JP6633727B2 - Product registration device, control program and checkout system - Google Patents

Description

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

  In supermarkets and the like, shoppers may want to check out more than one transaction at a time. For example, a shopper may bring two shopping carts, each containing a product, to a checkout corner and request that a separate receipt be issued for each shopping cart.

  In such a case, the conventional checkout system generally processes each of a plurality of transactions individually and continuously. Such a checkout processing form is hereinafter referred to as “continuous transaction”.

  On the other hand, in the checkout system, a service, such as a point service, associated with a user code for identifying a service user may be applied to a transaction. To apply such a service, the checkout system acquires a user code for each transaction.

  Therefore, when performing the checkout in the above-described manner, the operator has to perform the operation for causing the checkout system to obtain the user code a plurality of times, which is troublesome.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired to be able to reduce the labor of the operator when performing both the continuous transaction and the application of the service in association with the user code.

JP 2011-65240 A

An object of the present invention is to provide a product registration device, a control program, and a checkout system that can reduce the trouble of an operator when performing both continuous transactions and service application in association with a user code. It is.

  The product registration device according to the embodiment includes a generation unit, an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a display unit, a control unit, and a transfer unit. The acquisition means registers the contents of the commercial transaction and generates settlement information for settling the commercial transaction. The obtaining means obtains a user code. The determining means determines the execution of the continuous transaction in accordance with an instruction from the operator. A display unit configured to display a first button for instructing to start registration of a next commercial transaction in the continuous transaction when the determination unit determines that the continuous transaction is to be performed; Is displayed. The control unit controls the generation unit so as to generate the registration after the instruction by the first button as payment information different from the payment information generated before the instruction. The transfer unit transfers the plurality of pieces of payment information generated by the generation unit with the instruction by the first button and the user code obtained by the obtaining unit to the payment device.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main circuit configuration of the product registration device and the 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. 3 is a flowchart of a control process of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. The figure which shows the standby screen as an example. 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 notification screen as an example. 3 is a flowchart of a control process of a CPU included in the settlement device in FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control process of a CPU included in the settlement device in FIG.

  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 payment devices 12 is also arbitrary. The product registration device 11 is an example of a registration device.

  The product 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 an employee 21 of the store, which has a role 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 the shopper 22 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 showing a main circuit configuration of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12.

  The merchandise 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 commodity 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 or application program. 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. The transfer of the product registration device 11 to a user is generally 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 to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The control program may be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or may be transferred to a user via a network. Then, the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 under the operation of the user.

  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 or 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 for recording 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 apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic 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 or application program. 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 program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described with respect to a control process described later. Transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 to a user 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 to the user without the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. The control program may be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or may be transferred to a user via a network.
Then, the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the settlement device 12 separately transferred under the operation of the user.

  The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and bills to be inserted. The automatic 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 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 for recording 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, the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the automatic changer 12e, the scanner 12f, the touch panel 12g, the printer 12h, the card reader / writer 12i, and the 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.

(Operation of Product Registration Device 11)
When the product registration device 11 is started in a mode for performing a process of registering a purchased product, the CPU 11a starts a control process according to a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 11a.

  In Act1, the CPU 11a resets the continuous flag and the point flag. The continuous flag indicates that the setting is for performing continuous transactions when in the set state. The point flag indicates that the point service is set to be applied when set. Each of the continuous flag and the point flag is realized as, for example, 1-bit data in the RAM 11c.

  In Act 2, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table and the user code area set in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The registered merchandise table is a data table for describing information on commodities that have been registered for purchase. The user code area stores a user code.

In Act 3, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a standby screen.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a standby screen SC1 as an example.
The standby screen SC1 includes texts T1, T2, T3 and a button B21.
The text T1 indicates that the employee 21 should start an operation for registering a purchased product. The text T2 indicates that the employee 21 should touch the button B21 before starting an operation for registering a purchased product when performing a continuous transaction. The text T3 indicates that the employee 21 should read the point card to the card reader / writer 11i when the point service is applied to the commerce related to the registration of the purchased commodity to be started.

  In Act 4, the CPU 11a checks whether the user code has been acquired. The user code is a unique code for identifying a user of the point service. If the CPU 11a determines No because the user code has not been acquired, the process proceeds to Act5.

