JP7219433B2 - system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to systems and programs.

There is a semi-self-type POS system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices. A settlement device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed as a settlement device for such a POS system. In a semi-self-type POS system, a store clerk arbitrarily designates a checkout device from waiting checkout devices. The customer pays the bill using a billing device specified by the store clerk.

JP 2015-143955 A

When a store clerk designates a checkout device for a customer to check out, the checkout device that is not operated by other customers is specified. After the clerk designates the checkout device, the checkout device to be operated cannot be easily changed even if the other checkout device is in a standby state.

As described above, in the prior art, there is a problem that the customer can pay only with a designated accounting device, although the accounting device is suitable for the customer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables a customer to checkout using a suitable accounting device.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of accounting devices that perform accounting processing based on registration data of registered products , and a registration device that registers products. , said accounting device has a designation means for designating another accounting device, and said other accounting device designated by said designation means performs accounting processing on registration data acquired for performing accounting processing by said device. and an informing means for informing that accounting processing based on registered data transferred from an accounting device different from the own device is possible , wherein the registration device An output means for outputting registration data for accounting processing by the device, wherein the output means outputs registration data for prohibiting transfer by the transfer means to the one accounting device that has acquired the registration data. The accounting device is characterized by prohibiting transfer by the transfer means when receiving registration data whose transfer is prohibited .

According to the above, it is possible for the customer to checkout with a suitable checkout device.

According to the above, it is easy for the customer to understand whether or not the checkout device can be transferred by the notification.

The above system may have display means for displaying identification information for identifying the other accounting device so that the other accounting device can be selected.

According to the above, the customer can easily select another checkout device.

According to the above, it is possible to prohibit the transfer of registration data by the registration device.

The above system may have a host device that transfers the registration data by the transfer means to the accounting device that has acquired the registration data.

According to the above, the data can be transferred by a host device other than the checkout device.

In the above system, the transfer means may not transfer the registration data if there are a plurality of accounting devices that have received the registration data for which accounting processing has not been performed.

According to the above, customer confusion can be suppressed.

In the above system , the notification means may notify by light emission.

According to the above, it becomes easier for customers to understand.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a program that is one aspect of the present invention causes a first computer to function as an accounting device that performs accounting processing based on registered product registration data, and functions as a registration device that registers products. A program for causing a second computer to function, wherein the first computer is designated by a designation means for designating another accounting device, and the registration data acquired for performing accounting processing by the own device is designated by the designation means. In addition, it functions as a transfer means that can be transferred for accounting processing by the other accounting device, and a notification means that notifies that accounting processing based on registered data transferred from an accounting device different from the own device is possible. and causing the second computer to function as output means for outputting registration data for accounting processing by one accounting device, wherein the output means sends the transfer means to the one accounting device that has acquired the registration data. is a program for outputting registration data for prohibiting transfer by said first computer, and causing said first computer to execute processing for prohibiting transfer by said transfer means when it receives registration data whose transfer is prohibited.

According to the above, it is possible for the customer to checkout with a suitable checkout device.

As described above, it is possible for a customer to use a suitable accounting device for accounting.

1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system; FIG. It is a figure which shows the installation example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the external appearance example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a POS terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; It is a figure explaining an example of transition of an operation mode. It is a figure explaining an example of transition of an operation mode. It is a figure which shows the installation position of a registration apparatus and accounting apparatuses A, B, and C. FIG. It is an example of a small plan screen. It is an example of the screen of the accounting device. A screen of a monitoring device is an example. FIG. 2 illustrates messages, events, and states; It is an example of a basic sequence. It is an example of the sequence when the accounting device B is operated by the accounting device A to make a transaction. It is an example of a sequence in the case of using the accounting device B to make a transaction. It is an example of a sequence when accounting is performed by the accounting device B by an operation (transfer request) on the monitoring device. It is an example of a sequence when accounting is performed by the accounting device B by an operation (receiving request) on the monitoring device. 4 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the accounting device in an idle state; 4 is a flow chart showing processing performed by the accounting device in an accounting waiting state; 10 is a flow chart showing processing performed by the accounting device in an accounting state; 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the accounting device in a takeover-enabled state; 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the accounting device in a takeover-enabled state; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen for changing accounting devices on the registration device; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen for changing accounting devices on the registration device; It is an example of a sequence in the case of performing accounting with the accounting device C by operating the registration device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for designating a checkout device by flicking;

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes five POS terminals 20R-1, 20R2, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 and a store controller (store computer, management device). 10 and a monitoring device 40, which are connected via a LAN 11 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Hereinafter, the POS terminals 20R-1, 20R-2, 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 will be collectively referred to as the POS terminals 20 unless otherwise distinguished.
A store controller (store computer, management device) 10 manages data necessary for store management, such as sales data and product data. In addition, the POS terminal 20 transmits and receives information related to product sales data. In addition, the status of the POS terminal 20 is constantly monitored, and information such as payment during checkout, waiting, receipt near end, receipt expired, and remaining value information such as the denomination and number of bills of the change bill machine are also monitored. I understand. The monitoring device 40 is classified into an installation type and a portable type (mobile terminal), and has the same functions as the store controller.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of a POS terminal. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as viewed from the customer side. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as seen from the store clerk's side. As shown in FIG. 2A, a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 viewed from the customer side. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the salesclerk side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts.

A configuration example of the POS terminal 20 shown in FIG. 4 will be described below with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer-side display unit 205, a customer-side scanner unit 206, a customer-side printing unit 207, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, It has a clerk-side display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a clerk-side scanner unit 212, a clerk-side printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, a communication unit 215, a human sensor 221, and a sign pole 222. . They can communicate with each other via a bus.

The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 .
The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various information used by the CPU 201 including programs.

A RAM 203 is a read/write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (for example, product master information acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (for example, registration information generated during registration processing, settlement information generated during settlement processing, etc.). memorize In the following description, either one or both of registration information and settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

The hard disk 204 stores various information. The hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202, for example. Also, instead of the RAM 203, information obtained from the outside or information generated during processing may be stored.

The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to the customer and receives various inputs from the customer.
A customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads, for example, a bar code (such as a product code) attached to a product.

The customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when the customer registers the product, but the customer may register the product by another method. For example, when an item order button or the like is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the item.

A customer-side printing unit 207 is a printing unit that discharges media to the customer side, and prints and issues various media such as receipts.

The card settlement unit 208 is a settlement mechanism using various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). The card settlement unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit.

The change dispenser 209 (cash settlement unit) is a settlement mechanism using cash, and has an insertion port for banknotes and coins and a discharge port for banknotes and coins. The amount of change, which is the difference, is calculated, and the change is discharged from the discharge port.

The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for the clerk, and displays various information to the clerk and receives various inputs from the clerk.
The key operation unit 211 is composed of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for a clerk, and optically reads, for example, a bar code (product code, etc.) attached to a product or a clerk code attached to a clerk's name tag.

