JP6743877B2 - POS system, settlement device, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a POS system, a settlement device, and a program.

An accounting system in which a product registration terminal (registration device) for registering a product to be purchased and an accounting device (accounting device) for accounting for purchased products registered by the product registration terminal are configured separately. Is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In such an accounting system, the accounting device allows the customer to settle the purchased product. Thereby, for example, the business of receiving the product price is unmanned.

JP-A-2-184995

The registration device transmits the product registration information based on the registration result of the product as a payment instruction to the payment device, and the payment device performs the payment process based on the received product registration information. For this reason, if the settlement device has not completed the settlement process, the settlement device cannot receive the next settlement instruction, and thus the next settlement instruction cannot be issued from the registration device. As described above, in the state where the next settlement instruction cannot be given, the product corresponding to the next customer cannot be registered, and the flow of customers during accounting is delayed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to smooth the flow of customers during accounting in a POS system having a configuration in which a registration device and a settlement device are separated.

One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problems is to provide a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration, and one or more that perform a payment process for the products registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device. A payment instruction receiving means for receiving a payment instruction newly designated by the payment device under a state in which there is an uncompleted payment process in the payment device, The settlement apparatus includes a settlement processing unit that executes a settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving unit, and the settlement instruction receiving unit is responsive to receiving the settlement instruction in a standby state. In response to the change to the in-use state, the exclusive state is set in which the adjustment instruction from the registration device that has issued the adjustment instruction that caused the in-use state is accepted and the adjustment instruction from another registration device is not accepted. It is a POS system for setting.
Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, in the POS system described above, in the registration device, when the display indicating the state of each settlement device is performed, the display indicating that it is in use is the registration device. If the display mode is different so that it is possible to distinguish between the settlement device that is in use due to the instruction to make a settlement and the settlement device that is in use because another registration device has issued a settlement instruction. It further comprises display means for displaying.
Further, one aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, wherein when the registration device issues a payment instruction to a payment device that is in use due to another registration device issuing a payment instruction. In addition, a notification means for notifying that the settlement instruction is impossible is further provided.
Moreover, one mode of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means releases the exclusive state in response to a state in which there is no unsettled settlement processing.
Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, in the settlement device, when the number of unsettled settlement processings becomes a value from zero to more than zero in response to receipt of a settlement instruction, If the registration device that has not performed the received settlement instruction is notified of the prohibition of the settlement instruction, and the number of unsettled settlement processes in accordance with the receipt of the settlement instruction becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum value, The registration device that has performed the received settlement instruction is notified that the registration device cannot receive further settlement instructions.
Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration and one or more payment devices that perform payment processing of the products registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device are provided. The settlement device in the POS system which has the settlement instruction receiving unit that receives a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device under a state where there is an unsettled settlement process, and the settlement instruction receiving unit. And a settlement processing unit that executes a settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by, and the settlement instruction receiving unit is in a state of being in use in response to receiving the settlement instruction in a standby state. In addition, the settlement device sets the exclusive state in which the settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that causes the in-use state is accepted and the settlement instruction from another registration device is not accepted.
Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration and one or more payment devices that perform payment processing of the products registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device are provided. In a POS system having, a program for causing a first computer to function as the registration device and a second computer as the settlement device, wherein the second computer is in a state in which there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device. And a settlement instruction receiving unit that receives a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement apparatus, and is in use in response to receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. And a settlement instruction receiving means for setting a proprietary state in which a settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that has caused the in-use state is received and a settlement instruction from another registration device is not received, the settlement In the apparatus, it is a program for functioning as a settlement processing unit that executes a settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving unit.
Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of registration devices that perform product registration and one or more payment devices that perform payment processing of the products registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device are provided. The computer as the settlement device in the POS system has a settlement instruction receiving unit that receives a settlement instruction performed by newly designating the settlement device in a state where there is an unsettled settlement process, In response to the receipt of the settlement instruction under the state, the settlement device receives the settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that caused the busy state, and then receives another settlement device. It is a program for functioning as a settlement instruction receiving unit that sets an exclusive state so as not to receive the settlement instruction from, and a settlement processing unit that executes a settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving unit.

According to the above configuration, the settlement device can receive a new settlement instruction from the registration device even when there is an unsettled settlement process.

One aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, wherein the settlement instruction receiving unit is configured to perform the registration when the number of unsettled settlement processes in the settlement apparatus is equal to or more than a predetermined maximum value. The device may be prohibited from newly designating the settlement device and issuing a settlement instruction.

According to the above configuration, the settlement device does not accept a new settlement instruction when the number of unsettled settlement processes reaches the maximum value. This prevents the settlement device from accepting an excessive number of settlement instructions.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the settlement instruction receiving unit is configured to, when the number of unsettled settlement processes in the settlement apparatus is reduced to a predetermined value less than the maximum value. The registration device may be allowed to newly designate the settlement device and issue a settlement instruction.

According to the above configuration, from the state in which the number of unsettled settlement processes has reached the maximum value, the settlement device can be operated to accept the settlement instruction again in response to the decrease to the predetermined value smaller than the maximum value. it can.

Further, one aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, and may further include setting operation receiving means for receiving an operation of setting the maximum value.

According to the above configuration, the maximum value can be set by the operation of the store clerk. This allows the store clerk to set an appropriate maximum value according to, for example, the scale of the store and the expected number of visitors.

One aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means receives a new settlement instruction from one registration device in a state where there is no unsettled settlement processing in the settlement device. Accordingly, each of the registration devices other than the one registration device may be notified that the payment instruction by designating the payment device is prohibited.

According to the above configuration, it becomes possible for the registration device that first issued the settlement instruction to the settlement device in the standby state, to exclusively issue subsequent settlement instructions. As a result, it becomes unnecessary for another registration device to interrupt and to issue a settlement instruction to the above settlement device, and the settlement device can be used efficiently.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, in the POS system described above, all the registration devices are newly added when the settlement instruction receiving unit is in a state where there is no unsettled settlement process in the settlement device. It may be permitted to specify a settlement device and issue a settlement instruction.

According to the above configuration, in response to disappearance of the unsettled settlement process in one settlement device, the settlement device is released from the state occupied by one registration device, and the settlement instruction can be issued from any registration device. Therefore, the settlement device can be used efficiently.

Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, in the POS system, the registering device is operated as an operation of selecting a paying device that performs a paying process corresponding to a product registered by the registering device from among the plurality of paying devices. You may further provide the selection operation reception means which receives the operation which selects one of the selected images corresponding to each of the plurality of adjustment devices displayed.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to select the settlement device that should perform the settlement process corresponding to the product registered by the registration device by the operation of the store clerk. As a result, according to the judgment of the store clerk, for example, according to the flow of customers at that time, the settlement device which should perform the settlement process is appropriately selected. Further, the clerk can select the settlement device to be subjected to the settlement process by a simple operation of selecting one selection image from the plurality of selection images displayed on the registration device.

Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, further comprising an unpaid settlement processing number display control means for displaying the number of unpaid settlement processing in the corresponding settlement device in the selected image. You may prepare.

According to the above configuration, since the number of unsettled settlement processes is displayed in the selected image, the clerk can easily understand the settlement process status of each settlement device by viewing the portion of the selected image displayed on the registration device. can do.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the POS system described above, a settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed is displayed in response to the completion of the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction in the settlement device. The payment screen display control means may be further provided.

According to the above configuration, in the settlement device, the settlement screen corresponding to the settlement process to be performed next is immediately displayed in response to the end of the settlement process, so that the customer waiting for the settlement can, for example, from the standby screen. It is possible to start the settlement immediately without waiting for the transition to the settlement screen.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a POS system having a configuration in which a registration device and a settlement device are separated, it is possible to obtain an effect of facilitating a smooth flow of customers during accounting.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the POS system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the registration apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an external appearance of the registration apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the settlement apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of appearance of a settlement device in this embodiment. It is a figure showing a state where a registration device and a settlement device in this embodiment are arranged at a store from a plane direction. It is a figure showing an example of a mode of a registration operation screen displayed on a registration device in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display of the settlement instruction key in the 1st registration apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display of the payment instruction key in the 2nd registration apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display of the settlement instruction key in the 3rd registration apparatus of this embodiment. In the registration device of the present embodiment, a dialog box that displays an error message in response to the operation on the proprietary display adjustment instruction key, and a dialog box that displays an error message in accordance with the operation to the prohibited display adjustment instruction key, It is a figure which shows the example of an aspect. It is a figure which shows the example of the aspect of the settlement screen corresponding to the following settlement instructions displayed on the settlement device in this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows the example of a processing procedure which a registration device and a settlement device in this embodiment perform for setting the maximum of the number of unsettled settlement processes. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device according to the present embodiment in response to an operation of using a settlement instruction key. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for permission/prohibition setting of a settlement instruction executed by the settlement device according to the present embodiment in response to acceptance of the settlement instruction. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for permission/prohibition setting of a settlement instruction executed by the settlement device according to the present embodiment in response to the end of the settlement processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a processing procedure which the registration apparatus in this embodiment performs for the propriety setting of a payment instruction and the display of a payment instruction key. It is a figure which shows the other example of the state notification of the settlement apparatus by the state notification image in this embodiment.

