JP7155349B2 - Product registration device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a product registration device and its control program.

In the self-POS system, there are cases where a monitoring terminal is installed at the checkout corner so that an employee of the store can monitor an abnormality of the self-POS terminal. A monitoring terminal can monitor how money is stored in the change dispenser of the self-POS terminal.

Apart from self-POS systems, semi-self-type checkout systems (here, abbreviated as semi-self systems) are known. In this system, the product registration device and the settlement device respectively perform the processing of registration and settlement of purchased products in a supermarket or the like. The merchandise registration device is operated by an employee. The payment device is also operated by the shopper.

Even in semi-self systems, it is necessary for employees to be able to monitor problems such as problems with settlement devices. However, the semi-self system requires an employee to operate the product registration device.

Under such circumstances, it has been desired that the operator of the product registration device can monitor the abnormality of the money storage status in the settlement device.

JP 2008-152524 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device and its control program that enable an operator of the product registration device to monitor an abnormality in the money storage status of the settlement device.

A product registration device of an embodiment includes acquisition means, registration means, first display means, second display means, and third display means. The acquisition means acquires a product code specifying a product to be registered as a purchased product. The registration means registers the product specified by the product code acquired by the acquisition means as a purchased product. The first display means displays a first screen showing a list of commodities registered as purchased commodities by the registration means, the first key and the second key. The second display means, when the first key is operated, presents a second screen displaying a plurality of payment devices as options for the transfer destination of information for payment of the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means. display. The third display means, when the second key is operated, displays a third screen showing a plurality of payment devices as options for inquiries about the amount of money in hand.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a product registration device and a settlement device in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing of a CPU included in the product registration device in FIG. 2; FIG. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st confirmation screen as an example. The figure which shows a success screen.

An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to this 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 product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 is also arbitrary.

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

The product registration device 11 is operated by the employee 21 of the store. The employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 is also called a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by the shopper 22 who purchases the merchandise sold at the store. However, some operations of the product registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22 . Also, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 form passages for shoppers 22 by arranging the tabletops so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other.

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

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG.

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

A server 200 is also connected to the LAN 13 . A deposit/withdrawal machine 300 is connected to the server 200 . Any form of connection between the server 200 and the deposit/withdrawal machine 300 may be used. Server 200 and deposit/withdrawal machine 300 may be connected via LAN 13 .

The server 200 has a function of managing the deposit/withdrawal machine 300 . Server 200 is, for example, a POS server.

The deposit/withdrawal machine 300 is installed in an office or the like of the store. The deposit/withdrawal machine 300 receives deposited money and withdraws the stored money. The money dispensed by the deposit/withdrawal machine 300 is used, for example, to replenish the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 . Also, the money collected from the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 is deposited into the deposit/withdrawal machine 300 . The deposit/withdrawal machine 300 can generally store a larger amount of money than the individual product registration device 11 or payment device 12 can store.

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. , a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j and a 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 portion of the above computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various operations as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

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

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the above computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

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

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and the separately transferred control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The control program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communicating via a network.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

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

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

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

The card reader/writer 11i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards can include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader/writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 11j performs communication via LAN13.

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

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

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, a change dispenser 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 portion of the above computer. Based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c, the CPU 12a controls each section to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG.

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

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The auxiliary memory unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a in performing various processes or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 12a. An EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, for example, can be used as the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include a control program describing control processing for controlling each section to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG. The transfer of payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in ROM 12b or auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and the separately transferred control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. The control program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communicating via a network.

The change dispenser 12e receives inserted coins and bills. The change machine 12e also 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 known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, scanner 12f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

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

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

The card reader/writer 12i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards can include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader/writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 12j performs communication via LAN13.

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

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

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

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

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

In Act1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information on products for which purchase registration has been completed.

In Act2, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen displays the contents of the registered product table, etc., and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

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

The registration screen SC1 includes areas R1 and R2, an amount-in-hand button B1 and a subtotal button B2.

Area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity and unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, as well as the total quantity and total price of purchased products after the product is registered. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and prices of products registered for purchase prior to the product displayed on the registration screen SC1.

It should be noted that the registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various types of information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made are displayed. However, the registration screen in Act 2 does not display various kinds of information about the product, but only a predetermined basic form.

At Act 3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button B2 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button B2 has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act4.

In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act5.

In Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the amount-in-hand button B1 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the amount-in-hand button B1 has been touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act3.

Thus, in Acts 3 to 5, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button B2 or the amount-in-hand button B1 to be touched, or for the product code to be obtained. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

The CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by a well-known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. When the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4, and proceeds to Act6.

