JP7200309B2 - Payment device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a checkout system, a registration device and a payment device included in this system, and a control program for causing a computer to function as a registration device or a payment device.

As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction for each transaction and a settlement device that processes settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are separated. . The registration device waits for input of data relating to product sales. Then, when data is input by the operator, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data, and transmits this accounting data to the settlement device. The settlement device waits for input of payment data for accounting data. Then, when the payment data is entered by the operator, the payment device processes settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. Such a checkout system in which the registration device and the payment device are separated includes a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by separate staff, and a checkout system in which the registration device is operated by the staff and the payment device is operated by the shopper. There is a so-called semi-self system, a division system operated by

In the case of the semi-self system, if a shopper takes time to operate the payment device, the following shoppers will have to wait for the payment. In order to avoid such a situation, a plurality of settlement devices are usually connected to one registration device. Then, the registration device monitors the status of each payment device, automatically selects an available payment device, and transmits payment information to that payment device. Alternatively, the registration device displays the status of each payment device on the display, and the clerk selects an available payment device and transmits the payment information to that payment device.

However, in any case, the registration device needs an information analysis function for collecting and analyzing status information (status) from the payment devices so that the registration device can monitor the status of each payment device.

JP 2013-242839 A

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system, a registration device and a payment device used in this system that can eliminate the information analysis function for the registration device to monitor the status of each payment device. and

In one embodiment, the payment device includes receiving means, determining means, and transferring means. The receiving means receives the accounting data and a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of settlement devices via the network from the registration device that generates the accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions . The judging means judges whether the settlement of the transaction can be executed . When the transfer means receives the accounting data and the list in a state in which settlement of transactions cannot be executed, the transfer means transfers the accounting data and the list to any other settlement device via the network based on the list .

1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system in one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configurations of a registration device and a payment device included in the checkout system; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main data memory areas formed in RAMs of the registration device and the settlement device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main data memory areas formed in a RAM and an auxiliary storage device of the registration device; 4 is a flowchart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to the control program; 4 is a flowchart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to the control program; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the settlement apparatus according to the control program; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the registration device; 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of the registration device; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout confirmation screen when a checkout possible response is received; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout confirmation screen when a checkout non-acceptable response is received; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the settlement device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device; 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a completion screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device; FIG.

An embodiment of a checkout system in which an information analysis function for the registration device to monitor the status of each payment device is unnecessary will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a semi-self checkout system is exemplified in which the registration device is operated by the store clerk and the payment device is operated by the shopper.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 which are larger in number than the registration devices 11 . The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged for each checkout lane of the store.

FIG. 1 shows a case where two registration devices 11 and six payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes. In FIG. 1, one registration device 11 and three settlement devices 12 are arranged for one checkout lane. The number of registration devices 11 and settlement devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary. Also, the ratio between the number of registration devices 11 and the number of settlement devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is arbitrary.

The registration device 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by a shopper 22 who purchases a product sold at the store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by the store clerk 21 in some cases.

The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A passage (checkout lane) for shoppers 22 is formed by arranging a plurality of work tables 23 such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel.

The registration device 11 has functions of registering products for sale, generating accounting data, transferring the accounting data to the settlement device 12, and settlement processing. The registration of the merchandise for sale means registering the merchandise to be purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 as the merchandise for sale. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a product for sale. Accounting data is data relating to accounting for sales products registered as one transaction. Accounting data includes a product code, which is an identification code of the product to be sold, product name, unit price, number of products, amount of money, and the like. Settlement processing is to process the settlement of transactions, which are commodity trading actions, based on accounting data. For settlement, cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. are used as payment.

The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when accounting data is transferred from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes settlement of transactions based on the accounting data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG. Both the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is a network. A server (not shown) is connected to the LAN 13 . The server has a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product.

Registration device 11 and settlement device 12 exchange information via LAN 13 . As for the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13 . Further, a configuration may be adopted in which information is exchanged between the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

The 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, and two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2. , a printer 11h, a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a is connected to a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c and an auxiliary storage unit 11d via a transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various functions of the 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 operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware or application programs. The ROM 11b may store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also 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. 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 11 b or the auxiliary storage unit 11 d include control programs describing information processing executed by the registration device 11 . The registration device 11 is generally transferred with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network and written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the barcode attached to the product to obtain 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. The scanner 11f may also include a scanner of the type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for store employees and the other touch panel 11g2 is for customers. Each of touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 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 clerk's touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the clerk's 21 work space side. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22.例文帳に追加

The printer 11h issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. For example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used as this type of printer 11h.