Note that the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers products, but the clerk may register the products by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (for example, a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged in the key operation unit 211, the store clerk can operate (press) the key to register the product. can. Also, when a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate the preset key to register the product.

The clerk-side printing unit 213 is a printing unit that discharges media to the clerk side, and prints and issues various media such as receipts, for example.

The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like.
The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (other POS terminals 20, store controllers 10).

A human sensor 221 detects the approach of a person. For example, the human sensor 221 detects the approach of a person by detecting whether or not a person exists within a radius of 1 meter from the POS terminal 20 .

The sign pole 222 has indicator lights of a plurality of colors, and notifies customers by light emission such as lighting or blinking of the indicator lights. The content of notification by the sign pole 222 will be described later.

(Outline of each operation mode)
Next, operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has multiple operating modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four types of operation modes (normal mode, full self mode, double scan mode, semi self mode). The operation modes described below are the operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and accounting processing). It does not include the maintenance mode for setting work or maintenance work, or the training mode for training newcomers.

5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the normal mode. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (merchandise registration processing, accounting processing) and the actions of people (staff, customers) in the normal mode, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of operation; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the full-self mode. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (merchandise registration processing, accounting processing) and the actions of people (customers) in the full self mode, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of operation; FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the double scan mode. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (merchandise registration processing, accounting processing) and the actions of people (customers) in the double scan mode, and FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a basic flow of operation; FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the semi-self mode. FIG. 8(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (product registration processing, accounting processing) and the actions of people (customers) in the semi-self mode, and FIGS. 8(B) and 8(C) in the semi-self mode 4 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20;

In the following description, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 performs product registration processing is referred to as a registration mode, and the mode in which payment processing is performed is referred to as a checkout mode, as a different approach from the above-described four operation mode classifications. There is

(normal mode)
The normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5A, is an operation mode in which the store clerk executes the registration process and the customer executes the settlement process. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the normal mode, the store clerk side enters the registration mode and the customer side enters the checkout mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration accounting mode from the registration process to the settlement process as a whole.

In the normal mode, the clerk registers the purchased product of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner section 212, clerk side display section 210, key operation section 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased product according to the operation of the store clerk (the operation of the store clerk side scanner unit 212, the store clerk side display unit 210, the key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 5A). .

When the registration process by the clerk is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased commodities on the clerk-side display unit 210, inserts money into the change machine 209, or operates the card payment unit 208 to settle the account (FIG. 5). (A) lower row). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 5A).

That is, in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5B, the product is first scanned by the store clerk, for example, by the store clerk scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), and the product is registered (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211, etc.) (step S30: YES), for example, the change machine 209 is performed (step S50), and the process is completed.

The customer may wait until the store clerk completes the registration process (until the total amount is determined), but may insert money into the change machine 209 before the registration process is completed. That is, the POS terminal 20 can accept payment during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 5A).

In addition, the salesclerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer obtains change or a receipt), or may register the next customer's purchased product. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased product of the next customer during the checkout process (lower part of FIG. 5A). Also, the clerk may be absent during the payment by the customer (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, the reception of the customer may be finished during the payment of the customer.

In addition, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispensation of change or bills by the change machine 209 in order to prevent forgetting to take the change, and a sensor or the like detects that the customer has removed the change or bills. After recognizing the above, the receipt issuance by the customer side printing unit 207 is controlled. The same applies to other operation modes. As described above, in the normal mode (the same applies to the double scan mode), there may or may not be a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change. (That is, the payment of change/change and the receipt may be issued at the same time, or the receipt may be issued first). Further, the timing of paying out change/tills and issuing receipts may be controlled according to the current operation mode and the presence/absence of a clerk (for example, the presence/absence of a clerk is recognized by a sensor).

(Full self mode)
As shown in FIG. 6A, the full self mode is an operation mode in which the customer performs registration processing and the customer performs settlement processing. That is, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the case of the full self mode, the customer side becomes both the registration mode and the checkout mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration accounting mode from the registration process to the settlement process as a whole.

In the case of the full self mode, the customer registers the purchased product on the customer side (customer side scanner section 206, customer side display section 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes registration processing of the purchased product by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 6A).

When the registration process is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased products on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or operates the card payment unit 208 to settle the account (Fig. 6 (A) ) below). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6A).

That is, in the full-self mode, as shown in FIG. 6B, the product is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 on the customer side (step S20: YES), and the product is registered (step S21). After the registration completion key (for example, the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) is pressed (step S40: YES), the customer's account is settled by, for example, the change machine 209 (step S50), and processing is performed. is completed.

In the full-self mode, as described above, the customer side executes both the registration process and the settlement process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. That is, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self mode, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 can scan the clerk code. Further, the POS terminal 20 can display various information (for example, the list described in FIG. 15) on the clerk-side display section 210 even when operating in the full-self mode.

(double scan mode)
The double scan mode, as shown in FIG. 7A, is an operation mode in which registration processing is executed on both the store clerk side and the customer side, and settlement processing is executed on the customer side. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the case of the double scan mode, both the clerk side and the customer side are in the registration mode, and the customer side is in the checkout mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration accounting mode from the registration process to the settlement process as a whole.

In the case of the double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased product on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased product on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 211). 206, customer-side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 can be operated by a clerk (scanning by the clerk-side scanner unit 212, touching the clerk-side display unit 210, pressing the key operation unit 211, etc.) and by a customer (customer-side scanner unit 206). , and touch on the customer-side display unit 205), the registration processing of the purchased product is executed (upper part of FIG. 7A).

When the registration process is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased products on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money into the change machine 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to settle the account (Fig. 7 (A) ) below). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7A).

That is, in the double scan mode, products are first registered on the store clerk side and the customer side. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, by scanning the store clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), goods are registered (step S11), and by scanning the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES), the product is registered (step S21). A subtotal key (for example, a subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) or a registration completion key (for example, a registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) After the completion key, etc.) is pressed (step S41: YES), on the customer side, the payment is made by, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer obtains change or a receipt), or may register the next customer's purchased product. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased product of the next customer during the checkout process (lower part of FIG. 7A). Also, the clerk may be absent during the payment by the customer (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the reception of the customer may be finished during the payment of the customer.

(Semi-self mode)
The semi-self mode is an operation mode using two or more POS terminals 20. As shown in FIG. 8A, at least one POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 8) is , and the customer side of another POS terminal 20 (one of the POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 in the example of FIG. 8) executes the settlement process. mode. That is, in the case of the semi-self mode, one or more terminals (in the example of FIG. 8, one of the POS terminals 20-1 as shown in FIG. 8B) enters the registration-only mode, and one or more other terminals (the In an example, as shown in FIG. 8(C), two POS terminals 20-2 and 20-2) are in the checkout mode.

