JP6633159B2 - Commodity registration device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product registration device and a control program thereof.

  In the self-POS system, a monitoring terminal may be installed at a checkout corner so that employees at stores and the like can monitor abnormalities of the self-POS terminal. The status of money stored in the change machine provided in the self-POS terminal can be monitored by the monitoring terminal.

  In addition to the self-POS system, a semi-self type checkout system (here, abbreviated as a semi-self system) is known. In this method, the registration and settlement processing of purchased merchandise in a supermarket or the like is performed by a merchandise registration device and a settlement device, respectively. The product registration device is operated by an employee. The settlement apparatus is operated by the shopper.

  Even in the semi-self system, it is necessary for an employee to be able to monitor an abnormality of the settlement apparatus and the like. However, in the semi-self system, it is necessary to arrange employees for operating the product registration device.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired that the operator of the merchandise registration device can monitor the abnormality of the state of money stored in the settlement device.

JP 2008-152524 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device and a control program for the product registration device, which enable an operator of the product registration device to monitor an abnormality of a state of storing money in the settlement device.

An embodiment includes a merchandise registration device including an acquisition unit that obtains a merchandise code specifying a merchandise, and a plurality of payment devices that are connected to the merchandise registration device via a network and have a change machine, and that execute a merchandise settlement process. And a decision register, an inquiry unit, a reception unit and a display unit. The deciding means decides a settlement apparatus for inquiring about the money amount among the plurality of settlement apparatuses in accordance with the designation by the operator . The inquiry means makes an inquiry about the amount of money stored in the change machine of the settlement apparatus determined by the determination means. The display means displays the money information received by the receiving means.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a product registration device and a payment device in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control process of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control process of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st confirmation screen as an example. The figure which shows a success screen.

  Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment 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 payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two merchandise registration devices 11 and four settlement devices 12. The number of the product registration devices 11 and the settlement devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio between the number of the product registration devices 11 and the number of the settlement devices 12 is also arbitrary.

  The merchandise registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is operated by the employee 21 of the store. The employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 may be called a checker. The settlement apparatus 12 is operated by a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the above-mentioned store. However, some operations of the merchandise registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22. The settlement apparatus 12 may be operated by an employee.

  The product registration device 11 is attached to a work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plate are substantially parallel to each other, thereby forming a passage for the shopper 22.

  The product registration device 11 has functions of purchase registration, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12. The purchase registration is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of a purchased product. The payment information is information necessary for the payment processing.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12.

  The product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13. Instead of the LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used. Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

  The server 200 is also connected to the LAN 13. The server 200 is connected to a depositing / dispensing machine 300. The connection form between the server 200 and the depositing / dispensing machine 300 may be arbitrary. The server 200 and the depositing / dispensing machine 300 may be connected via the LAN 13.

  The server 200 has a function of managing the depositing / dispensing machine 300. The server 200 is, for example, a POS server.

  The depositing / dispensing machine 300 is installed in an office or the like of the store. The cash-receipt-and-disbursement machine 300 stores the received money, and dispenses the stored money. The money dispensed by the depositing / dispensing machine 300 is used, for example, to replenish the merchandise registration device 11 or the settlement device 12. The money collected from the merchandise registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 is deposited in the depositing / dispensing machine 300. In general, the depositing / dispensing machine 300 can accommodate a larger amount of money than the individual registration apparatus 11 or the settlement apparatus 12 can accommodate.

  The product 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, 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, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.

  The CPU 11a corresponds to a central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to realize various operations as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

  The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above 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 of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to an auxiliary storage part of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes, or data generated by the process of 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 for a control process described later. Generally, the transfer of the commodity registration device 11 is performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product 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, and the separately transferred control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The control program can be transferred by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

  The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

  The scanner 11f reads information of a product 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 known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed type or a handy type two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may include a scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technology.

  The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device sets its display screen to an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged 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. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

  The printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

  The card reader / writer 11i reads data recorded on the card and writes data on the card. The card may include various cards that record information related to a payment process, such as a membership card and a point card, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, and a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 11j performs communication 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 transmission system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits for connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

  In addition, as hardware of the product registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

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

  The CPU 12a, the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, and the auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to a 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 programs stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

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

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

  The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to an auxiliary storage part 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, an HDD, or an SSD can be used.

