JP6780074B2 - Checkout system, product registration device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relates to a checkout system, commodity registration apparatus and a control program.

Semi-self-type checkout systems are already known. In this type of checkout system, purchase registration and payment processing in a supermarket or the like are performed by different product registration devices and payment devices. Normally, the operation of the product registration device is performed by the employee, and the operation of the payment device is performed by the shopper.

In such a system, the payment information for payment processing is transferred from the product registration device to the payment device in the vacant state. If the same payment device has a plurality of payment information, there is a risk of confusion among shoppers who try to make a payment. Therefore, the payment device that has received one payment information does not receive new payment information until the payment based on the payment information is completed.

By the way, a shopper may wish to settle a plurality of products brought to the checkout corner for purchase by dividing them into a plurality of accounts. Such an accounting form will be referred to as "split accounting" in the present specification.

When performing split accounting, the product registration device generates settlement information for each of a plurality of accounts. These plurality of payment information will be transferred to different payment devices, and the shopper must operate the plurality of payment devices to make a payment.

If you wait for the settlement of one accounting to be completed and transfer the settlement information of another accounting to the settlement device used for the settlement, the shopper can use one accounting device for multiple accounting. It becomes possible to make a payment. However, in this case, there is a possibility that the processing efficiency of the product registration device may be lowered due to the waiting time for transferring the payment information in the product registration device.

Under these circumstances, it is hoped that payments based on multiple payment information related to split accounting can be performed on the same payment device without increasing the waiting time for transferring payment information on the product registration device. It was rare.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-344123

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a checkout in which payment based on a plurality of payment information related to split accounting can be performed in the same payment device without increasing the waiting time for transferring the payment information in the product registration device. system, is to provide a product registration apparatus and a control program.

The checkout system of the embodiment includes a product registration device and a payment device . The product registration device includes a creation means, a first display means, a determination means, a setting means, a generation means, and a notification means. The payment device includes a payment means and an issuing means. The creation means acquires the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased products. The first display means displays a first screen for specifying the number of lists to be transferred. The determining means determines the number of lists to be transferred, as specified on the first screen, prior to the start of creating the list by the creating means. Setting means for setting whether to perform in any of the bulk and divide the settlement for each of the above list Symbol number of. Generating unit, when it carried out by dividing by setting means is set, a list of the number created by the creation means, a plurality of representing payment amount of individually for each of the list of numbers of the When payment information including payment amount information is generated and it is set to be performed collectively by the setting means, payment for each of the above number list created by the creation means and the above number list. A payment information including a plurality of payment amount information and one payment amount information different from a plurality of payment amount information representing the total amount is generated. The notification means notifies the payment device of the payment information generated by the generation means. When the settlement information notified by the notification means includes one settlement amount information representing the total, the settlement means performs a settlement process for settlement of the amount represented by the settlement amount information, and uses the settlement information as the settlement information. When a plurality of payment amount information is included, a payment process is performed to settle the payment amount represented by each of the plurality of payment amount information. When the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, the issuing means individually issues a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists.

The perspective view of the checkout system which concerns on one Embodiment. The block diagram of the product registration device and the payment device in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The figure which shows the standby screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the notification screen as an example. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the payment apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the payment apparatus in FIG.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment.

The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12. The number of the checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12 is also arbitrary.

The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The product registration device 11 is operated by an employee 21 of the store, who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the above-mentioned store. However, some operations of the product registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22. In addition, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

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

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

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

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

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

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. , Card reader / writer 11i, communication unit 11j and transmission system 11k.

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

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

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. Further, the ROM 11b may store data to be referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a to perform various processes or data generated by the processes in the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or the like can be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for the control process described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and may be recorded on a removable recording medium or the control program may be transferred via a network. In this case, for example, the control program is written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11 in response to an operation by the user. As the removable storage medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for accommodating money.