In the semi-self mode, the clerk registers the purchased product of the customer at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode on the clerk side (clerk side scanner section 212, clerk side display section 210, key operation section 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased product according to the operation of the store clerk (the operation of the store clerk side scanner unit 212, the store clerk side display unit 210, the key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 8A). .

When the registration processing by the clerk is completed, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the checkout-only mode, confirms the total amount of purchased commodities on the clerk-side display unit 210, inserts money into the change machine 209, or performs card payment. Operate the unit 208 to settle (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing according to the customer's operation (insertion of money into the change machine 209, operation of the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 8A).

When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. Then, it moves to the POS terminal 20-2), and the POS terminal 20 at the destination is supplied with information necessary for settlement processing (registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, etc.).

The destination POS terminal 20 (of the POS terminals 20 in accounting-only mode, the POS terminal 20 that executes the settlement process) may be specified in the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode issues a medium (a medium on which a barcode or the like for obtaining information necessary for settlement processing is printed), and the POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode that reads the medium is used. It may be the POS terminal 20 at the destination.

That is, in the semi-self mode, the product is first registered by the clerk of the POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1) in the registration-only mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, products are registered (step S11) by scanning with the clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, the POS terminal 20 in accounting mode ( (one of the POS terminals 20-3 of the POS terminal 20-2) is specified (step S31: YES), the registration information is transmitted to the specified POS terminal 20 (step S32), and the POS in the registration-only mode Processing in the terminal 20 is completed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8C, after receiving the registration information (step S49: YES), the POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (that is, the POS terminal 20 specified by the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode) In the case of the customer, the payment is made by, for example, the change machine 209 (step S50), and the processing at the POS terminal 20 in the payment-only mode is completed.

After transmitting the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchased product (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). Also, the clerk may be absent after transmitting the registration information (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

(Notification of operation mode)
The POS terminal 20 notifies the current operating mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210 . Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display column may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display column on the screen. Also, a screen on which an image corresponding to each operation mode (for example, a button-like image) is arranged is displayed on the clerk's side display unit 210, and an image corresponding to the current operation mode is displayed on the screen. It may be displayed in a display manner different from that of the non-corresponding image (for example, in a display manner that is more conspicuous than the display manners of other images). Note that the customer-side display unit 205 may similarly display the operation mode.

Also, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, the customer-side display unit 205 may display a message corresponding to the current operation mode. Specifically, if the current operation mode is full self mode, for example, when the customer is waiting, the customer himself/herself will be asked to register the product (message such as "Please scan the customer"). It may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 (for example, scroll display in large characters).

(Transition of operation mode)
Next, transition (switching) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 changes the operation mode according to an explicit mode change operation (input on the operation mode setting screen, operation of the operation mode setting button, etc.) by the clerk. In addition, the POS terminal 20 changes the operation mode according to another operation (for example, reading a salesclerk code, etc.) other than the explicit mode switching operation by the salesclerk. In addition, the POS terminal 20 can be set under certain conditions that are not dependent on the operation of a store clerk (conditions related to time such as elapsed time and predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to transmission/reception of information such as instructions to/from other terminals, etc.). ), the operation mode is changed.

9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example of operation mode transition. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to full self mode. FIG. 9B is a flow chart showing the flow of transition from full self mode to double scan mode. FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (registration-only mode). FIG. 10B is a flow chart showing the flow of transition from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (accounting mode).

(Transition from normal mode to full self mode)
The flowchart of FIG. 9A starts when the POS terminal 20 (normal mode) is not in use (that is, when neither the store clerk nor the customer uses it).

Step S100: Start counting non-use time.
Step S101: Judge whether or not the store clerk or customer has started to use the product. If the use has not started, the process proceeds to step S102. When the use is started, the process proceeds to step S104.

Step S102: Determine whether or not the non-use time has passed a predetermined time (for example, preset 10 minutes). If the predetermined time has passed, the process proceeds to step S103. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S101.
Step S103: Change the operation mode from the normal mode to the full self mode.
Step S104: Terminate the clocking of non-use time. Then, the flowchart of FIG. 9A ends.

In addition, when the shift to the full-self mode is made, the clerk may be notified of the shift to the full-self mode (for example, information indicating that there are undelivered products may be transmitted to the terminal carried by the clerk). . Further, when shifting to the full self mode, the customer side display section 205 may display a message instructing or requesting the customer to perform self registration.

Note that FIG. 9A shows the flow regarding the transition from the normal mode to the full self mode, and the transition from the double scan mode to the full self mode is similar to the flow of FIG. may be

(Transition from full self mode to double scan mode)
The flowchart of FIG. 9B always starts (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (full self mode).

Step S110: It is determined whether or not the clerk-side scanner unit 212 has read the clerk code. If the store clerk code is read, the process proceeds to step S111. If the store clerk code has not been read, the flow chart of FIG. 9B ends.

Step S111: Transition the operation mode from the full self mode to the double scan mode. Then, the flowchart of FIG. 9B ends.

(Transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (registration-only mode))
The flowchart of FIG. 10A always starts (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

Step S120: It is determined whether or not there is an operation to declare a shift to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). For example, a button for declaring a transition to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and whether or not the button has been pressed (touched) may be determined. If there is an operation, the process proceeds to step S121. If there is no operation, the flow chart of FIG. 10(A) ends.

Step S121: It is determined whether there is another POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode in the POS system 1 or not. As described above, in the semi-self mode, one or more POS terminals 20 in the registration-only mode and one or more POS terminals 20 in the accounting-only mode are required. , POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 are operating in a semi-self mode (registration-only mode) and the other is operating in a semi-self mode (accounting-only mode). If there is no other POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode, the process proceeds to step S122. If there is another POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode, the process proceeds to step S124.

Step S122: It is determined whether or not another POS terminal 20 to be shifted to the semi-self mode (accounting mode) has been specified. If there is designation, the process proceeds to step S123. If there is no designation, the process of step S122 is repeated.
Step S123: An instruction to shift to the semi-self mode (accounting mode) is transmitted to the designated other POS terminal 2. FIG.

Step S124: Determine whether processing is in progress. If it is not being processed, the process proceeds to step S125. If the processing is in progress, the processing of step S124 is repeated.
Step S125: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). Then, the flowchart of FIG. 10A ends.

Note that the operation of step S120 is performed when there is no other POS terminal 20 already operating in the semi-self mode and when there is no other POS terminal 20 capable of shifting to the semi-self mode. should not be allowed.

(Transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (accounting mode))
The flowchart of FIG. 10B always starts (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

Step S130: Determine whether or not an instruction to shift to the semi-self mode (accounting mode) has been received. When the transfer instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S131. If no transfer instruction has been received, the flow chart of FIG. 10B ends.

Step S131: Determine whether processing is in progress. If not in process, the process proceeds to step S132. If it is in process, the process of step S131 is repeated.
Step S132: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode). Then, the flowchart of FIG. 10B ends.