  In Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not execution of a continuous transaction has been instructed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the operation for the corresponding instruction has not been performed, the process proceeds to Act6.

  In Act 6, 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 returns to Act4.

  Thus, in Act4 to Act6, the CPU 11a waits for the acquisition of the user code, the instruction to execute the continuous transaction, or the acquisition of the product code. 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 shopper 22 offers the point service, the employee 21 keeps the point card owned by the shopper 22 and causes the card reader / writer 11i to read the point card. Alternatively, the shopper 22 causes the card reader / writer 11i to read the point card by himself. The point card is owned by a user of the point service, and records a user code assigned to the user. When reading the user code from the point card, the card reader / writer 11i notifies the CPU 11a of this. Thus, the card reader / writer 11i is an example of an obtaining unit. Then, upon receiving this notification, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4, and proceeds to Act7. The user code may be acquired by the touch panel 11g in response to a character input operation on the touch panel 11g, for example. In this case, the touch panel 11g is an example of an obtaining unit.

In Act 7, the CPU 11a stores the user code notified from the card reader / writer 11i in the RAM 11c or the user code area of the auxiliary storage unit 11d. If the user code area is already stored in the user code area, the user code area is overwritten with the new user code notified this time.
In Act 8, the CPU 11a sets a point flag. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter returns to the standby state of Act4 to Act6.

When the shopper 22 requests continuous transactions, the employee 21 instructs execution of continuous transactions by an operation such as touching the button B21. Then, if such an operation is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act5 and proceeds to Act9.
In Act 9, the CPU 11a sets a continuous flag.
Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a determination unit in cooperation with the touch panel 11g.

  In Act 10, the CPU 11a sets “1” as the value of the variable m. The variable m is a variable for counting the number of commercial transactions in a continuous transaction. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter returns to the standby state of Act4 to Act6.

The CPU 11a acquires a product code based on an operation performed by the employee 21 by a known process different from the control processes illustrated in FIGS. If the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act6 and proceeds to Act11.
In Act 11, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the obtained product code. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter proceeds to Act12 in FIG. Thus, the CPU 11a keeps the continuous flag in the reset state when the operation for purchase registration is performed without instructing the execution of the continuous transaction.

In Act 12, 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. 7 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC2 as an example.
Registration screen SC2 includes regions R1 and R2.
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 SC2.

  Note that the registration screen SC2 shows a state in which various types of information regarding the registered product are displayed. However, when the CPU 11a proceeds from Act8 to Act12, the registered product table does not include information on the purchased product. For this reason, the registration screen does not show various kinds of information about the product, but shows only a predetermined basic form. When the CPU 11a proceeds from Act 11 to Act 12, the registered product table includes only information on one product. For this reason, the registration screen shows information about the product in the region R2, but does not show information about the product in the region R1.

  Also, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product or a subtotal button in an area other than the registration screen area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. Is omitted.

In Act 13 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a checks whether the user code has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the user code has not been acquired, the process proceeds to Act14.
In Act 14, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button displayed in the screen of the touch panel 11g has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines that the touch of the subtotal button has not been touched by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act15.
In Act 15, the CPU 11a confirms 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 returns to Act13.
Thus, in Act13 to Act15, the CPU 11a waits for a user code to be obtained, a subtotal button to be touched, or a product code to be obtained. 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 card reader / writer 11i reads the user code from the point card and notifies this to the CPU 11a, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act13 and proceeds to Act16.
In Act 17, the CPU 11a stores the user code notified from the card reader / writer 11i in the RAM 11c or the user code area of the auxiliary storage unit 11d. If the user code area is already stored in the user code area, the user code area is overwritten with the new user code notified this time.
In Act 18, the CPU 11a sets a point flag. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter returns to the standby state of Act13 to Act1.

When acquiring the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act15 and proceeds to Act18.
In Act 18, 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 Act13 to Act15.

If the touch panel 11g detects that the subtotal button has been touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 14 and proceeds to Act 19 in FIG.
In Act 19, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the continuous flag is set. If the CPU 11a determines Yes because the continuous flag is set, the process proceeds to Act20.

  In Act 20, the CPU 11a generates information for payment regarding the registered product described in the registered product table as the m-th payment information based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The payment information includes at least a list of registered products. The payment information may include information such as the total number of purchased products and the total amount. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a generation unit.