  The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include a control program describing a control process for controlling each unit to realize various operations as 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, and the separately transferred control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. The control program can be transferred by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

  The change machine 12e receives coins and bills to be inserted. The change machine 12e discharges coins and bills as change.

  The scanner 12f reads information on a product 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 scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technology.

  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. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects a touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

  The printer 12h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

  The card reader / writer 12i reads data recorded on the card and writes data on the card. The card may include various cards that record information related to a payment process, such as a membership card and a point card, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, and a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 12j performs communication via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, 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 transmission system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits for connecting these buses to each unit can be used.

  As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self-POS terminal can be used.

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as described above will be described.
Note that the contents of the processing described below are merely examples, and various processings that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used.

  When the merchandise registration device 11 is started up in a mode for performing a purchased merchandise registration process, the CPU 11a starts control processing according to a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 11a.

  In Act1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered merchandise table is a data table for describing information on commodities that have been registered for purchase.

  In Act 2, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen shows the contents of the registered product table and the like, and allows the employee 21 to confirm the execution status of the registration process.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC1 as an example.

  The registration screen SC1 includes areas R1 and R2, a money amount button B1, and a subtotal button B2.

  The region R1 is a region for displaying the product name, the number, and the unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, and the total number and the total price of the purchased products after registering the product. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts of products registered for purchase before the product shown on the registration screen SC1.

  Note that the registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various types of information on the registered product are displayed. However, the registration screen in Act 2 does not show various information on the product, but shows only a predetermined basic form.

  At Act3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a checks whether the subtotal button B2 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch on the subtotal button B2 has not been detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act4.

  In Act 4, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the process proceeds to Act5.

In Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the money-amount button B1 has been touched.
Then, if the CPU 11a determines that the touch of the money-amount button B1 has been touched by the touch panel 11g and thus determines No, the process returns to Act3.

  Thus, in Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a waits until the subtotal button B2 or the money amount button B1 is touched or the product code is acquired. Note that the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby mode, and shift to a process corresponding to the event.

  The CPU 11a acquires a product code based on an operation by the employee 21 by a known process different from the control process illustrated in FIGS. Then, when the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4 and proceeds to Act6.

  In Act 6, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the obtained product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter returns to the standby state of Act3 to Act5.

  If the subtotal button B2 is touched in the standby state of Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act3 and proceeds to Act7.

In Act 7, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment related to the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time.
The settlement information includes information such as a list of registered products, the total number of purchased products, and the total amount. Thus, the CPU 11a executes the control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a generation unit.

  In Act 8, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a first selection screen.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first selection screen SC2 as an example.

  The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17.

  The CPU 11a displays the total number and the total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates in the display areas AR2 to AR5 whether transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12 is possible or not. Note that the settlement apparatus 12 does not accept the transfer of the settlement information during the execution of the settlement processing, and the CPU 11a displays “transfer impossible” on the display area associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state. That is, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the first selection screen SC2, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment process.

  Buttons B11 and B12 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the settlement information.

  Buttons B13 to B16 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of the settlement information to each of the four settlement devices 12. Note that the buttons B13 to B16 may have different display modes depending on whether or not the associated payment apparatus 12 is accepting the transfer of the payment information. The buttons B13 to B16 may be hidden when the associated payment apparatus 12 has not received the transfer of the payment information.

  The button B17 is for the employee 21 to specify to return to a state where a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is set as the registration screen.

  In Act 9, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the process proceeds to Act10.

  In Act 10, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred is specified. Then, when the CPU 11a determines No because the settlement apparatus 12 is not specified, the process returns to Act9.

  Thus, the CPU 11a waits in Act 9 and Act 10 for the acquisition of the product code or the designation of one of the settlement apparatuses 12. Note that the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby mode, and shift to a process corresponding to the event.

  Although not shown, in this standby state, the CPU 11a also waits for the buttons B11 and B12 to be touched. Then, if any one of the buttons B11 and B12 is touched by the employee 21 and the touch is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a determines the total amount included in the settlement information in accordance with the subsequent instruction by the employee 21. Change.

  Upon acquiring the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 9 and proceeds to Act 11.

