JP6914707B2 - Accounting equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to accounting devices and programs.

Conventionally, there is a semi-self-type checkout system (accounting system) in which a clerk performs registration work for registering product information such as products and services using a registration device, and a customer performs accounting processing using the accounting device. When such a system is adopted, the customer performs the accounting process, so that the clerk can move on to the registration work of the next customer, and the time waiting for the cash register can be shortened.

In the semi-self checkout system, the registration device transfers transaction data to the accounting device when the data registration process is completed. When the transaction data is transferred, the accounting device waits for the customer to start inputting the accounting process by displaying a standby screen or the like. However, even though the transaction data has been transferred, a fraudulent act called "basket omission" may occur in which the customer takes away the unpaid goods without paying the price.

The term "basket removal", which is generally used in the past, refers to the act of shoplifting a basket filled with products to the outside of the store without stopping at the cashier counter. On the other hand, in the semi-self-type checkout system, as a basket omission, registration with a registration device is performed and it looks as if it has passed through a cash register, but there is a possibility that an act of passing through an accounting device and taking away unpaid products may occur. Therefore, there was a request to control the damage caused by missing the basket in the semi-self-type checkout system.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a program capable of suppressing fraud in a semi-self-type checkout system.

The accounting device of the embodiment is an accounting device used in an accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected, and is a transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billing amount from the registration device, and the billing. When the accounting processing means for accounting the amount of money and the transaction information receiving means receive the transaction information, the light emitting unit is made to emit light in the first light emitting state, and the accounting processing for one transaction after receiving the transaction information. When there is no change in the progress of the accounting process for a predetermined time until the end of the process, the light emitting unit is changed from the first light emitting state to a second light emitting state different from the first light emitting state. When the light emission control means to be changed, the cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving the cancellation instruction for canceling the accounting process from the registration device, and the cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving the cancellation instruction, the accounting process is canceled and the next The light emitting control means includes a processing canceling means for making transaction information receivable, and the light emitting control means turns off the light emitting unit when the cancel instruction receiving means receives the cancel instruction.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an accounting system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configurations of the registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of determining that a fraudulent activity has occurred and an example of light emission control at that time. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the registration process executed by the registration device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of accounting processing executed by the accounting apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the accounting system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the accounting system 1 includes a registration device 2 (2a, 2b) and an accounting device 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). The registration devices 2 (2a, 2b) are installed on the counter 5, respectively. Next to the accounting device 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), a mounting table 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for placing a product basket is installed, respectively.

The registration device 2a is connected to the two accounting devices 3a and 3b by a connection interface 6. Similarly, the registration device 2b is connected to the two accounting devices 3c and 3d by the connection interface 6. Further, the registration devices 2a and 2b are connected to the store server 8 installed in the backyard of the store by a network 7 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which the accounting system 1 includes two registration devices 2a and 2b and four accounting devices 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. Not limited to. Further, in FIG. 1, the number of accounting devices 3 connected to the registration device 2 is set to 2, but the number is not limited to this, and a plurality of accounting devices 3 may be connected to the registration device 2. Just do it.

Since each of the registration devices 2a and 2b has the same structure and function, they are collectively referred to as the registration device 2 in the following unless each device is particularly limited. Further, since each of the accounting devices 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d has the same functional configuration, they are collectively referred to as the accounting device 3 in the following unless each device is particularly limited.

During the registration work of the product for sale, the clerk O and the customer C face each other with the counter 5 in between. As an example, when the registration process by the registration device 2a is completed, the clerk O or the customer C moves the product basket to any one of the accounting devices 3a and 3b. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the product basket is moved to the mounting table 4a of the accounting device 3a, the customer C pays the price, that is, performs the accounting process at the accounting device 3a. As described above, in the semi-self-type accounting system 1, since the customer himself / herself performs the accounting process using the accounting device 3, the clerk O can shift to the registration process of the next customer's product information in the registration device 2.

Next, the configuration of the registration device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the registration device 2 installed on the upper surface of the counter 5 is configured based on a vertical scanner 111 having a reading window 112. The scanner 111 is, for example, a scanner provided with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) as an imaging unit. The registration device 2 uses techniques such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition), pattern recognition, and general object recognition (object recognition) to read the product code from the captured image and identify the product. Alternatively, an optical scanner may be used as the scanner 111. In this case, the registration device 2 scans a code symbol such as a bar code with a laser beam, and reads the product code included in the code symbol by the reflected light.

Further, the registration device 2 includes an operator display 114 and an operation unit 115 above the scanner 111. The operator display 114 displays the product name, price, and the like of the product held over the scanner 111. A touch panel 113 is provided on the surface of the operator display 114. The touch panel 113 and the operation unit 115 are for assisting the input of product information.