In Act 6, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. Further, in response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. After that, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 to Act5.

If the subtotal button B2 is touched during the standby state of Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act3, and proceeds to Act7.

In Act7, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment regarding the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The payment information includes information such as a list of registered products, the total number of purchased products, and the total price. As a result of the CPU 11a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as its central part functions as a generator.

In Act8, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a first selection screen.

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

The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17.

The CPU 11a displays the total number and the total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept the transfer of settlement information while the settlement process is being executed, and the CPU 11a displays "transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state. That is, when the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is set as the first selection screen SC2, only the settlement device 12 named "device A" is executing the settlement process.

Buttons B11 and B12 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount is to be applied to the total amount included in the settlement information.

Buttons B13-B16 are for the employee 21 to designate transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. FIG. It should be noted that the buttons B13 to B16 may be displayed differently depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 has accepted transfer of payment information. Also, the buttons B13 to B16 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 has not accepted transfer of payment information.

The button B17 is for the employee 21 to designate returning to a state in which a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the registration screen.

In Act 9, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act10.

In Act 10, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement device 12 to which the settlement information is to be transferred has been specified. If the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, the process returns to Act9.

Thus, in Act 9 and Act 10, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired or for the payment device 12 to be specified. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a also waits for buttons B11 and B12 to be touched in this standby state. For example, when one of the buttons B11 and B12 is touched by the employee 21 and detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a adjusts the total amount included in the payment information according to the instruction from the employee 21 thereafter. to change.

When the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act9, and proceeds to Act11.

In Act11, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act3, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

If the payment device 12 is designated by the employee 21 touching any of the buttons B13 to B16 during the standby state of Act9 and Act10, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act10. Proceed to Act 12. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act10 even if one of the buttons B13 to B16 associated with the settlement device 12 that has not accepted the transfer of settlement information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information.

In Act12, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information generated in Act7 to the designated payment device 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the settlement information to the LAN 13 with the specified settlement device 12 as the destination. As a result, the transfer information is notified to the settlement device 12 . Communication unit 11j is thus an example of a first transmitting device. Further, the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a transmission control section. A function as a transmitting section is realized through cooperation between the communication unit 11j and a computer having the CPU 11a as a central part.

In Act 13, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen. The notification screen represents an image for making the employee 21 recognize that the payment information has been transferred to the designated payment device 12 for semi-self payment. It should be noted that semi-self-payment is a form of payment in which payment processing is executed by the payment device 12 according to an operation by the shopper 22 .

The notification screen includes a button for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen. When this button is touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

Now, if the amount-in-hand button B1 is touched during the waiting state of Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act5, and proceeds to Act14 in FIG.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a second selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the second selection screen SC3 as an example.

The second selection screen SC3 displays the image IM1 superimposed on the image displayed on the registration screen when the balance button B1 is touched. Image IM1 includes buttons B21, B22, B23, and B24. The buttons B21 to B24 are used by the employee 21 to designate the payment apparatus 12 to be the target of the balance inquiry among the four payment apparatuses 12. FIG.

In Act 15, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 to be the target of the balance inquiry has been specified. If the settlement device 12 is not specified, the CPU 11a repeats Act15. Thus, in Act 15, the CPU 11a waits for designation of the settlement device 12 to be the target of the balance inquiry. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event. Then, if the payment device 12 is specified by the employee 21 touching any of the buttons B21 to B24, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act15, and proceeds to Act16.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j to transmit the inquiry information to the LAN 13 with the specified settlement device 12 as the destination. The inquiry information includes at least a command indicating that the inquiry is about the balance of money stored in the change dispenser 12e, and identification information for identifying the product registration device 11 that is the source of the inquiry. Thus, the CPU 11a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as its central portion functions as a selection section and an inquiry section.

In Act 17, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the balance information has been received by the communication unit 11j. If the CPU 11a determines No because the amount-in-hand information has not been received, the CPU 11a repeats Act17. Thus, in Act 17, the CPU 11a waits for the amount-in-hand information to be received. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

When the inquiry information reaches the destination payment device 12 via the LAN 13, the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 receives the inquiry information.

On the other hand, the change dispenser 12e in the settlement device 12 periodically monitors the amount of money held in the account for each denomination and updates the amount of money information. In this embodiment, the amount-in-hand information represents the amount-in-hand for each denomination as the number of stored coins. The amount-in-hand information also includes state information indicating what kind of abnormal state the coin is in, in association with the denomination in the abnormal state. Here, the status information indicates one of "immediate replenishment", "replenishment", "collection", and "immediate collection". "Immediate replenishment" is a state in which the number of stored sheets is equal to or less than the first threshold. "Replenishment" is a state in which the number of stored sheets is equal to or less than the second threshold. “Collection” is a state in which the number of stored sheets is equal to or greater than the third threshold. "Immediate collection" is a state in which the number of stored sheets is equal to or less than the fourth threshold. Each threshold has a relationship of first threshold<second threshold<third threshold<fourth threshold. Also, the first and second threshold values are predetermined as values close to zero. The third and fourth thresholds are predetermined as values close to the number of sheets that can be accommodated. It should be noted that the determination of the abnormal state may be performed by the product registration device 11 .