The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

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

The card reader / writer 11i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the above card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and point cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 11i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 11j communicates via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

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

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

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

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

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

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 12c stores data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 12a for performing various processes.

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

The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described for the control process described later. The transfer of the payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the payment device 12 may be transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and may be recorded on a removable recording medium or the control program may be transferred via the network. In this case, for example, the control program is written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the payment device 12 in response to an operation by the user. As the removable recording medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used.

The automatic change machine 12e collects the inserted coins and banknotes. Further, the automatic change machine 12e discharges coins and banknotes as change.

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

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

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

The card reader / writer 12i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the above card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and point cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 12i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 12j communicates via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

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

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as described above will be described. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

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

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

In Act1, the CPU 11a initially sets various parameters. That is, the CPU 11a resets both the division flag and the batch flag. Further, the CPU 11a sets "1" in the variable m and the variable n, respectively. The split flag indicates that the split accounting is set when the set state is set. The batch flag indicates that the batch settlement is set when the set state is set. The division flag and the batch flag are both realized as 1-bit data in the RAM 11c, for example. The variable m is used to count the number of accounting information created, which will be described later. The variable n represents the number of batches of accounting information to be transferred.

In Act2, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information about products for which purchase registration has been completed.

In Act3, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a standby screen.

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

The standby screen SC1 represents texts T1, T2 and buttons B21, B22, B23.

The text T1 represents a text message to the effect that the employee 21 should start the operation for registering the purchased product. The text T2 gives a text message to the effect that the employee 21 should touch any of the buttons B21 to B23 prior to starting the operation for registering the purchased product when performing the split accounting. Represent.

Buttons B21 to B23 are touched by the employee 21 in order to specify 2 to 4 as the number of divisions in the division accounting.

In Act4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the number of divisions is specified. Then, the CPU 11a determines No if none of the buttons B21 to B23 is touched, and proceeds to Act5.

In Act5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act4.

Thus, in Act4 and Act5, the CPU 11a waits for the number of divisions to be specified or the product code to be acquired. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

When the shopper requests split accounting, the employee 21 determines the number of splits and touches the buttons B21 to B23 corresponding to the number of splits. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4 because such an operation is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act6.

In Act6, the CPU 11a sets the division flag.

In Act7, the CPU 11a sets the specified number of divisions as the value of the variable n. That is, the CPU 11a sets "2" as the value of the variable n when the button B21 is touched, "3" when the button B22 is touched, and "4" when the button B23 is touched. set.

A customer surface touch panel with the display surface facing the shopper 22 may be separately provided, and the screen of the customer surface touch panel may be a screen representing the buttons B21, B22, and B23. In this case, the CPU 11a sets the specified number of divisions as the value of the variable n according to the operation of the customer surface touch panel by the shopper 22.

In Act8, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first selection screen.

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

The first selection screen SC2 represents the text T11 and the buttons B31 and B32.

The text T11 represents a text message prompting the employee 21 to specify a payment method.

The button B31 is touched by the employee 21 when the shopper 22 wishes to individually settle the accounts to be divided. The button B32 is touched by the employee 21 when the shopper 22 wishes to collectively settle the accounts to be divided.

After confirming the wishes of the shopper 22, the employee 21 touches one of the buttons B31 and B32. A customer touch panel with the display surface facing the shopper 22 may be separately provided, and the screen of the customer touch panel may be a screen representing the buttons B31 and B32. In this case, the shopper 22 touches any of the buttons B31 and B32.

In Act9, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the batch settlement is specified. Specifically, the CPU 11a waits for the touch panel 11g to detect that any of the buttons B31 and B32 has been touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes because the button B32 is touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act10.

In Act10, the CPU 11a sets the batch flag. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act12 after this.

If the CPU 11a determines No in Act9 because the button B31 is touched, the CPU 11a passes Act10 and proceeds to Act12. That is, the batch flag remains in the reset state.