A printer 116 is provided on the left side of the registration device 2 when viewed from the clerk O side. A card reader 118 is provided on the right side of the registration device 2 when viewed from the clerk O side. The card reader 118 magnetically reads and writes information to and from the magnetic card inserted from the insertion slot 118A. Further, on the opposite side of the operator display 114, a customer display 117 for displaying information necessary for a transaction to the customer C is provided.

Next, the configuration of the accounting device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the accounting device 3 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 11. The first housing 10 includes a deposit / withdrawal device 34 and a scanner 35. The second housing 11 is mounted on the upper surface 10a of the first housing 10, and includes a display 61, a printer 9, and a card reader 38.

The scanner 35 has a structure similar to that of the scanner 111. The display 61 has a touch panel 62 on its surface and is mounted above the second housing 11. The display 61 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information on the operating state of the accounting device 3 in images or characters. The touch panel 62 is provided on the surface of the display 61, and outputs information based on the position touched by the customer C to the control unit 50 (see FIG. 4).

The card reader 38 is located on the left side of the second housing 11 and on the upper surface 10a of the first housing 10. The card reader 38 reads and writes information to a credit card, a membership card, or the like inserted from the card insertion slot 38a.

The deposit / withdrawal device 34 includes a coin insertion slot 46, a bill insertion slot 41, a bill withdrawal port 42, and a coin withdrawal unit 43. The deposit / withdrawal device 34 stores the bills inserted in the bill insertion slot 41 in the bill storage unit (not shown). Further, the deposit / withdrawal device 34 stores the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 46 in the coin storage unit (not shown). Then, the deposit / withdrawal device 34 pays out the change of the bill to the bill withdrawal port 42 in response to the change withdrawal request from the control unit 50. Further, the deposit / withdrawal device 34 pays out the change of coins to the coin withdrawal unit 43 in response to the change withdrawal request from the control unit 50.

The printer 9 has a printing unit (not shown) built in the second housing 11 and a receipt issuing port 9a provided on the front surface 11a of the second housing 11. The printer 9 prints a receipt and issues it from the receipt issuing port 9a under the control of the control unit 50.

Further, the accounting device 3 includes a columnar display pole 22 erected on the rear side of the upper surface 10a of the first housing 10. The display pole 22 has a light emitting portion 23 at the upper tip portion.

The light emitting unit 23 includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit light in blue and a plurality of LEDs that emit light in red. Since the reason why the number of LEDs is a plurality is to obtain the light emission intensity, the number of LEDs of each color may be a single number as long as the intensity can be maintained by a single LED. The light emitting unit 23 may use an LED having a color different from blue or red, or may use another light emitting element. Since the light emitting unit 23 is provided at the upper end of the high display pole 22, it is easy to see not only the clerk O who is the operator of the registration device 2 but also other clerk. Since it is easy to check the light emission from the position of the registration device 2, it is easy for the customer standing in front of the registration device 2 to visually check the light emission.

When the accounting device 3 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2, the light emitting unit 23 emits light in a first light emitting state (for example, blinking blue) indicating that it is in a state of waiting for a customer. Further, the light emitting unit 23 has a second light emitting state (for example, red) when there is a possibility that fraud such as missing a basket has occurred in the accounting processing related to the transaction data received by the accounting device 3 from the registration device 2. (Blinking) to notify the clerk of the abnormality.

By switching the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 in this way, it is possible to call attention to the clerk when there is a possibility that the basket may be pulled out. By configuring the light emission pattern to change when there is a risk of fraud such as missing a basket, the customer is informed that fraudulent activity is being monitored, thereby suppressing fraudulent activity. .. The method of determining the occurrence of fraud and switching the light emission pattern will be described later together with the functional configuration of the control unit 50 (see FIG. 5) of the accounting device 3.

Further, the display pole 22 has a display 70 for displaying an image or characters below the light emitting unit 23. The display 70 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The display 70 displays, for example, the content of an error that has occurred in the accounting device 3.

The customer operates the accounting device 3 to perform a process of paying the price of the product by cash, a credit card, electronic money, or the like, that is, an accounting process. In the accounting process, the accounting device 3 displays the total billed amount of one transaction based on the transaction data (transaction information) received from the registration device 2, and controls the processing related to the accounting for the amount. The transaction data includes information such as the total billing amount of one transaction to be processed, the product information of the transaction target product, the device number of the registration device 2 which is the data transmission source, and the name of the clerk in charge. The transaction data may include other information necessary for printing the receipt. For example, the transaction data may include promotional information for printing receipts.

Next, the hardware configuration of the registration device 2 and the accounting device 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configurations of the registration device 2 and the accounting device 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the registration device 2 includes a control unit 150. The control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes control processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (both not shown), which are storage media. The ROM stores various programs and various data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs. The RAM also stores various screen display data to be displayed on the operator display 114.

