JP6783913B2 - Product registration device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention, a control program of the commodity registration apparatus and the commodity registration apparatus used in a semi-self type of checkout systems.

A semi-self-type system is known as a checkout system for mass retailers such as supermarkets. In this system, each process of registration and settlement of purchased products is performed by different product registration devices and payment devices. The clerk operates the product registration device, and the shopper operates the payment device. 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. When the payment process is completed, the payment device automatically issues a receipt describing the purchased product information, payment information, and the like. In addition to the receipt, a receipt can be issued to the store to prove the fact that the money has been received.

By the way, when issuing a receipt, work such as stamping by a clerk is required. However, in the case of a semi-self-type checkout system, since the shopper operates the payment device by himself / herself, there are customers who bring back the issued receipt without calling the clerk. Such receipts are not accepted as legitimate deeds because they are not stamped.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-344123

Problems to be Solved by the embodiment of the present invention are those that always shoppers when clerk of the call at the settlement apparatus is required to attempt to provide a product registration apparatus of semi-self type of check-out system that was to call the clerk Is.

In one embodiment, the product registration device includes a generation means, a transmission means, a reception means, and a notification means. The generation means generates payment information based on the sales data of the purchased product. The transmission means transmits the payment information to the payment device. The receiving means receives the call signal transmitted by the payment device to the source of the payment information stored in the storage means of the payment device that has received the payment information transmitted by the transmitting means. The notifying means notifies according to the reception of the ringing signal by the receiving means.

The perspective view of the checkout system in this embodiment. The block diagram of the product registration device and the payment device of the checkout system shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the main data table formed in the RAM of the product registration apparatus and the payment apparatus shown in FIG. 2, respectively. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a product registration apparatus executes according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration device. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control processing which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control processing which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the call command screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the ringing screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the receipt issued from the payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration apparatus which received a call signal.

Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to a semi-self-type checkout system in which a shopper always calls a clerk when the payment device needs to call a clerk 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 clerk of the store, the so-called clerk 21, who plays a role called a checker, is the operator of the product registration device 11. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the above-mentioned store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by the clerk 21.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

The product registration device 11 includes functions for registering purchased products, generating payment information, payment processing, and notifying the payment device 12 of payment information. The registration process is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settling a commercial transaction of a purchased product. 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. The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is a network. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used instead of the LAN 13. 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 to realize various functions 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 operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may also store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. 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. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 described above.

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 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As the printer 11h of this type, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like can be used.

The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards may include membership cards called member's cards, point cards, etc., as well as payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. A membership card records at least information that identifies the member who owns the card. 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 performs data communication with a plurality of payment devices 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another product registration device 11 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 such a 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. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 12b may also store data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. 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 in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred payment device 12 described above.

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 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As this type of printer, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like can be used.

The card reader / writer 12i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards may include membership cards called member's cards, point cards, etc., as well as payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. A membership card records at least information that identifies the member who owns the card. 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 performs data communication with a plurality of product registration devices 11 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another payment device 12 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 such a payment device 12, for example, an existing self-POS terminal can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 configured as described above forms the data tables 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAMs 11c and 12c of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12, respectively. ..

The data table 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records composed of product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and amount of money data. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product is given a product code represented by, for example, a barcode. The product name and unit price are the product name and the price per item specified by the product code of the same record. The quantity and amount are sales data of the product specified by the product code of the same record, that is, the number of units sold and the sales amount corresponding to the number.

Although not shown, the checkout system 10 connects a database server via LAN 13. This database server has a product database for setting product information such as product name and unit price in association with the product code of each product. When the product code is acquired by the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a inquire the database server about the product information using the product code. Upon receiving this inquiry, the database server accesses the product database, reads the product information associated with the product code from the product database, and notifies the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12 via the LAN 13. The CPUs 11a and 12a of the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12 store the product information notified from the database server in the data table 31.

Such a data table 31 is called a registered product table. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by the registered product table 31a, and the product registration device 12 is represented by the registered product table 31b.

The data table 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount. The total number is the total number of each record stored in the registered product table 31. The total amount is the total amount of the amount of each record stored in the registered product table 31.