[Example of POS system configuration]
Hereinafter, a POS (Point Of Sale) system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a POS system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 100, three first registration devices 200-1 to third registration devices 200-3, and three first settlement devices 300-1 to third settlement devices. 300-3 and.

In the following description, the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 will be referred to as registration device 200 unless otherwise specified. Further, the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 will be referred to as the settlement device 300 unless otherwise specified.
Further, in the figure, the number of registration devices 200 and the number of settlement devices 300 provided in the POS system 1 are not particularly limited. Further, the number of registration devices 200 and the number of settlement devices 300 may be different.

The store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the settlement device 300 are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 2. The LAN 2 may be wired or wireless, and both wired and wireless may be used together.

The store controller 100 is a computer that controls each device (registration device 200, settlement device 300) in the POS system 1, and functions as, for example, a server in the POS system 1.
The store controller 100 stores, for example, a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name, and selling price of each product. The store controller 100 appropriately transmits the latest product master updated according to the sale status and the purchase status of the product to other devices (the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300).

Further, the store controller 100 stores transaction information indicating transaction content for each transaction as a log file related to the transaction. The transaction information includes, for example, product registration information generated by the registration device 200 according to registration of a transaction corresponding to a breakdown of purchased products, and settlement result information generated by the settlement device 300 according to settlement.

In the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, the registration device 200 is arranged at a predetermined position in the store. Further, the settlement device 300 is arranged at a predetermined position in the flow line until the customer who has the salesclerk register the purchased merchandise by the registration device 200 reaches the exit, for example.

The registration device 200 is a device for a clerk (operator) to perform product registration for a product purchased by a customer (purchased product).
The registration device 200 generates product registration information in response to the purchase product being registered according to one transaction by the operation of the store clerk.
Further, the registration device 200 issues the accounting ticket in response to the registration of the purchased product corresponding to one transaction. The accounting ticket number is printed on the accounting ticket. The accounting ticket number is uniquely associated with the product registration information according to the corresponding transaction. The accounting ticket number is passed from the clerk to the customer corresponding to the corresponding transaction. The customer causes the settlement device 300 to read the transaction ticket number printed on the transaction ticket. The settlement device 300 performs the settlement process on the product registration information associated with the read accounting ticket number. In this way, the customer who performs the settlement by the settlement apparatus 300 and the product registration information to be settled are associated with each other, and it is possible to prevent one customer from paying for the shopping of a different customer.

The merchandise registration information is, as an example, an accounting ticket number, a registration device number, a merchandise code (for each type of merchandise purchased), a quantity (for each type of merchandise purchased), a unit price (for each type of merchandise purchased), a total price, and a registration completion date and time. Including etc.
The accounting ticket number is a number given to the accounting ticket as described above, and is uniquely associated with the product registration information. The registration device number is a number that uniquely indicates the registration device 200 for which the corresponding product registration has been performed.
The product code is a code assigned to each type of purchased product. The quantity indicates the quantity of each type of purchased product. The unit price indicates the unit price for each purchased product type. The total price is the price of all purchased products. The registration completion date and time indicates the date and time when the product registration corresponding to the corresponding transaction is completed in the registration device 200.

The registration device 200 transmits the generated product registration information to the store controller 100 as a part of the transaction information. In addition, the registration device 200 transmits the product registration information to the settlement device 300 when instructing the settlement device 300 to perform the settlement.
The registration device 200 may transmit the product registration information identifier for identifying the product registration information to the settlement device 300 instead of the product registration information. In this case, the settlement device 300 can acquire the product registration information by requesting the product registration information indicated by the received product registration information identifier from the store controller 100, for example.

The settlement device 300 is a device for the customer to perform settlement. In the case of the present embodiment, the clerk for the registration device 200 performs an operation of selecting the payment device 300 that should perform the payment for the transaction for which the registration of the purchased merchandise has been completed. The registration device 200 gives a settlement instruction to the selected settlement device 300. As the settlement instruction, specifically, the registration device 200 transmits a settlement instruction command to the settlement device 300 together with the product registration information.
The settlement device 300 performs the settlement process based on the product registration information received together with the settlement instruction command according to the customer's operation.

[Example of configuration of registration device]
A configuration example of the registration device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the registration device 200 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a salesclerk display unit 205, a customer display unit 206, an operation unit 207, a communication unit 208, a buzzer 209, and a printing unit 210. Equipped with.

The respective constituent elements are connected to each other via a bus and can communicate with each other. It should be noted that the scanner unit 204 may not be integrated with the registration device 200, but may be a separate body (external) that is attachable to and detachable from the registration device 200.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a central processing unit, and executes various processes for realizing the function as the registration device 200 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 202.
The CPU 201 has a function as a setting operation receiving unit. The setting operation receiving means receives an operation for setting the maximum value allowed for the number of outstanding settlement processes.
The CPU 201 has a function as a selection operation receiving unit. The selection operation receiving means performs an operation of selecting one of the selected images corresponding to each of the plurality of settlement devices 300 displayed on the registration device 200, and performs a settlement process corresponding to the product registered by the registration device 200. Accepted as an operation to select the settlement device to be performed.
The CPU 201 has a function as an unpaid settlement processing number display control means. The unsettled settlement processing number display control means causes the corresponding settlement device 300 to display the number of unsettled settlement processings together with the settlement instruction key.
The CPU 201 has a function as a settlement device state display control means. The settlement device state display control means causes the settlement instruction key and a display indicating a predetermined state in the corresponding settlement device 300 to be displayed.
The CPU 201 has a function as a settlement screen display control means. In the settlement device 300, when the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed, the settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed is displayed.

The storage unit 202 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 201, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the above programs.
A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is a main storage device of the CPU 201 and temporarily stores the calculation result of the CPU 201.

The scanner unit 204 optically reads a bar code (product code) attached to a product. The CPU 201 performs a product registration process using information such as a product name and a price acquired from a product master based on a barcode (product code) read by the scanner unit 204, for example.

The salesclerk display unit 205 displays various types of information for the salesclerk. For example, the salesclerk display unit 205 uses the information acquired from the product master to display various types of information (eg, product name, price, etc.) regarding the purchased product to be registered.
In addition to the display function for the store clerk, the display section 205 for the store clerk also has a function of receiving an input from the store clerk. Specifically, the clerk display unit 205 is configured as a touch panel in which a display device and a touch pad are combined.

The customer display unit 206 displays predetermined information for customers. For example, the customer display unit 206 displays information about the registration result of the purchased product, such as the total price of the purchased product. The customer display unit 206 may be configured as a touch panel similar to the store clerk display unit 205.
For example, the customer display unit 206 may accept an input of confirmation of the content by the customer touching a confirmation button regarding certain content (for example, age, total amount of money).

The operation unit 207 includes operation keys such as various keys for operating the registration device 200, a subtotal key, a current total key, a numeral key, a correction key, and a preset key.
The communication unit 208 communicates with other devices (store controller 100, other registration device 200, settlement device 300) via the LAN 2 (FIG. 1).
The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound that calls attention to the clerk.

The printing unit 210 prints, on a predetermined print medium, for example, two-dimensional code of information required when performing the settlement process in the settlement device 300, and issues (issues) a transaction ticket. Specifically, the two-dimensional code of the accounting ticket includes information such as the accounting ticket number, the purchased product and its quantity in the corresponding transaction, and the purchase amount (total amount).
A QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) can be used as the two-dimensional code. A one-dimensional bar code may be adopted instead of the two-dimensional code.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device 200. In the figure, the registration device 200 is viewed from the standing position side of a store clerk who operates the registration device 200. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The registration device 200 shown in the figure is installed in the counter CT. The registration device 200 is provided with a salesclerk display unit 205, an operation unit 207, a scanner unit 204, and a printing unit 210 on the side corresponding to the standing position side of the salesclerk.
The store clerk can operate the store clerk display 205 and the operation unit 207 while looking at the store clerk display 205. In addition, when registering a product, the clerk holds the product in his hand, scans the barcode on the scanner unit 204 by holding the bar code printed on the label attached to the product over the scanner unit 204. Can be made. Further, the clerk picks up the accounting ticket discharged from the printing unit 210 and delivers it to the customer.

A customer display unit 206 is provided on the opposite side of the store clerk display unit 205, that is, on the standing position side of the customer who receives the registration of the purchased product. The customer who has registered the purchase merchandise can confirm the registration result of the purchase merchandise by looking at the information regarding the registration result of the purchase merchandise displayed on the customer display unit 206.