The control unit 150 performs data communication with the store server 8 (both see FIG. 1) connected by the network 7 via the communication I / F (Interface) 140. Further, the control unit 150 performs data communication with the accounting device 3 connected by the connection interface 6 via the communication I / F 140.

Further, the control unit 150 is connected to the scanner 111 and the touch panel 113 via the I / O (Input / Output) device control unit 139 and the bus 138. Further, the control unit 150 is connected to the operator display 114 and the operation unit 115 such as a keyboard via the I / O device control unit 139 and the bus 138. Further, the control unit 150 is connected to the printer 116, the customer display 117, the card reader 118, and the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 136 via the I / O device control unit 139 and the bus 138.

The operation unit 115 includes operation keys such as a current total key, a number key 1150, a confirmation key 1151, and a basket removal release key 1152. The current account key is an operation key that receives an instruction to finish reading a product in one transaction and calculate the total billed amount of the transaction. The confirmation key 1151 is an operation key that confirms the total amount of one transaction, generates transaction data for one transaction including the total amount, and receives an instruction to be transmitted to the accounting device 3.

As an operation example, the clerk operates the current total key to display the total amount on the customer display 117, and then looks at the accounting device 3 to determine which accounting device 3 the transaction data should be transmitted to. Transaction data can be transmitted to the accounting device 3 which is in the activated state and is not occupied by the predecessor customer and is in the state of waiting for accounting processing. The clerk selects the accounting device 3 in such a standby state, inputs the device number assigned to the accounting device 3 from the number key 1150 of the operation unit 115, and then operates the confirmation key 1151. When the registration device 2 accepts the operation of the confirmation key 1151, the registration device 2 starts transmitting transaction data to the accounting device 3 associated with the numerical value input by the digit key 1150.

On the other hand, when the number key 1150 and the confirmation key 1151 are operated, the registration device 2 ends the registration process of the previous customer and shifts to the registration process of the next customer. While the clerk starts the registration process of the next customer, the previous customer moves from the registration device 2 to the accounting device 3 instructed by the clerk and starts the accounting process. The accounting device 3 receives the transaction data and waits for the customer to start the payment process based on the transaction data.

The basket removal release key 1152 is an operation key for canceling the accounting processing left unfinished in the accounting device 3 and making it possible to perform the next accounting processing when a fraudulent act such as a basket removal occurs. be.

That is, if the previous customer takes away the product without completing the accounting due to the removal of the basket, the accounting device 3 is in a state of waiting for input due to the incomplete processing and cannot receive the next transaction data. Conventionally, in order to enable the accounting device 3 which has fallen into a locked state in this way, a clerk leaves the registration device 2 and rushes to the accounting device 3, and the accounting device 3 cancels the incomplete processing. I needed it. Therefore, conventionally, there has been a request that a clerk wants to be able to restore the state of the accounting device 3 without leaving the registration device 2.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 115 is provided with the basket removal release key 1152, and the accounting process in the accounting device 3 is forcibly terminated by the operation of the key to release the operation waiting state in the accounting device 3, and the next state is released. It is configured to accept transaction data. As a result, in the present embodiment, when a fraudulent act occurs, the accounting device 3 is promptly restored, and the next customer is smoothly transferred to the accounting process.

In the above description, each operation key is provided on the keyboard of the operation unit 115, but these operation keys may be displayed on the operator display 114 and the selection operation may be accepted via the touch panel 113.

The HDD 136 stores a program 137 executed by the CPU of the control unit 150, a PLU file F1, and a sales file F2. The PLU file F1 stores a product code uniquely assigned to each product and product information related to the product such as the product name, price, and product classification in association with each other. Further, if the registration device 2 has a configuration in which a product is specified by general object recognition (object recognition), the PLU file F1 further stores a feature amount or a reference image of each product. The feature amount is data such as the hue and the unevenness of the surface read from the reference image of the product. The sales file F2 is a file for storing the transaction data generated by the registration device 2.

The accounting device 3 includes a control unit 50 having a computer configuration including a CPU, ROM and RAM (both not shown) which are storage media, and the like. The control unit 50 includes a sensor 39, a touch panel 62, a display 61, a scanner 35, a card reader 38, a printer 9, a deposit / withdrawal device 34, a light emitting unit 23, and a display via an I / O device control unit 32 and a bus 31. 70, connected to HDD 36. The control unit 50 performs data communication with the registration device 2 connected by the connection interface 6 via the communication I / F40.

The sensor 39 is an infrared type motion sensor, and detects that an operator stands in front of the accounting device 3. The sensor 39 is not limited to the infrared type, and an ultrasonic type, a visible light type, or a combination type of human sensor may be used.

The card reader 38 reads information from a credit card or membership card inserted through the card insertion slot 38a. The printer 9 prints the receipt after the checkout and issues the receipt from the receipt issuing port 9a. The deposit / withdrawal device 34 deposits the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 41 or the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 46. Further, the deposit / withdrawal device 34 pays out change from the bill withdrawal port 42 or the coin withdrawal unit 43 in response to the withdrawal instruction from the control unit 50.