The settlement apparatus 12 provided with the communication unit 12j that has received the inquiry information transmits the balance information as a response to the inquiry by the inquiry information. Specifically, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 controls the communication unit 12j to transmit the balance information to the LAN 13 with the product registration device 11 identified by the identification information indicated in the inquiry information as the destination. .

When the inventory information reaches the product registration device 11, which is the destination, via the LAN 13, the communication unit 11j provided in the product registration device 11 receives the inventory information. Communication unit 12j is thus an example of a receiver.

In the product registration device 11, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act17 when the amount-in-hand information is received by the communication unit 11j, and proceeds to Act18.

In Act 18, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the amount of money notified by the amount of money information is in an abnormal state. Then, the CPU 11a determines Yes if the state information is included in the balance information, and proceeds to Act19. If the amount-in-hand information does not include the state information, the CPU 11a determines No, and proceeds to Act20.

In Act19 or Act20, the CPU 11a sets the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second confirmation screen. Then, the CPU 11a advances to Act 21 with the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second confirmation screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the first confirmation screen SC4 as an example.

The first confirmation screen SC4 displays the image IM2 superimposed on the image displayed on the registration screen when the balance button B1 is touched. Image IM2 includes list L1, notification button B31 and close button B32.

A list L1 indicates the amount of money in hand for each denomination indicated in the amount of money in hand information. Here, the amount in stock is represented by the number of sheets accommodated. The list L1 also indicates abnormal states represented by the status information for denominations associated with the status information. In the list L1, the display form of the denomination and the number of stored bills may be changed according to whether or not the state information is associated. For example, a display line related to a denomination to which status information is not associated has a white background color. The display line for the denomination associated with status information indicating "replenishment" or "recovery" has a yellow background color. The display line related to the denomination associated with the status information indicating "immediate replenishment" or "immediate collection" has a red background color.

The second confirmation screen is a screen obtained by omitting the notification button B31 from the first confirmation screen. Of course, unlike the first confirmation screen SC4, the second confirmation screen does not indicate an abnormal state.

Thus, the touch panel 11g is an example of a display device. Further, the CPU 11a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a central portion functions as a display control section. A function as a display unit is realized through cooperation between a computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the touch panel 11g.

In Act21, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the notification button B31 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the notification button B31 has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act22.

In Act22, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B32 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the close button B32 has been touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act21.

Thus, in Act21 and Act22, the CPU 11a waits for the notification button B31 or the close button B32 to be touched. However, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second confirmation screen, the notification button B31 is not touched. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 11a always determines No in Act21, and waits for the close button B32 to be touched. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

The employee 21 can confirm the balance of money in the payment device 12 designated in Act 15 by using the first confirmation screen. Then, when the employee 21 recognizes the necessity of replenishment or collection of money, he or she takes measures therefor.

However, when there are shoppers waiting for purchase registration, the employee 21 may not be able to leave the product registration device 11 . Also, in some cases, it is determined as a rule of the store that the replenishment and collection of money should be done by a specific employee who has the authority to do so. Therefore, in such a case, the employee 21 touches the notification button B31.

When the touch panel 11g detects that the notification button B31 has been touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act21, and proceeds to Act23.

In Act 23 , the CPU 11 a transmits notification information to the server 200 . Specifically, the CPU 11a generates notification information that includes at least a command indicating that there is a settlement device 12 that needs to quickly replenish or collect money. Then, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j to transmit the generated notification information to the LAN 13 with the server 200 as the destination. Thereby, the notification information is transmitted to the settlement device 12 . Communication unit 11j is thus an example of a second transmitting device. Further, the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a notification control unit. The communication unit 11j and a computer having the CPU 11a as a central part cooperate with each other to realize a function as a notification unit.

Note that the notification information may include other various information. One of the information included in the notification information is the identification information of the settlement device 12 included in the received balance information. One of the information included in the notification information is information representing the denomination in the abnormal state. One of the information included in the notification information is state information included in the received balance information. Alternatively, all of the received balance information may be included in the notification information.