[Example of payment device configuration]
A configuration example of the settlement device 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The settlement apparatus 300 shown in the figure includes a CPU 301, a storage unit 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a money transfer unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311. Prepare

The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and executes various processes for realizing the function as the settlement device 300 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 302.
The CPU 301 has a function as a settlement instruction receiving unit. The settlement instruction receiving means receives a settlement instruction issued by newly designating the settlement device 300 under a state where the settlement device 300 has an unsettled settlement process.
The CPU 301 has a function as a settlement processing unit. The settlement processing means executes the settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means in the settlement device 300.

The storage unit 302 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 301, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the above programs.
The RAM 303 is a main storage device of the CPU 301 and temporarily stores the calculation result of the CPU 301.

The scanner unit 304 optically reads the accounting ticket number printed as a barcode on the accounting ticket, for example. The CPU 301 performs a settlement process on the product registration information associated with the transaction ticket number read by the scanner unit 304.

The display unit 305 is configured as a touch panel. The display unit 305 displays various images related to settlement and the like according to the display control of the CPU 301. Further, the CPU 301 outputs an operation signal corresponding to an operation on the screen to the CPU 301.

The operation unit 306 collectively shows various operation buttons for operating the settlement device 300.
The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices (store controller 100, registration device 200, other settlement device 300) via the LAN 2 (FIG. 1). The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound for warning, calling a clerk, etc. under the control of the CPU 301.

The printing unit 309 prints, for example, a receipt according to the settlement.
The money transfer unit 310 accepts the insertion of money according to the payment of the price of the purchased product, and discharges the change, the refund, etc. that the customer should receive.
The sign pole unit 311 includes a light emitting unit that lights up or blinks under the control of the CPU 301. For example, the CPU 301 controls the light emitting unit of the sign pole unit 311 to light up or blink in response to a customer's operation of calling a clerk on the operation unit 306.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the settlement device 300. As shown in the figure, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a money transfer unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311 are provided in the housing of the settlement device 300.
The customer can hold the accounting ticket over the scanner unit 304 and cause the scanner unit 304 to read the barcode indicating the accounting ticket number. Further, the customer can perform the settlement while looking at the guidance displayed on the display unit 305, for example. The customer can also operate the display unit 305 and the operation unit 306 as necessary.
Further, the customer inserts bills and coins for payment of money into the bill insertion slot and coin insertion slot of the money transfer unit 310. In addition, when there is change, the customer can receive banknotes and coins as change discharged from the banknote outlet and the coin outlet of the money transfer unit 310.
Further, a receipt indicating the settlement result is discharged from the paper discharge unit of the printing unit 309. The customer can receive the discharged receipt.

[Outline of operation of registration device and settlement device]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12, an outline of operations of the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 and the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 are arranged in the store from the plane direction. The first settlement apparatus 300-1 to the third settlement apparatus 300-3 are respectively provided with store employees OP1 to OP3 for performing an operation of registering a customer's purchased product.
Further, in the figure, a state is shown in which four customers C1, C2, C3, C4 waiting for registration of purchased commodities are lined up in order corresponding to the first registration device 200-1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a mode of a registration operation screen displayed on the salesclerk display unit 205 when the registration operation of the customer's purchased product is performed in the registration device 200.
As shown in the figure, three adjustment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 (an example of a selected image) are arranged on the registration operation screen.
The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 are operated to select the settlement device 300 that executes the settlement corresponding to the one transaction in response to the completion of the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the one transaction with the customer. Is the key.

The adjustment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 correspond to the first adjustment device 300-1, the second adjustment device 300-2, and the third adjustment device 300-3, respectively.
That is, the settlement instruction key KY1 is a key operated to select the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus 300 for executing the settlement. The settlement instruction key KY2 is a key operated to select the second settlement device 300-2 as the settlement device 300 for executing the settlement. The settlement instruction key KY3 is a key operated to select the third settlement device 300-3 as the settlement device 300 for executing the settlement.

When the settlement instruction key KY1 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. That is, the registration device 200 transmits the settlement instruction command to the first settlement device 300-1 together with the product registration information.
Similarly, when the settlement instruction key KY2 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the second settlement device 300-2. In addition, when the settlement instruction key KY3 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the third settlement device 300-3.
In addition, in the following description, the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 are also referred to as settlement instruction keys KY unless otherwise distinguished.

Further, each of the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 displays whether or not a settlement instruction can be made with the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 and the settlement processing status of the corresponding settlement apparatus 300. This point will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10.
FIG. 8 shows a transition example of the display of the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, KY3 in the first registration device 200-1. FIG. 9 shows a transition example of the display of the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, KY3 in the second registration device 200-2. FIG. 10 shows a transition example of the display of the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, KY3 in the third registration device 200-3.

Here, when the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C1 in FIG. 6 is not completed in the first registration device 200-1, the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-2. All the settlement devices 300-3 are in a standby state.
The standby state here is a state in which there is no uncompleted settlement processing in the settlement apparatus 300 and a settlement instruction can be received from any of the registration apparatuses 200.

Here, when all of the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are in the standby state as described above, the registration operation of the first registration device 200-1. As for the settlement instruction key KY1 on the screen P1, as shown as "state 1" in FIG. 8, a standby display indicating that all are in the standby state is performed.
The standby display here is a mode in which the characters "standby" are displayed in the status notification image STA on the settlement instruction key KY1.

Further, as described above, when all of the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are in the standby state, the registration operation screen of the second registration device 200-2. As for the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in P1, all of them are in a standby display indicating that they are in a standby state, as indicated by "state 1" in FIG.
When all of the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are in the standby state, the settlement instruction on the registration operation screen P1 of the third registration device 200-3. The keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 are also all set to the standby display indicating that they are in the standby state, as indicated by "state 1" in FIG.

Next, in response to the fact that the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C1 in FIG. 6 is completed in the first registration device 200-1 from the above state, the clerk OP1 makes a payment corresponding to the customer C1. The device is selected from the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3.
For example, the store clerk tries to issue the settlement instruction by selecting the settlement device 300 that is as close as possible to the registration device 200 that he/she operates from among the settlement devices 300 that can issue the settlement instruction. This is because the closer the settlement device 300 is, the shorter the distance traveled from the registration device 200 to the settlement device 300, and the burden on the customer is reduced.

At this time, any of the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 can issue a settlement instruction from the first registration device 200-1. Of the first settlement apparatus 300-1 to the third settlement apparatus 300-3, the one closest to the first registration apparatus 200-1 is the first settlement apparatus 300-1. Therefore, the clerk OP1 in this case determines that the first settlement device 300-1 should be selected.

Then, the clerk OP1 who makes the determination to select the first settlement device 300-1 as described above performs the following operation.
That is, the store clerk OP1 selects the settlement instruction key corresponding to the first settlement apparatus 300-1 among the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 arranged on the registration operation screen P1 displayed on the first registration apparatus 200-1. The operation of touching KY1 is performed. In this way, the operation of touching the settlement instruction key KY1 is an operation of selecting the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus which should perform the settlement corresponding to the registration of the purchased product this time.

When the settlement instruction key KY1 is touched, the first registration device 200-1 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. That is, the first registration device 200-1 transmits the settlement instruction command to the first settlement device 300-1 together with the product registration information. The first settlement device 300-1 that has been in the standby state until now receives the settlement instruction command together with the product registration information from the first registration device 200-1, that is, the first settlement device 300-1 is the first registration device. The settlement instruction from 200-1 is accepted.

In response to the first settlement device 300-1 receiving the settlement instruction from the first registration device 200-1 as described above, the first settlement device 300-1 changes from the standby state to the in-use state. The in-use state is a state in which at least one of the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement device 300 has not been completed.
At this time, the first settlement device 300-1 is in the in-use state, but the other second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 have not yet received the settlement instruction from the registration device 200. Therefore, it remains in a standby state.

In addition, in the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 in this case, as shown as state 2 in FIG. 8, the settlement instruction key KY1 becomes a busy display indicating a busy state. The in-use display is a display of the settlement instruction key KY in a mode in which the state notification image STA indicating the in-use state is arranged. Specifically, the state notification image STA shown in the figure indicates that the state is in use by displaying the characters "in use".

Further, in the in-use display, the unsettled settlement processing number image NM is further displayed. The unprocessed settlement processing number image NM is an image showing the number of unsettled settlement processes among the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instructions received so far in the corresponding settlement device 300. In the case of the first settlement device 300-1 in the state 2, immediately after receiving the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C1 from the first registration device 200-1, the state in which the settlement process according to the settlement instruction has not ended Become. Therefore, the uncompleted settlement processing number image NM here indicates that the number of unsettled settlement processing is one by displaying the alphanumeric "1".

Further, at this time, since the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 are in the standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 are In the state 2, the standby display is displayed as in the state 1.