The HDD 36 stores the program 37 executed by the control unit 50, the transaction file F3, and the fraudulent recording file F4. The transaction file F3 is a data file for storing transaction data received from the registration device 2, accounting data recording details of accounting processing executed by the accounting device 3, and the like.

The fraudulent record file F4 is a data file for recording the date and time of occurrence, transaction data, damage amount, etc. when a fraudulent act such as missing a basket occurs. That is, the fraudulent record file F4 is a file that stores the transaction data when the transaction data is transferred from the registration device 2 but the accounting for the transaction data is not fraudulently performed.

Next, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 and the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the registration device 2 and the accounting device 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 has a modular configuration including a display control unit 151, an input reception unit 152, a registration unit 153, and a communication control unit 154. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 150 reads the program 137 from the HDD 136 and loads each of the above units on the main storage device. As a result, each of the above parts is generated on the main storage device.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 includes a communication control unit 51, a display control unit 52, an operator detection unit 53, an input reception unit 54, an accounting processing unit 55, and a light emission control unit 56. It has a modular structure that includes it. The CPU (processor) of the control unit 50 reads the program 37 from the HDD 36 and loads each of the above units on the main storage device. As a result, each of the above parts is generated on the main storage device. Further, the control unit 50 of the accounting device 3 includes an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 57.

Next, the functions of each unit realized by the control unit 150 of the registration device 2 will be described.

The display control unit 151 generates display data to be output to the operator display 114 and the customer display 117 (both see FIGS. 2 and 4), and controls the display processing in these displays. For example, the display control unit 151 displays a registration screen for performing the product registration process on the operator display 114.

Further, when the number key 1150 and the confirmation key 1151 are sequentially operated in the operation unit 115, the display control unit 151 displays a message for guiding the customer to the accounting device 3 of the data transfer destination on the customer display 117. .. As the guidance message, for example, a message such as "Please move to the first accounting device and perform accounting" is displayed. Normally, the customer moves to the accounting device 3 of the data transfer destination and starts the accounting process according to this guidance or the guidance of the clerk. After the confirmation key 1151 is operated as described above, the display control unit 151 clears the display of the data related to the previous transaction displayed on the registration screen, and proceeds to the registration process of the next transaction.

The input receiving unit 152 receives various inputs from the touch panel 113, the scanner 111, the card reader 118, the operation unit 115, and the communication I / F 140. For example, the input receiving unit 152 receives the input of the product code read from the code symbol by the scanner 111. Further, when the touch panel 113 is touch-operated with respect to various screens displayed on the operator display 114, the input receiving unit 152 accepts the input operation.

For example, in the input receiving unit 152, when the number key 1150 and the confirmation key 1151 are sequentially operated in the operation unit 115, the selection operation of the accounting device 3 of the data transfer destination and the transaction data to the accounting device 3 are performed. Accepts instructional operations to transfer.

Further, when the number key 11150 and the basket removal release key 1152 are sequentially operated in the operation unit 115, the input reception unit 152 (cancellation operation reception means) with respect to the accounting device 3 selected by the number key 1150. , Accept the instruction operation to cancel the accounting process.

When the product code or product name of the product for sale is input via the touch panel 113 and the scanner 111, the registration unit 153 reads the product information of the product from the PLU file F1. Then, when the confirmation key 1151 is operated, the registration unit 153 ends the product registration process in one transaction and determines the billing amount for the transaction. Then, the registration unit 153 generates transaction data including product information of all products registered in the transaction, billing amount, device number of the registration device 2, clerk information for identifying the clerk in charge, and the like.

The communication control unit 154 controls transmission / reception of various information to / from the accounting device 3 or the store server 8 connected via the communication I / F 140. For example, the communication control unit 154 (transaction information transmitting means) transmits the transaction data generated by the registration unit 153 to the accounting device 3 of the data transfer destination selected by the digit key 1150.

Further, when the input receiving unit 152 accepts the operations of the number key 1150 and the basket removal release key 1152, the communication control unit 154 (cancellation instruction transmitting means) currently receives the operation of the number key 1150 with respect to the accounting device 3 selected by the number key 1150. Send a cancellation order to cancel your accounting. As a result, the registration device 2 changes the accounting device 3 to a state in which the next transaction data can be received, and makes it possible to start the accounting process of the next transaction.

Next, the functions of each unit realized by the control unit 50 of the accounting device 3 will be described.