The card reader/writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards may include membership cards called membership cards, point cards, etc., in addition to settlement cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. The card reader/writer 11i reads and rewrites electronic money data (balance, etc.) stored in the electronic money card. 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 data communication with a plurality of settlement devices 12 connected via the LAN13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with other registration devices 11 via the LAN 13. FIG.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, the auxiliary storage unit 11d, the drawer opening unit 11e, the scanner 11f, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader/writer 11i, and the 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.

For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as hardware for such a registration device 11 .

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory unit 12d, an automatic 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 automatic change dispenser 12e receives inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and banknotes as change.

Other functions of the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader/writer 12i, communication unit 12j, and transmission system 12k are the functions of the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage of the registration device 11. It is equivalent to the unit 11d, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader/writer 11i, the communication unit 11j, and the transmission system 11k.

That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to form a computer. The CPU 12a controls each part to realize various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include a control program describing information processing executed by the settlement device 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. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

As the hardware of such a settlement device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-service system can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 having such configurations forms the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG.

The data memory area 31 is an area for storing data of sales products in one transaction. The data includes items such as product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and price. A product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product has a product code represented by a barcode, for example, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11f. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per item. The number is the number of sales of the same product, and the amount is the amount (sales amount) for the number of sales. The data memory area 31 is hereinafter referred to as transaction memory. The transaction memory 31a for the registration device 11 and the transaction memory 31b for the settlement device 12 are used.

The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number of items and the total amount. The total quantity is the total number of sales stored in transaction memory 31 . The total amount is the sum of the sales amounts stored in the transaction memory 31 . The data memory area 32 is hereinafter referred to as total memory. The memory for the registration device 11 is represented by a total memory 32a, and the memory for the settlement device 12 is represented by a total memory 32b.

Also, the checkout system 10 forms the data memory area 41 shown in FIG.

The data memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and price of one sales product. The data memory area 41 is hereinafter referred to as a temporary buffer 41 .

The data memory area 42 stores settlement apparatus IDs and identification names in association with a series of list numbers (accounting data transfer order) starting from "1". The settlement device ID is a unique ID assigned to each settlement device 12 to individually identify each settlement device 12 and stored in the ROM 12b, for example. Incidentally, the same registration device ID is stored in the ROM 11b for each registration device 11 as well. The identification name is a unique name individually set for each settlement device 12 . The operator of the registration device 11 can determine which payment device 12 is indicated from the identification name. The data memory area 42 is hereinafter referred to as a list table 42 .

The list number "1" of the list table 42 is preset with the payment device ID and identification name of the payment device 12 installed closest to the registration device 11, and the list number "2" is set. , the settlement device ID and the identification name of the settlement device 12 that is installed second closest to the registration device 11 are set in advance. In this way, the transfer order of accounting data is set in descending order of distance from the registration device 11 . Note that such a setting is an example, and the transfer order does not necessarily have to be set in order of distance from the registration device 11 .

5 and 6 are flowcharts showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the registration device 11. FIG. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams showing various examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12. FIG. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. 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.

The registration device 11 has a registration mode as one of operation modes. When the registration device 11 is activated in this registration mode, the CPU 11a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a initializes the RAM 11c (Act 1). This initialization clears transaction memory 31a, sum memory 32a and temporary buffer 41. FIG.

Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act2).

The registration screen SC1 displays the contents of the temporary buffer 41, the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a, and allows the store clerk 21 to confirm the progress of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. In the display area R1, a display field r11 for displaying the product name and unit price of the most recently registered product for sale, a display field r12 for displaying the quantity, and a display field r13 for displaying the price are displayed. A display field r14 is formed in which the total number of products registered for sale and the total price are displayed. In the display area R2, a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and prices of products registered for sale prior to the product shown in the display area R1 is formed.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a displays a product button for the store clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal output command for the store clerk 21 outside the registration screen SC1 area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. Various function buttons such as a subtotal button are also displayed.

When the store clerk 21 confirms that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, he/she recognizes that the product to be purchased by the shopper 22 can be registered. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the store clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f or the product button, for example, and sequentially inputs the product code of the product. When the product codes of all the products have been entered, the store clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. By the above operations, the registration of the product to be purchased by one shopper (sale registration for one transaction) is completed.