FIG. 10(B) shows the flow of transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (accounting mode). 10(B) flow may be the same.

In this embodiment, the POS system 1 is configured using the POS terminal 20 that can operate in each mode described above. Further, in this embodiment, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminals 20R-1 and 20R-2 operate in the registration-only mode. Accordingly, the POS terminals 20R-1 and 20R-2 output registration data for accounting processing by one accounting device. The POS terminals 20-1, 20-2 and 20-3 operate in the checkout mode. In the following description, the POS terminal 20-1 is referred to as checkout device A, the POS terminal 20-2 is referred to as checkout device B, and the POS terminal 20-3 is referred to as checkout device C, for ease of explanation. I have something to do. Further, in the following description, of the POS terminals 20R-1 and 20R-2, only one of the POS terminals 20R-1 and 20R-2 is used as a registration-only mode device. It may be expressed as a registration device.

Since the POS system 1 in this embodiment operates in a semi-self mode, the cashier is designated by the clerk as a checkout device for the customer, but the customer can checkout using a checkout device different from the designated checkout device. . By doing so, it becomes possible for the customer to use a suitable accounting device for accounting.

In the above configuration example, a semi-self system is realized by a POS terminal that can operate in a plurality of operation modes. It may be constituted by a dedicated accounting device having an accounting function, although it does not have such an accounting function. Even in the case of such a configuration of a registration-dedicated device and a billing-dedicated device, or in the case of a POS terminal operating in the semi-self mode, it is necessary to designate a billing device from a registering device. This specification method will be explained.

As a mode of designating a checkout device for executing checkout processing from among a plurality of checkout devices, there is a mode in which a store clerk specifies a checkout device for executing checkout processing using a registration device (first specification mode), There is also a mode (a second specified mode) in which the customer issues a hand-delivered accounting ticket from the registration device, and the customer reads the accounting ticket handed by the clerk with one accounting device. The mode of designating the accounting device is not limited to the above mode. For example, the accounting device may be designated as follows.

As one aspect, in response to an operation performed on a send button displayed in response to completion of product registration (or an operation to declare completion of product registration may be performed), the registration device For example, by inquiring the status of the accounting devices to recognize accounting devices that can perform accounting processing (for example, there is no failure and are not in use), and among the accounting devices that are not in use, a predetermined rule (for example, accounting device number order) to determine one accounting device. Then, the registration device transmits accounting information to the determined accounting device and instructs execution of accounting processing.

As another aspect, the order of priority of accounting processing is set in advance for accounting devices. After that, according to the completion of product registration, the display is made so that the operation of the send button for instructing the transmission of accounting information to the accounting device becomes effective. In response to the operation of the send button, the registration device confirms whether or not the accounting device can perform accounting processing in order according to the set priority, and confirms that accounting processing is possible. If not, let priority check for the next accounting device. After that, the registration device transmits accounting information to the accounting device that is first confirmed to be capable of accounting processing, and instructs execution of accounting processing.

In another aspect, the registration device transmits accounting information to all accounting devices. When an accounting device that receives accounting information becomes ready to execute accounting processing using the accounting information included in the accounting information it receives, it issues an accounting processing execution notification that it will execute accounting processing. Send to the registration device that sent the accounting information.

Upon receiving the accounting processing execution notification, the registration device displays (accounting processing execution display) indicating the accounting device to which the accounting processing execution notification is transmitted. The store clerk can tell the customer which checkout device is used to carry out the checkout processing by looking at the checkout execution display.
At this time, along with the display of the execution of the accounting process, the sign pole of the accounting device that transmitted the notification of the execution of the accounting process is lit in a predetermined pattern, or the accounting device outputs a predetermined notification sound, thereby allowing the user to complete the accounting process. You may make it alert|report to perform.

As another aspect, the registration device transmits accounting instruction information including accounting information and transfer order information that sets the order of transfer among a plurality of accounting devices to a certain accounting device. The transfer order information may cyclically specify the order of transfers between accounting devices.

If the accounting device that has received the accounting instruction information is capable of executing accounting processing, the accounting device transmits an accounting processing execution notice to the registration device that sent the accounting instruction information, and Accounting processing is performed using the accounting information obtained from

On the other hand, if the accounting device that has received the accounting instruction information is incapable of executing accounting processing, the accounting device that is next in the transfer order according to the transfer order information included in the received accounting instruction information receives the information. transfer accounting instruction information. In this way, by sequentially transferring the accounting instruction information between accounting devices, a procedure equivalent to specifying the accounting device to execute accounting processing is realized.

In this embodiment, the first aspect will be described as an example. An installation layout of the registration device and accounting devices A, B, and C in FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the installation positions of the registration device and accounting devices A, B, and C. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a customer whose merchandise has been registered by a store clerk first moves to checkout devices A, B, and C along flow line F1. Then, the customer moves along the flow line F2 to pay the bill. The customer can see the display screens of the checkout devices A, B, and C on the flow line F2. In this manner, the installation layout in this embodiment is such that the line of flow for customers who have completed registration and the line of flow for customers to pay are at approximately right angles. This is the layout to be arranged.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the accounting device closest to the registration device is accounting device A. The checkout device furthest from the registration device is checkout device C, but it is the checkout device closest to the exit. Therefore, the checkout device A is suitable for elderly people with weak legs. Also, the checkout device C is a suitable checkout device for customers who do not need to stop by the soccer table.

Prior to explaining the process of changing the accounting device, the background of changing the accounting device will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 11, the distance between the registration device and each checkout device increases in the order of checkout device A, checkout device B, and checkout device C from the registration device. Usually, the clerk designates the closest accounting device A, but if the accounting device A is in the process of accounting, he ordinarily specifies the accounting device B, and if the accounting device B is also in the process of accounting, he specifies the accounting device C.

After specifying the accounting device in this way, there is also a method of "calling back" as a method of accounting with another accounting device. "Recall" means that the registration data that was once received from the registration device and held by the accounting device is corrected by the registration device (for example, adding a registered product to the registration data, removing the registration data from the registration data, etc.). This is a process for returning from the accounting device to the registration device in order to delete registered products, etc.).

It is also possible to perform this "call back" and designate another checkout device, but since the store clerk registers the next customer's merchandise on the registration device, it is difficult to call back. Therefore, the method of calling back and changing the checkout device is not a practical solution in a situation where other customers must be served continuously.

In this way, conventionally, it was not possible to change the accounting device easily, so the following cases occurred.

First, in the semi-self-type POS system 1, the clerk designates a checkout device and the customer pays the bill. A checkout device that was not inside may become on standby when it becomes possible for the customer to checkout, and the checkout may become possible.