  In Act 11, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to Act3, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  When any of the buttons B13 to B16 is touched by the employee 21 or the like when the settlement apparatus 12 is designated while the standby state of Act9 and Act10 is in the standby state, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act10. Proceed to Act12. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act10 even if one of the buttons B13 to B16 associated with the payment apparatus 12 that has not received the transfer of the payment information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept the transfer of the settlement information.

  In Act 12, the CPU 11a transfers the settlement information generated in Act 7 to the designated settlement apparatus 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j to transmit the settlement information to the LAN 13 with the designated settlement device 12 as a destination. Thereby, the transfer information is notified to the settlement apparatus 12. Thus, the communication unit 11j is an example of a first transmitting device. The CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a transmission control unit. The function as the transmission unit is realized by cooperation between the communication unit 11j and a computer having the CPU 11a as a central part.

  In Act 13, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen. The notification screen represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the payment information has been transferred to the specified payment apparatus 12 for the payment by semi-self. Note that the settlement by semi-self is a settlement mode in which the settlement device 12 executes a settlement process in accordance with an operation by the shopper 22.

  The notification screen includes a button for instructing the employee 21 to close the notification screen. In response to this button being touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act1, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  If the money button B1 is touched in the standby state of Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act5 and proceeds to Act14 in FIG.

  In Act 14, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a second selection screen.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second selection screen SC3 as an example.

  The second selection screen SC3 represents the image IM1 superimposed on the image displayed on the registration screen when the money button B1 is touched. Image IM1 includes buttons B21, B22, B23, and B24. The buttons B21 to B24 are for the employee 21 to specify the payment device 12 to be inquired about the amount of money among the four payment devices 12.

  In Act 15, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus 12 to be inquired for the amount of money is specified. If the settlement device 12 has not been designated, the CPU 11a repeats Act15. Thus, in Act 15, the CPU 11a waits for designation of the settlement apparatus 12 to be inquired about the amount of money. Note that the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby mode, and shift to a process corresponding to the event. If any one of the buttons B21 to B24 is touched by the employee 21 to specify the settlement apparatus 12, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act15 and proceeds to Act16.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j to transmit the inquiry information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as a destination. The inquiry information includes at least a command indicating that the inquiry is the amount of money stored in the change machine 12e, and identification information for identifying the product registration device 11 that is the inquiry source. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the above control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a selection unit and an inquiry unit.

  In Act 17, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the money amount information has been received by the communication unit 11j. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the money amount information has not been received, Act 17 is repeated. Thus, in Act 17, the CPU 11a waits for reception of the money amount information. Note that the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby mode, and shift to a process corresponding to the event.

  When the inquiry information reaches the settlement apparatus 12 that is the destination via the LAN 13, the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 receives the inquiry information.

On the other hand, in the settlement apparatus 12, the change machine 12e periodically monitors the amount of money stored therein for each denomination and updates the amount information. In the present embodiment, the money amount information indicates the money amount for each denomination as the number of each accommodated. In addition, the money amount information includes state information indicating what kind of abnormal state is associated with a denomination in an abnormal state. Here, the status information indicates one of “immediate replenishment”, “replenishment”, “collection”, and “immediate collection”. “Immediate replenishment” is a state in which the number of sheets stored is equal to or less than the first threshold. “Replenishment” is a state where the number of sheets stored is equal to or less than the second threshold. “Recovery” is a state in which the number of sheets stored is equal to or greater than the third threshold. “Immediate collection” is a state in which the number of sheets stored is equal to or less than the fourth threshold. Each threshold has a relationship of first threshold <second threshold <third threshold <fourth threshold. The first and second thresholds are predetermined as values close to 0. The third and fourth thresholds are predetermined as values close to the storable number. The determination of the abnormal state may be performed by the product registration device 11 .

  The settlement apparatus 12 provided with the communication unit 12j that has received the inquiry information transmits the above-mentioned money amount information as a response to the inquiry based on the inquiry information. Specifically, the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 controls the communication unit 12j to transmit the money information to the LAN 13 with the commodity registration apparatus 11 identified by the identification information indicated in the inquiry information as the destination. .

  When the cash information reaches the destination commodity registration device 11 via the LAN 13, the communication unit 11j provided in the commodity registration device 11 receives the cash information. Thus, the communication unit 12j is an example of a receiving unit.