By executing the control process based on the control program in this way, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a setting means.

By the way, the CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by a well-known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Then, if the process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is in the standby state of Act 4 and Act 5 and the product code is acquired and the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 5, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 11.

In Act 11, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act12 after this. Thus, when the operation for purchase registration is performed without specifying the number of divisions, the variable n remains 1 and the division flag remains in the reset state.

Thus, the CPU 11a sets the number corresponding to the touched button if any of the buttons B21 to B23 is touched, and "1" if none of the buttons B21 to B23 is touched. Is determined as the number to be transferred in a batch. As will be described later, the accounting information includes a list of purchased products. That is, the CPU 11a determines the number of batch transfers of the list. By executing the control process based on the control program in this way, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a determination means.

In Act 12, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen shows the contents of the registered product table and the like, and causes the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC3 as an example.

The registration screen SC3 includes areas R1 and R2.

The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, and unit price of the most recently registered product, and the total quantity and total price of the purchased products after the product is registered. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts related to products for which purchase registration has been made prior to the products shown on the registration screen SC3.

The registration screen SC3 shows a state in which various information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made is displayed. However, if the CPU 11a progresses from Act9 or Act10 to Act12, the registered merchandise table does not include information about the purchased merchandise. For this reason, the registration screen does not represent various information about the product, but only the predetermined basic form. Further, when the CPU 11a progresses from Act 11 to Act 12, the registered product table contains only information about one product. Therefore, the registration screen represents information about the product in the area R1, but does not display information about the product in the area R2.

Further, the CPU 11a displays a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and various function buttons such as an actual total button in addition to the area designated as the registration screen in the screen of the touch panel 11g. Is omitted.

In Act 13, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the current total button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g is touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the current total button has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act14.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act 13.

Thus, in Act13 and Act14, the CPU 11a waits for the current total button to be touched or the product code to be acquired. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 14 because the product code has been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 15.

In Act15, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act 13 and Act 14 after this. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a creating means.

If the touch panel 11g detects that the current total button has been touched and the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 13, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 16 in FIG.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the division flag is set. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes because the division flag is set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act17.

In Act 17, the CPU 11a generates accounting information for settlement regarding the registered product as the m-th accounting information based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The accounting information includes a list of registered products and payment amount information representing the payment amount for the purchased products shown in the list. The CPU 11a stores the accounting information in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

In Act 18, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the value of the variable m matches the value of the variable n. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the two variables do not match, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 19.

In Act 19, CPU 11a increments the value of the variable m by one.

In Act 20, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table.

After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act12 in FIG. 3 and repeats the processing after Act12. As a result, a plurality of accounting information is generated.

After Act17 is performed n times, the value of the variable m matches the value of the variable n. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act18 because the value of the variable m matches the value of the variable n in this way, the process proceeds to Act21.

In Act21, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the batch flag is set. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes because the batch flag is set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act22.

In Act22, the CPU 11a calculates the total settlement amount. Specifically, at this point in time, n accounting information generated by the CPU 11a performing Act17 n times is stored in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. Therefore, the CPU 11a calculates the total settlement amount as the sum of the settlement amounts represented by the settlement amount information included in each of these n accounting information. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act23 after this.

If the CPU 11a determines No in Act 21 because the batch flag is not set, the CPU 11a passes Act 22 and proceeds to Act 23.

In Act23, the CPU 11a generates payment information. Specifically, when the total settlement amount is calculated by Act22, the CPU 11a generates settlement information as information including the total settlement amount together with n accounting information. If the CPU 11a passes Act22, the CPU 11a generates payment information as information including n accounting information and not including the total payment amount. After this, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act25.

Now, if the CPU 11a determines No in Act 16 because the division flag is not set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 24.

In Act24, the CPU 11a generates accounting information for settlement regarding the registered product based on the contents of the registered product table at this time, and generates payment information including this accounting information.

By executing the control process based on the control program in this way, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a generation means.