For example, when the checkout is being made with the checkout devices A and B, the clerk designates the checkout device C as the checkout device for the next customer. After that, immediately after the checkout of the customers of the checkout device A and the checkout device B is completed, the checkout devices A and B are on standby. In this case, conventionally, the customer has to move to the checkout device C to checkout, since it is not easy to change the checkout device.

On the other hand, if the customer uses his/her own bag and does not need to drop by the soccer table, the checkout device C that is the farthest from the registration device is the checkout device most suitable for the customer. Similarly, in such a case, if the store clerk designates the accounting device A closest to the registration device, the transaction must be made with the accounting device A.

In view of this background, a technology that enables customers to check out with a checkout device that is suitable for them is very effective. This technique will be described below. First, a sub-plan screen displayed when a product is registered in the registration device and a subtotal operation is performed will be described.

FIG. 12 is an example of a small plan screen. The small plan screen illustrated in FIG. 12A is a screen displayed when trying to complete product registration for the customer (one transaction). For example, the sub-plan screen is displayed when the sub-total button 220 is pressed while the registration screen is being displayed. In the case of FIG. 12A, since the subtotal button 220 has already been pressed, the subtotal button 220 is disabled.

The left side of the screen is an area for displaying one column of products registered for the customer (one transaction). In the small plan screen illustrated in FIG. 12A, canned beer, asparagus, and eggs (M) are displayed together with their sales prices. The right side of the screen is an area for displaying the total of the customer. In the subplan screen illustrated in FIG. 12A, "3" is displayed as the total number of purchases, and "¥563" is displayed as the total purchase price.

Accounting device designation buttons A, B, and C are arranged on the small plan screen. "Register A", "Register B", and "Register C" indicated by accounting device designation buttons A, B, and C correspond to accounting device A, accounting device B, and accounting device C, respectively. The status of each checkout device may be indicated on each send button, or may be displayed in a different form. Code D at the bottom of the screen is an accounting coupon issue button. An accounting coupon (registered trademark) is a medium for settlement processing that is handed to a customer, and is used when the accounting device that reads the accounting coupon performs settlement processing. In this embodiment, since the accounting device that performs settlement processing is designated, it is not necessary to issue an accounting ticket. Issuing a checkout ticket may be enabled (for example, a button may be displayed) after determining that it is in an "offline state" because communication with any of the checkout devices is unnecessary.

Reference E is a registration screen button. The store clerk presses the registration screen button when registering the product as the transaction. As shown in FIG. 12(A), when registering a new product as a product to be purchased by the customer while the small plan screen for the customer is being displayed, the clerk temporarily exits the small plan screen and returns to the registration screen. To register, press the registration screen button. That is, when the registration screen button is pressed, the registration screen is displayed.

FIG. 12(B) is a diagram showing a small plan screen when the checkout device A is designated as the checkout device by the store clerk. Since the accounting device A is specified, the accounting device specifying button A corresponding to the accounting device A is invalidated.

When the checkout device A is designated in this way, the clerk tells the customer to use the checkout device A to pay the bill. The customer moves along the flow lines F1 and F2 shown in FIG.

13A is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the customer-side display section 205 of the checkout apparatus A. FIG. That is, FIG. 13(A) is a diagram showing a screen displayed to a customer who reaches the checkout device A. FIG. A start button 502 , accounting device B button 503 , and accounting device C button 504 are displayed on the screen 501 . A start button 502 is a button that is pressed when the accounting device A is used for accounting. When the start button 502 is pressed, a checkout screen is displayed. An accounting device B button 503 and an accounting device C button 504 are buttons that are pressed when accounting is performed using accounting device B or accounting device C instead of accounting device A. FIG. In the case of the screen 501 shown in FIG. 13A, the accounting device B button 503 is disabled because accounting device B is in the process of accounting and registration data cannot be transferred, so accounting cannot be performed. In this way, accounting device A, which can transfer registration data, can select other accounting devices by providing identification information (for example, "accounting device C") for identifying other accounting devices (for example, selectable). This allows the customer to easily select another checkout device.

When the customer uses the checkout device A to checkout, the customer can use the checkout device A to checkout by pressing the start button 502 . On the other hand, when the customer uses the checkout device C to checkout, the checkout can be made using the checkout device C by pressing the checkout device C button 504 .

Next, two types of screens (screen 506 in FIG. 13B, screen 506 in FIG. 13C, screen 506 in FIG. 13B, ) screen 511) will be described.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a screen 506 displayed on a waiting checkout device other than the checkout device A when the checkout device A is designated as the checkout device by the clerk. As described above, since the checkout device B is currently checking out, this screen 506 is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the checkout device C. FIG.

Screen 506 displays accounting device A button 508, which is a button corresponding to specified accounting device A, and "-waiting-" indicating that it is on standby. Note that the relationship between the standby state and the idle state will be described later. When the customer uses the checkout device C to pay, the checkout can be made using the checkout device C by pressing the checkout device A button 508 . In this way, a waiting accounting device other than accounting device A can select identification information (for example, accounting device A) for identifying another accounting device (for example, by pressing a button). selectable). This allows the customer to easily select another checkout device.

FIG. 13C is a diagram showing a screen 510 displayed on a waiting checkout device other than checkout device A when checkout device A is designated as the checkout device by a store clerk. As described above, since the checkout device B is currently checking out, this screen 510 is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the checkout device C. FIG.

The screen 511 displays an accounting device B button 512 and an accounting device C button 513, which are buttons corresponding to accounting devices other than the designated accounting device A, and "-waiting-" indicating that they are on standby. be. In the case of the screen 511 , the accounting device B button 512 is disabled because the accounting device B is in the process of accounting, so accounting cannot be performed. When the customer uses the accounting device C to pay, the customer can use the accounting device C by pressing the accounting device C button 513 .

In the screen 501 shown in FIG. 13(A), the accounting screen is displayed by touching the start button 502, but the accounting device B button and the accounting device C button may be displayed on the accounting screen. . FIG. 13D is a diagram showing the checkout screen 515. As shown in FIG. A checkout device B button 516 and a checkout device C button 517 are displayed on the checkout screen 515 . By displaying the checkout screen 515, the customer who does not change the checkout device can immediately checkout.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the screen of the monitoring device 40. As shown in FIG. The monitoring device 40 is a normal cash register or monitor installed at a service counter or the like, or a tablet terminal operated by a store clerk. Then, the monitoring device 40 can transfer the registration data to the accounting device that has acquired the registration data. That is, the store clerk can cause the monitoring device 40 to transfer or receive the registration data.

FIG. 14A shows a screen 521 displayed on the monitoring device 40. FIG. The screen 521 displays status information indicating the status of each accounting device or each accounting device. In this embodiment, since accounting devices A to C are provided, three pieces of status information 522, 523, 524 are displayed. State information 522 corresponds to accounting device A. Status information 523 corresponds to accounting device B; Status information 524 corresponds to accounting device C; State information 522, 523, 524 are provided with buttons for transmitting or receiving information for identifying the corresponding accounting device, state, and registration data.