The communication control unit 51 controls transmission / reception of various information to and from the registration device 2 connected via the communication I / F 40. For example, the communication control unit 51 (transaction information receiving means) receives transaction data for one transaction recently performed by the registration device 2 from the registration device 2. As described above, the transaction data includes information such as product information of the product registered for sale in one transaction performed by the transmission source registration device 2 most recently, the billing amount of the transaction, and the like. Further, the communication control unit 51 (cancellation instruction receiving means) receives a cancellation instruction from the registration device 2 to cancel the accounting process of the current transaction.

The display control unit 52 generates display data to be output to the display 61 and the display 70 (both see FIGS. 3 and 4), and controls the display processing in these displays. For example, the display control unit 52 displays and outputs the billed amount of one transaction on the accounting screen (not shown) of the display 61 based on the transaction data received from the registration device 2 by the communication control unit 51. The accounting screen may be configured in the same manner as the screen used in the accounting apparatus of the conventional semi-self-type checkout system. For example, the accounting screen is provided with a selection icon for selecting one of payment methods such as cash, credit card, and electronic money. The customer selects a desired payment method from the selection icon and pays the price.

The operator detection unit 53 (operator detection means) detects an operator standing in front of the accounting device 3 based on the detection level of the sensor 39 or the input operation to the touch panel 62.

The input receiving unit 54 (operation receiving means) receives operations on the touch panel 62, the scanner 35, the card reader 38, and the deposit / withdrawal device 34, and receives the input operations related to the accounting process.

The accounting processing unit 55 controls the accounting processing of the billing amount included in the transaction data based on the transaction data received by the communication control unit 51. That is, the accounting processing unit 55 controls the accounting processing according to the payment method when the customer selects and operates the payment method from the accounting screen (not shown) and the input receiving unit 54 accepts the operation input as described above. do. That is, in the case of cash payment, the accounting processing unit 55 opens the bill insertion slot 41 and the coin insertion slot 46, counts the bills or coins inserted into these insertion slots, and calculates the change.

Then, the accounting processing unit 55 controls the deposit / withdrawal device 34, and if there is a change bill, it is paid out from the bill withdrawal port 42, and if there is a change coin, it is paid out from the coin withdrawal unit 43. In the case of credit card payment, the accounting processing unit 55 reads the information from the credit card inserted in the card reader 38, sends the information to the data center of the credit company, and inquires whether or not the transaction is possible. Upon receiving the transaction availability, the accounting processing unit 55 transmits information including the card number, payment amount, and the like to the data center.

Further, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that the accounting processing for one transaction has been normally completed based on the input / output state of the deposit / withdrawal device 34, the card reader 38, and the like. For example, when the sensor (not shown) provided in the receipt issuing port 9a of the printer 9 detects that the receipt has been extracted from the receipt issuing port 9a, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that the accounting processing for one transaction has been completed. do. Alternatively, when a sensor (not shown) provided at the payout port of the deposit / withdrawal device 34 detects that the change paid out to the deposit / withdrawal device 34 has been collected by the customer, the accounting processing unit 55 performs one accounting process. Is determined to be completed. Alternatively, when it is detected that the sensor (not shown) provided in the card insertion slot 38a of the card reader 38 has been pulled out from the card insertion slot 38a, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that one accounting process has been completed. May be good. In addition, the accounting processing unit 55 may comprehensively determine these detection results and determine the completion of accounting processing for one transaction.

Further, when the accounting processing unit 55 (processing cancellation means) receives a cancellation instruction for canceling the current accounting processing from the registration device 2, it receives it from the registration device 2 immediately before and clears the transaction data expanded on the work memory. Then, the accounting treatment is cancelled. As a result, the accounting processing unit 55 is in a state where the next transaction data can be received from the registration device 2.

Further, when the communication control unit 51 receives a cancellation instruction for canceling the current accounting process from the registration device 2, the accounting processing unit 55 (cancellation recording means) fraudulently assumes that the transaction data to be canceled has been canceled due to fraudulent activity. Record in the recording file F4.

The light emission control unit 56 outputs a light emission control signal according to the light emission pattern to the LEDs of each color of the light emission unit 23, and controls to switch between the continuous lighting state, the blinking state, and the extinguishing state of each LED.

When the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2, the light emission control unit 56 causes the light emission control unit 23 to emit light in the first light emission state. Further, in the light emitting control unit 56, the progress of the accounting process changes for a predetermined time from the time when the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2 until the accounting process for one transaction is completed. If not, the light emitting unit 23 is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state.

For example, the light emitting control unit 56 blinks the light emitting unit 23 in blue in the first light emitting state and the light emitting unit 23 in red in the second light emitting state. In the following examples, an example in which the first light emitting state is set by blinking blue and the second light emitting state is set by blinking red will be described, but the first light emitting state and the second light emitting state are in this light emitting pattern. Not limited. As the second light emitting state, other colors such as yellow or orange may be blinked to emit light, or the light emitting elements of a plurality of colors may be blinked alternately, for example, to be in an alert state.