Such a data table 32 is called a total table. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by the total table 32a, and the product registration device 12 is represented by the total table 32b.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of the control process executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 5 to 7 and 15 are schematic views showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 by the control process. 8 to 9 are flow charts showing a main procedure of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 according to the control program. 10 to 13 are schematic views showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12 by the control process. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a format example of a receipt issued from the payment device 12. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these figures. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the product registration device 11 will be described.
When the product registration device 11 is started in the mode of performing the purchase product registration process, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the data tables 31a and 32a (Act1). Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 5) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act2).

The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of the registered product table 31a and the total table 32a, and causes the clerk 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The display area R1 displays 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 display area R2 displays 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 SC1.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the area of the touch panel 11g screen as the registration screen SC1. To do.

With the registration screen SC1 displayed, the clerk 21 operates, for example, the scanner 11f or the product button to sequentially input the product code of the product purchased by the shopper 22. Then, when the product codes of all the purchased products have been entered, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

The CPU 11a that displays the registration screen SC1 waits for the product code of the product to be registered for purchase to be acquired (Act 3). When the product code entered via the scanner 11f or the product button is acquired (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a detects the product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. To do. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the sales amount by multiplying this unit price by the number of units sold. Then, the CPU 11a registers the product sales data including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the number of units sold, and the sales amount as one record in the registered product table 31a (Act4: registration means). Further, the CPU 11a adds the number of units sold and the sales amount to the total table 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so as to conform to the contents of the registered product table 31a and the total table 32a (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 6). If the product code has not been acquired (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act7), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code has been acquired again (Act6). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired or the subtotal button to be touched as Act 6 and Act 7. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby mode, and shift to the process according to the occurrence event.

When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a generates payment information based on the contents of the registered product table 31a and the total table 32a at this time (Act8: Generation means). Then, the CPU 11a displays the transfer destination selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 6) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act9).

FIG. 6 shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen SC2. The transfer destination selection screen SC2 includes display areas R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7.

The display area R3 displays the total number and total amount of the total table 32a. The display area R4 displays various messages. Buttons B1 and B2 are for the clerk 21 to specify that the discount is applied to the total amount. The button B3 is for the clerk 21 to specify that a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g is returned to the registration screen SC1.

The display areas R5 to R8 display whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12. Buttons B4 to B7 are for the clerk 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information while the payment process is being executed. In the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the payment device 12 in such a state, "transfer not possible" is displayed. On the contrary, "transferable" is displayed in the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the payment device 12 that accepts the transfer of payment information. The display form of the buttons B4 to B7 may be different depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information. Alternatively, if the associated payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information, the buttons B4 to B7 may be hidden.

When the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 10). When the product code is not acquired (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is specified (Act 11). When the payment device 12 is not specified (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the product code has been acquired (Act 10). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired or the payment device 12 to be designated as Act 10 and Act 11. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event. For example, when any of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the clerk 21, the CPU 11a changes the total amount included in the payment information according to the subsequent instruction by the clerk 21.

When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a returns a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 4, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When any of the buttons B4 to B7 of the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is touched by the clerk 21 in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, the CPU 11a considers that the payment device 12 has been designated. When the payment device 12 is designated (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a transmits payment information to the designated payment device 12 (Act 13: transmission means).

Specifically, the CPU 11a uses the communication address set in the designated payment device 12 as the destination address and the communication address set by itself as the source address, and transmits the payment information to the LAN 13. Control 11j. As a result, the payment information in which the destination address and the source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. Then, this payment information is received by the payment device 12 whose destination address matches the communication address. The payment device 12 that has received the payment information can identify the product registration device that is the source of the payment information by storing the source address of the payment information.

When the payment information is transmitted, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 (see FIG. 7) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 14). An example of the notification screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The notification screen SC3 includes display areas R9, R10 and button B8.