  In the merchandise registration apparatus 11, when the cash information is received by the communication unit 11j, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act17 and proceeds to Act18.

  In Act 18, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the money indicated by the money information is in an abnormal state. Then, if the status information is included in the money amount information, the CPU 11a determines Yes, and proceeds to Act19. If the status information is not included in the money information, the CPU 11a determines No, and proceeds to Act20.

  In Act 19 or Act 20, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a first or second confirmation screen. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 21 with the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g being the first or second confirmation screen.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first confirmation screen SC4 as an example.

  The first confirmation screen SC4 is an image IM2 superimposed on the image displayed on the registration screen when the money button B1 is touched. Image IM2 includes a list L1, a notification button B31, and a close button B32.

  The list L1 shows the money amount for each denomination indicated in the money amount information. Here, the money amount is represented by the number of sheets stored. The list L1 also indicates the abnormal state represented by the state information for the denomination associated with the state information. In the list L1, the display mode of the denomination and the number of stored sheets may be changed depending on whether or not the state information is associated. For example, a display line related to a denomination not associated with state information has a white background. The display line related to the denomination associated with the status information indicating “replenishment” or “collection” has a yellow background. The display line related to the denomination associated with the status information indicating “immediate replenishment” or “immediate collection” has a red background.

  The second confirmation screen is a screen in which the notification button B31 is omitted from the first confirmation screen. Of course, unlike the first confirmation screen SC4, the second confirmation screen does not indicate an abnormal state.

  Thus, the touch panel 11g is an example of a display device. The computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a display control unit by the CPU 11a executing the above-described control processing based on the control program. The function as the display unit is realized by cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the touch panel 11g.

  In Act 21, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the notification button B31 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines that the touch of the notification button B31 has been touched by the touch panel 11g and thus determines No, the process proceeds to Act22.

  In Act 22, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the close button B32 has been touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines that the touch of the close button B32 has been touched by the touch panel 11g and thus determines No, the process returns to Act21.

  Thus, in Act21 and Act22, the CPU 11a waits for the notification button B31 or the close button B32 to be touched. However, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second confirmation screen, the notification button B31 is not touched. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 11a always determines No in Act21, and waits for the close button B32 to be touched. Note that the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby mode, and shift to a process corresponding to the event.

  The employee 21 can confirm the amount of money in the settlement apparatus 12 specified in Act 15 on the first confirmation screen. When the employee 21 recognizes the necessity of replenishment and collection of money, the employee 21 takes measures for that.

  However, if there are shoppers waiting for purchase registration, the employee 21 may not be able to leave the product registration device 11 in some cases. In addition, there is a case where a rule of a store specifies that a specific employee having the authority performs replenishment and collection of money. Therefore, in such a case, the employee 21 touches the notification button B31.

  If the touch panel 11g detects that the notification button B31 has been touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act21 and proceeds to Act23.

  In Act 23, the CPU 11a transmits the notification information to the server 200. Specifically, the CPU 11a generates notification information including at least a command indicating that there is a notification that there is a settlement apparatus 12 that needs to promptly replenish or collect money. Then, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j to transmit the generated notification information to the LAN 13 with the server 200 as a destination. Thereby, the notification information is transmitted to the settlement device 12. Thus, the communication unit 11j is an example of a second transmitting device. The CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, so that a computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a notification control unit. The function as the notification unit is realized by cooperation between the communication unit 11j and a computer having the CPU 11a as a central part.

  Note that the notification information may include various other information. One of the information included in the notification information is the identification information of the settlement apparatus 12 included in the received money information. One of the information included in the notification information is information indicating a denomination in an abnormal state. One of the information included in the notification information is the state information included in the received money information. Alternatively, all of the received money information may be included in the notification information.

  When the server 200 receives the notification information, the server 200 transfers the notification information to the cashier 300 or instructs the cashier 300 to perform an alarm operation.