In Act25, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the second selection screen.

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

The second selection screen SC4 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7.

The CPU 11a represents the total number and the total amount of money included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. Note that the payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information during the execution of the payment process, and the CPU 11a indicates "transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. That is, when a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is the second selection screen SC4, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment process. The buttons B3 to B6 have different display forms depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information, or the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information. If not, it may be hidden.

Buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the payment information. Buttons B3 to B6 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The button B7 is for the employee 21 to specify to return to the state where a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g is the registration screen.

In Act 26, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is specified. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, the CPU 11a repeats Act26. Thus, in Act26, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information to be designated.

When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of the Act 26, if the payment device 12 is designated by, for example, any of the buttons B3 to B6 of the second selection screen SC4 being touched by the employee 21, the CPU 11a presses the Act 26. It is determined as Yes, and the process proceeds to Act27. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 26 even if the button B3 to B6 associated with the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information. Note that the CPU 11a does not listen to the designation of the payment device 12 in the standby state of Act 26 if all of the payment devices 12 are in the stopped state or the operation state in which the transfer of payment information is not accepted. It will be.

In Act 27, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the designated payment device 12. The payment information to be transferred here is the payment information generated by Act24 when the division flag is not set, and the payment information generated by Act23 when the division flag is set. Is. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the payment information is notified to the payment device 12. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a notification means.

In Act 28, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen. After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

The notification screen is a screen for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the payment information has been transferred to the payment device 12 for the semi-self payment. The semi-self settlement is a settlement form in which the settlement device 12 executes the settlement process in response to the operation by the shopper 22.
The notification screen may have the same content regardless of the state of the division flag, or may have different content depending on the state of the division flag.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC5 as an example.

The notification screen SC5 includes display areas AR11, AR12 and button B11.

The display area AR 11 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. The display area AR 12 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information for two cases for split accounting has been transferred. That is, the notification screen SC5 has different contents depending on the state of the division flag, and is when the division flag is set.

The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC5.

Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 in response to the touch of the button B11, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, when the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control process according to the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

10 and 11 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 12a.

In Act31, the CPU 12a uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen indicates that the user is not in a situation where payment processing is performed, and what kind of information may be displayed may be arbitrary. For example, the standby screen shall be a basic screen that displays an image representing a text message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, and a screen saver that displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like. It is assumed.

In Act 32, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment information has been received. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a repeats Act32. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the payment information to be received in Act32.

As described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 which is the destination of the payment information sent from the communication unit 11j of the product registration device 11 to the LAN 13 receives the payment information and receives the payment information in the RAM 12c or It is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. If the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 32 because the payment information is received in this way, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 33.

In Act33, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the received payment information includes a plurality of accounting information. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the settlement information includes only one accounting information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 34.

In Act34, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.
The settlement screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a settlement based on one accounting information included in the received settlement information. The settlement screen represents, for example, at least the settlement amount shown in the accounting information. The payment screen may also include a total quantity and a list of purchased products. Further, if payment by a plurality of payment methods is allowed, the payment screen includes a button for the shopper 22 to select the payment method.

In Act35, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the corresponding operation has not been performed, the CPU 12a repeats Act 35. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the operation for settlement to be performed in Act35.

By the way, when the employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 touches any of the buttons B3 to B6 of the second selection screen SC4 and transfers the payment information to any of the payment devices 12, the transfer destination The shopper 22 is notified that the payment device 12 should be used for payment. This notification may be made orally by the employee 21, or may be given by the employee 21 handing a vote indicating the number of the payment device 12 of the forwarding destination to the shopper 22. In the latter case, the CPU 11a may control the printer 11h after any of Act26 to Act28, print the number of the designated payment device 12 or the like on the receipt paper, and issue the above-mentioned vote. Upon receiving the above notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment on the above-mentioned payment screen. Then, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act36 if the operation for settlement is performed in this way and the touch panel 12g detects the operation and determines Yes in Act35.