In Act 21, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a first selection screen.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first selection screen SC3 as an example.
The first selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  The CPU 11a displays, in the display area AR1, the total number of purchased products and the total price. 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 set as the first selection screen SC3, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment process. The buttons B4 to B7 are used to change the display mode depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 is accepting the transfer of the payment information, or to make the associated payment device 12 accept the transfer of the payment information. If not, it may be hidden.

  Buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify to start the purchase registration for the next account in the continuous transaction. Buttons B4 to B7 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of the payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The button B8 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.

By the way, if the CPU 11a determines No in Act19 because the continuous flag is not set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act22.
In Act 22, 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.

In Act 23, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a second selection screen.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC4 as an example. In FIG. 9, the same elements as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The second selection screen SC4 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.
That is, the second selection screen SC4 is a screen in which the button B3 is omitted from the first selection screen SC3 . As a result, the second selection screen SC4 is a screen in which it is not possible to input the designation by the employee 21 to start the purchase registration for the continuous transaction.

  The CPU 11a proceeds to Act 24 after setting a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second selection screen in Act 21 or Act 23. The settlement information generated in Act 20 or Act 22 is stored in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d until one of the settlement devices 12 is notified as described later.

In Act 24, 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 Act 25.
In Act 25, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred is specified. If the CPU 11a determines No because the settlement apparatus 12 is not specified, the process proceeds to Act.
In Act 26, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the button B3 has been touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the button B3 has not been touched, the process returns to Act24.
Thus, in Act24 to Act26, the CPU 11a waits for the acquisition of the product code, the designation of one of the settlement apparatuses 12, or the touch of the button B3. However, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second selection screen, the button B3 does not exist and the button B3 is not touched. Therefore, the CPU 11a always determines No in Act 26. Will be. That is, in the standby state of Act24 to Act26, if the continuous flag is not set, the CPU 11a waits for the acquisition of the product code or the designation of one of the settlement apparatuses 12.

  Although not shown, in this standby state, the CPU 11a also waits for the buttons B1 and B2 to be touched. Then, if any one of the buttons B1 and B2 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. In this standby state, the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed, and shift to a process corresponding to the event. For example, in this standby state, the CPU 11a may check whether a user code has been acquired. Then, in this case, if the user code is acquired, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act24 to Act26 after performing the same processing as Act7 and Act8.

Upon acquiring the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 24 and proceeds to Act 27.
In Act 27, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen, then proceeds to Act 18 in FIG. 4, and repeats the subsequent processing as described above.

When the touch panel 11g detects that the button B3 has been touched in the standby state of Act24 to Act26, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act26 and proceeds to Act28.
In Act 28, the CPU 11a increases the value of the variable m by one.
In Act 29, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table.
After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act12 in FIG. 4 and repeats the processing after Act12. As a result, the CPU 11a sequentially generates a plurality of payment information.

  Thus, only when the continuation flag is set, the creation of a new list of purchased products in the registered product table is started even if the payment information described below is not transferred. That is, when the execution of the continuous transaction is not determined, the CPU 11a prohibits the start of the creation of a new list until the settlement information is notified. Allows the creation of a new list to be started even if it has not been notified.

  The CPU 11a determines Yes in Act25 when the settlement apparatus 12 is designated while in the standby state of Act24 to Act26, and proceeds to Act30. The designation of the settlement apparatus is performed, for example, when the employee 21 touches one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screen SC3, SC4. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 25 even if one of the buttons B4 to B7 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. Note that if all of the settlement devices 12 are in the operation stopped state or in the operation state in which the transfer of the settlement information is not accepted, the CPU 11a specifies the settlement device 12 in the standby state of Act24 to Act26. You will not be waiting.

  In Act 30, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the point flag is set. If the CPU 11a determines Yes because the point flag is set, the process proceeds to Act31.

  In Act 31, the CPU 11a adds the user code stored in the user code area to the payment information. At this time, the user code stored in the user code area is the one most recently obtained by the card reader / writer 11i. When a plurality of payment information has been generated, the CPU 11a adds the one user code to each of the plurality of payment information. Thereafter, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act32. If the CPU 11a determines No in Act30 because the point flag is not set, the CPU 11a passes Act31 and proceeds to Act32.