Further, when the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2, and then the operator detection unit 53 does not detect the operator of the accounting device 3, a predetermined time elapses. The light emitting unit 23 is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state.

Further, in the light emitting control unit 56, when the operator detecting unit 53 detects the operator, but the predetermined time elapses without completing the accounting process, the light emitting unit 23 emits light from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state. Change to state.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, a determination criterion for determining that a fraudulent activity has occurred and an example of light emission control at that time will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of determining that a fraudulent activity has occurred and an example of light emission control at that time.

First, FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a transition example of the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 when the payment is normally completed. Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data at time t0. The light emitting control unit 56 blinks the light emitting unit 23 in blue from time t0. When the operator detection unit 53 detects the operator via the sensor 39 or the touch panel 62 at time t1, the light emission control unit 56 switches the light emitting unit 23 to continuous blue lighting to emit light. Further, the display control unit 52 displays "processing" or "payment" on the display 70. Then, when the accounting processing unit 55 determines that the accounting processing is completed at time t2, the light emitting control unit 56 turns off the light emitting unit 23. The display control unit 52 displays a text such as "normal end" or "payment completed" on the display 70 for several seconds, and then switches the display to a display message for standby.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a transition example of the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 in a case where the customer takes away the product without stopping at the accounting device 3 after the registration process is completed as one example of fraudulent activity. .. When the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2 at the time t0, the accounting processing unit 55 counts the elapsed time from the time t0 by the RTC 57. The light emitting control unit 56 starts blinking blue of the light emitting unit 23 from time t0 (first light emitting state). Then, when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold value T1 at time t3, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that there is a possibility of fraudulent activity. When the accounting processing unit 55 determines that an illegal occurrence has occurred at time t3, the light emitting control unit 56 blinks the light emitting unit 23 in red (second light emitting state). After that, when the basket removal release key 1152 is operated by the registration device 2 and the communication control unit 51 receives a cancellation instruction from the accounting device 3 at time t4, the light emission control unit 56 turns off the light emitting unit 23.

FIG. 6C shows a transition example of the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 in a case where the customer stopped by the accounting device 3 but took away the product without completing the accounting process as another example of fraudulent activity. It is a figure. When the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2 at time t0, the light emitting control unit 56 causes the light emitting unit 23 to emit light in blinking blue (first light emitting state). Then, when the operator detection unit 53 detects the operator via the sensor 39 or the touch panel 62 at time t5, the light emission control unit 56 switches the light emission control unit 23 to continuous blue lighting. The accounting processing unit 55 counts the elapsed time from the time t5 by the RTC 57. Then, when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined threshold value T2 at the time t6, the accounting processing unit 55 determines that there is a possibility of fraudulent activity. When the accounting processing unit 55 determines that fraud has occurred at time t6, the light emitting control unit 56 blinks the light emitting unit 23 in red (second light emitting state). After that, when the registration device 2 operates the basket removal release key 1152 and the communication control unit 51 receives a cancellation instruction from the accounting device 3 at time t7, the light emitting control unit 56 turns off the light emitting unit 23.

The threshold value T1 and the threshold value T2 may be the same or different values. Further, the values of these threshold values may be appropriately changed.

Next, an example of the procedure of accounting processing executed by the accounting system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the registration process executed by the registration device 2. When the input receiving unit 152 receives the product code in the registration device 2, the registration unit 153 reads the product information corresponding to the product code from the PLU file F1 and registers the product (step S1). The display control unit 151 displays the read product information on the registration screen.

The input receiving unit 152 determines whether or not the basket removal release key 1152 has been operated (step S2). Note that this step is a step that can be interrupted at any time. If the basket removal release key 1152 is not operated (step S2: No), the process proceeds to step S4. When the number key 1150 for specifying the accounting device 3 and the basket removal release key 1152 are operated in order (step S2: Yes), the communication control unit 154 uses the accounting device 3 specified by the number key 1150. Is sent an instruction to cancel the accounting process (step S3).

While the input receiving unit 152 does not accept the operation of the confirmation key 1151 (step S4: No), the process returns to step S1 and the product registration is continued. When the input reception unit 152 accepts the operation of the confirmation key 1151 (step S4: Yes), the registration unit 153 calculates the billing amount for one transaction, the billing amount, the clerk number, the cash register number, the transaction date and time, and each product. Generate transaction data including product information of. The communication control unit 154 transmits the generated transaction data to the accounting device 3 (step S5). Further, the registration unit 153 stores the generated transaction data in the sales file F2. The display control unit 151 displays a guidance screen including a device number for identifying the accounting device 3 that has transmitted the transaction data and a message for guiding the customer to the accounting device 3 on the customer display 117 (step S6). After that, the process proceeds to the registration process of the next customer (step S1). The input receiving unit 152 executes the determination in step S2 at predetermined time intervals as interrupt processing even if the product registration of the next transaction does not start.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of accounting processing executed by the accounting device 3. When the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data from the registration device 2 (step S11: Yes), the accounting processing unit 55 starts counting the elapsed time t by the RTC 57 (step S12). While the transaction data is not received (step S11: No), it waits for reception (step S11). Further, when the communication control unit 51 receives the transaction data, the light emitting control unit 56 blinks the light emitting unit 23 in blue to emit light (step S13).