As shown in the state information 522, only the checkout device A has acquired the registration data and is waiting for checkout by the customer. Accounting devices B and C are in a takeover-enabled state. Then, the accounting device A acquires the registration data, and since it is waiting for accounting, the registration data can be transferred. Therefore, the state information 522 displays a button "Transfer" for transferring. It should be noted that once the registration data has been acquired and accounting has started, it cannot be transferred. Since accounting devices B and C are in an idle state, they can receive the registration data when another accounting device has acquired the registration data and is waiting for accounting. Therefore, the status information 523 and 524 displays a button "receive" for receiving the registration data.

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a screen 531 displayed on the monitoring device 40 when the button "Transfer" of the status information 522 is pressed. A screen 531 displays designation buttons 532 and 533 for designating a transfer destination. A screen 531 shown in FIG. 14B indicates that accounting device B has been selected by pressing a designation button 533 . If the checkout device corresponding to the specified button has acquired registration data or is in the process of checking out, the specified button is disabled. The store clerk can transfer the registration data by specifying the accounting device to be transferred by the specifying button and pressing the OK button. In addition to this transfer method, there is also a method of displaying a pop-up screen for confirmation when an accounting device is specified, and transferring registered data when "OK" is pressed. If the registered data is not to be transferred, the screen 521 in FIG. 14A is displayed by pressing the return button.

FIG. 14C is a diagram showing a screen 541 displayed on the monitoring device 40 when the button "receive" of the status information 524 is pressed. A screen 541 displays designation buttons 542 and 543 for designating a transfer source. The screen 541 shown in FIG. 14C indicates that the accounting device A is selected by pressing the designation button 543 . If the checkout device corresponding to the specified button is in the process of accounting or has not acquired registration data, the specified button is disabled as indicated by the specified button 542 . The store clerk designates the accounting device of the reception source with the designation button and presses the OK button, thereby allowing the accounting device to receive the registered data. If the registered data is not to be transferred, the screen 521 in FIG. 14A is displayed by pressing the return button. Although designation buttons 542 and 543 for designating a transfer source are displayed on the screen 541, only transferable checkout devices may be displayed.

Next, actual processing contents in the POS system 1 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing messages, events, and states used in the processing of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing messages transmitted and received between the POS terminals 20. FIG. The table shown in FIG. 15A shows "message name", "sender", "recipient", and "contents". "Message name" indicates the name of the message. "Sender" indicates the device that sends the message indicated by "Message Name". "Receiver" indicates the device that receives the message indicated by "Message Name". "Content" indicates the content of the message indicated in "Message Name". All messages are also sent to the store controller 10 . Therefore, the store controller 10 is the "receiving side" in FIG. 15A, but is omitted. Also, the transmission of messages to the store controller 10 is omitted in sequence diagrams and flowcharts to be described later.

First, the registration data notification is a message sent by the registration device and the accounting device and received by the accounting device. This registration data notification is a message for transmitting registration data from the transmitting side to the receiving side. A registration data request is a message sent by an accounting device and received by an accounting device. This registration data request is a message for the sending side to request registration data from the receiving side.

A transfer request is a message sent by a higher-level device and received by an accounting device. This transfer request is a message for the higher-level device to request the accounting device on the reception side to transfer the registration data to another accounting device. A reception request is a message sent by a host device and received by an accounting device. This reception request is a message for the higher-level device to request the accounting device on the reception side to receive registration data from another accounting device.

Accounting waiting notification is a message sent by the accounting device and received by the registration device, the upper device, and the accounting device. This accounting waiting notification is a message for notifying that the accounting device on the transmitting side has transitioned to the accounting waiting state. The accounting start notification is a message transmitted by the accounting device and received by the registration device, upper device, and accounting device. This accounting start notification is a message for notifying that the sender's accounting device has transitioned to the accounting state. An idle notification is a message sent by an accounting device and received by a registration device, a host device, and an accounting device. This idle notification is a message for notifying that the accounting device on the transmitting side has transitioned to the idle state.

FIG. 15B is a diagram showing events that occur within the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The table shown in FIG. 15B shows “event name” and “content”. "Event name" indicates the name of the event. "Content" indicates the content of the event indicated in "event name".

First, the checkout start event is an event indicating that the checkout start button has been touched by the customer. The accounting end event is an event indicating that accounting has ended. The received event is an event indicating that the customer has selected to use this checkout device to checkout. A forwarding event is an event indicating that the customer has selected to checkout with another checkout device. A human event is an event indicating that the human sensor 221 has detected that a customer has come close.

FIG. 15C is a diagram showing the state of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The table shown in FIG. 15A shows "state name" and "contents". "State name" indicates the name of the state. "Content" indicates the content of the event indicated in "state name".

The transferable state indicates a state in which accounting processing can be performed using registration data of another device. The accounting waiting state indicates a state in which registration data has been acquired but accounting processing has not started. The accounting state indicates the state in which accounting processing is being performed. The idle state indicates a state in which registration data can be received without being in any of the above-described transferable state, accounting waiting state, and accounting state. Therefore, the idle state is a state in which the power is turned on and no maintenance or the like is performed. Also, "waiting" in this embodiment means an idle state, a transferable state, or a state waiting for accounting.

Next, processing according to this embodiment will be described using a sequence diagram. 16 to 20 are sequence diagrams showing each process performed by the monitoring device 40, the registration device, and the accounting devices A and B. FIG. Although the registration device shown in FIGS. 16 to 20 is the POS terminal 20R-1, the POS terminal 20R-2 performs the same processing. Also, the "start screen" in FIGS. 16 to 20 is the screen 501 in FIG. 13(A). 16 to 20 is the screen 511 in FIG. 13B.

First, the basic sequence will be explained. The basic sequence shows the processing when accounting is performed by accounting device A as it is without transferring the registration data from accounting device A specified by the registration device to another accounting device.

FIG. 16 is an example of a basic sequence. Since the accounting device A is designated as the accounting device, the registration device transmits registration data notification to the accounting device A (step S201). Accounting device A, which has received the notification of registration data, displays a start screen and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S202, 203, 204). The registration device that receives the accounting waiting notice invalidates the accounting device designation button A (A register) corresponding to accounting device A. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting waiting notification stores that accounting device A is in the accounting waiting state. As a result, the monitoring device can display the screen 521 of FIG. 14(A). Accounting device B, which has received the accounting waiting notification, can take over the accounting, so it displays a takeover possible screen.

When a checkout start event occurs in checkout device A when a customer starts checkout, checkout device A transmits a checkout start notice to checkout device B and the monitoring device (steps S205 and 206). Accounting device B, which has received the accounting start notice, cannot take over the accounting, so it deletes the takeover possible screen. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting start notice stores that accounting device A is in the accounting state.