When the first settlement device 300-1 is changed from the standby state to the in-use state as described above, the first settlement device 300-1 thereafter sets the following states. In other words, the first settlement device 300-1 accepts the settlement instruction only from the first registration device 200-1 that has issued the settlement instruction that has transitioned to the in-use state, and then receives the other second registration device 200-2 and the third registration. A state in which the settlement instruction from the device 200-3 is not accepted is set.
In this way, the settlement device 300 accepts only the settlement instruction from the registration device 200 that has issued the settlement instruction that causes the use state in response to the change from the standby state to the use state, and performs the settlement from another registration device. No instructions will be accepted. In this way, the settlement instruction is received exclusively by the settlement device 300 in the in-use state.

Therefore, the first settlement device 300-1 that has transitioned from the standby state to the in-use state as described above is the first settlement device 200-1 with respect to each of the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3. Notification of prohibition of payment instruction to 300-1 (payment instruction prohibition notification) is performed.
The second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 that have received the settlement instruction prohibition notification prohibit the settlement instruction of the first settlement device 300-1. In this way, the setting for prohibiting the settlement instruction to the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is reflected in the settlement instruction key KY1.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second registration device 200-2, the adjustment instruction key KY1 in the state 2 becomes the exclusive display indicating the exclusive state.
The exclusive state here means that the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is exclusively used by a registration apparatus other than the second registration apparatus 200-2, and a settlement instruction from the second registration apparatus 200-2 is prohibited. Indicates a state.
Further, as the exclusive display, as shown as the settlement instruction key KY1 in the state 2 in the figure, the state notification image STA is shown to be in use, and is oblique to the image portion of the settlement instruction key KY1. It is a display in which the strikethrough line LTH of is arranged. Also in the exclusive display, the number of unsettled settlement processes is indicated by the unsettled settlement process number image NM.

By looking at the settlement instruction key KY for which the exclusive display is performed as described above, the store clerk is in a state in which the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY for which the exclusive display is performed is exclusively used by another registration device 200. It turns out that
Therefore, even if an operation is performed on the settlement instruction key KY for which exclusive display has been performed, this operation is invalid. Specifically, when the operation of the settlement instruction key KY for which exclusive display has been performed is mistakenly performed, for example, a dialog box DLG1 shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the salesclerk display unit 205.

The dialog box DLG1 displays a message notifying that the settlement instruction cannot be given because the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY for which the exclusive display has been performed is occupied by another registration device 200. .. Further, in the dialog box DLG1 shown in the figure, a message prompting a settlement instruction to another settlement device 300 is also displayed.

In the state 2 of FIG. 9, the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 remain in the standby state, so that the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are in the state 1 even in the state 2. Similarly, it is a standby display.

Similarly, also in the third registration device 200-3, as shown in state 2 of FIG. 10, the settlement instruction key KY1 is displayed exclusively, and the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are displayed standby.

When the registration of the purchased merchandise corresponding to the customer C1 is completed as described above, the clerk OP1 of the first registration device 200-1 next asks the customer C2 who has been waiting for the turn of registration of the purchased merchandise next to the customer C1. Register the corresponding purchased product.
When the registration corresponding to the purchased product corresponding to the customer C2 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is a busy display as shown as state 2 in FIG. The in-use display of the adjustment instruction key KY1 indicates that the adjustment instruction can be given to the first adjustment device 300-1.
Therefore, the clerk OP1 operates the first settlement device 300-1 as a settlement device which should perform the settlement process corresponding to the customer C2 by operating the settlement instruction key KY1 corresponding to the customer C2 as in the case of the customer C1. select.

Here, as described above, when the operation of selecting the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus which should perform the settlement processing corresponding to the customer C2 is performed, the settlement processing corresponding to the customer C1 is still the first. In the case where the settlement apparatus 300-1 is not finished, the following settlement instruction key KY is displayed.
First, in the first registration device 200-1, the in-use display of the settlement instruction key KY1 is maintained, as shown as state 3 in FIG. Further, with the settlement instruction key KY1 in the state 3 in the figure, the number displayed in the outstanding settlement processing number image NM changes from “1” in the state 2 to “2”. This indicates that, in response to the first settlement device 300-1 accepting the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C2, the number of unsettled settlement instructions is increased by one and the total is “2”.
In the state 3, the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 are still in the standby state, so the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are also in the standby display in the state 3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the state 3, the exclusive display from the state 2 is continued for the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2. However, in the state 3, similarly to the settlement instruction key KY1 in the state 3 of FIG. 8, the number displayed in the unfinished settlement processing number image NM is changed from “1” in the state 2 to “2”.
Further, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second adjustment device 300-2 and the third adjustment device 300-3, respectively, are in standby mode even in the state 3.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state 3, the exclusive display from the state 2 of the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the third registration device 200-3 is continued, and in the uncompleted settlement processing number image NM. The displayed number has changed from “1” in state 2 to “2”.
Further, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second adjustment device 300-2 and the third adjustment device 300-3, respectively, are in standby mode even in the state 3.

As will be understood from the above description, the settlement device 300 according to the present embodiment is configured to accept a new settlement instruction even in the situation where there is an unsettled settlement process. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the next settlement instruction can be issued from the registration device 200 even if the settlement device 300 is not in the standby state in which all settlements have been completed. As a result, for example, the line of customers waiting for registration of purchased merchandise is less likely to be delayed, and the flow of customers during accounting can be smoothed. It should be noted that the term “during checkout” here refers to the period from when a customer is lined up for registration of a purchased product in the registration device 200 until the payment is completed by the payment device 300.

However, if new settlement instructions are accepted indefinitely, there is a possibility that the line of customers waiting for settlement in the settlement apparatus 300 may be delayed.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the maximum value of the number of unsettled settlement processes permitted in one settlement device 300 is set. When the number of unsettled settlement processes in the settlement device 300 reaches the maximum value, subsequent settlement instructions to the settlement device 300 are prohibited.
As a specific example, when the maximum value is “3”, the settlement device 300 can hold up to three unsettled settlement processes. Then, when the number of unsettled settlement processes held by the settlement device 300 has reached three, even if a new settlement instruction is issued from the registration device 200 to the settlement device 300, the settlement instruction is rejected without being accepted. To be done. Thereby, the settlement device 300 does not hold four or more unsettled settlement processes.
The following is a specific operation example of the POS system of the present embodiment when the maximum value of the number of outstanding settlement processes is “3”.

When the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C2 is completed, the clerk OP1 in the first registration device 200-1 corresponds to the customer C3 who has been waiting for the order of registration of the purchased product next to the customer C2. Register purchased products.
When the registration corresponding to the purchased product corresponding to the customer C3 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is the in-use display as shown in state 3 of FIG. Therefore, it is in a state in which the settlement instruction can be given to the first settlement apparatus 300-1.
Therefore, the clerk OP1 operates the settlement instruction key KY1 for the customer C3 as in the case of the customers C1 and C2, and selects the first settlement apparatus 300-1.

Here, as described above, when the operation of selecting the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus which is to perform the settlement processing corresponding to the customer C3 is performed, the customer C1 and the customer C2 are still corresponded respectively. The case where the two settlement processes are not completed in the first settlement device 300-1 will be described as an example. In such a situation, the following settlement instruction key KY is displayed.

In the case where a new settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C3 is issued in a state where the two settlement processes corresponding to the customers C1 and C2 are not completed in the first settlement device 300-1, the first settlement device 300-1 There are three outstanding settlement processes. That is, at this stage, the number of outstanding settlement processes has reached the maximum value in the first settlement device 300-1.
In response to such a state, the settlement instruction key KY1 in the first registration device 200-1 changes from the in-use display to the use-prohibited display as shown as a change from state 3 to state 4 in FIG. And transition.
In the figure, the case where the use prohibition display is in the same mode as the exclusive display is taken as an example. In other words, in the use prohibition display in this case, the state notification image STA indicating the in-use state is arranged and the strikethrough line LTH is arranged with respect to the settlement instruction key KY1. In addition, the number displayed in the outstanding settlement processing number image NM corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY1 of the settlement instruction key KY1 has changed from “2” in state 3 to “3”.

By looking at the settlement instruction key KY1 which has become the use prohibition display as described above, the clerk OP1 determines that the number of unsettled settlement processes in the first registration device 200-1 has reached the maximum value. It can be recognized that the payment instruction to 200-1 cannot be performed (use prohibited state).

Further, even if the settlement instruction key KY1 of the use prohibition display is operated, the settlement instruction according to the operation is not performed and an error occurs. For example, the registration operation screen in the first registration device 200-1 is shown in FIG. The dialog box DLG2 shown is displayed.
In the dialog box DLG2 shown in the figure, for the first settlement device 300-1, if the settlement instruction cannot be newly issued until one settlement process is completed, and if the settlement instruction is issued, the first settlement device 300-1 The guidance for performing the settlement instruction to the settlement devices 300 other than -1 is shown.

In the figure, an example in which the use prohibition display and the exclusive use display are the same is shown, but there is no particular problem because the adjustment instruction to the corresponding adjustment device 300 is prohibited. There is no.
Also, different display modes may be used for the prohibited display and the exclusive display. As an example, it is conceivable that the state notification image STA is made to have different modes depending on the use prohibition display and the exclusive display.