The display area R9 displays an image for causing the clerk 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. 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 display area R10 represents the total number and the total amount of money included in the payment information, and displays to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred. The button B8 is for the clerk 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC3. The CPU 11a returns to the process of Act1 in response to the touch of the button B8, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the buttons B4 to B7 associated with the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information. Therefore, if all of the payment devices 12 are in an operation stopped state or an operating state in which the transfer of payment information is not accepted, the CPU 11a does not wait for the designation of the payment device 12.

The clerk 21 who has confirmed the notification screen SC3 notifies the shopper 22 that the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R10 should be used for payment among the payment devices 12. Upon receiving this notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment.

Therefore, next, the operation of the payment device 12 will be described.
When the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 21). 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, it is assumed that the standby screen represents a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After the screen of the touch panel 12g is set as the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits for the payment information to be received (Act 22).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits payment information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act 13 of FIG. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 which is the destination (reception means).

Upon receiving the payment information (YES in Act22), the CPU 12a expands the payment information in the registered product table 31b and the total table 32b (Act23). That is, the CPU 12a stores a list of the product name, unit price, number of units sold, and sales amount of the registered product included in the payment information in the registered product table 31b. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number of purchased products and the total amount of goods included in the payment information in the total table 32b. After that, the CPU 12a causes the payment screen SC4 (see FIG. 10) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 24).

An example of the payment screen SC4 is shown in FIG. The payment screen SC4 includes display areas R11 and R12 and buttons B11, B12 and B13. The display area R11 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12. The display area R12 displays the total number of total tables 32b and the total amount. Button B11 is for the shopper to specify that the payment method is cash. Button B12 is for the shopper to specify that the payment method is credit. The button B13 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21. In the following description, the button B11 is referred to as a cash button B11, the button B12 is referred to as a credit button B12, and the button B13 is referred to as a clerk call button B13.

The shopper 22 who confirms the payment screen SC4 decides whether to pay by cash or credit. When paying in cash, touch the cash button B11 and insert cash of the total amount or more into the automatic change machine 12e. On the other hand, when paying by credit, touch the credit button B12 to have the card reader / writer 12i read the credit card data.

The CPU 12a displaying the payment screen SC4 waits for the cash button B11 or the credit button B12 to be touched (Act25). Then, when the cash button B11 or the credit button B12 is touched (YES in Act25), the CPU 12a executes the payment process by the payment method selected by the touched button (Act26: payment means). That is, when the cash button B11 is touched, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for the cash payment. When the credit button B12 is touched, the CPU 12a executes a payment process for the credit payment. Since these payment processes are well known in existing self-POS terminals, the description thereof is omitted here.

When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a displays the payment confirmation screen SC5 (see FIG. 11) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 27).

FIG. 11 shows an example of the payment confirmation screen SC5 for cash payment. The payment confirmation screen SC5 includes a display area R13 and buttons B14 and B15. Further, the payment confirmation screen SC5 includes a display area R11 for displaying operation guidance for the shopper 22, similarly to the payment screen SC4. Further, the payment confirmation screen SC5 displays the clerk call button B13 at the same position as that of the payment screen SC4.

The display area R13 displays the total amount of money, the amount of money put into the automatic change machine 12e, and the amount of change. The button B14 is for designating that the shopper 22 who does not receive the receipt is confirmed about the contents of the settlement. Button B15 is for designating that the shopper 22 who receives the receipt is confirmed about the contents of the settlement. In the following description, the button B14 is referred to as a settlement button B12, and the button B15 is referred to as a receipt button B15. Then, the display area R11 displays a message prompting the shopper 22 to touch either the settlement button B12 or the receipt button B15.

Although not shown, the payment confirmation screen for credit payment also includes display areas R11 and R13, a clerk call button B13, a settlement button B14, and a receipt button B15, as in the screen SC5. On the payment confirmation screen for credit payment, the display area R13 displays the number of payments by credit, the name of the issuing company of the credit card, and the like in addition to the total amount. The display area R11 displays a message prompting the shopper 22 to touch either the checkout button B12 or the receipt button B15.