  In Act 32, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the specified payment device 12. Note that the settlement information to be transferred here is the settlement information generated in Act 22 when the continuous flag is not set, and one of the payment information generated in Act 20 when the continuous flag is set. Or all of a plurality of payment information. Incidentally, even if the employee 21 instructs the execution of the continuous transaction, the employee 21 can instruct the transfer of the settlement information at the stage when the product registration for one transaction is completed. Therefore, even if the continuous flag is set, there may be a case where only one piece of payment information is generated in Act 20. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so that the payment information to be transferred is transmitted to the LAN 13 with the specified payment device 12 as a destination. Thereby, the settlement information is notified to the settlement apparatus 12. Thus, the CPU 11a executes the control processing based on the control program, whereby the function as the first notification unit is realized by cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the communication unit 11j. If the user code is added to the payment information, the CPU 11a notifies the payment device 12 of the user code. Thus, the control process based on the control program is executed by the CPU 11a, whereby the function as the second notification unit is realized by cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the communication unit 11j.

In Act 33, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen.
The notification screen is a screen for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the payment information has been transferred to the payment apparatus 12 for 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 may have the same content irrespective of the state of the continuous flag, or may have different content according to the state of the continuous flag.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC5 as an example.
The notification screen SC5 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11.
The display area AR11 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. The display area AR12 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize which of the four payment devices 12 has transferred the two pieces of payment information for the continuous transaction. That is, the notification screen SC5 has a different content depending on the state of the continuation flag, and is a case where the continuation flag is set.
The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC5.

  Then, in response to the button B11 being touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above. That is, the CPU 11a ends the purchase registration for the commercial transaction of one customer in response to the touch of the button B11, and shifts to the processing of the purchase registration for the commercial transaction of another shopper 22.

(Operation of Payment Device 12)
On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12 is started, the CPU 12a starts a control process according to a control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 12a.

  In Act 41, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen indicates that there is no situation in which a payment process is to be performed, and any information may be displayed. For example, the standby screen is assumed to display a message indicating that settlement processing cannot be performed, or to display an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver.

  In Act 42, the CPU 12a confirms whether payment information has been received. If the settlement information has not been received, the CPU 12a determines No, and repeats Act42. Thus, in Act 42, the CPU 12a waits for the payment information to be received.

  Now, as described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12, which is the destination of the settlement information sent from the communication unit 11j of the commodity registration apparatus 11 to the LAN 13, receives the settlement information, and receives the settlement information in the RAM 12c or The data is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. When a plurality of payment information has been sent, the communication unit 12j receives all of the plurality of payment information and stores it in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act42, and proceeds to Act43.

  In Act 43, the CPU 12a checks whether the received payment information is plural. Then, when only one piece of payment information is received, the CPU 12a determines No, and proceeds to Act44.

In Act 44, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.
The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for performing payment based on the one piece of payment information received. The payment screen, for example, represents at least the total amount indicated in the payment information. The payment screen may include a total number or a list of purchased items. Also, if settlement by a plurality of settlement methods is permitted, the settlement screen includes a button for the shopper 22 to select a settlement method.

  In Act 45, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the shopper 22 has performed an operation for settlement. If the CPU 12a determines No because the corresponding operation is not performed, Act 45 is repeated. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement in Act45.

  By the way, the employee 21 who operates the commodity registration apparatus 11 notifies the shopper 22 that the settlement should be performed by the settlement apparatus 12 of the transfer destination when the transfer is made to any one of the settlement apparatuses 12. The shopper 22 having received the notification moves to the designated settlement apparatus 12 and performs an operation for settlement on the settlement screen described above. Then, the CPU 12a performs the operation for settlement in this way, and if this is detected by the touch panel 12g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act45 and proceeds to Act46.

  In Act 46, the CPU 12a executes a payment process. Specifically, the CPU 12a calculates the total amount of each of the purchased merchandise indicated in the merchandise list included in the settlement information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and determines the sum as the settlement amount. Alternatively, if the total amount is included in the settlement information, the CPU 12a may determine the total amount as the settlement amount as it is. If the CPU 12a calculates the total amount here, the settlement device 12 is also called an accounting device. Then, the CPU 12a settles the determined settlement amount by the settlement method designated by the shopper 22. The settlement method is a known method using cash, a credit card, electronic money, or the like. For the settlement processing here, for example, the processing performed in an existing self-POS terminal or the like can be applied as it is. Thus, the CPU 12a executes the control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 12a as a central part functions as a settlement unit.