In State 4, since the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 are in the standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are in standby display.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the exclusive display from the state 3 is continued for the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed in the second registration device 200-2 under the state 4. However, in state 4, the number displayed in the outstanding settlement processing number image NM has changed from “2” in state 3 to “3”.
Further, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second adjustment device 300-2 and the third adjustment device 300-3, respectively, are in the standby display even in the state 4.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state 4, the exclusive display from the state 3 of the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the third registration device 200-3 is continued, and in the uncompleted settlement processing number image NM. The displayed number has changed from “2” in state 3 to “3”.
Further, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second adjustment device 300-2 and the third adjustment device 300-3, respectively, are in the standby display even in the state 4.

In FIG. 6, a customer C4, who has been waiting in line next to the customer C3 for registering the purchased product in the first registration device 200-1, moves to the second registration device 200-2 on the way, The situation is shown in which the second registration device 200-2 has the purchased merchandise registered.
Here, an example is given in which the timing at which the registration of the purchased product of the customer C4 in the second registration device 200-2 is completed corresponds to the state 4. That is, in this case, when the registration of the purchased product of the customer C4 in the second registration device 200-2 is completed, the settlement corresponding to each of the precise customers C1, C2, and C3 received by the first settlement device 300-1. None of the settlement processes corresponding to the instruction have been completed.

Under the state 4, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 as shown in FIG. 9 indicates a dedicated state in which the first settlement device 300-1 is occupied by another registration device. ing. Therefore, the second registration device 200-2 cannot issue a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1.
On the other hand, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 under the state 4 are both in the standby state. Therefore, the second registration device 200-2 can issue a settlement instruction to both the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3.
In this case, it is the second settlement apparatus 300-2 that is arranged closer to the second registration apparatus 200-2 among the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3. Therefore, the store clerk OP2 operates the settlement instruction key KY2 to select the second settlement device 300-2 as the settlement device that should perform the settlement process corresponding to the customer C4.

In response to the operation of the settlement instruction key KY2 in the second registration device 200-2, the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C4 is issued to the second settlement device 300-2, and the second settlement device 300-2 Accept payment instructions.
The settlement instruction keys (KY1, KY2, KY3) in the first registration device 200-1, the second registration device 200-2, and the third registration device 200-3) when the second settlement device 300-2 receives the settlement instruction. Is displayed as state 5 in FIGS. 8 to 10.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second registration device 200-2 that has issued the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C4, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 is in the standby state 4 The display changes to the in-use display. At this time, the second settlement apparatus 300-2 is in a state where the settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C4 immediately after reception is in an unfinished state, and therefore the unsettled settlement processing number image NM of the settlement instruction key KY2 in State 5 is Indicates "1".
Further, at this time, the first registration device 200-1 is in the use prohibited state with respect to the second settlement device 300-2, but the exclusive state is maintained. Therefore, the adjustment instruction key KY1 in the state 5 is kept in the exclusive state similarly to the state 4.
Further, since the third payment device 300-3 continues to be in the same standby state as in state 4, the standby display of the settlement instruction key KY3 in state 5 is continued as in state 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in the state 5 of the first registration device 200-1, the use instruction display from the state 4 of the adjustment instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first adjustment device 300-1 is continued. ..
Further, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from the standby display in state 4 to the exclusive display in state 5. By looking at the settlement instruction key KY2 thus changed in the first registration device 200-1, the clerk OP1 can recognize the following. That is, the clerk OP1 is in a state in which the second settlement device 300-2 is occupied by a registration device other than the first registration device 200-1, and the settlement instruction cannot be issued from the first registration device 200-1. I can recognize that.
Further, the adjustment display key KY3 corresponding to the third adjustment device 300-3 continues the standby display as in the state 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, under the state 5 in the third registration device 200-3, the exclusive display from the state 4 of the adjustment instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first adjustment device 300-1 continues. To be done.
Further, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from the standby display in state 4 to the exclusive display in state 5.
Further, the adjustment display key KY3 corresponding to the third adjustment device 300-3 continues the standby display as in the state 4.

Further, for example, in the first settlement device 300-1 in which the number of unsettled settlement processes reaches the maximum value as in state 4 or state 5, the settlement process corresponding to the customer C1 ends, and the number of unsettled settlement processes exceeds the maximum value. When the size becomes smaller, the first settlement device 300-1 transmits a settlement instruction permission notification for permitting the settlement instruction to the first registration device 200-1 that occupies itself.
The first registration device 200-1 that has received the settlement instruction permission notification sets permission for the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1, which has been set to prohibit until now.

The registration device 200 uses the settlement instruction enable/disable flag when setting the permission or prohibition of the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300. For example, when the payment instruction allowance flag is defined as “0” indicating permission and “1” indicating prohibition, the registration device 200 sets the adjustment instruction allowance flag at “0” to indicate the adjustment instruction. By setting the permission and setting it to “1”, the prohibition of the settlement instruction can be set.

In addition, the first registration device 200-1 indicates that the unsettled settlement processing number image NM is “2” in the same manner as in state 3 from the use prohibition display shown in state 4 or state 5 of FIG. 8 for the settlement instruction key KY1. Change to the in-use status.

From here, further, if the settlement process of the customer C2 is completed in the first settlement device 300-1, and there is no new settlement instruction after the customer C3, the first registration device 200-1 becomes the first settlement device. The state in which permission is set for the settlement instruction to 300-1 is maintained. Then, the first registration device 200-1 changes the state of the settlement instruction key KY1 from the state shown in state 3 of FIG. 8 to the in-use display state of the unsettled settlement processing number image NM as “1” as in state 2. change.

Further, when the settlement process of the customer C3 is completed by the first settlement device 300-1 without a new settlement instruction being issued after the customer C3, the unsettled settlement process is performed in the first settlement device 300-1. There is no state. In this way, in response to the state in which there is no outstanding settlement process, the first settlement device 300-1 releases the state in which it is occupied by one registration device.
Then, the first settlement device 300-1 releases the exclusive state that the self is released from the state in which it is occupied by one registration device with respect to each of the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3. Send a notification.

The first registration device 200-1, the second registration device 200-2, and the third registration device 200-3, which have received the exclusive release notification from the first payment device 300-1, are Recognize that it is in the standby state.
Therefore, the first registration device 200-1 maintains the state in which permission is set for the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. Further, the first registration device 200-1 changes the settlement instruction key KY1 from the currently used state to the standby display shown in the state 1 of FIG. 8, for example.
Further, the second registration apparatus 200-2 and the third registration apparatus 200-3 respectively change from the state in which the settlement instruction permission flag corresponding to the settlement instruction to the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is “prohibited” to “permitted”. Change to. Then, each of the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 changes from the previous proprietary display to the standby display.

Here, in a general settlement device, a standby screen having a predetermined content is displayed on the display unit 305 when the settlement process according to one settlement instruction is completed. On the other hand, when the settlement process according to one settlement instruction is completed and there is a remaining settlement process to be performed next, the settlement device 300 according to the present embodiment displays as follows. The display at 305 is performed.
In other words, the settlement apparatus 300 does not display the standby screen in response to the completion of the settlement processing in response to one settlement instruction, but instead of displaying the standby screen, the customer responds to the unsettled settlement processing to be performed next. The settlement screen used for the settlement operation is displayed.
FIG. 12 shows a mode example in which a settlement screen P2 displayed corresponding to an unsettled settlement process that should be performed next is displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement device 300.

By displaying the settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next customer as described above, the customer can perform the settlement operation without waiting for the time to return from the standby screen to the settlement operation screen, for example. As a result, the time required for the customer to settle the transaction with the settlement apparatus 300 is shortened, and the flow of the customer during the transaction is further facilitated.

[Processing procedure example]
Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 for setting the maximum value will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13. The maximum value is the maximum value of the number of unsettled settlement processes permitted in the settlement device 300 as described above.

Step S101: The maximum value of one settlement device 300 is set by operating the registration device 200. The store clerk operates the registration device 200 to specify one settlement device 300 for which the maximum value is to be set, and to input the maximum value to be set in the designated settlement device 300. The maximum value of the settlement devices 300 may be set by operating each settlement device 300.
In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 accepts an operation of designating one settlement device performed as described above and inputting the maximum value.

Step S102: The CPU 201 notifies the settlement apparatus 300 designated by the operation received in the same step S101, of the maximum value input in step S101.

Step S201: In the settlement device 300 designated by the operation in step S101, the CPU 301 receives the notification transmitted from the registration device 200 in step S102.
Step S202: The CPU 301 stores the maximum value notified from the registration device 200 in step S201 in the storage unit 302 or the RAM 303.
Since the maximum value is stored on the payment device 300 side in this way, the maximum value is set in the payment device 300 according to an operation on the registration device 200.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device 200 in response to an operation on the settlement instruction key KY will be described.
Step S301: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 waits for an operation on any one of the settlement instruction keys KY on the registration operation screen displayed on the salesclerk display unit 205.
Step S302: In response to an operation on any one of the adjustment instruction keys KY, the CPU 201 determines that the state of the adjustment device 300 corresponding to the operated adjustment instruction key KY is (1) or (2) below. ) And (3). That is, the CPU 201 determines which of the (1) standby state or in-use state, (2) exclusive state, and (3) use prohibited state.

