JP6672440B2 - Commodity registration device, control program therefor, and checkout system - Google Patents

Description

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

  Each process of purchase registration and settlement in supermarkets and the like shall be performed by different product registration devices and settlement devices, and employees shall operate the product registration device and shoppers shall operate the settlement device. Semi-self-type checkout systems are known.

  In such a system, payment information for a payment process is transferred from the merchandise registration device to a vacant payment device. For this reason, when all the payment devices are executing the payment process, the payment information cannot be transferred to the payment terminal, and the purchase registration process in the product registration device is also delayed. .

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired that processing for purchase registration and settlement can be performed efficiently.

JP 2006-344123 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device, a control program for the product registration device, and a checkout system that can efficiently perform processing for purchase registration and settlement.

The product registration device of the embodiment is a product registration device that configures a checkout system together with a payment device, and includes a creation unit, a generation unit, a display control unit, a payment unit, and a notification unit. The creation unit acquires the product code of the purchased product and creates a registered product table including the product code. The generating unit generates payment information for payment of the purchased product including the total price of the purchased product based on the registered product table created by the creating unit. The display control unit displays a screen representing a first button for accepting designation of the settlement device and a second button for accepting designation of ending the settlement of the total amount in the product registration device. To be displayed. The settlement unit performs a settlement process for terminating the settlement of the total amount in the merchandise registration device in accordance with the designation with the second button. Notification unit notifies when the settlement apparatus is designated by a first button, and to the specified settlement apparatus payment information generated by the generate unit.

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 notification screen as an example. 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 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 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, 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 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 is transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 described above.

  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 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 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 program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described for a control process described later. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement device 12 is transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

  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 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 between 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.

  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.

  Registration screen SC1 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 SC1.

  Note that the registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various types of information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been performed are displayed. However, the registration screen in Act2 does not represent various types of information regarding the product, and a predetermined basic form. Only represents.

  The CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button in a region other than the registration screen region of the screen of the touch panel 11g. Is omitted.

  In Act 3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines that the touch on the subtotal button 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 returns to Act3.

  Thus, in Act3 and Act4, the CPU 11a waits until the subtotal button 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, if the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4 and proceeds to Act5.

  In Act 5, 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 and Act4. 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 creating unit.

  If the subtotal button has been touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 3 and proceeds to Act 6 in FIG.

In Act 6, 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 7, the CPU 11a checks whether the semi-self mode is on. The CPU 11a sets the semi-self mode on or off based on the operation by the employee 21 by a process different from the control process shown in FIGS. If the determination is No because the semi-self mode is off, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act8.

  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 B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  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. 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 shift to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product. 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.

  If the determination in Act 7 is Yes because the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 9.

  In Act 9, 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. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The second selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  That is, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen in which the button B3 is omitted from the first selection screen SC2. As a result, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen on which it is not possible to input the designation by the employee 21 to shift to the selection of the method of payment for the purchased product.

  The CPU 11a proceeds to Act10 after setting a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second selection screen in Act8 or Act9.

  In Act 10, 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 Act11.

  In Act 11, the CPU 11a confirms 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 device 12 has not been designated, the process proceeds to Act12.

  In Act 12, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the tightening operation has been performed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the tightening operation has not been performed, the process returns to Act10.

  Thus, in Act 10 to Act 12, the CPU 11a waits for the acquisition of the product code, the designation of one of the settlement apparatuses 12, or the execution of the closing operation. However, the tightening operation is, for example, touch of the button B3. For this reason, 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 tightening operation is not performed, so that the CPU 11a always determines No in Act12. Will be. That is, in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, if the semi-self mode is on, 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.

  If the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act10 and proceeds to Act13.

  In Act 13, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen, then proceeds to Act 5 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processing as described above.

  When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, for example, the employee 21 touches one of the buttons B4 to B7 of the first or second selection screen SC2 or SC3, and the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 is performed. If this is done, Yes is determined in Act 11, and the process proceeds to Act 14. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11 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 Act10 to Act12. You will not be waiting. The CPU 11a may set the cashier mode to on or off based on an operation by the employee 21, and may not accept designation of all the settlement devices 12 when the cashier mode is on.

  In Act 14, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information generated in Act 6 to the specified payment 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 CPU 11a determines that the settlement device 12 performs the settlement process in response to any one of the buttons B4 to B7 being touched. That is, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a determination unit. Further, the CPU 11a accepts that any one of the buttons B4 to B7 has been touched as an instruction to end the registration, and notifies the settlement device 12 of the settlement information in response to the instruction. That is, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, a function as a notification unit is realized by cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the communication unit 11j.

  In Act 15, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen.

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

  The notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11.