  In Act 47, the CPU 12a checks whether the user information is included in the payment information. If the determination is Yes because the payment information includes the user code, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act.

In Act 48, the CPU 12a gives the shopper 22 points according to the content of the commercial transaction. Specifically, for example, the CPU 12a determines the acquired points related to the current commercial transaction according to the result of the settlement process in Act 46. Then, the CPU 12a performs a process for adding the above obtained points to the amount of money in the point account associated with the user code included in the settlement information. This process may be a known process performed for providing an existing point service. As an example, the CPU 12a notifies a user code and acquired points to a point server (not shown).
Thereafter, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 49. Note that if the payment information does not include the user code in Act 47 and the result is No in Act 47, the CPU 12a passes Act 48 and proceeds to Act 49.
In Act 49, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h, and issues a receipt indicating the information indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the result of the above-described payment processing, and the like. Then, the CPU 12a thereafter returns to Act 41, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 43 because a plurality of payment information has been received, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 50 in FIG.
In Act 50, the CPU 12a sets “1” as the value of the variable n.
In Act 51, the CPU 12a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a selection screen. The selection screen is a screen for causing the shopper 22 to select individual settlement or collective settlement. Note that the individual settlement indicates a settlement mode in which settlement is individually performed in accordance with each of a plurality of pieces of settlement information to be subjected to continuous transactions. The term “collective settlement” refers to a settlement form in which settlement according to a plurality of pieces of settlement information is collectively performed.

In Act 52, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the collective settlement is selected. If the CPU 12a determines No because the collective settlement has not been selected, the process proceeds to Act53.
In Act 53, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the split settlement is selected. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the divisional settlement is not selected, the process returns to Act52.
Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the selection of collective settlement or split settlement in Act 52 and Act 53. 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 an operation of selecting individual payment is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act53 and proceeds to Act54.
In Act 54, the CPU 12a executes a payment process based on the n-th payment information.

In Act 55, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the user code is included in the n-th payment information. If the CPU 12a determines Yes because the user code is included in the n-th payment information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 56.
In Act 56, the CPU 12a gives the shopper 22 points according to the content of the commercial transaction, similarly to Act 48.
Thereafter, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 57. Note that if the settlement information does not include the user code in Act 55, and thus determines No in Act 55, the CPU 12a passes Act 56 and proceeds to Act 57.

In Act 57, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt indicating the information indicated in the n-th payment information, the result of the above-described payment processing, and the like.
In Act 58, the CPU 12a increases the value of the variable n by one.
In Act 59, the CPU 12a checks whether the n-th payment information exists in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, if the n-th payment information exists, the CPU 12a returns to Act 54, and performs the processes of Act 54 to Act 57 on the payment information. Thus, the CPU 12a sequentially performs the processes of Act54 to Act57 for each of the plurality of payment information that has been received. If a user code has been acquired at the time of registration processing in the product registration device 11 relating to the generation of the plurality of payment information, the same user code is included in each of the plurality of payment information. Therefore, when the CPU 12a sequentially performs the processes of Act54 to Act57 for each of the plurality of payment information, points are given to the same point account.

After completing the execution of Acts 54 to 57 for all of the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 59. Then, in this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 41 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to a state in which it waits for new payment information to be received.
As described above, when the individual payment is selected by the shopper 22, the CPU 12a sequentially performs the payment processing based on each of the plurality of payment information, and issues a receipt each time.

On the other hand, when the operation of selecting the collective settlement is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g in the standby state of Act52 and Act53, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act52 and proceeds to Act60.
In Act 60, the CPU 12a calculates the total amount as the sum of the respective amounts of all the purchased products shown in the product list included in each of the plurality of payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Alternatively, if the total amount is included in the payment information, the CPU 12a may calculate the total amount as the total of the total amounts indicated in the plurality of pieces of payment information.
In Act 61, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for settling the above total amount.