Step S303: (1) In the case of the standby state or the in-use state, the CPU 201 issues a settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300 corresponding to the operated settlement instruction key KY. That is, the CPU 201 transmits the settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the settlement device 300 corresponding to the operated settlement instruction key KY.

Step S304: (2) If it is in the exclusive state, the CPU 201 displays an error message corresponding to the exclusive state on the salesclerk display unit 205 without issuing a settlement instruction. The error message corresponding to the exclusive state is specifically displayed as the dialog box DLG1 shown in FIG. 11A, for example.
Step S305: (3) When the use prohibition state is set, the CPU 201 displays an error message corresponding to the use prohibition state on the salesclerk display unit 205 without issuing a settlement instruction. The error message corresponding to the use prohibition state is specifically displayed as the dialog box DLG2 shown in FIG. 11B, for example.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, an example of a processing procedure for the permission/prohibition setting of the settlement instruction, which the settlement device 300 executes in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction, will be described.
Step S401: For example, in the initial state immediately after startup, the settlement device 300 has not yet received the settlement instruction, and thus the settlement device 300 is in the standby state.
Therefore, the CPU 301 of the settlement device 300 transmits an exclusive release notification to all the registration devices 200 as one of the initial settings. By transmitting the exclusive-use release notification in this way, each registration device 200 sets permission for the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300, and displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 as a standby display.
Step S402: Further, as one of the initial settings, the CPU 301 substitutes an initial value “0” into a variable m indicating the number of unsettled settlement processes.

Step S403: After the initial setting process in step S401 is performed, the CPU 301 waits until the settlement instruction issued by the registration device 200 is accepted. That is, the CPU 301 waits for reception of the settlement instruction command transmitted from the registration device 200 together with the product registration information.

Step S404: The sender of the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the registration device 200 (proprietary registration device) that can exclusively transmit the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300. In response to the payment instruction being accepted in step S403, the CPU 301 transmits a transmission instruction response to the exclusive registration device.
If the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the first one issued by the exclusive registration apparatus, the settlement apparatus 300 has transitioned from the standby state up to now to the in-use state. In this case, the exclusive registration device changes the corresponding settlement instruction key KY from the standby display to the in-use display in response to the reception of the transmission instruction response.
When the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the second settlement instruction from the proprietary registration apparatus, the proprietary registration apparatus displays the busy state on the corresponding settlement instruction key KY in response to the reception of the transmission instruction response. To maintain. After that, the exclusive registration device displays the number by the value obtained by incrementing the previous value by 1 in the outstanding settlement processing number image NM.

Step S405: In addition, the CPU 301 increments the number of unsettled settlement processes m in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction.
Step S406: The number of unsettled settlement processes m is updated by the increment of the number of unsettled settlement processes m in step S405. Therefore, the CPU 301 notifies each registration device 200 of the number m of unsettled settlement processes after being incremented (updated).

Step S407: Next, the CPU 301 determines which of m=1, 1<m<max, and m≧max with respect to the number of unsettled settlement processes m incremented in step S404. Note that max here is the maximum value stored by the settlement device 300 in step S202 of FIG.

Step S408: When the number of unsettled settlement processes m=1, the CPU 301 transmits a settlement instruction prohibition notification to a registration device other than the exclusive registration device. Upon receiving the settlement instruction prohibition notification, the registration device 200 changes the corresponding settlement instruction key KY from the standby display to the exclusive display. After the processing of step S408, the CPU 301 returns the processing to step S403.

If the number m of unsettled settlement processes is within the range of 1<m<max (maximum value), it means that the second and subsequent settlement instructions have been issued by the proprietary registration device. In this case, in the exclusive registration device, the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300, which executes the processing of FIG. On the other hand, in the registration devices other than the exclusive registration device, the payment instruction to the payment device 300 that executes the processing in FIG.
Therefore, the CPU 301 in this case returns the process to step S403 without performing any particular process.

Step S409: When the number of unsettled settlement processes m is greater than or equal to the maximum value (m≧max), the settlement device 300 receives the settlement instruction of this time in step S403, and thus the number of unsettled settlement processes reaches the maximum value. It is in a state where the above settlement instruction cannot be accepted. Therefore, the CPU 301 in this case transmits a use prohibition notification to the proprietary registration device. In response to the reception of the use prohibition notification, the proprietary registration device sets “prohibit” for the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the process of FIG. 11, and sets the settlement device 300 that executes the process of FIG. Change the corresponding settlement instruction key KY to the use prohibited display.

Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 16, an example of a processing procedure for the permission/prohibition setting of the settlement instruction, which the settlement apparatus 300 executes in response to the end of the settlement processing, will be described.
Step S501: In the settlement device 300, the CPU 301 waits for one settlement process to end.
Step S502: In response to the completion of one settlement process, the CPU 301 decrements the number of unsettled settlement processes m.
Step S503: Since the number m of unsettled settlement processings is decremented in step S503, the number m of unsettled settlement processings is updated. Therefore, the CPU 301 notifies each of the registration devices 200 of the updated uncompleted settlement processing number m.

Step S504: Next, the CPU 301 is any of m=max−1, 1≦m<max−1, and m=0 for the number m of unsettled settlement processes after being decremented (updated) in step S503. To determine if. Note that max here is also the maximum value.

Step S505: If the number of unsettled settlement processes m=max−1, it means that the number of unsettled settlement processes m in the settlement device 300 has become smaller than the maximum value due to the completion of one settlement process.
Therefore, in this case, the CPU 301 transmits a settlement instruction permission notification to the proprietary registration device.
Upon receiving the settlement instruction permission notification, the proprietary registration apparatus updates the settlement instruction permission/prohibition flag for the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the processing in FIG. Further, the exclusive registration device changes the use prohibition display from the use prohibition display to the use-indication for the adjustment instruction key KY corresponding to the adjustment device 300 that executes the processing of FIG.

Step S506: After that, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display the settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next settlement process. The CPU 301 can display the settlement screen P2 based on the corresponding product registration information.
Further, when the number m of unsettled settlement processes is within the range of 1≦m<max−1, the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the process of FIG. Is set. Therefore, also in this case, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display the settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next settlement process in step S506.

Step S507: When the number of unsettled settlement processes m=0, the number of unsettled settlement processes m becomes “0” in the settlement device 300 since one settlement process is completed. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 301 transmits the exclusive release notification to each registration device including the exclusive registration device.
The exclusive use registration apparatus that has received the exclusive use cancellation notification maintains the state where the adjustment instruction allowance flag corresponding to the adjustment apparatus 300 that executes the processing in FIG. After that, the exclusive registration device changes the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the processing of FIG.
Further, the registration devices other than the exclusive registration device that have received the exclusive release notification update the adjustment instruction enable/disable flag corresponding to the adjustment device 300 that executes the processing in FIG. Further, the registration devices other than the exclusive registration device change the adjustment display key KY corresponding to the adjustment device 300 that executes the processing in FIG.

It should be noted that the transmission of the settlement instruction permission notification in step S505 of FIG. 16 is performed in response to the number m of unsettled settlement processes being one smaller than the maximum value. However, for example, the transmission of the settlement instruction permission notification in step S505 may be performed in response to the number m of unsettled settlement processes becoming a predetermined value smaller than 2 from the maximum value. That is, the transmission of the settlement instruction permission notification in step S505 may be performed in response to the fact that the number m of unsettled settlement processes has decreased to a predetermined value below the maximum value.
When the settlement instruction permission notification is transmitted in response to the number m of unsettled settlement processes becoming a predetermined value smaller than 2 from the maximum value, the following advantages are obtained, for example. In other words, in a situation where customers waiting for settlement are crowded, the settlement apparatus 300 that has returned from the use-prohibited state to the use-state has an unnecessary state transition that immediately becomes the use-prohibited state again. Can be reduced.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device 200 for setting whether or not to execute the adjustment instruction to the adjustment device 300 and displaying the adjustment instruction key KY will be described.
Step S601: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction enable/disable flag associated with each settlement device to “permitted” as an initial setting. Specifically, for example, the value of the settlement instruction permission flag is set to "0" indicating "permission" as described above.
Further, as an initial setting, the CPU 201 sets each of the settlement instruction keys KY corresponding to each settlement device to standby display.

Step S602: After the initial setting is performed in step S601, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the settlement instruction response transmitted from the settlement device 300 that has received the settlement instruction performed in step S303 in FIG. 14 is received. To do.

Step S603: When the settlement instruction response is received, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the settlement instruction response received in step S602 is from the settlement apparatus 300 which has been in the standby state until now.

