Then, the CPU 11a displays the shortage amount on a part of the payment screen SC3, for example, the display area AR2, and notifies the employee 21 and the shopper 22 (Act 21: notification means). Further, the CPU 11a displays a message for notifying the employee 21 that the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred is designated on a part of the payment screen SC3, for example, the display area AR2 (Act22). Then, the CPU 21 waits for the settlement device 12 to be designated (Act 23: selection means).

  Here, when any of the buttons B5 to B8 on the payment screen SC3 is touched by the employee 21, the CPU 21 includes the voucher information stored in the process of Act18 in the settlement information generated in the process of Act8. Make it. Then, the CPU 21 transmits the settlement information including the voucher information to the designated settlement apparatus 12 (Act 24: transmission unit). Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information including the voucher information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as a destination. Thereby, the payment information including the voucher information is transmitted to the designated payment device 12.

  Further, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen SC4 similar to the processing of Act15 on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act25).

  On the other hand, if the total amount is equal to the amount paid by the voucher or if the amount paid by the voucher exceeds the total amount (YES in Act 19), the CPU 11a searches the total file 40 by voucher. Then, the CPU 11a checks the overtending flag OTF corresponding to the cash voucher input in the process of Act 17 (Act 26).

When the overtend flag OTF is “1” (YES in Act 27 ), the cash voucher input in the process of Act 17 can be paid out. In this case, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the total amount is equal to the amount paid by the voucher (Act 27). If the total amount is not equal to the amount paid by the voucher, that is, if the amount paid by the voucher exceeds the total amount (NO in Act 27), change is generated. In the system 10, change is paid out from the settlement apparatus 12. Therefore, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 22, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  On the other hand, when the total amount is equal to the amount paid by the voucher (YES in Act 26), no change is generated. That is, payment is completed in the merchandise registration apparatus 11. In this case, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h to issue a receipt (Act 28: issuing means). The receipt records at least the sales data of the purchased product, the total amount, and the amount paid by the cash voucher.

  On the other hand, when the overtend flag OTF is “0” (NO in Act 26), the cash voucher input in the process of Act 17 cannot be paid out. Accordingly, the product registration apparatus 11 completes the settlement. In this case, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h to issue a receipt representing the information shown in the settlement information, the information shown in the voucher information, etc. (Act 28: issuing means).

  When the processing of Act 25 or Act 28 is completed, the CPU 11a performs a total processing for each cash voucher (Act 29). This process is a process of adding the number of cash vouchers and the amount of payment input in the same process to the total number of sheets and the total price of the voucher total file 40 corresponding to the type of voucher input in the process of Act 17, respectively. . When this total processing for each voucher is completed, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 5 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act31). The standby screen represents that there is no payment processing status, and what information is represented may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act32).

  As described above, the CPU 11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transmits settlement information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act14 or Act24. This settlement information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 that is the destination, and is stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

  CPU 12a determines that the payment information has been received in response to the payment information being stored in RAM 12c or auxiliary storage unit 12d (YES in Act 32). Then, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a settlement screen (Act33).

  The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a payment based on the received payment information. For example, the payment screen displays at least the total amount indicated in the payment information. The settlement screen may display a total number or a list of purchased products.

  The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the voucher information is included in the settlement information (Act34). When the voucher information is not included in the settlement information (NO in Act 34), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 38.

  On the other hand, when the voucher information is included in the settlement information (YES in Act 34), the CPU 12a compares the total amount included in the settlement information with the amount paid by the voucher (Act 35). As a result of the comparison, if the total amount is larger than the payment amount by the cash voucher (YES in Act 35), the CPU 12a displays the difference between the total amount and the payment amount by the cash voucher as a shortage amount on the settlement screen ( Act 36). Thereafter, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act38.

  On the other hand, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total payment amount (NO in Act 35), the CPU 12a displays the difference between the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total payment amount as a change amount on the settlement screen (Act 37). ). Thereafter, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act40.

  In Act 38, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. The shopper performs an operation for settlement on the total amount or the shortage amount displayed on the settlement screen with respect to the automatic change machine 12e or the card reader / writer 12i.