The depositing / dispensing machine 300 performs an alarm operation when receiving the transfer of the notification information or an instruction to execute the alarm operation from the server 200. The alarm operation is an operation for causing a staff member to recognize that there is at least the settlement apparatus 12 in which the money amount of the change machine 12e is abnormal. The alarm operation may appropriately perform, for example, sounding an alarm sound, displaying a message on a display device, turning on an alarm lamp, generating vibration, and the like. When the notification information includes the identification information of the settlement apparatus 12, the alarm operation may include an operation for causing a clerk to recognize the settlement apparatus 12 in which the abnormal state has occurred.
When the notification information includes information indicating a denomination in an abnormal state, the alarm operation may include an operation for causing a staff member to recognize the denomination in an abnormal state. When the notification information includes all the money information, the alarm operation may include, for example, an operation for causing the attendant to recognize the list L1 illustrated in FIG.

  The attendant takes necessary measures to eliminate the abnormal state based on the alarm issued by the cashier 300. For example, the attendant withdraws money to be replenished from the cash-receipt-and-disbursement machine 300, takes it to the check-out corner, and replenishes the change machine 12e in an abnormal state. Alternatively, the attendant collects money from the change machine 12e in an abnormal state, and deposits the money into the cash dispenser 300. When the notification information indicates the number of accommodated coins for each denomination, the depositing / dispensing machine 300 automatically withdraws the money to be replenished or determines whether the deposited money matches the money to be collected. For example, an operation such as checking may be performed.

  The alarm operation may be performed by a device provided in the server 200 or a device provided in a computer connected to the server 200. Further, the alarm operation may be performed on a portable terminal carried by the attendant.

  In Act 24, the CPU 11a checks whether the transmission of the notification information has been normally completed. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 25 if the processing ends normally, otherwise proceeds to Act 26.

  In Act 25 or Act 26, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a success screen or a failure screen. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 27 with a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g being a success screen or a failure screen.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the success screen SC5.

  The success screen SC5 represents the image IM3 superimposed on the image represented by the first confirmation screen when the notification button B31 is touched. Image IM3 represents a text message M1 indicating that the notification has been completed and a close button B41.

  The failure screen is a screen in which the text message M1 in the success screen SC5 is replaced with a message such as "Failed to notify the cash depositing / dispensing machine of replenishment" to indicate that the notification failed.

  In Act 27, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the close button B41 has been touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines that the touch of the close button B41 has been touched by the touch panel 11g and thus determines No, Act27 is repeated. Thus, in Act 27, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B41 to be touched. If the touch on the touch panel 11g has detected that the close button B41 has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 28 if Act 27 determines Yes. When the close button B32 is touched in the standby state of Act21 and Act22, the CPU 11a passes the processing of Act23 to Act27 and proceeds to Act28.

  In Act 28, the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter returns to the standby state of Act3 to Act5 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the employee 21 in charge of the operation of the merchandise registration device 11 can use the confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel 11g of the merchandise registration device 11 to change the money of the change machine 12e of the settlement device 12 by using the confirmation screen. You can check the amount of money. When the employee 21 recognizes the necessity of replenishment and collection of money, the employee 21 can notify a staff member near the cash-receipt-and-disbursement machine 300 by touching the notification button displayed on the confirmation screen. .

  Thus, there is no need to arrange personnel for monitoring the money amount of the change machine 12e at the checkout corner.