When a transaction completion event occurs in accounting device A due to completion of accounting, accounting device A transmits an idle notification to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S207, 208, 209). The registration device that receives the idle notification cancels invalidation of the checkout device designation button A (A register) corresponding to checkout device A. Also, the monitoring device and accounting device B that have received the idle notification store that accounting device A is in the idle state.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a sequence in which an operation on the accounting device A causes accounting to be performed by the accounting device B. FIG. The sequence shown in FIG. 17 shows processing when accounting device B is selected on the start screen displayed on accounting device A specified by the registration device and accounting is performed with accounting device B. FIG.

Since the accounting device A is designated as the accounting device, the registration device transmits registration data notification to the accounting device A (step S301). Accounting device A, which has received the notification of registration data, displays a start screen and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S302, 303, 304). The registration device that receives the accounting waiting notice invalidates the accounting device designation button A (A register) corresponding to accounting device A. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting waiting notification stores that accounting device A is in the accounting waiting state. Accounting device B, which has received the accounting waiting notification, can take over the accounting, so it displays a takeover possible screen.

When accounting device B is selected on the start screen displayed on accounting device A, accounting device A transmits registration data notification to accounting device B (step S305). Further, accounting device A sends an idle notification to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S306, 307, 308). The registration device that receives the idle notification cancels invalidation of the checkout device designation button A (A register) corresponding to checkout device A. Also, the monitoring device and accounting device B that have received the idle notification store that accounting device A is in the idle state. Accounting device B, which has received the registration data notification, displays a start screen instead of the transferable screen, and transmits accounting waiting notices to the registration device and the monitoring device (steps S309 and 310).

After that, the same accounting processing as the accounting processing in accounting device A shown in the basic sequence is performed in accounting device B. FIG. It should be noted that, as shown in the sequence shown in FIG. 17, when the transaction is transferred from accounting device A to accounting device B, it cannot be transferred to any accounting device. That is, the number of transfers in this embodiment is only one. In this way, it is not possible to transfer to another checkout device and then transfer to another checkout device.

As shown in FIG. 17, the accounting device designates another accounting device, and registers the registration data acquired in order to carry out the accounting processing in its own device. It is transferable. By this processing, the customer can use the accounting device B, which is suitable for the customer, to pay the bill by operating the accounting device A.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a sequence in which the accounting device B is operated to make a transaction. The sequence shown in FIG. 18 shows processing when accounting device A is designated as a registration device, accounting device B is selected on the takeover available screen displayed on accounting device B, and accounting is performed by accounting device B. there is

Since accounting device A has been designated as the accounting device, the registration device transmits registration data notification to accounting device A (step S401). Accounting device A, which has received the notification of registration data, displays a start screen and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S402, 403, 404). The registration device that receives the accounting waiting notice invalidates the accounting device designation button A (A register) corresponding to accounting device A. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting waiting notification stores that accounting device A is in the accounting waiting state. Accounting device B, which has received the accounting waiting notification, can take over the accounting, so it displays a takeover possible screen.

When accounting device B is selected on the transferable screen displayed on accounting device B, accounting device B transmits a registration data request to accounting device A (step S405). Accounting device A, which has received the registration data request, transmits a registration data notification to accounting device B (step S406). Further, accounting device A sends an idle notification to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S407, 408, 409). The registration device that receives the idle notification cancels invalidation of the checkout device designation button A (A register) corresponding to checkout device A. Also, the monitoring device and accounting device B that have received the idle notification store that accounting device A is in the idle state. Accounting device B, which has received the registration data notification, displays a start screen instead of the transferable screen, and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of the registration device and the monitoring device (steps S410, 411). After that, the same accounting processing as the accounting processing in accounting device A shown in the basic sequence is performed in accounting device B. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 18, the accounting device designates another accounting device, and the registration data acquired by the designated other accounting device for accounting processing is processed by its own device. Receivable to do so. By this process, the customer can use the accounting device B which is suitable for the customer to pay the bill.

FIG. 19 is an example of a sequence when accounting is performed by accounting device B by an operation (transfer request) on the monitoring device. In the sequence shown in FIG. 19, accounting device A is designated as the registration device, accounting device B is selected as the transfer destination on the screens (screens 521 and 531) displayed on the monitoring device, and accounting device B is used for accounting. It shows the processing when it is performed.

Since accounting device A has been designated as the accounting device, the registration device transmits registration data notification to accounting device A (step S501). Accounting device A, which has received the notification of registration data, displays a start screen and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S502, 503, 504). The registration device that receives the accounting waiting notice invalidates the accounting device designation button A (A register) corresponding to accounting device A. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting waiting notification stores that accounting device A is in the accounting waiting state. Accounting device B, which has received the accounting waiting notification, can take over the accounting, so it displays a takeover possible screen.

When accounting device B is selected as the transfer destination on the screens (screens 521 and 531) displayed on the monitoring device, the monitoring device transmits a transfer request to accounting device A (step S505). Accounting device A, which has received the transfer request, transmits a registration data notification to accounting device B (step S506). Further, accounting device A sends an idle notification to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S507, 508, 509). The registration device that receives the idle notification cancels invalidation of the checkout device designation button A (A register) corresponding to checkout device A. Also, the monitoring device and accounting device B that have received the idle notification store that accounting device A is in the idle state. Accounting device B, which has received the registration data notification, displays a start screen instead of the transferable screen, and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of the registration device and the monitoring device (steps S510 and 511). After that, the same accounting processing as the accounting processing in accounting device A shown in the basic sequence is performed in accounting device B. FIG.

In this way, the POS system 1 may have a monitoring device as a host device that transfers the registration data to the checkout device that has acquired the registration data. With this processing, the data can be transferred by a higher-level device other than the checkout device, so that the store clerk can use the checkout device B, which is suitable for the customer, to checkout by operating the monitoring device.

FIG. 20 is an example of a sequence when accounting is performed by the accounting device B by an operation (receiving request) on the monitoring device. In the sequence shown in FIG. 20, accounting device A is designated as the registration device, accounting device B is selected as the receiver on the screens (screens 521 and 531) displayed on the monitoring device, and accounting device B is used for accounting. It shows the processing when it is performed.

Since the accounting device A is designated as the accounting device, the registration device transmits registration data notification to the accounting device A (step S601). Accounting device A, which has received the notification of registration data, displays a start screen and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of accounting device B, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S602, 603, 604). The registration device that receives the accounting waiting notice invalidates the accounting device designation button A (A register) corresponding to accounting device A. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting waiting notification stores that accounting device A is in the accounting waiting state. Accounting device B, which has received the accounting waiting notification, can take over the accounting, so it displays a takeover possible screen.