  If it is detected that a payment operation has been performed on the automatic change machine 12e or the card reader / writer 12i (YES in Act 38), the CPU 12a executes a payment process (Act 39). This payment process is a process for paying the total amount or the shortage indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in accordance with an operation by the shopper 22. For example, a process performed in an existing self-POS terminal can be applied as it is to the settlement process. When the settlement process ends, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act40.

  In Act 40, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt. The receipt records at least the sales data and total amount of the purchased product, and payment information for settlement of the purchased product. Further, when a change amount has occurred, the change amount is also recorded. Further, when the voucher information is included in the settlement information, the payment amount by the voucher is recorded as the payment information.

  After issuing the receipt, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act31 and performs the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, in the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 applies for payment using a cash voucher, the employee 21 uses the product registration device 11 to make payment. At this time, the employee 21 determines whether the cash voucher is set so that change can be paid out or not. In the case of a cash voucher that can be changed, the employee 21 touches the button B9 on the payment screen SC3. In the case of a cash voucher that cannot be changed, the employee 21 touches the button B10 on the payment screen SC3.

  When the button B9 is touched, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 compares the amount paid by the cash voucher with the total price of the purchased product. If the payment amount by the voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased product, a receipt is issued from the product registration device 11. That is, payment is completed in the merchandise registration apparatus 11. In this case, the shopper 22 does not need to make a payment at the payment device 12.

  If the payment amount by the voucher is not equal to the total amount of the purchased product, a message for notifying the employee 21 to designate the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred is displayed on the payment screen SC3. Is done. Therefore, the employee 21 selects the payment device 12 that can transfer the payment information, and touches the buttons B5 to B8 corresponding to the payment device 12 of the transfer destination. Then, the employee 21 notifies the shopper 22 of the movement to the settlement apparatus 12 as the transfer destination.

  The shopper 22 moves to the notified settlement apparatus 12. A settlement screen is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12. When the amount paid by the voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased product, the change amount is displayed on the settlement screen, and the change corresponding to the change amount is paid out from the automatic change machine 12e. Further, the printer 12h operates to issue a receipt.

  On the other hand, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is smaller than the total amount of the purchased product, the shortage amount is displayed on the settlement screen. Therefore, the shopper 22 performs a payment operation for the shortage amount with, for example, cash or electronic money. Then, the printer 12h operates and a receipt is issued.

  On the other hand, when the button B10 is touched, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 compares the amount paid by the cash voucher with the total price of the purchased merchandise. When the amount paid by the voucher is equal to or larger than the total amount of the purchased product, a receipt is issued from the product registration device 11. That is, payment is completed in the merchandise registration apparatus 11. In this case, the shopper 22 does not need to make a payment at the payment device 12.

  If the payment amount by the voucher is smaller than the total amount of the purchased product, a message for notifying the employee 21 to designate the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred is displayed on the payment screen SC3. Is displayed. Therefore, the employee 21 selects a payment device 12 that can transfer payment information, and touches the buttons B5 to B8 corresponding to the payment device 12 of the transfer destination. Then, the employee 21 notifies the shopper 22 of the movement to the settlement apparatus 12 as the transfer destination.

  The shopper 22 moves to the notified settlement apparatus 12. A payment screen is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment apparatus 12 together with the shortage amount. Therefore, the shopper 22 performs a payment operation for the shortage amount with, for example, cash or electronic money. Then, the printer 12h operates and a receipt is issued.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of a commercial transaction with the shopper 22 who pays for the purchased product with a voucher that cannot be changed, the amount paid by the voucher is greater than or equal to the total amount of the purchased product. The product registration apparatus 11 can make a payment. Further, when the payment amount of the cash voucher is smaller than the total price of the purchased product, the payment of the cash voucher is processed by the product registration device 11 and the payment for the shortage amount is processed by the payment device 12 to settle the commercial transaction. Can do.