  The CPU 11a displays, in the display area AR11, an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. 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 CPU 11a displays, in the display area AR12, the total number and the total amount indicated in the payment information, and indicates to which of the four payment apparatuses 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred.

  The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4.

  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.

  When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, for example, if a fastening operation such as the button B3 being touched by the employee 21 is performed, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act12 and proceeds to Act16.

  In Act 16, the CPU 11a executes a payment process. The settlement process here is a process for the employee 21 to settle the total amount indicated in the settlement information generated in Act 6 while interacting with the shopper 22. For example, the processing performed in an existing interactive POS terminal or the like can be directly applied to the settlement processing here. 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 settlement unit and a first settlement unit.

  In Act 17, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h, and issues a receipt indicating the information indicated in the payment information generated in Act 6 and the result of the above-described payment processing. Then, the CPU 11a thereafter returns to Act1 in FIG. 3, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  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.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control process of the CPU 12a.

  In Act 21, 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, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver.

  In Act 22, the CPU 12a checks whether the payment information has been received. Then, the CPU 12a determines No if the payment information has not been received, and repeats Act22. Thus, in Act 22, 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 transmitted from the communication unit 11j of the commodity registration apparatus 11 to the LAN 13, receives the settlement information, and stores the information in the RAM 12c or The data is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act22, and proceeds to Act23.

  In Act 23, 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 received payment information. The payment screen, for example, represents at least the total amount indicated in the payment information. Further, the payment screen may include a total number and a list of purchased products. 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 24, 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 24 is repeated. Thus, in Act 24, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement.

  By the way, the employee 21 operating the product registration device 11 touches any one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screen SC2, SC3 to transfer the payment information to any of the payment devices 12. Then, the shopper 22 is notified that the settlement should be performed by the settlement apparatus 12 at the transfer destination. 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 Act24 and proceeds to Act25.

  In Act 25, the CPU 12a executes a payment process. The settlement process here is a process for settingtle the total amount indicated in the settlement information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d according to the operation by the shopper 22. 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. In this way, the computer having the CPU 12a as a central part functions as a second settlement unit by the CPU 12a executing the control processing based on the control program.

  In Act 26, 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 and the result of the above-described payment processing. Then, the CPU 12a thereafter returns to Act 21, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10, after the registration of the purchased product in the product registration device 11 is completed, the employee 21 decides whether to perform the payment processing in the product registration device 11 or in one of the payment devices 12. Can be selected. Thereby, the employee 21 takes into account the number of waiters of the shopper 22 in the product registration device 11 and the congestion state of the payment device 12 at the timing when the payment process should be started, and performs the payment processing in the product registration device 11. It is possible to appropriately use the settlement processing in the settlement apparatus 12 as appropriate. For example, when the number of waiting shoppers 22 in the merchandise registration device 11 is small, the employee 21 applies a settlement process while interacting with the shopper 22 to provide an advanced shopper service while providing an advanced shopper service. When the number of people increases, by using the settlement processing by the settlement apparatus 12 alone or in combination, it becomes possible to operate the shopper 22 to minimize the waiting time.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10, by setting the semi-self mode to ON, it is possible to operate the payment processing only by the payment apparatus 12.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10, as described above, the CPU 11a does not wait for the designation of the payment device 12 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, so that the payment processing is performed only by the commodity registration device 11. be able to.

  This embodiment can be implemented in the following various modifications.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as both the designation of performing the settlement processing by the settlement apparatus 12 and the designation of the end of registration. The reception period is a period from when the subtotal button is touched to when any of the buttons B3 to B7 is touched. However, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any one of the buttons B4 to B7 as a designation of performing the settlement process with the settlement device 12, and accepts a touch on a separately prepared end button as a designation of the end of the registration. , In response to touching the end button after touching any one of the buttons B4 to B7, transferring the payment information to the payment apparatus 12 associated with the touched one of the buttons B4 to B7. Is also good. Alternatively, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on the semi-self button separately prepared for designating that the settlement process is to be performed by the settlement device 12, as a designation of performing the settlement process by the settlement device 12, and has any of the buttons B4 to B7. Is accepted as designation of registration end, and in response to touching any of buttons B4 to B7 after touching the semi-self button, it is associated with the touched one of buttons B4 to B7. The payment information may be transferred to the payment device 12 that has been set. In these cases, the acceptance period for accepting the designation of performing the settlement processing by the settlement apparatus 12 is a period from the start of the purchase registration to the end of the registration, or a part of the period. Period.