When the payment confirmation screen SC5 is displayed, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the settlement button B14 has been touched (Act 28). When the settlement button B14 is not touched (NO in Act28), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the receipt button B15 is touched (Act29). When the receipt button B15 is not touched (NO in Act29), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the settlement button B14 is touched again (Act28). Therefore, the CPU 12a waits for the settlement button B14 or the receipt button B15 to be touched as Act28 and Act29.

When the settlement button B14 is touched in the standby state of Act28 and Act29 (YES in Act28), the CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the contents of the registered product table 31b and the total table 32b. Then, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 30). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12b returns to the process of Act 21 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

If the receipt button B15 is touched in the standby state of Act28 and Act29 (YES in Act29), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act31 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a causes the call command screen SC6 (see FIG. 12) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 31).

An example of the call command screen SC6 is shown in FIG. As is clear from comparing the call command screen SC6 with the payment confirmation screen SC5 shown in FIG. 11, the call command screen SC6 has the same layout as the payment confirmation screen SC5. However, the content of the guidance displayed in the display area R11 is different from the payment confirmation screen SC5. That is, the call command screen SC6 displays a guidance in the display area R11 prompting the shopper 22 to touch the clerk call button B13. Further, the call command screen SC6 displays the settlement button B14 in gray scale, for example, and indicates that the shopper 22 touches the receipt button B15.

When the call command screen SC6 is displayed, the CPU 12a waits for the clerk call button B13 to be touched (Act 32: standby means). When issuing a receipt, work such as stamping by a clerk is required. Therefore, when the receipt button B15 is touched and an event of issuing a receipt occurs, the payment device 12 stops the processing and waits for the clerk to be called.

When the clerk call button B13 is touched (YES in Act 32), the CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the contents of the registered product table 31b and the total table 32b. Then, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt 40 (see FIG. 14) (Act 33). Further, the CPU 12a transmits a call signal to the product registration device 11 which is a transmission source of payment information via the LAN 13 (Act 34: calling means). Further, the CPU 12a causes the ringing screen SC7 (see FIG. 13) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 35: notification means).

An example of the ringing screen SC7 is shown in FIG. The calling screen SC7 includes a display area R14 and a button B16 in addition to the guidance display area R11. The clerk call button B13 displayed at the same position on each of the payment screen SC4, the payment confirmation screen SC5, and the call command screen SC6 is not displayed on the calling screen SC7.

The display area R14 displays an image indicating that the clerk 21 is being called. The button B16 is for designating that the clerk 21 who received the call closes the calling screen SC7. Hereinafter, this button B16 is referred to as a close button B16.

The procedure of each process of Act33, Act34 and Act35 is not limited to this embodiment. The order of each process can be changed as appropriate.

When the ringing screen SC7 is displayed, the CPU 12a waits for the close button B16 to be touched (Act 36). When the close button B16 is touched, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 21 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

In this way, in the checkout system 10, the shopper 22 who has completed the registration work of the purchased product by the clerk 21 in the product registration device 11 operates the payment device 12 to settle the purchased product, thereby receiving the receipt. Alternatively, a receipt 40 is issued. Specifically, when the shopper 22 who has confirmed the payment confirmation screen SC5 touches the settlement button B14, a receipt is issued, and when the receipt button B15 is touched, a receipt 40 is issued.

However, when the receipt button B15 is touched, the settlement device 12 displays the call command screen SC6 before the printing of the receipt 40 is started. Therefore, the shopper 22 touches the clerk call button B13 according to the guidance on the call command screen SC6. Then, for example, a receipt 40 as shown in FIG. 14 is issued. Further, the payment device 12 transmits a call signal to the product registration device 11 of the payment information transmission source, and the screen of the touch panel 12g is switched from the call command screen SC6 to the calling screen SC7.

As shown in FIG. 14, the issue date 41, the total amount 42, the issuer information (store name, address, telephone number) 43, etc. are printed on the receipt 40. However, as it is, it cannot be recognized as a legitimate certificate because it has not been stamped to prove the issuer. The seal is usually made by a clerk. Therefore, it is necessary to call the clerk to the installation location of the payment device 12.

In the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 touches the clerk call button B13, the receipt 40 is issued, and the call signal is transmitted to the product registration device 11 which is the transmission source of the payment information via the LAN 13. Will be done. In the product registration device 11 that has received this call signal, a display is displayed on the touch panel 11g to notify the clerk 21 that the payment device 12 has called.