Upon receiving the notification information, the server 200 transfers the notification information to the depositing/dispensing machine 300 or instructs the depositing/dispensing machine 300 to perform an alarm operation.

When the depositing/dispensing machine 300 receives from the server 200 an instruction to transfer notification information or to perform an alarm operation, it performs an alarm operation. The alarm operation is at least an operation for making the clerk aware that there is a settlement apparatus 12 with an abnormal amount of money in the change machine 12e. The alarm operation may be implemented as appropriate, for example, by ringing an alarm sound, displaying a message on a display device, turning on an alarm lamp, generating vibration, or the like. When the notification information includes the identification information of the settlement device 12, the warning operation may include an operation for making the clerk recognize the settlement device 12 in which the abnormal state has occurred. The warning operation may include an operation for making the attendant recognize the denomination in the abnormal state when the notification information includes information indicating the denomination in the abnormal state. The warning operation may include an operation for making the clerk recognize the list L1 shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the notification information includes all of the balance information.

Based on the alarm issued by the cash depositing/dispensing machine 300, the attendant takes necessary measures to eliminate the abnormal state. For example, the attendant withdraws the money to be replenished from the depositing/dispensing machine 300, takes it to the checkout corner, and replenishes the change machine 12e in the abnormal state. Alternatively, the clerk collects money from the change dispenser 12 e in the abnormal state and deposits the money into the cash depositing/dispensing machine 300 . When the notification information indicates the number of stored coins for each denomination, the depositing/dispensing machine 300 automatically dispenses the money to be replenished, or determines whether the deposited money matches the money to be collected. You may perform an operation such as checking the .

Note that the alarm operation may be performed by a device provided in the server 200 or a device provided in a computer connected to the server 200 . Also, the warning operation may be performed on a portable terminal possessed by the staff.

In Act 24, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the transmission of the notification information has been completed normally. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act25 if the process ends normally, otherwise proceeds to Act26.

In Act25 or Act26, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a success screen or a failure screen. Then, the CPU 11a advances to Act 27 with the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g set as the success screen or the failure screen.

FIG. 9 shows a success screen SC5.

The success screen SC5 displays the image IM3 superimposed on the image displayed on the first confirmation screen when the notification button B31 is touched. An image IM3 represents a character message M1 indicating completion of notification and a close button B41.

The failure screen is a screen in which the character message M1 in the success screen SC5 is replaced with something like "notification of replenishment to the cash deposit/withdrawal machine failed" to indicate that notification has failed.

In Act27, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B41 has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the close button B41 has been touched, the CPU 11a repeats Act27. Thus, in Act27, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B41 to be touched. When the touch panel 11g detects that the close button B41 has been touched and the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act27, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act28. When the close button B32 is touched during the waiting state of Act21 and Act22, the CPU 11a skips the processing of Act23 to Act27 and proceeds to Act28.

In Act 28, the CPU 11a returns the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen. After that, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 to Act5 in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the employee 21 who is in charge of operating the product registration device 11 can use the confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 to pay the money in the change machine 12e provided in the settlement device 12. You can check the balance of When the employee 21 recognizes the necessity of replenishment or collection of money, the employee 21 can notify a staff stationed near the deposit/withdrawal machine 300 by touching the notification button displayed on the confirmation screen. .

Thus, it is no longer necessary to arrange personnel for the work of monitoring the amount of money in the change machine 12e at the checkout corner.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