In response to such a registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a that displays the registration screen SC1 waits for input of a product code (Act 3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a acquires product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. . Further, the CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of pieces to calculate the amount of money for the number of pieces. The number is the numerical value when the number is entered with the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is entered, and is "1" when the number is not entered. When the CPU 11a thus generates the product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, quantity and price, it stores the product sales data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 4). At this time, if merchandise sales data has already been stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the stored merchandise sales data to the transaction memory 31, and then transfers new merchandise sales data to the temporary buffer 41. store in

The CPU 11a adds the number and amount stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so that the contents of the temporary buffer 41 and total memory 32a are displayed in the display area R1 and the contents of the transaction memory 31a are displayed in the display area R2 (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the next product code has been input (Act 6). If the product code has not been input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the product code has been input (Act 6). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the product code or the touch of the subtotal button as Act6 and Act7. Note that when the CPU 11a confirms the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, the CPU 11a shifts to processing corresponding to the occurrence event. Such an operation is the same in other waiting states.

In the standby state of Act6 and Act7, when the product code is input (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

In the waiting state of Act6 and Act7, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act8 and Act9. Note that the processing procedures of Act8 and Act9 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 8 , the CPU 11 a moves the merchandise sales data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the transaction memory 31 . Then, the CPU 11a generates accounting data from the data in the transaction memory 31a and the data in the total memory 32a (generating means). In Act 9, the CPU 11a displays the checkout confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

An example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The payment confirmation screen SC2 includes a display area R3 and buttons B1, B2, B3 and B4. The display area R3 displays the total number of items in the total memory 32a, the total amount of money, and the like. The buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the store clerk 21 to specify that a discount or discount should be applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the store clerk 21 to specify to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is a checkout button B4 for the store clerk 21 to instruct the transition to checkout after the product registration for one transaction is completed.

The CPU 11a that displays the checkout confirmation screen SC2 confirms whether or not the checkout button has been pressed (Act 10). If the checkout button has not been pressed (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a checks whether the return button B3 has been pressed (Act 11). If the return button B3 is not pressed (NO in Act11), the CPU 11a checks again whether the checkout button is pressed (Act10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for an input from the checkout button B4 or an input from the return button B3 as Act10 and Act11.

After confirming the accounting confirmation screen SC2, the store clerk 21 confirms whether or not the merchandise purchased by the shopper 22 remains registered. If it remains, the store clerk 21 touches the return button B3. If not, the store clerk 21 touches the checkout button B4.

In the standby state of Act10 and Act11, when the return button B3 is input (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a returns the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act 6, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act10 and Act11, when the payment button B4 is touched (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act13 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a reads a list of IDs and identification names of the settlement devices 12 from the list table 42 (Act 13). Next, the CPU 11a detects the payment apparatus ID with the list number "1" from the list table 42 (Act 14). Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the accounting data generated in the process of Act 8 and the list data obtained in the process of Act 13 to the settlement apparatus ID of the list number "1" (Act 15). In response to this command, the communication unit 11j transmits "accounting data + list data" over the LAN 13 with the settlement device ID of the list number "1" as the destination and the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source. . This "accounting data + list data" is received by the settlement device 12 whose destination settlement device ID matches the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes transmission means in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

When the CPU 12a of each settlement device 12 receives "accounting data + list data" via the communication unit 12j, it determines whether the settlement device ID added to the data as the destination matches the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b. confirm. If they do not match, the CPU 12a discards the "accounting data + list data". If they match, the CPU 12a takes in "accounting data+list data". Then, the CPU 12a starts reception interrupt processing specifically shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes receiving means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

When the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12a first checks the busy flag F (Act 21). The busy flag F is 1-bit data which is set to "1" while the CPU 12a is processing settlement of transactions based on accounting data, and is reset to "0" when the processing is completed, and is stored in the RAM 12c. there is Thus, while the busy flag F is set, the settlement device 12 is executing the settlement of the transaction. Therefore, the settlement device 12 cannot settle a new transaction. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes determination means for determining whether or not settlement of transactions can be executed by the processing of Act21.