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 product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a settlement device,
A creation unit that acquires a product code of a purchased product and creates a list of purchased products;
Based on the list created by the creating unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed, based on the list, a generating unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased merchandise,
In a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period, a determination unit that determines in accordance with an instruction by an operator to perform a payment process for the payment in the payment device,
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit, when the determination unit does not determine that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device in response to the instruction to end the registration. A settlement unit for performing the settlement processing by
In response to the registration end being instructed, if the determination unit determines that the payment process for the payment is to be performed by the payment device, the payment information generated by the generation unit is And a notifying unit for notifying the payment device.
[Supplementary Note 2] The deciding unit receives a designation operation by the operator for designating the payment device in the reception period as designation of performing the payment processing by the payment device,
2. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit receives the designation operation as an instruction to end the registration.
[Appendix 3] When semi-self mode is set,
The settlement unit does not perform the settlement process regardless of the determination result in the determination unit,
The merchandise registration device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit notifies the payment device of the payment information regardless of a determination result of the determination unit.
[Supplementary Note 4] When all of the payment apparatuses have not received the notification of the payment information, or when the cashier mode is set,
The settlement unit performs the settlement process regardless of the determination result in the determination unit,
The merchandise registration device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1-3, wherein the notification unit does not notify the payment device of the payment information regardless of a determination result of the determination unit.
[Supplementary Note 5] A checkout system including at least one product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device,
A creation unit that acquires a product code of a purchased product and creates a list of purchased products;
Based on the list created by the creating unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed, based on the list, a generating unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased merchandise,
In a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period, a determination unit that determines in accordance with an instruction by an operator to perform a payment process for the payment in the payment device,
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit, when the determination unit does not determine that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device in response to the instruction to end the registration. A first settlement unit for performing the settlement processing by
In response to the registration end being instructed, when the determination unit determines that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment apparatus, the payment information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the payment unit. A notification unit for notifying the payment device,
The payment device,
A checkout system comprising: a second payment unit that performs the payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification unit.
[Supplementary Note 6] A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a settlement device is
A creation unit that acquires a product code of a purchased product and creates a list of purchased products;
Based on the list created by the creating unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed, based on the list, a generating unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased merchandise,
In a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period, a determination unit that determines in accordance with an instruction by an operator to perform a payment process for the payment in the payment device,
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit, when the determination unit does not determine that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device in response to the instruction to end the registration. A settlement unit for performing the settlement processing by
In response to the registration end being instructed, when the determination unit determines that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment apparatus, the payment information generated by the generation unit is transmitted to the payment unit. A notifying unit for notifying the settlement device, and a control program for causing the notifying unit to function.

  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 (6)

A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
A creation unit that acquires a product code of a purchased product and creates a registered product table including the product code;
Based on the registered product table created by the creating unit, a generation unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased product including the total price of the purchased product,
A screen displaying a first button for accepting designation of the settlement device and a second button for accepting designation of ending the settlement of the total amount in the commodity registration device is displayed on the display device. A display control unit for causing
A settlement section for performing in response to said designation by the second button, settlement processing for terminating the settlement of the total amount in the product registration device,
A notification unit for the payment device to notify to the if specified by the first button, before Symbol the payment device specified the payment information generated by the generating unit,
Product registration device comprising:   The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the payment process performed by the payment unit includes at least payment using a payment card. The display control unit may change the display mode of the first button depending on whether the payment device has received the payment information, or when the payment device has not received the payment information, Hiding the first button,
The product registration device according to claim 1 or 2. Issuing means for issuing a receipt by controlling a printer after the settlement processing is performed by the settlement unit,
The product registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A checkout system including a product registration device and a payment device,
The product registration device,
A creation unit that acquires a product code of a purchased product and creates a registered product table including the product code;
Based on the registered product table created by the creating unit, a generation unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased product including the total price of the purchased product,
A screen displaying a first button for accepting designation of the settlement device and a second button for accepting designation of ending the settlement of the total amount in the commodity registration device is displayed on the display device. A display control unit for causing
As specified by the second button, the first settlement section which performs settlement processing for terminating the settlement of the total amount in the product registration device,
Comprising a, a notification unit for notifying to the specified the payment information generated by the pre-Symbol generator the payment device when it is designated by the payment device the first button,
The payment device,
A second settlement section which performs settlement processing based on the payment information notified by the notification unit,
Checkout system to prepare. A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
A creation unit that acquires a product code of a purchased product and creates a registered product table including the product code;
Based on the registered product table created by the creating unit, a generation unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased product including the total price of the purchased product,
A screen displaying a first button for accepting designation of the settlement device and a second button for accepting designation of ending the settlement of the total amount in the commodity registration device is displayed on the display device. A display control unit for causing
A settlement unit that performs a settlement process for terminating the settlement of the total amount in the product registration device in accordance with the designation by the second button;
The payment if the device is designated by said first button, and a notification unit that notifies the previous SL the payment device specified the payment information generated by the generation unit, and the control program for operating .