Touching the amount-in-hand button may be effective only in a situation in which no product code is included in the registered delivery product table. In other words, confirmation of the amount in hand may be prohibited during the period when product registration processing for one account is being performed.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The following is a supplementary description of the inventions originally claimed in this application.
[Appendix 1] A checkout system is configured with a payment device that includes a change dispenser for receiving money and performs payment processing for product purchases in accordance with operations by customers,
a generation unit that registers information about the product and generates payment information for payment of the registered product;
a transmission unit that transmits the payment information generated by the generation unit to the payment device;
an inquiry unit that inquires of the payment device about the amount of money held in the change machine;
a receiving unit that receives balance information transmitted by the settlement device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry unit;
a display unit for displaying the amount of money represented by the amount of money information received by the receiving unit;
a notification unit that, when there is a predetermined abnormality in the amount of money represented by the amount of money information, notifying a predetermined notification destination of the abnormality in the amount of money in response to a notification instruction from an operator;
A product registration device comprising:
[Appendix 2] Further comprising a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of payment devices according to the operator's operation when the checkout system includes a plurality of payment devices,
The inquiry unit makes the inquiry to the payment device selected by the selection unit.
The product registration device according to appendix 1.
[Appendix 3] The change machine is capable of accommodating a plurality of denominations of money, and transmits balance information representing the balance of each denomination,
The notification unit determines that an abnormality exists when the balance of each denomination represented by the balance information deviates from the prescribed range set for each of the plurality of denominations.
The product registration device according to appendix 1 or 2.
[Supplementary Note 4] The notification unit transmits notification information indicating the amount of deviation of the amount of money represented by the amount of money in hand from the prescribed range to the notification destination.
The product registration device according to appendix 3.
[Supplementary note 5] The notification unit receives money, dispenses money to replenish the change machine, and deposits the money collected from the change machine.
The product registration device according to any one of Appendices 1-4.
[Appendix 6] A computer that controls a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device that has a change machine that stores money and executes payment processing in accordance with an operation by a customer,
a generating unit that registers information about a product to be settled and generates payment information for the payment of the registered product;
a transmission control unit that controls a first transmission device to transmit the payment information generated by the generation unit to the payment device;
an inquiry unit that inquires of the payment device about the amount of money held in the change machine;
a display control unit that controls a display device to display the amount of money represented by the amount of money received by a receiving unit that receives the amount of money information transmitted by the settlement apparatus in response to an inquiry by the inquiry unit;
When there is a predetermined abnormality in the amount of money represented by the amount of money information, notification information for notifying the abnormality of the amount of money in hand is transmitted to a predetermined notification destination in response to a notification instruction from an operator. a notification control unit that controls the second transmitting device such that
control program to function as

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Checkout system 200... Server 300... Cash deposit/withdrawal machine 11... Product registration apparatus 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... change machine, 12f scanner, 12g touch panel, 12h printer, 12i card reader/writer, 12j communication unit, 12k transmission system, 13 LAN.

Claims (6)

In a product registration device that configures a checkout system by being connected to a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing for products registered as purchased products via a network,
Acquisition means for acquiring a product code that identifies a product to be registered as a purchased product;
a registration means for registering, as a purchased product, the product specified by the product code acquired by the acquisition means;
a first display means for displaying a first screen showing a list of products registered as purchased products by the registration means and a first key and a second key;
When the first key is operated, a second screen displaying a plurality of payment devices as options for transfer of information for payment of goods registered as purchased goods by the registration means is displayed. 2 display means;
a third display means for displaying, when the second key is operated, a third screen showing a plurality of the payment devices as options for inquiry destinations for the amount of money in hand;
A product registration device comprising: The settlement device comprises a change dispenser for storing money, and transmission means for transmitting, in response to an inquiry about the amount of money in hand, information indicating the amount of money in hand in the change dispenser to the product registration device. and
The product registration device further
determining means for determining one payment device from among the plurality of payment devices displayed on the third screen displayed by the third display means;
Inquiry means for inquiring about the amount of money in hand to the one settlement device determined by the determination means;
a receiving means for receiving the balance information transmitted by the transmitting means;
a fourth display means for displaying a fourth screen showing the amount-in-hand information received by the receiving means;
2. The commodity registration device according to claim 1, comprising: The change machine is capable of accommodating a plurality of denominations of money ,
The transmission means transmits balance information representing the amount of money in hand for each denomination in the change dispenser,
The fourth display means displays a fourth screen showing the amount of money in hand for each denomination based on the amount-in-hand information received by the receiving means.
The product registration device according to claim 2 . the second display means and the third display means display the same payment device as options on the second screen and the third screen, respectively;
The product registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A computer that controls a product registration device that is connected to a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing for products registered as purchased products and that constitutes a checkout system through a network,
Acquisition means for acquiring a product code that identifies a product to be registered as a purchased product;
a registration means for registering, as a purchased product, the product specified by the product code acquired by the acquisition means;
a first display means for displaying a first screen showing a list of products registered as purchased products by the registration means and a first key and a second key;
When the first key is operated, a second screen displaying a plurality of payment devices as options for transfer of information for payment of goods registered as purchased goods by the registration means is displayed. 2 display means;
a third display means for displaying, when the second key is operated, a third screen showing a plurality of the payment devices as options for inquiry destinations for the amount of money in hand;
control program to function as The settlement device comprises a change dispenser for storing money, and transmission means for transmitting, in response to an inquiry about the amount of money in hand, information indicating the amount of money in hand in the change dispenser to the product registration device. and
Further, the computer
determining means for determining one payment device from among the plurality of payment devices displayed on the third screen displayed by the third display means;
Inquiry means for inquiring about the amount of money in hand to the one settlement device determined by the determination means;
a receiving means for receiving the balance information transmitted by the transmitting means;
a fourth display means for displaying a fourth screen showing the amount-in-hand information received by the receiving means;
6. The control program according to claim 5 for functioning as a

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