In Act36, the CPU 12a executes a payment process. The settlement process here is a process for settling the settlement amount shown in the accounting information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in response to the operation by the shopper 22. For the settlement process here, for example, the process performed by an existing self-POS terminal or the like can be applied as it is. Thus, when the CPU 12a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as the central portion functions as a payment means.

In Act37, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt showing the information shown in the accounting information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the above payment processing. Then, the CPU 12a returns to Act31 after this, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 33 because the settlement information includes a plurality of accounting information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 38 in FIG.

In Act38, the CPU 12a sets "1" as the value of the variable k.

In Act39, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment information includes the total payment amount. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the total settlement amount is not included, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act40.

In Act 40, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for settling the settlement amount indicated in the k-th accounting information.

In Act 41, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt showing the information shown in the k-th accounting information and the result of the above settlement processing.

In Act 42, the CPU 12a increments the value of the variable k by one.

In Act43, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the k-th accounting information exists in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, if the CPU 12a determines Yes because the k-th accounting information exists, the CPU 12a returns to Act40 and performs Act40 and Act41 for the accounting information. After the CPU 12a finishes executing Act 40 and Act 41 for all the accounting information included in the settlement information, the CPU 12a determines No in Act 43. Then, in this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to the state of waiting for new payment information to be received.

In this way, when the individual settlement is selected by the shopper 22 in the product registration device 11, the CPU 12a sequentially performs the settlement processing based on each of the plurality of accounting information, and issues a receipt each time.

If the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 39 because the payment information includes the total payment amount, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 44.

In Act44, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for settling the total settlement amount.

In Act 45, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the k-th accounting information.

In Act46, the CPU 12a increments the value of the variable k by one.

In Act 47, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the k-th accounting information exists in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, if the CPU 12a determines Yes because the k-th accounting information exists, the CPU 12a returns to Act45 and performs Act45 on the accounting information. After the CPU 12a finishes executing Act 45 for all of the plurality of accounting information included in the settlement information, the CPU 12a determines No in Act 47. Then, in this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to the state of waiting for new payment information to be received.

Thus, when payment information including a plurality of accounting information is received, a plurality of receipts corresponding to each of the plurality of accounting information are received in both the processing loops of Act40 to Act43 and the processing loops of Act45 to Act47. Will be issued. Therefore, when the CPU 12a executes the above control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as a central portion functions as an issuing means.

As described above, the product registration device 11 determines the number of batches to be transferred prior to the start of purchase registration, and transfers the payment information including the list of the number to one of the payment devices 12. When the payment information is transferred, the payment device 12 individually issues a receipt based on each of the lists included in the payment information.

Thus, according to the checkout system 10, the shopper 22 can use the split accounting and does not need to operate the plurality of payment devices 12 for the settlement of each of the plurality of accounts.

Further, according to the checkout system 10, when performing split accounting, the product registration device 11 calculates the total amount of purchased products for each of the plurality of accounts, and the calculated total amount is included in the settlement information for settlement. Transfer to device 12. Therefore, the payment device 12 does not need to have a function for calculating the total amount of the purchased products.

Further, according to the checkout system 10, the shopper 22 can arbitrarily use the split settlement and the lump sum settlement even when the split accounting is performed. Then, regardless of whether the payment is divided or the payment is made in a lump sum, a plurality of receipts corresponding to each of the plurality of payment information are issued. Therefore, the shopper 22 can obtain a receipt recording the result of the split settlement regardless of whether the split settlement or the batch settlement is used.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

Instead of the standby screen SC1, a standby screen may be used to specify that the split accounting is to be performed when the split accounting is performed. Then, in this case, the CPU 11a sets "2" as the value of the variable n when it is specified to perform the split accounting.