Step S604: When the settlement instruction response is from the settlement apparatus 300 that has been in the standby state until now, the registration apparatus 200 newly transmits the settlement instruction corresponding to the settlement instruction response this time to newly register the settlement apparatus 300 for exclusive use. It becomes a device. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 201 displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction response as being in use. After the process of step S604 ends, the process returns to step S602.
On the other hand, the case where the settlement instruction response from the settlement apparatus 300 that has been in the standby state up to now is not, the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction response is in the in-use state that is already occupied by the registration apparatus 200. In this case, the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction response is already in use.
Therefore, the CPU 201 in this case skips step S604 and returns the process to step S602.

Step S605: When the settlement instruction response is not received in step S602, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the use prohibition notification is further received. The use prohibition notification is transmitted from the settlement device 300 in the state of being exclusively used by the registration device 200 in step S409 of FIG.
Step S606: When the use prohibition notification is received, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction enable/disable flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the use prohibition notice from “permitted” to “prohibited”.
Step S607: In addition, in response to the reception of the use prohibition notification, the CPU 201 displays the use prohibition display on the adjustment instruction key KY corresponding to the adjustment device 300 that is the transmission source of the use prohibition notification. After the processing of step S607, the CPU 201 returns the processing to step S602.

Step S608: When the use prohibition notification is not received in step S605, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not the settlement instruction permission notification is received. The settlement instruction permission notification is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 300 in a state of being exclusively used by the registration apparatus 200 in step S505 of FIG.

Step S609: The settlement device 300, which is exclusively used by the registration device 200, transmits a settlement instruction permission notification when the number of outstanding settlement processes has reached the maximum value and has become smaller than the maximum value. Then, the registration device 200 sets “prohibit” for the settlement instruction permission flag of the proprietary settlement device 300 until the settlement instruction permission notification is received.
Therefore, in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction permission notification, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction enable/disable flag associated with the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction permission notification from “prohibited” to “permitted” until now. To update.
The CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction enable/disable flag in step S609, displays the busy state of the corresponding settlement instruction key KY in step S604, and then returns the process to step S602.

Step S610: When the settlement instruction permission notification is not received in step S608, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not the settlement instruction prohibition notification is received. The checkout instruction prohibition notification is transmitted from the checkout apparatus 300, which has been exclusively used by the other registration apparatus 200, in step S408 of FIG.

Step S611: When the settlement instruction prohibition notification is received in Step S610, the settlement apparatus 300 which is the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notification is in a standby state before being occupied by another registration apparatus 200. Correspondingly, “permission” has been set so far for the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement device 300 that is the sender of the settlement instruction prohibition notification.
Therefore, in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction prohibition notification in step S610, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction enable/disable flag associated with the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notification to “prohibited”.

Step S612: Further, in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction prohibition notice, the CPU 201 displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notice as exclusive display. After ending the processing of step S612, the CPU 201 returns the processing to step S602.

Step S613: When the settlement instruction prohibition notification is not received in step S610, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not the exclusive release notification is received. The exclusive-use cancellation notification is transmitted in step S507 of FIG. 16 in response to the fact that the payment device 300, which has been exclusively used by a certain registration device 200, has transitioned to the standby state due to the fact that the uncompleted payment process has been completed. It

Step S614: In response to the monopoly cancellation notification being received, the CPU 201 updates the allowance instruction permission/prohibition flag associated with the payment adjustment device 300 that is the transmission source of the monopoly cancellation notification to “permitted”.
However, when the registration device 200 that executes the process of FIG. 10 has exclusively occupied the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification, the registration device 200 that executes the process of FIG. “Allow” has already been set in the attached settlement instruction availability flag. Therefore, when the registration device 200 that executes the process of FIG. 10 has exclusively occupied the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification, the process of step S614 may be omitted.
On the other hand, when the registration device 200 other than the registration device 200 that executes the process of FIG. 10 has exclusively occupied the settlement device 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification, the registration device 200 that executes the process of FIG. “Prohibition” is set in the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300. Therefore, in this case, the process of step S614 should be executed.

Step S615: Further, in response to the exclusive release notification being received, the CPU 201 displays the adjustment instruction key KY corresponding to the adjustment device 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification in the standby display. After ending the processing of step S615, the CPU 201 returns the processing to step S602.

Step S616: Further, when the exclusive release notification is not received in step S613, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not the notification of the number of unsettled settlement processes m is received. The number of unsettled settlement processes m is notified from the settlement device 300 in step S406 of FIG. 15 in response to the number of unsettled settlement processes m being updated (incremented) by the settlement device 300 receiving a new settlement instruction. Further, the number of unsettled settlement processes m is notified from the settlement device 300 in step S503 of FIG. 16 in response to the number of unsettled settlement processes m being updated (decremented) with the completion of one settlement process.

Step S617: In response to the notification of the number of unsettled settlement processes m received, the CPU 201 displays the unsettled settlement process number image arranged in the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 of the transmission source of the unsettled settlement processes number m. With respect to NM, it is displayed so that the notified uncompleted settlement processing number m is shown.
As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when the number of unsettled settlement processes m received is 1 or more, the CPU 201 indicates a number indicating the number of unsettled settlement processes m in the unsettled settlement process number image NM. Is displayed. On the other hand, when the received unprocessed settlement processing number m is 0, the CPU 201 hides the unsettled settlement processing number image NM itself.
After ending the processing of step S617, the CPU 201 returns the processing to step S602.
Also, when the uncompleted settlement processing number m is not notified in step S616, the CPU 201 returns the processing to step S602.

[Another Example of Status Notification Image]
As described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the status notification image STA arranged on the settlement instruction key KY indicates that the standby state is indicated by the display of the characters “standby”, The display indicated that it was in use or prohibited.
However, the status notification image STA may notify the status related to the settlement device 300 other than the standby status, the busy status, or the usage prohibited status. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 18, four examples will be described as another example of the status notification of the settlement device 300 by the status notification image STA.

First, with the settlement instruction key KY in FIG. 18A, the state notification image STA indicating the in-use state or the use-inhibited state is highlighted in a color (for example, red) different from that in normal times. An example is given.
The status notification image STA shown in the figure indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in a state in which the settlement process is not completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the settlement process was started, for example, when the accounting ticket is read. Indicates. Such a state occurs, for example, when the customer is confused because he/she does not know the operation for performing the settlement with the settlement apparatus 300.
By looking at the status notification image STA shown in the same figure, the clerk operating the registration device 200 knows that there is a customer who is confused by the operation of the settlement in front of the settlement device 300, and can take an appropriate action. it can.

In the settlement instruction key KY of FIG. 18B, a state in which “CALL” is displayed for the state notification image STA is shown. The state notification image STA in such a mode indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in the state of being in the store clerk calling mode.
While the customer is performing the settlement with the settlement apparatus 300, there may be a case where the operation related to the settlement processing of the settlement apparatus 300 fails for some reason. In such a case, the customer can perform an operation for calling a store clerk (store clerk call operation) on the settlement device 300. In response to the store clerk calling operation, the settlement device 300 enters the store clerk calling mode. In the store clerk calling mode, for example, the store controller 100 and each registration device 200 are notified that the store clerk is called. Further, in the clerk calling mode, acceptance of a new settlement instruction is prohibited. Along with this, a strike-through line LTH is arranged on the settlement instruction key KY, indicating that the settlement instruction cannot be performed.

Receiving the above notification, the registration device 200 receives the notification that the clerk is calling from the adjustment device 300, and then receives the adjustment instruction key KY and the status notification corresponding to the adjustment device 300 that is the sender of the notification. The image STA and the image STA are changed to the mode shown in FIG.
By looking at the status notification image STA shown in the figure, the store clerk operating the registration device 200 knows that the customer who is paying the bill at the corresponding settlement device 300 is calling the store clerk, so that the store clerk can appropriately call You can take action. In addition, the salesclerk who sees the status notification image STA shown in the figure can also know that it is in a state in which the settlement instruction cannot be given to the corresponding settlement apparatus 300.

In the settlement instruction key KY of FIG. 18C, a state in which “maintenance” is displayed for the state notification image STA is shown. The status notification image STA in such a mode indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in the maintenance mode.
The maintenance mode is a mode set when a store clerk or a maintenance worker of the maker of the adjustment device 300 performs maintenance or setting changes of the adjustment device 300. In the maintenance mode, acceptance of the settlement instruction from the registration device 200 is prohibited. Along with this, a strike-through line LTH is arranged on the settlement instruction key KY, indicating that the settlement instruction cannot be performed.