In Act 62, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the user code is included in the n-th payment information. If the CPU 12a determines Yes because the user code is included in the n-th payment information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 63.
In Act 63, the CPU 12a gives the shopper 22 points according to the content of the commercial transaction. Specifically, for example, the CPU 12a determines the acquired points for the entirety of the current continuous transaction in accordance with the result of the settlement process in Act 61. Then, the CPU 12a performs a process for adding the obtained points to the amount of money in the point account associated with the user code included in one of the payment information.
Thereafter, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act64. Note that if the user information is not included in the payment information and the result of Act 62 is No, the CPU 12a passes Act 63 and proceeds to Act 64.

In Act 64, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h, and issues a receipt indicating the information indicated in the n-th payment information, the result of the above-described payment processing, and the like.
In Act 65, the CPU 12a increases the value of the variable n by one.
In Act 66, the CPU 12a checks whether the n-th payment information exists in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, if the n-th payment information exists, the CPU 12a returns to Act64, and performs Act64 on the payment information.

  As described above, when the collective settlement is selected, the CPU 12a setstles the total amount at one time based on a plurality of settlement information. However, the CPU 12a sequentially issues a receipt in accordance with each of a plurality of payment information. In addition, if the user code has been acquired during the registration processing in the product registration device 11 relating to the generation of a plurality of payment information, points are assigned to the same point account for each of the plurality of payment information. Become.

  After completing the execution of Act 64 for all of the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 66. Then, in this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 41 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to a state in which it waits for new payment information to be received.

As described above, in the merchandise registration apparatus 11, when the shopper 22 wishes to apply the point service at the time of a continuous transaction, the card reader / writer 11i assigns the card reader / writer 11i to each of the plurality of payment information generated in the continuous transaction. One acquired user code is included. Then, the settlement apparatus 12 receives a plurality of settlement information of the continuous transaction, and when the plurality of settlement information includes a user code, a point account associated with each user code, that is, the same point account. Points are awarded to. Therefore, when the CPU 12a executes the control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as a central part functions as a processing unit. Here, the processes of Act 56 and Act 63 correspond to processes for applying the service using the user code to the commercial transaction.
Thus, according to the checkout system 100, even if the point service is applied to each of a plurality of commercial transactions of the continuous transaction, the employee 21 or the shopper 22 can use the product registration device 11 to acquire the user code. You only need to perform the operation once. In other words, according to the checkout system 100, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the operator when performing both the continuous transaction and the application of the point service which is one of the services associated with the user code.

  Further, according to the checkout system 100, the same user code is used for applying the point service to each of a plurality of commercial transactions which are the targets of the continuous transaction. However, according to the checkout system 100, the user code to be used is the user code acquired last during the period until the subtotal button is touched. Therefore, before touching the subtotal button, the employee 21 or the shopper 22 can appropriately change the user code used for applying the point service.

  This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

  The user code may be notified from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12 without being included in the plurality of payment information. Alternatively, payment information including a plurality of product lists and one user code may be notified from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12.

  The service associated with the user code may be, for example, various services such as an electronic receipt service, a discount service when a shopping bag is not required, a shareholder benefit service, or an elderly person discount service.

  Commerce is not limited to buying and selling goods. Therefore, the product is not limited to an article but may be a service. Therefore, “purchased goods” may refer to services provided for a fee from a provider to a beneficiary.

In another type of system, such as a POS terminal or cash register in which operations for merchandise registration and settlement are performed by the employee 21, or a self-POS terminal in which operations for merchandise registration and settlement are performed by the shopper 22. It is also possible to apply the present application.
Therefore, the checkout system is not limited to a form realized by a combination of a plurality of apparatuses as in the above-described embodiment, but may be a form realized as one independent apparatus.