Instead of the standby screen SC1, a standby screen for designating that split accounting is not performed may be used. Then, in this case, the CPU 11a sets "1" as the value of the variable n when it is specified that the split accounting is not performed.

Instead of the standby screen SC1, a standby screen in which the button B23 is omitted or a standby screen in which an integer of "5" or more is associated with each other and another button is added may be used. Alternatively, instead of the standby screen SC1, a standby screen including a numeric keypad may be used. Then, in this case, the CPU 11a sets the numerical value input by the numeric keypad as the number of divisions in the variable n.

The accounting information does not include the total amount of purchased products, and the total amount may be calculated by the settlement device 12.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the original claims of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-021977, which are the basic applications of the present application, are added below.
[Appendix 1] A checkout system that includes at least one product registration device and at least one payment device.
The product registration device is
A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product,
A determination means for determining the number of batch transfers of the list prior to the initiation of creation of the list by the creation means.
A generation means for generating payment information including the number of the list in response to the number of the list determined by the determination means being created by the creation means.
A notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
Equipped with
The payment device
A payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means, and
A checkout system including, when the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, an issuing means for individually issuing a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists. ..
[Appendix 2] The product registration device is
When the number is 2 or more, a setting means for setting whether to perform settlement for each of the lists of the number in a lump sum or in a split manner according to an instruction by the operator is further provided.
When the generation means is set to be collectively performed by the setting means, the payment information includes payment amount information representing the total payment amount for each of the numbers in the list, and the setting means includes the payment amount information. When it is set to be divided, the payment information includes the payment amount information individually representing the payment amount for each of the above numbers in the list.
When the payment information includes one payment amount information, the payment means performs a payment process for settling the payment amount represented by the payment amount information, and the payment information includes a plurality of payment amount information. If this is the case, the checkout system according to Appendix 1, wherein each of the payment processes for settling the payment amount represented by the plurality of payment amount information is performed.
[Appendix 3] A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with at least one payment device.
A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product,
A determination means for determining the number of batch transfers of the list prior to the initiation of creation of the list by the creation means.
A generation means for generating payment information including the number of the list in response to the number of the list determined by the determination means being created by the creation means.
A notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
A product registration device characterized by being equipped with.
[Appendix 4] A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product, and
A determination means for determining the number of batch transfers of the list prior to the initiation of creation of the list by the creation means.
A generation means for generating payment information including the number of the list in response to the number of the list determined by the determination means being created by the creation means.
A notification means for notifying at least one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
A payment device included in the checkout system as one of the at least one payment device together with at least one product registration device comprising the above.
A payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means, and
A payment device comprising:, when the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, an issuing means for individually issuing a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists.
[Appendix 5] A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with at least one payment device.
A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product,
A determination means for determining the number of batch transfers of the list prior to the initiation of creation of the list by the creation means.
A generation means for generating payment information including the number of the list in response to the number of the list determined by the determination means being created by the creation means.
A notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
A control program to make it work.
[Appendix 6] A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product, and
A determination means for determining the number of batch transfers of the list prior to the initiation of creation of the list by the creation means.
A generation means for generating payment information including the number of the list in response to the number of the list determined by the determination means being created by the creation means.
A notification means for notifying at least one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
A computer that controls a payment device that constitutes a checkout system together with at least one product registration device equipped with
A payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means, and
When the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, a control program for functioning as an issuing means for individually issuing receipts based on each of the plurality of lists.

10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Product registration device, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... Communication unit, 11k ... Transmission system, 12 ... Payment device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 12f ... Scanner, 12g ... Touch panel , 12h ... Printer, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 12j ... Communication unit, 12k ... Transmission system.