FIG. 15 is a display example when a call signal is transmitted from the payment device 12 to the product registration device 11 displaying the registration screen SC1. As shown in the figure, a display A1 for notifying the clerk 21 that a call has been made from the payment device 12 of the identification information "C" is made in an area that does not overlap with the display areas R1 and R2 of the registration screen SC1 (notification means). .. Therefore, the clerk 21 who has confirmed the display A1 can easily know that he / she has received a call from the shopper 22 who has instructed the payment device 12 of the identification information “C” to make a payment.

Upon receiving the call, the clerk 21 goes to the payment device 12 for the identification information "C" and performs work such as stamping the receipt 40. By this work, the receipt 40 is recognized as a regular deed. At this time, the clerk 21 touches the close button B16 on the calling screen SC7. Then, the screen of the payment device 12 returns to the standby screen.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 orders the payment device 12 to issue the receipt 40, the receipt 40 is issued unless the clerk 21 is called. Not done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the shopper 22 who brings back the issued receipt without calling the clerk 21.

Further, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 operates the payment device 12 to call the clerk 21, the call signal is the product purchased by the shopper from the payment device 12. It is transmitted to the registered product registration device 11. Therefore, for the shopper 22 who ordered the issuance of the receipt 40, the clerk 21 who registered the product purchased by the shopper 22 can responsibly stamp the receipt 40.

Moreover, the clerk call button B13 for performing the call operation of the clerk 21 is displayed at the same position on the plurality of screens SC4, SC5, SC6 that are transitioned in the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product in the payment device 12. .. Therefore, since the clerk call button B13 is almost always displayed for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12, the clerk call button B13 can be easily found when the clerk 21 is called.

Further, in the payment device 12 in which the shopper 22 calls the clerk 21, the calling screen SC7 is displayed on the touch panel 12g until the clerk 21 arrives. Therefore, since the shopper 22 can confirm that the clerk 21 is being called, the shopper 22 can wait with peace of mind.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, the CPU 12a waits for the touch operation of the clerk call button B13 (Act32) while the call command screen SC6 is displayed, but also waits for the receipt button B15 to be touched again. You may. That is, the CPU 12a waits for the clerk call button B13 or the receipt button B15 to be touch-operated in the process of Act32. Then, when any one of the buttons B13 and B15 is touch-operated, the CPU 12a executes the processing after Act33. Even with such a configuration, since the clerk 21 is always called when the receipt 40 is issued, the operation and effect of the embodiment can be achieved. Needless to say, in the case of this embodiment, the clerk call button B13 may be omitted.

Further, in the above embodiment, the payment device 12 transmits the call signal to the product registration device 11 which is the transmission source of the payment information. However, the transmission destination of the call signal is not limited to the product registration device 11 which is the transmission source of the payment information. For example, the call signal may be transmitted in parallel to all the product registration devices 11 connected via the network 13. In this case, when any clerk 21 who has confirmed the display A1 performs a confirmation operation, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits a confirmation signal to the other product registration device 11. The CPU 11a of the other product registration device 11 that has received the confirmation signal erases the display A1. By doing so, the clerk 21 who first confirms the call from the shopper 22 responds to the call, so that the clerk 21 can go to the shopper 22 who has been called more quickly.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the product registration device 11 that has received the call signal notifies the clerk 21 that there is a call from the shopper 22 by displaying the display A1 on the screen. The notification to the clerk 21 is not limited to the display A1. For example, an image indicating that there is a call may be displayed in a pop-up on the displayed screen. Further, for example, the display A1 is displayed when the payment information is transmitted, and when there is a call signal from the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transmitted, the display color of the display A1 is changed to notify the display A1. May be good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the timing of displaying the call command screen SC6 is set to the time when the issuance of the receipt is ordered. However, in the payment device 12, the event that requires the call of the clerk is not limited to the receipt issuance command. For example, when a gift certificate is selected as the payment method, even in other events, if it is necessary to call the clerk, the call command screen SC6 is displayed and the clerk is called. The process may be stopped until