If the busy flag F is reset, that is, if the settlement device 12 is ready to settle transactions (YES in Act21), the CPU 12a executes Act22, Act23 and Act24. The processing procedures of Act22, Act23 and Act24 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act22, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1".
In Act 23, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit transaction-enabled response command data to the registration device 11, which is the data transmission source. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends command data for an accountable response whose destination is the registration device ID set as the transmission source of "accounting data + list data" and whose transmission source is the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b. is transmitted onto the LAN 13 . This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes permission response means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

In Act 24, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing based on the received accounting data (processing means). The accounting treatment will be explained later. When the accounting process is finished, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to "0" (Act 25).
This completes the reception interrupt processing for "accounting data + list data" in the state where the busy flag F is reset.

On the other hand, if the busy flag F is set, that is, if the settlement device 12 is in a state where settlement of the transaction cannot be executed (NO in Act 21), the CPU 12a searches the received list data (Act 26). . Then, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b is associated with the final list number of the list data (Act 27).

If the payment device ID is not associated with the final list number (NO in Act 27), the CPU 12a adds "1" to the list number associated with the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b from the list data. is detected (Act 28). Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transfer the "accounting data + list data" to the detected settlement apparatus ID (Act 29). In response to this command, the communication unit 12j transmits "accounting data + list data" to the LAN 13 with the detected settlement device ID as the destination and the registered device ID indicating the transmission source as it is. This "accounting data + list data" is received by the settlement device 12 whose destination settlement device ID matches the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes transfer means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

On the other hand, if the settlement device ID is associated with the final list number (the maximum value of the list number) (YES in Act 27), the CPU 12a sends a non-accounting response to the data transmission source registration device 11. Instructs communication unit 12j to transmit command data. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends command data for a non-accounting response, with the registration device ID set as the transmission source of "accounting data + list data" as the destination and the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. is transmitted onto the LAN 13 . This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes error response means in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.
This completes the reception interrupt processing of "accounting data + list data" in the state where the busy flag F is set.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the "accounting data + list data" in Act 15 of FIG. 6 waits for a response from the settlement device 12 (Act 16). When command data indicating a response is received via the communication unit 11j (YES in Act 16), the CPU 11a identifies whether the command data is a transaction-enabled response or a transaction-impossible response (Act 17).

In the case of a transaction-possible response (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a searches the list table 42 and reads out the identification name stored in association with the payment apparatus ID that is the transmission source of the command data. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the payment apparatus 12 with this identification name is ready for payment in a partial region R4 of the payment confirmation screen SC2 (Act 18). After confirming this message, the store clerk notifies the shopper to use the settlement device 12 specified by the identification name to pay the bill.

On the other hand, in the case of a transaction not possible response (NO in Act 17), the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the transaction data could not be transmitted to a partial area R5 of the transaction confirmation screen SC2, as shown in FIG. Display (Act 19). After that, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disabling process.

The transmission disapproval process waits for, for example, the payment button B4 to be input again, and if the input is received, the processes after Act 13 are executed again. In this case, the clerk who confirmed the message touches the checkout button B4.

In the transmission prohibition processing, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and transmitted to the server, and the printer 11h is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a bar code indicating the identification code is printed. In this case, the store clerk confirms the message and gives the checkout ticket to the shopper. The shopper has the scanner 12f of the settlement device 12 prepared at a place other than the checkout lane, for example, to read the barcode of the checkout ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 acquires the accounting data attached with the identification code obtained from the bar code from the server. Then, the CPU 12a executes the processing of Act22, Act24 and Act25 in FIG. 7 based on this accounting data.

In this manner, the store clerk 21 registers the product to be purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 . After completing the registration, the store clerk 21 touches the payment button B4 on the payment confirmation screen SC2. Then, accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions with this shopper 22 is transmitted together with the list data of the list table 42 . The destination of this "accounting data + list data" is the settlement device 12 (assumed to be settlement device 12-1) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number "1".

Here, if the settlement device 12-1 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=0), the settlement device 12-1 transmits to the registration device 11 transaction enable response command data. As a result, the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11 displays the identification name representing the settlement device 12-1 and a message indicating that the transaction is ready. The user is notified to pay by the settlement device 12-1.

On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-1 cannot execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=1), the settlement device 12-1 transfers "accounting data + list data" to another settlement device 12. be. The transfer destination is the settlement device 12 (settlement device 12-2) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number “2”.

Here, if the settlement device 12-2 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=0), the settlement device 12-2 transmits to the registration device 11 transaction enable response command data. As a result, the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11 displays the identification name representing the settlement device 12-2 and a message indicating that the transaction is ready. The user is notified to pay by the settlement device 12-2.