  On the other hand, for a commercial transaction with a shopper 22 who pays the price of the purchased product with a cash voucher that can be changed, the product registration apparatus 11 settles the payment if the amount paid by the cash voucher is equal to the total price of the purchased product. be able to. Further, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is smaller than the total price of the purchased product, the payment product registration device 11 by the cash voucher is processed, and the payment for the shortage amount is processed by the payment device 12 so that the commercial transaction can be settled. it can. Further, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total price of the purchased product, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 processes the payment by the cash voucher so that the change is paid out from the settlement apparatus 12 and the commercial transaction can be settled. it can.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the said embodiment, the case where the cash voucher of the setting which cannot pay out change and the cash voucher of the setting which can pay out change are mixed is illustrated. The present embodiment can be applied to the present embodiment by partially revising the control program of the product registration apparatus 11 even when only one of the vouchers exists. Specifically, when there is only a cash voucher that cannot be changed, Act 26 in FIG. 7 is omitted. If there is only a cash voucher that can be changed, the processing of Act 26 and Act 27 in FIG. 7 is omitted.

  If the processing of Act 26 is omitted, the processing of Act 20 to Act 25 is executed when the amount of payment by the cash voucher is smaller than the total amount of the purchased product as a result of comparing the amount of payment by the cash voucher with the total amount of the purchased product. . Also, when the payment amount by the voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased product, the processing of Act22 to Act25 is executed. That is, the settlement information including the voucher information is transmitted to the designated settlement apparatus 12 (transmission means). On the other hand, when the payment amount by the voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased product, the processing of Act 28 is executed. That is, a receipt is issued (issuing means).

  When the processing of Act 26 and Act 27 is omitted, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is compared with the total amount of the purchased product, and the payment amount by the cash voucher is smaller than the total amount of the purchased product, the processing of Act 20 to Act 25 Is executed. That is, the settlement information including the voucher information is transmitted to the designated settlement apparatus 12 (transmission means). On the other hand, if the amount paid by the cash voucher is equal to the total price of the purchased product or the amount paid by the cash voucher is larger than the total price of the purchased product, the process of Act 28 is executed. That is, a receipt is issued (issuing means).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, button B9, B10 for the employee 21 to designate the kind of cash voucher on the price payment screen SC3 was arrange | positioned. Then, by selecting and inputting these buttons B9 and B10, the type of the cash voucher is specified, and the face value of the gold face is input by the subsequent numeric keypad operation. The means for accepting the voucher is not limited to this. For example, some cash vouchers have an optically readable code such as a bar code. Therefore, the type and amount of the voucher may be automatically input by scanning this code with the scanner 11f.

  Further, when the type of the cash voucher is determined, the following message may be displayed on the touch panel 11g of the registration device 11. That is, when the overtend flag OTF is “1”, a message “This is a voucher that can be changed” is displayed. When the overtend flag OTF is “0”, a message “This money voucher cannot be changed” is displayed. By displaying such a message to the clerk 21, it becomes possible to confirm whether or not the shopper can use it before the voucher is used. Such a message is more effective when displayed not only on the clerk 21 side but also on the shopper 22 side.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the checkout system 10 with two or more payment apparatuses 12 is illustrated. Even if the checkout system 10 has only one settlement apparatus 12, only one settlement apparatus 12 is displayed on the transfer destination selection screen SC2 and the price payment screen SC3. It can be applied as it is.

  Moreover, the said embodiment illustrated the alerting | reporting by the display output to the touch panel 11g as an alerting | reporting means which alert | reports an insufficient amount. The notification means is not limited to notification by display output. For example, when the merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes a voice synthesizer, the shortage amount may be notified by voice output.