  This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

  Touching the money check button may be effective only in a situation where no product code is included in the registered goods transfer table. In other words, the confirmation of the amount of money may be prohibited during the period in which the merchandise registration processing for one transaction is performed.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims of the present application are appended.
[Supplementary Note 1] A checkout system is configured together with a settlement device that includes a change machine that stores money and that executes a settlement process for a purchase of a product in accordance with an operation by a customer.
A generation unit that registers information on the product and generates payment information for payment of the registered product;
A transmission unit that transmits the payment information generated by the generation unit to the payment device,
An inquiring unit for inquiring of the settlement apparatus about the amount of money stored in the change machine;
A receiving unit that receives the cash amount information transmitted by the settlement device in response to the inquiry by the inquiry unit,
A display unit that displays the money indicated by the money information received by the receiving unit,
A notification unit that notifies the presence error to a predetermined notification destination in response to a notification instruction by the operator, when the presence indicated by the presence information has a predetermined abnormality.
Product registration device comprising:
[Supplementary Note 2] When the checkout system includes a plurality of the payment devices, the system further includes a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of payment devices in accordance with an operation of the operator,
The inquiry unit makes the inquiry to the payment device selected by the selection unit,
An article registration device according to attachment 1.
[Supplementary Note 3] The change machine is capable of accommodating money of a plurality of denominations and transmitting money information indicating the money of each money denomination,
The notification unit, the specified range defined for each of the plurality of denominations, the amount deviates for each denomination represented by the money information is the case where there is an abnormality,
The product registration device according to attachment 1 or 2.
[Supplementary Note 4] The notification unit transmits, to the notification destination, notification information indicating an amount of deviation of the money indicated by the money information from the specified range.
An article registration device according to attachment 3.
[Supplementary Note 5] The notifying unit is configured to store money, dispense money for replenishment to the change machine, and deposit and withdraw the money collected from the change machine as the notification destination.
Item registration device according to any one of supplementary notes 1-4.
[Supplementary Note 6] A computer that includes a change machine that stores money and that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device that executes a payment process according to an operation by a customer.
A generation unit that registers information on a product to be settled and generates payment information for settlement of the registered product;
A transmission control unit that controls a first transmission device to transmit the payment information generated by the generation unit to the payment device;
An inquiring unit for inquiring of the settlement apparatus about the amount of money stored in the change machine;
A display control unit that controls a display device to display the money represented by the money information received by the reception unit that receives the money information transmitted by the settlement device in response to the inquiry by the inquiry unit,
When a predetermined abnormality is present in the position indicated by the position information, the notification information for notifying the position abnormality is transmitted to a predetermined notification destination in response to a notification instruction from the operator. Control unit for controlling the second transmission device as described above,
Control program to make it function.

  100 checkout system, 200 server, 300 cash dispenser, 11 product registration device, 11a CPU, 11b ROM, 11c RAM, 11d auxiliary storage unit, 11e drawer opening unit, 11f scanner 11g: Touch panel, 11h: Printer, 11i: Card reader / writer, 11j: Communication unit, 11k: Transmission system, 12: Payment device, 12a: CPU, 12b: ROM, 12c: RAM, 12d: Auxiliary storage unit, 12e: Change Machine, 12f ... scanner, 12g ... touch panel, 12h ... printer, 12i ... card reader / writer, 12j ... communication unit, 12k ... transmission system, 13 ... LAN.

Claims (5)

A product registration device including an acquisition unit that acquires a product code specifying a product; and a plurality of payment devices that are connected to the product registration device via a network, have a change machine, and execute a payment process for the product. In the product registration device of the checkout system,
Determining means for determining a payment device for making an inquiry about the amount of money from among the plurality of payment devices in accordance with an operation by an operator ;
Inquiring means for inquiring about the amount of money stored in the change machine of the settlement apparatus determined by the determining means,
Receiving means for receiving the inventory amount information of the change machine of the payment device in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means,
Display means for displaying the money information received by the receiving means,
Product registration device comprising: A selection unit that selects a payment device that executes the payment process from a plurality of payment devices displayed on a display unit among a plurality of the payment devices in accordance with an operation by an operator .
Further and an output means is selected the payment device outputs the settlement information for executing the settlement processing by said selection means,
The determining unit determines the settlement device that makes an inquiry about the amount of money from among the same settlement devices as the plurality of settlement devices displayed on the display unit for selection by the selection unit.
The product registration device according to claim 1. Wherein the plurality of the settlement device to be displayed on the display unit for selection in the selection means also includes a payment device it is not possible to receive the payment information,
The product registration device according to claim 2. The change machine is capable of storing money of a plurality of denominations,
The display means displays a specified range defined for each of the plurality of denominations, and a state in which the amount of money for each denomination deviates as the abnormality in the amount of money.
The product registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A product registration device including an acquisition unit that acquires a product code specifying a product; and a plurality of payment devices that are connected to the product registration device via a network, have a change machine, and execute a payment process for the product. Computer controlling the product registration device of the checkout system,
Determining means for determining a payment device for making an inquiry about the amount of money from among the plurality of payment devices in accordance with an operation by an operator ;
Inquiring means for inquiring about the amount of money stored in the change machine of the settlement apparatus determined by the determining means,
Display control means for controlling a display device to display the cash information received by the receiving means for receiving cash information of the change machine of the settlement apparatus in response to the inquiry by the inquiry means,
Control program to make it function.