In response to the maintenance mode being set, the settlement device 300 notifies the registration device 200 and the like that it is in the maintenance mode. Upon receiving this notification, the registration device 200 changes the payment instruction key KY and the status notification image STA corresponding to the payment device 300 that is the sender of the notification to the mode shown in FIG.
By seeing the status notification image STA shown in the figure, the clerk operating the registration device 200 knows that the maintenance mode is being set in the corresponding payment device 300 and the payment instruction cannot be issued. You can

FIG. 18D shows a state in which "pause" is displayed in the status notification image STA. The state notification image STA in such a mode indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in the dormant state. For example, when there are few customers, there may be a case where it is not necessary to operate all the settlement devices 300 installed in the store. Therefore, in such a case, in consideration of, for example, a reduction in power consumption, some of the settlement devices 300 are operated, and the remaining settlement devices 300 are put into a dormant state.
The dormant settlement device 300 cannot accept a settlement instruction. Therefore, in the settlement instruction key KY in this case, the strike-through line LTH is arranged to indicate that the settlement instruction cannot be performed.

When making a transition from the operating state to the dormant state, the settlement device 300 notifies the registration device 200 that it is in the dormant state, for example. Upon receiving this notification, the registration device 200 recognizes that the settlement device 300 has entered the dormant state. Alternatively, instead of receiving the notification, for example, the registration device 200 may periodically make an inquiry to each registration device 200 and recognize the settlement device 300 that does not receive a response as being in the dormant state.
The registration device 200, which has recognized the dormant settlement device 300, changes the settlement instruction key KY and the state notification image STA corresponding to the dormant settlement device 300 to the mode shown in FIG.
By looking at the status notification image STA shown in the figure, the clerk operating the registration device 200 can know that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in the dormant state and is in a state where the settlement instruction cannot be issued.

The display mode of the settlement instruction key KY and the display modes of the state notification image STA and the unfinished settlement processing number image NM added to the settlement instruction key KY are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10.
For example, with respect to the unsettled settlement processing number image NM, the unsettled settlement processing number may be expressed by a meter display or the number of objects symbolizing the unsettled settlement processing.

In the above description, the management of the number of unsettled settlement processes m and the notification of the status setting such as the settlement instruction prohibition, the use prohibition, the settlement instruction permission, and the release of the exclusive use based on the unsettled settlement process number m are the settlement device. 300 is supposed to do.
However, for example, the registration device 200 may be configured to manage the number of unsettled settlement processes m for each settlement device 300 and set the state of the settlement device 300 based on the number of unsettled settlement processes m.
With such a configuration, for example, the registration device 200 receives, from each settlement device 300, a notice that the settlement instruction has been received and a settlement process end notice, and based on the received notification, the number of unsettled settlement processes. It can be realized by managing m.
Further, the management of the number m of unsettled settlement processes by the registration device 200 and the setting of the state of the settlement device 300 may be performed by one registration device 200 serving as a master. In this case, the registration devices 200 other than the master may be configured to operate by receiving notification from the master registration device 200 regarding the number m of unsettled settlement processes and the setting of the state for each settlement device 300.

In the above description, a configuration is described as an example in which the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 directly communicate with each other to execute the process related to the limitation of the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300. There is.
However, for example, the store controller 100 may be interposed between the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300, and then the control regarding the prohibition permission of the settlement instruction may be performed. In this case, the store controller 100 can manage the number m of unsettled settlement processes in each settlement device 300 according to the settlement instruction command transmitted by the registration device 200 and the notification of the settlement process end from the settlement device 300. .. Then, the store controller 100 determines whether or not to accept the settlement instruction in each settlement device 300 by managing the number of unsettled settlement processes m, and based on the determination result, prohibits the settlement instruction to each registration device 200. Notifications, use prohibition notifications, settlement instruction permission notifications, exclusive release notifications, etc. can be issued.

It should be noted that a program for realizing the functions of the store controller 100, the registration device 200, the settlement device 300, and the like described above is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in this recording medium is read by a computer system. Alternatively, the processes of the store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the settlement device 300 described above may be performed. Here, “reading and executing a program recorded in a recording medium on a computer system” includes installing the program in the computer system. The “computer system” mentioned here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Further, the “computer system” may include a plurality of computer devices connected via the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a network including a communication line such as a dedicated line. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. As described above, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside accessible from the distribution server to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. That is, the format stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of programs and downloaded at different timings, and then combined by the terminal device, or the distribution server that distributes each of the divided programs may be different. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. It also includes things. Further, the program may be a program for realizing some of the functions described above. Further, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

100 store controller, 200 registration device, 201 CPU, 202 storage unit, 203 RAM, 204 scanner unit, 205 clerk display unit, 206 customer display unit, 207 operation unit, 208 communication unit, 209 buzzer, 210 printing unit, 300 Payment device, 301 CPU, 302 storage unit, 303 RAM, 304 scanner unit, 305 display unit, 306 operation unit, 307 communication unit, 308 buzzer, 309 printing unit, 310 currency exchange unit, 311 sign pole unit

Claims (6)

A registration device for registering a product according to an operation of a store clerk, and one or more payment devices for performing a payment process of a product registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device according to a customer's operation. A POS system having
Under the condition that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device, a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device is accepted, and in use in response to receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. In response to the change to the state, a settlement instruction that receives the settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state and does not accept the settlement instruction from another registration device is set up. Instruction receiving means,
Depending on the store personnel corresponding state der Rukoto clerk is compatible for the settlement apparatus, the registration device from the settlement apparatus, a notification unit for notifying that the shop personnel corresponding state,
Depending on the notification by the notification unit, POS system comprising in said registration device, and a display control unit to allow the display to notify that the settlement apparatus is a store-membered corresponding state is performed. A registration device for registering a product in response to a store clerk's operation, and one or more payment devices for performing a payment process for a product registered by the registration device in response to a payment instruction from the registration device according to a customer's operation. In response to the acceptance of a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device under the state that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device, and the receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. In response to the change to the in-use state, the exclusive state is set in which the adjustment instruction from the registration device that has issued the adjustment instruction that caused the in-use state is accepted and the adjustment instruction from another registration device is not accepted. A POS system having a settlement instruction receiving unit to be set, and a settlement device including a notifying unit for notifying the registration device that the store clerk is in a state corresponding to the store clerk A registration device in
In response to the notification of the settlement apparatus went in response to a prior Kiten membered corresponding state register comprising a display control means for such display is performed for the settlement apparatus is informed that the shop membered corresponding state apparatus. A registration device for registering a product according to an operation of a store clerk, and one or more payment devices for performing a payment process of a product registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device according to a customer's operation. A payment device in a POS system having:
Under the condition that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device, a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device is accepted, and in use in response to receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. In response to the change to the state, a settlement instruction that receives the settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state and does not accept the settlement instruction from another registration device is set up. Instruction receiving means,
Depending on the store personnel corresponding state der Rukoto clerk is compatible for the settlement apparatus, the registration device, the notification means for performing notification for causing display indicating that a store membered corresponding state,
A payment device equipped with. A registration device for registering a product according to an operation of a store clerk, and one or more payment devices for performing a payment process of a product registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device according to a customer's operation. In a POS system including: a program causing a first computer to function as the registration device and a second computer to function as the settlement device,
The second computer,
Under the condition that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device, a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device is accepted, and in use in response to receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. In response to the change to the state, a settlement instruction that receives the settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state and does not accept the settlement instruction from another registration device is set up. Instruction receiving means,
Depending on the store personnel corresponding state der Rukoto clerk is compatible for the settlement apparatus, the registration device, functions as a notification means for performing notification for causing display indicating that a store-membered corresponding state then,
The first computer,
In response to said notification by the notification unit, wherein the registration device, a program to function as a display control unit to allow the display to notify that the settlement apparatus is a store-membered corresponding state is performed. A registration device for registering a product in response to a store clerk's operation, and one or more payment devices for performing a payment process for a product registered by the registration device in response to a payment instruction from the registration device according to a customer's operation. In response to the acceptance of a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device under the state that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device, and the receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. In response to the change to the in-use state, the exclusive state is set in which the adjustment instruction from the registration device that has issued the adjustment instruction that caused the in-use state is accepted and the adjustment instruction from another registration device is not accepted. A POS system having a settlement instruction receiving unit to be set, and a settlement device including a notifying unit for notifying the registration device that the store clerk is in a state corresponding to the store clerk A computer as a registration device in
In response to the notification of the settlement apparatus went in response to a prior Kiten membered corresponding state, the settlement apparatus is to function as a display control unit to make the display indicating that a store staff corresponding state is performed Program for. A registration device for registering a product according to an operation of a store clerk, and one or more payment devices for performing a payment process of a product registered by the registration device according to a payment instruction from the registration device according to a customer's operation. A computer as a settlement device in a POS system having
Under the condition that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement device, a settlement instruction newly designated by the settlement device is accepted, and in use in response to receipt of the settlement instruction in the standby state. In response to the change to the state, a settlement instruction that receives the settlement instruction from the registration device that has issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state and does not accept the settlement instruction from another registration device is set up. Instruction receiving means,
Depending on the store personnel corresponding state der Rukoto clerk is compatible for the settlement apparatus, the registration device, as a notification hand stage of notifying for causing display indicating that a store-membered corresponding state A program to make it work.

Images