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.
The invention described in the scope of claims immediately before the division of the present application will be appended below.
[1] A merchandise registration apparatus that constitutes a checkout system together with a settlement apparatus, acquires a merchandise code for specifying a purchased merchandise and registers sales data of the purchased merchandise, and until registration is instructed Calculation means for calculating the total amount of the purchased product based on the sales data of the purchased product registered by the registration means during the registration period, and accepting means for receiving an input of a voucher used for payment for the purchased product , If the payment amount of the cash voucher received by the receiving means is smaller than the total price of the purchased product calculated by the calculating means, the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product is The difference calculation means for calculating, and whether the cash voucher accepted for input by the accepting means is a cash voucher set to allow change payment or not A determination means for determining whether or not the setting is a cash voucher that cannot be dispensed, and when the cash voucher is a cash voucher that is set so that the change can be dispensed, When the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total price of the purchased product, the sales data of the purchased product for calculating the difference between the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product in the settlement device; When the payment information including the total amount of the purchased product and the voucher information including the payment amount by the cash voucher are transmitted to the payment device, and the cash voucher is a cash voucher that cannot be changed, the cash voucher For calculating the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher at the settlement device and the total amount of the purchased product when the payment amount is less than the total amount of the purchased product When the payment information and the voucher information are transmitted to the payment apparatus, and the cash voucher is a cash voucher set to allow the change to be paid out, the amount paid by the voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased product. The sales data of the purchased product, the payment amount by the cash voucher, and a receipt in which the total price of the purchased product is recorded, and when the cash voucher is a cash voucher that is not set for the change, And a issuing means for issuing the receipt when the amount paid by the voucher is equal to or greater than the total price of the purchased product.
[2] A merchandise registration apparatus that constitutes a checkout system together with a settlement apparatus, obtains a merchandise code specifying a purchased merchandise and registers sales data of the purchased merchandise, and until registration is instructed Calculation means for calculating the total amount of the purchased product based on the sales data of the purchased product registered by the registration means during the registration period, and a setting for changing change used for payment of the price of the purchased product. The accepting means for accepting the input of the voucher, and the paid amount of the cash voucher and the purchase when the paid amount by the accepting means received by the accepting means is less than the total amount of the purchased product calculated by the calculating means Difference calculation means for calculating the difference from the total price of the product, and the amount paid by the voucher is less than the total price of the purchased product Or, when the payment amount of the cash voucher is larger than the total price of the purchased product, the sales of the purchased product is calculated in order to calculate the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product in the settlement device. Payment means including data and payment information including the total amount of the purchased product, and voucher information including the payment amount of the voucher to the payment device, and the payment amount of the voucher and the total amount of the purchased product are equal. In this case, the product registration apparatus further comprises issuing means for issuing a receipt in which the sales data of the purchased product, the payment amount by the voucher, and the total amount of the purchased product are recorded.
[3] A merchandise registration apparatus that constitutes a checkout system together with a settlement apparatus, obtains a merchandise code specifying a purchased merchandise, registers sales data of the purchased merchandise, and until registration is instructed Calculation means for calculating the total price of the purchased product based on the sales data of the purchased product registered by the registration means during the registration period, and a setting that is used for payment of the price of the purchased product so that change cannot be paid out Receiving means for accepting the input of the voucher, and when the amount of payment by the cash voucher received by the accepting means is less than the total amount of the purchased product calculated by the calculating means, Difference calculation means for calculating the difference from the total price of the purchased product, and the amount paid by the cash voucher is less than the total price of the purchased product In order to calculate the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product in the payment device, the payment information including the sales data of the purchased product and the total price of the purchased product, Sending means for sending the voucher information including the payment amount to the payment device; and when the payment amount by the voucher is equal to or greater than the total amount of the purchased product, the sales data of the purchased product, the payment amount by the voucher, and the purchase Issued means for issuing a receipt in which the total price of the product is recorded.
[4] In the case where there are a plurality of the settlement apparatuses, the apparatus further comprises selection means for selecting one settlement apparatus, and the transmission means transmits the settlement information to the selected one settlement apparatus. The product registration device according to any one of supplementary notes [1] to [3].
[5] The product registration device according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising notification means for notifying the difference calculated by the difference calculation means as an insufficient amount.
[6] A computer that controls the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the settlement device acquires a product code for specifying the purchased product, and registers the sales data of the purchased product. Calculation means for calculating the total price of the purchased product based on the sales data of the purchased product registered by the registration means during the registration period until, accepting means for receiving an input of a voucher used for payment of the price of the purchased product, When the amount paid by the cash voucher received by the accepting means is smaller than the total price of the purchased product calculated by the calculating means, the difference between the amount paid by the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product is calculated. The difference calculation means, the cash voucher accepted by the accepting means is a cash voucher that can be changed. Judgment means for determining whether the change is a cash voucher that cannot be paid out, or when the cash voucher is a cash voucher that is set so that the change can be paid, Or, when the payment amount of the cash voucher is larger than the total price of the purchased product, the sales data of the purchased product is used to calculate the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product in the settlement device. And the payment information including the total amount of the purchased product and the voucher information including the payment amount of the cash voucher to the payment device, and when the cash voucher is a cash voucher that is set so that the change cannot be paid out, When the payment amount by the payment method is smaller than the total amount of the purchased product, the difference between the payment amount by the cash voucher at the settlement device and the total amount of the purchased product is calculated. For this purpose, a transmission means for transmitting the settlement information and the voucher information to the settlement apparatus, and, when the voucher is a voucher set to allow the change to be paid out, the sum of the amount paid by the voucher and the purchased product If the amount is equal, issue a receipt in which the sales data of the purchased product, the payment amount by the voucher, and the total amount of the purchased product are recorded, and the voucher is a voucher that is set so that the change cannot be paid out A control program for functioning as issuing means for issuing the receipt when the amount paid by the voucher is greater than or equal to the total amount of the purchased product.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Product registration apparatus, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer release unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... communication unit, 11k ... transmission system, 12 ... settlement device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... automatic change machine, 12f ... scanner, 12g ... touch panel , 12h ... printer, 12i ... card reader / writer, 12j ... communication unit, 12k ... transmission system, 31 ... registered product table, 32 ... cash voucher information table, 40 ... denomination totaling file.