In addition, 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.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application will be added.
[1] In a checkout system in which at least one product registration device and at least one payment device are connected by a network, the product registration device acquires a product code that identifies a purchased product, and the purchased product. Settlement information for settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product based on the registration means for registering the sales data of the above and the sales data of the purchased product registered by the registration means during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed. The payment device includes a generation means for generating the payment information, a transmission means for transmitting the payment information to the payment device, and a notification means for performing a notification operation in response to receiving a call signal from the payment device. , A receiving means for receiving the payment information from the product registration device, a payment means for settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product based on the payment information, and a clerk in the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product. When an event that requires the above occurs, the standby means that stops the process and waits for the call operation of the store clerk, and the product registration device that restarts the process in response to the call operation. A checkout system comprising: a calling means for transmitting the calling signal to the user.
[2] The checkout system according to the appendix [1], wherein the calling means transmits the calling signal to the product registration device that is the source of the payment information.
[3] A payment device that constitutes a checkout system together with a product registration device connected via a network, and is a receiving means for receiving payment information for settling a commercial transaction of a purchased product registered by the product registration device. When an event that requires the intervention of a clerk occurs in the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product and the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product based on the settlement information, the process is stopped and the clerk A standby means for waiting for the call operation to be performed, and a call means for restarting the process and transmitting a call signal to the product registration device in response to the call operation. A payment device characterized by that.
[4] The payment device according to the appendix [3], further comprising a notification means for notifying that the call signal has been transmitted.
[5] The standby means is characterized in that it waits for an operation of a clerk call button displayed at the same position on a plurality of screens transitioning in the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product [5] 3] or the payment device according to [4].
[6] A computer of a payment device that configures a checkout system together with a product registration device and receives payment information for settling a commercial transaction of a purchased product registered by the product registration device is purchased based on the payment information. When an event that requires the intervention of a clerk occurs in the process of settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product, the settlement means for settling the commercial transaction of the product, the process is stopped and the waiting for the call operation of the clerk is performed. A control program for functioning as a means and a calling means for resuming the processing in response to the calling operation and transmitting a calling signal to the product registration device.

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, 31 (31a, 31b) ... Registered product table, 32 (32a, 32b) ... Total table, 40 ... Receipt.

Claims (6)

A commodity registration apparatus checkout system formed by connecting a network and at least one payment device at least one goods registration device and performs the settlement processing of the purchased commodity registering process sales data for the purchased goods,
A generation means for generating payment information based on the sales data of the purchased product, and
A transmission means for transmitting the payment information to the payment device, and
A receiving means for receiving a call signal transmitted by the payment device to a source of the payment information stored in the storage means of the payment device that has received the payment information transmitted by the transmission means.
A notification means that notifies according to the reception of the call signal by the reception means, and
Product registration device equipped with. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means displays an image indicating that a calling operation has been performed on the payment device that has transmitted the payment information . The notification means displays an image indicating that the calling operation has been performed in an area of the screen area of the display for displaying the content of the registration process, which does not overlap with the display area of the registration screen. The product registration device according to claim 2. The notification means is claimed to display an image indicating that the calling operation has been performed on the display area of the registration screen in the screen area of the display for displaying the content of the registration process. Item 2. The product registration device according to item 2 . When the payment information is transmitted to the payment device, the notification means displays an image representing the payment device to which the payment information is transmitted, and when the call signal is received from the payment device, the display color of the image is displayed. The product registration device according to claim 1, wherein the product registration device is changed and notified.
At least one computer of goods registration device and goods registration device of the purchased commodity Ru checkout system name connected Wallet with at least one payment device and the network performs the registering process sales data for the purchased items ,
A generation means for generating payment information based on the sales data of the purchased product,
A transmission means for transmitting the payment information to the payment device,
A receiving means for receiving a call signal transmitted by the payment device to a source of the payment information stored in the storage means of the payment device that has received the payment information transmitted by the transmission means, and
A notification means that notifies according to the reception of the ringing signal by the reception means,
A control program to function as.