On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-2 cannot execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=1), the settlement device 12-2 transfers "accounting data + list data" to another settlement device 12. be. The transfer destination is the settlement device 12 (settlement device 12-3) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number "3".

Here, if the settlement device 12-3 is capable of executing transaction settlement (busy flag F=0), the settlement device 12-3 transmits to the registration device 11 transaction enable response command data. As a result, the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11 displays the identification name representing the payment device 12-3 and a message indicating that the transaction is ready. The user is notified to pay by the settlement device 12-3.

On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-3 is incapable of executing transaction settlement (busy flag F=1), all three settlement devices 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 will settle the transaction. is impossible. In this case, the settlement device 12-3 transmits command data for a non-accounting response to the registration device 11. FIG. As a result, a message indicating that transmission is not possible is displayed on the checkout confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, so the salesclerk 21 touches the checkout button B4 again. Alternatively, since a checkout ticket is issued together with a message indicating that transmission is prohibited, the salesclerk 21 passes the checkout ticket to the shopper 22 .

A shopper 22 notified by a store clerk 21 to pay with any settlement device 12 moves to the place of the settlement device 12. - 特許庁At this time, the settlement device 12 has started accounting processing. When the accounting process starts, the settlement device 12 displays a payment method selection screen SC3 (see FIG. 12) on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

An example of the payment method selection screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The payment method selection screen SC3 includes display areas R11 and R12 and buttons B11 and B12. The display area R11 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement device 12. FIG. The display area R12 displays the total number and total price stored in the total memory 32b. The button B11 is a payment method button B11 for the shopper to specify one of a plurality of payment methods. The button B12 is a clerk call button B13 for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21 .

In this embodiment, cash, credit card, and electronic money are exemplified as payment methods, but payment methods are not limited to these. Other payment methods may be added. Also, one of the payment methods may be omitted.

After confirming the payment method selection screen SC3, the shopper 22 determines the payment method and touches the payment method button B11. When the payment method button B11 is touched, the payment screen SC4 (see FIG. 13) of the payment method selected by the payment method button B11 is displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12.

An example of the payment screen SC4 is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 shows the payment screen SC4 when cash is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SC4 includes display areas R13, R14 and a button B13. The display area R13 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12. FIG. The display area R14 displays the total amount, the input amount, and the remaining amount. The button B13 is a checkout button B13 for a shopper who has finished putting in cash to designate execution of checkout.

A shopper who selects cash as a payment method inserts cash into the automatic change machine 12e. Then, when the cash amount equal to or more than the total amount is thrown in, the user touches the settlement button B13. When the payment button B13 is touched, the payment device 12 executes payment processing by the selected payment method. Since such settlement processing is well known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the settlement process is completed, the settlement apparatus 12 displays a completion screen SC5 (see FIG. 14) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

An example of the completion screen SC5 for cash payment is shown in FIG. The completion screen SC5 includes display areas R15, R16, and R17. The display area R15 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12. FIG. The display area R16 displays a guidance image. The guide image is an image that guides the shopper 22 to the receipt issuing port and the change dispensing port. Therefore, the shopper can easily know the place where the receipt is issued and the place where the change is paid out from the guidance image. The display area R16 displays the amount of change. Therefore, the shopper can know the amount of change from the data in the display area R16.

After confirming the completion screen SC5 , the shopper receives the receipt and change according to the guidance image. In response to this, in the settlement device 12, the busy flag F is reset to "0", and the settlement device 12 enters the accounting standby state.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the registration device 11 may transmit accounting data to the settlement device 12 set to the list number “1” regardless of the state of each settlement device 12 . Therefore, the registration device 11 does not need an information analysis function for monitoring the status of each settlement device 12 .

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the registration device 11 may have a setting mode of data (settlement device ID/identification name) for the list table 42 so that the data in the list table 42 can be changed arbitrarily. In the case of the above-described embodiment, the accounting data is first sent to the settlement device 12 set to the list number "1", so that the transaction settlement is processed at this settlement device 12 more frequently. Therefore, by changing the data of the list table 42 at an appropriate timing, the frequency of settlement of transactions can be leveled.

Further, the screens SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, and SC5 illustrated and described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and needless to say, the layouts are not limited to those illustrated.