Claims (8)

A checkout system that includes a product registration device and a payment device .
The product registration device is
A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product,
A first display means for displaying a first screen for specifying the number of the lists to be transferred, and
A determination means for determining the number of the lists to be transferred according to the specification on the first screen prior to the start of the creation of the list by the creation means.
When the number determined by the determination means is 2 or more, the setting means for setting whether the settlement for each of the lists of the numbers is performed in a lump sum or in a split manner, and
If it performed within the partition has been set by the previous SL setting means, and the list of the number created by the creation means, a plurality of settlement amount representing individual payment amount for each of said list of said number When payment information including information is generated and it is set to be performed collectively by the setting means, the payment for each of the number of the list created by the creation means and the number of the list is settled. A generation means for generating payment information including one payment amount information different from the plurality of payment amount information representing the total amount, and
A notification means for notifying the payment device of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
Equipped with
The payment device
When the payment information notified by the notification means includes one payment amount information representing the total, a payment process is performed to settle the amount represented by the payment amount information, and the payment information includes a plurality of payment information. When the settlement amount information of the above is included, the settlement means for performing the settlement processing for settlement of the settlement amount represented by each of these plurality of settlement amount information, and the settlement means.
If it contains a plurality of said list to the payment information notified by said notifying means includes an issuing means for issuing a receipt based on each of the plurality of the individually listed,
Equipped with
Checkout system. A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device .
A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product,
A first display means for displaying a first screen for specifying the number of the lists to be transferred, and
A determination means for determining the number of the lists to be transferred according to the specification on the first screen prior to the start of the creation of the list by the creation means.
When the number determined by the determination means is 2 or more, the setting means for setting whether the settlement for each of the lists of the numbers is performed in a lump sum or in a split manner, and
If it performed within the partition has been set by the previous SL setting means, and the list of the number created by the creation means, a plurality of settlement amount representing individual payment amount for each of said list of said number When payment information including information is generated and it is set to be performed collectively by the setting means, the payment for each of the number of the list created by the creation means and the number of the list is settled. A generation means for generating payment information including one payment amount information different from the plurality of payment amount information representing the total amount, and
A notification means for notifying the payment device of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
Product registration device equipped with. The first display means causes the first display device to display the first screen.
The determination means determines the number of the list to be transferred according to the designation on the first screen displayed on the first display device.
The product registration device according to claim 2. The first display means causes the second display device with the display surface facing the shopper to display the first screen.
The determination means determines the number of the list to be transferred according to the designation on the first screen displayed on the second display device.
The product registration device according to claim 2. When the number determined by the determination means is two or more, a second display for displaying a second screen for designating whether to perform settlement for each of the lists of the number in a lump sum or in a split manner. With more means,
The setting means sets whether to make a payment for each of the above-mentioned numbers in a lump sum or in a split manner according to the designation on the second screen.
The product registration device according to claim 2. The second display means causes the first display device to display the second screen.
The setting means sets whether to perform payment in a lump sum or in a split manner according to the designation on the second screen displayed on the first display device.
The product registration device according to claim 5. The second display means causes the second display device with the display surface facing the shopper to display the second screen.
The setting means sets whether to perform settlement in a lump sum or in a split manner according to the designation on the second screen displayed on the second display device.
The product registration device according to claim 5. A computer that controls the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the payment device
A means of creating a list of purchased products by acquiring the product code of the purchased product,
A first display means for displaying a first screen for specifying the number of the lists to be transferred, and
A determination means for determining the number of the lists to be transferred according to the specification on the first screen prior to the start of the creation of the list by the creation means.
When the number determined by the determination means is 2 or more, the setting means for setting whether the settlement for each of the lists of the numbers is performed in a lump sum or in a split manner, and
If it performed within the partition has been set by the previous SL setting means, and the list of the number created by the creation means, a plurality of settlement amount representing individual payment amount for each of said list of said number When payment information including information is generated and it is set to be performed collectively by the setting means, the payment for each of the number of the list created by the creation means and the number of the list is settled. A generation means for generating payment information including one payment amount information different from the plurality of payment amount information representing the total amount, and
A notification means for notifying the payment device of the payment information generated by the generation means, and
A control program to make it work.