Claims (6)

A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device connected via a network ,
A calculation means for calculating the total price of the purchased product;
An acquisition means for acquiring the payment amount of the voucher and the type of the voucher;
When the payment amount acquired by the acquisition unit is less than the total amount calculated by the calculation unit, or the type of the cash voucher acquired by the acquisition unit is a cash voucher that can be changed, and the payment When the amount is larger than the total amount, output means for outputting information necessary for the settlement process and the voucher information including the amount of payment for the settlement apparatus to perform a settlement process;
If the payment amount acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the total amount calculated by the calculation unit, and the type of the voucher acquired by the acquisition unit is a cash voucher that cannot be changed, a receipt is issued. Issuing means;
A product registration apparatus comprising: The issuing means is configured such that, even when the type of the cash voucher acquired by the acquiring means is a cash voucher that can be changed, the payment amount acquired by the acquiring means is calculated with the total amount calculated by the calculating means. The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a receipt is issued if they are equal . When the payment amount acquired by the acquisition unit is less than the total amount calculated by the calculation unit, a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the payment amount and the total amount;
An informing means for informing the difference calculated by the difference calculating means;
Further comprising
The output means outputs information necessary for the payment processing and voucher information including the payment amount for calculating a difference between the payment amount and the total amount in the payment apparatus. Product registration device of description . Display means for displaying a screen for selecting one settlement apparatus when there are a plurality of settlement apparatuses;
Further comprising
The output means outputs the information necessary for the payment processing and the voucher information including the payment amount to the one payment apparatus selected from the screen. Product registration device of description. The product registration apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display unit further displays an image for designating a type of the voucher . A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device connected via a network .
A calculation means for calculating the total amount of purchased products;
An acquisition means for acquiring the payment amount of the voucher and the type of the voucher;
When the payment amount acquired by the acquisition unit is less than the total amount calculated by the calculation unit, or the type of the cash voucher acquired by the acquisition unit is a cash voucher that can be changed, and the payment When the amount is larger than the total amount, an output unit that outputs information necessary for the settlement process and the voucher information including the payment amount for the settlement apparatus to perform a settlement process; and
If the payment amount acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the total amount calculated by the calculation unit, and the type of the voucher acquired by the acquisition unit is a cash voucher that cannot be changed, a receipt is issued. Issuing means,
Control program to function as.