When the operator detection unit 53 detects the operator of the accounting device 3 via the sensor 39 or the touch panel 62 (step S14: Yes), the accounting processing unit 55 resets the elapsed time counted from step S12 and newly resets the elapsed time. Start counting the elapsed time (step S15). Then, the light emitting control unit 56 switches the light emitting unit 23 from the blue blinking state to the blue lighting state (step S16). If no customer is detected (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S19.

When a series of accounting processes for the transaction data received in step S11 are completed (step S17: Yes), the light emitting control unit 56 turns off the light emitting unit 23. Further, the accounting processing unit 55 clears the elapsed time t, proceeds to step S11, and waits for the next transaction data to be received. If the accounting process is not completed (step S17: No), the process proceeds to step S21.

In step S19, the accounting processing unit 55 determines whether the elapsed time t at which counting started in step S12 exceeds the threshold value T1. When the elapsed time t exceeds the threshold value T1 (step S19: Yes), the light emitting control unit 56 switches the light emitting unit 23 from blinking blue to blinking red to emit light (step S20). After that, the process proceeds to step S23. Step S19: If No, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S21, the accounting processing unit 55 determines whether the elapsed time t at which counting started in step S15 exceeds the threshold value T2. When the elapsed time t exceeds the threshold value T2 (step S21: Yes), the light emitting control unit 56 switches the light emitting unit 23 from lighting blue to blinking red to emit light (step S22). After that, the process proceeds to step S23. Step S21: If No, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S23, when the communication control unit 51 receives an instruction to cancel the accounting process from the registration device 2 (step S23: Yes), the light emitting control unit 56 turns off the light emitting unit 23 (step S24). The accounting processing unit 55 records the transaction data received in step S11 as transaction data canceled due to fraudulent activity in the fraudulent record file F4 together with the reception date and time, the date and time when the cancellation instruction is received, the date and time of cancellation processing, and the like. (Step S25). After that, the process proceeds to step S11. While the cancellation instruction is not received (step S23: No), the light emitting unit 23 continues to blink red (step S23).

The criteria for determining the occurrence of fraud are not limited to the above examples. As another example, when the accounting processing unit 55 continues a state in which there is no change in the progress of accounting processing for a predetermined time between the time when the transaction data is received and the time when the accounting processing of one transaction is normally completed. , It may be determined that there is a possibility of fraud.

That is, when the input receiving unit 54 receives one input operation but does not receive the next input operation and the predetermined time elapses while the accounting process is not completed, the light emitting control unit 56 sets the light emitting unit 23. The light emitting state of 1 may be changed to the second light emitting state. As a specific example, the elapsed time from one input operation to the next input operation may be counted, and when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the light emitting unit 23 may be switched to blink red. ..

Further, when changing the light emission pattern according to the threshold value, the light emission pattern may be switched in more steps by setting the threshold value in more steps. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 6B described above, instead of the threshold value T1, a two-step threshold value T10 and a threshold value T11 are provided. The accounting processing unit 55 blinks the light emitting unit 23 in yellow when the elapsed time from the time t0 exceeds the threshold value T10, and blinks the light emitting unit 23 in red when the elapsed time from the time t0 further exceeds the threshold value T11. May be.

Further, in the above description, when it is determined that there is a possibility of fraudulent occurrence, the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 is changed to notify an alert, but the notification method is not limited to this. The accounting device 3 may change the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23, output a warning message by voice, output a warning sound, or the like to notify an alert.

As described above, the accounting device 3 according to the present embodiment can call attention to the clerk by changing the light emitting pattern of the light emitting unit 23 and notifying an alert when there is a risk of fraud. In addition, it is possible to notify the customer that the fraudulent activity is being monitored, thereby suppressing the fraudulent activity. Therefore, the accounting device 3 according to the present embodiment can provide an accounting device and a program capable of suppressing fraudulent activities in the semi-self-checkout system.

The program 137 (see FIG. 4) executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the HDD 136 (see FIG. 4) or the like in advance. The program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

Further, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program 137 executed by the registration device 2 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Further, the program 37 (see FIG. 4) executed by the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in the HDD 36 (see FIG. 4) in advance. The program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format on a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a readable recording medium.