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 settlement means for performing settlement processing relating to commercial transactions;
Acquisition means for acquiring a user code for identifying a user of a service related to the settlement processing,
Determining means for determining, in accordance with an instruction from the operator, the execution of continuous transactions in which a plurality of commercial transactions relating to the same customer are continuously performed;
If the execution of the continuous transaction is determined by the determination unit, and the user code is acquired by the acquisition unit, the service using the user code is included in the plurality of consecutive transactions. Processing means for performing processing for applying to each of said commercial transactions,
A check-out system comprising:
[Supplementary Note 2] A registration device including the acquisition unit and the determination unit, and a settlement device including the settlement unit and the processing unit,
The registration device further comprises:
Generating means for generating payment information for payment processing by the payment means for each commercial transaction;
First notification means for notifying the payment device of the plurality of payment information generated by the generation means for each of the plurality of commercial transactions included in the continuous transaction,
Second notifying means for notifying the settlement device of the user code acquired by the acquiring means,
With
The settlement unit sequentially performs a settlement process according to each of the plurality of settlement information notified by the first notification unit,
The processing unit performs a process for applying the service using one user code notified by the second notification unit to each of a plurality of payment processes by the payment process.
2. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein
[Supplementary Note 3] The processing means may include any one of a discount service in the settlement, a point service according to the result of the settlement processing, and an electronic receipt service that allows the contents of the commercial transaction to be browsed through a network. The checkout system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the checkout system performs processing for application as a service.
[Supplementary Note 4] The processing means is for assigning a plurality of points respectively determined according to settlement results of the plurality of settlement processes in the settlement process to one point account specified by one user code. 3. The checkout system according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the checkout system performs processing.
[Supplementary Note 5] When the acquisition unit acquires the plurality of user codes, the processing unit applies the service using the user code acquired last by the acquisition unit to each of a plurality of commercial transactions. 5. The checkout system according to any one of appendices 1-4, wherein the checkout system performs a process for performing the checkout.

  10 Checkout system, 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 Automatic change machine, 12f Scanner, 12g Touch panel , 12h: printer, 12i: card reader / writer, 12j: communication unit, 12k: transmission system.

Claims (5)

Generating means for registering the content of the commercial transaction and generating payment information for settling the commercial transaction;
An acquisition means for acquiring a Subscriber code,
Determining means for determining in accordance with the implementation of continuous trading on an instruction by the operator,
When the deciding means decides to execute the continuous transaction , a first screen showing a first button for instructing to start registration of a next commercial transaction in the continuous transaction is displayed. Display means for
For registration after the instruction by the first button, control means for controlling the generation means to generate as payment information different from the payment information generated before the instruction,
A transfer unit configured to transfer a plurality of pieces of payment information generated by the generation unit with an instruction from the first button and the user code acquired by the acquisition unit to a settlement device;
Product registration device comprising:   The display means displays a second button for instructing transfer of the payment information on the first screen,
  The transfer unit transfers the plurality of pieces of payment information to the payment device according to an instruction from the second button.
The product registration device according to claim 1.   The display means does not show the first button but displays a second screen showing the second button when the execution of the continuous transaction is not decided by the decision means. ,
The product registration device according to claim 2.   A computer provided in the merchandise registration device together with an acquisition unit for acquiring a user code,
  Generating means for registering the content of the commercial transaction and generating payment information for settling the commercial transaction;
  Determining means for determining the execution of the continuous transaction in accordance with an instruction from the operator;
  When the deciding means decides to carry out the continuous transaction, a first screen showing a first button for instructing to start registration of a next commercial transaction in the continuous transaction is displayed. Display means for
  For registration after the instruction by the first button, control means for controlling the generation means to generate as payment information different from the payment information generated before the instruction,
  A transfer unit configured to transfer a plurality of pieces of payment information generated by the generation unit with an instruction from the first button and the user code acquired by the acquisition unit to a settlement device;
Control program to make it function.   A checkout system that includes a product registration device and a payment device,
  The product registration device,
    Generating means for registering the content of the commercial transaction and generating payment information for settling the commercial transaction;
    Acquisition means for acquiring a user code;
    Determining means for determining the execution of the continuous transaction in accordance with an instruction from the operator;
    When the deciding means decides to carry out the continuous transaction, a first screen showing a first button for instructing to start registration of a next commercial transaction in the continuous transaction is displayed. Display means for
    For registration after the instruction by the first button, control means for controlling the generation means to generate as payment information different from the payment information generated before the instruction,
  A transfer unit configured to transfer a plurality of pieces of payment information generated by the generation unit with the instruction by the first button and the user code acquired by the acquisition unit to the settlement device;
With
  The payment device,
    Payment means for performing payment processing based on the plurality of payment information transferred by the transfer means,
    Processing means for performing processing for applying the service using the user code transferred by the transfer means to the settlement processing;
Comprising,
Checkout system.