Additionally, 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 invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended below.
[1] A checkout system in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction and a plurality of settlement devices that process the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are connected via a network. In the system, the registration device includes transmission means for transmitting the accounting data to any one of the payment devices via the network together with a list indicating the order of transfer of the accounting data set among the plurality of payment devices. and notification means for, in response to receiving a permission response from any of the payment devices via the network, notifying information identifying the payment device that sent the permission response, wherein the payment device includes receiving means for receiving the accounting data and the list via the network, determination means for determining whether or not settlement of the transaction can be executed, and a state in which settlement of the transaction can be executed. permission response means for transmitting the permission response to the registration device via the network when the accounting data and the list are received; transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any of the other payment devices via the network based on the list, when the checkout system receives the
[2] When the settlement device receives the accounting data and the list in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed, all other settlement devices are in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed. error response means for transmitting an error response to the registration device via the network when recognizing that there is an error response, wherein the registration device receives the error response from any of the payment devices via the network A checkout system according to appendix [1], further comprising an informing means for announcing an error.
[3] generating means for generating, for each transaction, accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction; transmitting means for transmitting accounting data along with a list indicating an accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices via a network; and receiving a permission response from one of the payment devices via the network. and notification means for notifying information for identifying the settlement apparatus that has sent the permission response, according to the request.
[4] Receiving, for each transaction, from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of that transaction, via a network, the accounting data and a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the plurality of settlement devices. processing means for processing settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data; determination means for determining whether or not settlement of the transaction can be executed; and a state in which settlement of the transaction can be executed permission response means for transmitting a permission response to the registration device via the network when the accounting data and the list are received by the network; transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any other of the payment devices via the network based on the list, when the payment device receives the
[5] to the computer of the registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction, and to one of the plurality of settlement devices that processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data , a function of transmitting the accounting data along with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices via a network; and receiving a permission response from any of the payment devices via the network. a control program for realizing a function of notifying information for identifying the settlement device that is the source of the permission response in response to the request.
[6] Receive, via a network, a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set between the accounting data and a plurality of settlement devices from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction for each transaction. a function of making a computer of a settlement device having receiving means to process settlement of said transaction based on said accounting data, a function of determining whether or not settlement of said transaction can be executed, and settlement of said transaction a function of transmitting an approval response to the registration device via the network when the accounting data and the list are received in a state in which the transaction can be executed; and a function of transferring the accounting data and the list to any other settlement device via the network based on the list when the list is received.

11 registration device 12 settlement device 11a, 12a CPU 11b, 12b ROM 11c, 12c RAM 11d, 12d auxiliary storage unit 11e drawer opening unit 12e automatic change dispenser 11f, 12f scanner 11g1, 11g2, 12g touch panel 11h, 12h printer 11i, 12i card reader/writer 11j, 12j communication unit 11k, 12k transmission system 13 LAN 31 (31a, 31b) ... transaction memory, 32 (32a, 32b) ... total memory, 41 ... temporary buffer, 42 ... list table.

Claims (5)

Receiving means for receiving , from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions, said accounting data and a list indicating the order of accounting data transfer set among a plurality of settlement devices via a network ;
Determination means for determining whether settlement of the transaction can be executed ;
When the accounting data and the list are received in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed, the accounting data and the list are transferred to any of the other payment devices via the network based on the list. a transfer means for transfer;
A payment device comprising When the transfer means receives the accounting data and the list in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed, the accounting data transfer order shown in the list is next to the order of the own device. 2. The settlement device according to claim 1 , wherein the accounting data and the list are transferred via the network with the device as a destination . When the accounting data and the list are received in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed, and if the accounting data transfer order of the own device shown in the list is the lowest, settlement processing based on the accounting data is performed. 3. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: execution impossibility notification means for notifying said registration apparatus of impossibility of execution . When the accounting data and the list are received and the identification information of the payment device as the destination included in the accounting data does not match the identification information of the device that received the accounting data and the list, the accounting data and the list are received. 4. The settlement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising discarding means for discarding data and said list . on the computer of the payment device,
a function of receiving, via a network, from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions, the accounting data and a list indicating the order of transfer of accounting data set among a plurality of settlement devices ;
a function to determine whether settlement of the transaction can be executed;
When the accounting data and the list are received in a state in which settlement of the transaction cannot be executed, the accounting data and the list are transferred to any other settlement device through the network based on the list. and
A control program for realizing

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