Further, the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program 37 executed by the accounting device 3 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

<Additional notes>
<Appendix 1>
An accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected.
The registration device is
A transaction information transmission means that generates transaction information including a billing amount of a transaction and transmits it to the accounting device.
Cancellation operation receiving means for accepting an instruction operation for canceling accounting processing in the accounting device, and
When the cancellation operation receiving means receives the instruction operation, the accounting device is provided with a cancellation instruction transmitting means for transmitting a cancellation instruction for canceling the accounting process of the current transaction.
The accounting device
A transaction information receiving means for receiving the transaction information from the registration device, and
Accounting means for accounting the billed amount and
A cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving the cancellation instruction from the registration device, and
When the cancellation instruction is received, the processing cancellation means for canceling the accounting processing so that the next transaction information can be received, and
Accounting system with.
<Appendix 2>
The accounting device
The accounting system according to Appendix 1, further comprising a cancellation recording means for recording the transaction information to be canceled in a storage means as being canceled due to fraudulent activity when the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction. ..
<Appendix 3>
The accounting device
If there is no change in the progress of the accounting process for a predetermined time between the receipt of the transaction information and the end of the accounting process for one transaction, the light emitting unit is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state. The accounting system according to Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a light emitting control means for turning off the light emitting unit when the cancel instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction.

According to the accounting system of Appendix 1, the clerk who operates the registration device 2 cancels the transaction of the accounting device 3 from the registration device 2 at hand without going to the front of the accounting device 3, and cancels the error state due to the occurrence of fraud. be able to. As a result, it is possible to promptly guide the following customers to the accounting device 3, and it is possible to shorten the waiting time at the cash register.

According to the accounting system of Appendix 2, by collecting records, the store side can collect information on fraudulent activities and take measures against fraudulent activities.

According to the accounting system of Appendix 3, the clerk who operates the registration device 2 can easily notice the fraudulent activity. Further, when the accounting device 3 outputs an alert when there is a risk of fraudulent activity, it is possible to notify other customers that the fraudulent activity is being monitored and suppress the fraudulent activity.

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.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress fraudulent activities in the semi-self-type checkout system.

1 Accounting system 2 Registration device 3 Accounting device 23 Light emitting unit 51 Communication control unit 52 Display control unit 53 Operator detection unit 54 Input reception unit 55 Accounting processing unit 56 Light emission control unit 151 Display control unit 152 Input reception unit 153 Registration unit 154 Communication Control unit 1152 Basket removal release key F4 Illegal record file

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-237886

Claims (6)

An accounting device used in an accounting system in which a registration device and an accounting device are connected.
A transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billing amount from the registration device, and
Accounting means for accounting the billed amount and
When the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, the light emitting unit is made to emit light in the first light emitting state, and from the reception of the transaction information to the end of the accounting process for one transaction, a predetermined time A light emitting control means for changing the light emitting unit from the first light emitting state to a second light emitting state different from the first light emitting state when there is no change in the progress of the accounting process.
A cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving a cancellation instruction for canceling the accounting process from the registration device,
When the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction, the processing canceling means that cancels the accounting process and makes the next transaction information receivable.
Equipped with a,
The light emitting control means is an accounting device that turns off the light emitting unit when the cancel instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction. When the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction, the cancellation recording means for recording the transaction information to be canceled as being canceled due to fraudulent activity is further provided.
The accounting device according to claim 1. An operator detecting means for detecting an operator of the accounting device is provided.
When a predetermined time elapses without the operator detecting means detecting the operator after the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, the light emitting control means causes the light emitting unit to be in the first light emitting state. The accounting device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the second light emitting state is changed from the above. In the light emitting control means, when the operator detecting means detects the operator, but a predetermined time elapses while the accounting process is not completed, the light emitting unit is changed from the first light emitting state to the second light emitting state. The accounting device according to claim 3 , which changes to a light emitting state. Further provided with an operation receiving means for accepting an input operation related to the accounting process,
When the operation receiving means receives one input operation but does not receive the next input operation and a predetermined time elapses while the accounting process is not completed, the light emitting control means sets the light emitting unit to the first. The accounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the light emitting state of 1 is changed to the second light emitting state. In the accounting system in which the registration device and the accounting device are connected, the computer that controls the accounting device is
A transaction information receiving means for receiving transaction information including a billing amount from the registration device, and
Accounting means for accounting the billed amount and
When the transaction information receiving means receives the transaction information, the light emitting unit is made to emit light in the first light emitting state, and from the reception of the transaction information to the end of the accounting process for one transaction, a predetermined time A light emitting control means for changing the light emitting unit from the first light emitting state to a second light emitting state different from the first light emitting state when there is no change in the progress of the accounting process.
A cancellation instruction receiving means for receiving a cancellation instruction for canceling the accounting process from the registration device,
When the cancellation instruction receiving means receives the cancellation instruction, the processing canceling means that cancels the accounting process and makes the next transaction information receivable.
And it is made to function,
When the cancel instruction receiving means receives the cancel instruction, the light emitting control means turns off the light emitting unit.
program.

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