When accounting device B is selected as the recipient on the screens (screens 521 and 531) displayed on the monitoring device, the monitoring device transmits a reception request to accounting device B (step S605). Accounting device B, which has received the reception request, transmits a registration data request to accounting device A (step S606). Accounting device A, which has received the registration data request, transmits a registration data notification to accounting device B (step S607). Further, accounting device A sends an idle notification to each of accounting device B, registration device and monitoring device (steps S608, 609, 610). The registration device that receives the idle notification cancels invalidation of the checkout device designation button A (A register) corresponding to checkout device A. Also, the monitoring device and accounting device B that have received the idle notification store that accounting device A is in the idle state. Accounting device B, which has received the registration data notification, displays a start screen instead of the transferable screen, and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of the registration device and the monitoring device (steps S611 and 612). After that, the same accounting processing as the accounting processing in accounting device A shown in the basic sequence is performed in accounting device B. FIG.

In this way, the POS system 1 may have a monitoring device as a higher-level device that causes the checkout device to receive registration data. With this processing, it is possible to receive the information by a higher-level device other than the checkout device, so that the store clerk can use the checkout device B, which is suitable for the customer, to checkout by operating the monitoring device.

By the processing shown in FIG. 20, the store clerk can cause the customer to use the checkout device B, which is suitable for the customer, to pay by operating the monitoring device. 19 and 20 is used when a store clerk is requested by a customer to pay with the accounting device B, for example.

Next, processing in the checkout device will be explained using flowcharts for each state of the checkout device. FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing processing performed by the checkout device in the idle state.
Step S701: The accounting device determines whether or not the registration data notification has been received.
Step S702: The accounting device stores the registration data in the RAM 203 when receiving the registration data notification.
Step S703: The accounting device sends a notification of waiting for accounting to the registration device, monitoring device, and other accounting devices. At this time, when registration data whose transfer is prohibited is received, the fact that transfer is prohibited is also notified in the accounting waiting notification. As described above, the POS system 1 has a registration device for registering products, and the registration device outputs registration data for accounting processing by one accounting device. It is possible to prohibit forwarding. This allows the registration device to prohibit the transfer of the registration data. As an example of prohibiting the transfer of registration data, for example, if the customer is an elderly person and the accounting device can be specified in advance before subtotaling, the accounting device closest to the registration device is specified. . It should be noted that the prohibition of transfer may be performed after the registration data is transmitted. For example, after the accounting device has sent the registration data, a button for prohibiting transfer is displayed on the accounting device, and when the button is pressed, the transfer is prohibited to the accounting device to which the registration data is sent. may be notified.
Step S704: The checkout device transitions to the checkout wait state and ends the process.
Step S705: If the accounting device has not received the registration data notification, it determines whether or not it has received the accounting waiting notification.
Step S706: When the accounting device receives the notification of waiting for accounting, it changes the state of the accounting device of the transmission source to waiting for accounting. Specifically, the accounting device manages the status of other accounting devices as other device information stored in the RAM 203, and sets the status of the sender accounting device included in the other device information to the accounting waiting state.
Step S707: The accounting device determines whether forwarding is prohibited in the accounting waiting notice.
Step S707: The accounting device terminates the process if transfer is prohibited in the accounting waiting notification.
Step S708: If transfer is not prohibited in the accounting waiting notification, the accounting device displays a transferable screen and transitions to a transferable state.
Step S709: The checkout device receives the registration data from the other checkout device, emits a sign pole to notify that the checkout can be made, and ends the process. In this way, since the checkout device notifies that the transfer is possible by emitting light, it is possible to make it easier for the customer to understand whether or not the checkout device can be transferred.
Step S710: If the checkout device has not received the checkout waiting notification, it determines whether it has received a reception request.
Step S711: When the receipt request is received, the accounting device transmits the registration data request to the accounting device indicated by the receipt request, and ends the process.
Step S712: If the accounting device has not received a reception request, it determines whether it has received an idle notification.
Step S713: When the accounting device receives the idle notification, it sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to the idle state, and terminates the process.
Step S714: If the accounting device has not received the idle notification, it determines whether it has received the accounting start notification.
Step S714: If the accounting device has not received the accounting start notice, it ends the process.
Step S715: When the transaction start notification is received, the accounting device sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to accounting status, and ends the process. The notice of start of accounting also includes information indicating whether or not the transfer of registered data for which accounting has been started is prohibited.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing processing performed by the accounting device in an accounting waiting state.
Step S801: The accounting device determines whether it has received a registration data request, a transfer request, or a transfer event.
Step S802: When the accounting device receives a registration data request, a transfer request, or a transfer event, it sends a registration data notification to the transfer destination. Here, the transfer destination is the requesting accounting device in the case of a registration data request, the accounting device indicated in the transfer request in the case of a transfer request, and the customer's account in the case of a transfer event. It is the specified accounting device.
Step S803: The accounting device sends an idle notification to the registration device, monitoring device and other accounting devices.
Step S804: The accounting device transitions to the idle state and terminates the process.
Step S805: If the accounting device has not received a registration data request, a transfer request, or a transfer event, it determines whether or not it has received a notification of waiting for accounting.
Step S806: When the accounting device receives the notification of waiting for accounting, it changes the status of the sender accounting device to waiting for accounting.
Step S807: The checkout device prohibits transfer to other checkout devices and terminates the process. In the accounting waiting state, when another device enters the accounting waiting state, it means that there are a plurality of registration data before accounting processing. Therefore, the accounting device prohibits transfer to other accounting devices. As a result, the start screen is erased. In this way, when there is a plurality of registration data for which accounting processing has not been performed, the registration data may not be transferred. If there are a plurality of registration data that have not been processed for accounting, for example, when different customers attempt to transfer the data to the same accounting device, both are transferred, making it unclear which customer is accounting, causing confusion. Therefore, if there are a plurality of checkout devices that have received registration data for which checkout processing has not been performed, customer confusion can be suppressed by not transferring the registration data.
Step S808: The accounting device determines whether or not it has received an idle notification if it has not received an accounting waiting notification.
Step S809: When the accounting device receives the idle notification, it sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to the idle state, and terminates the process.
Step S810: If the accounting device has not received the idle notification, it determines whether it has received the accounting start notification.
Step S811: When receiving the accounting start notification, the accounting device sets the state of the accounting device as the sender in the other device information to the accounting state.
Step S812: The checkout device determines whether transfer to other checkout devices is prohibited and only its own device is waiting for checkout.
Step S812: If the accounting device is not prohibiting transfer to another accounting device, or if only its own device is not waiting for accounting, the processing ends.
Step S813: If the accounting device is prohibiting transfer to other accounting devices and only its own device is waiting for accounting, it cancels the prohibition of transfer and terminates the process. This brings up the start screen.
Step S814: If the accounting device has not received the accounting start notification, it determines whether it has received an accounting start event. In other words, the device determines whether or not the customer has started payment.
Step S814: If the accounting device has not received the accounting start event, it ends the process.
Step S815: When the accounting device receives the accounting start event, it sends an accounting start notification to the registration device, the monitoring device, and other accounting devices.
Step S816: The accounting device transitions to the accounting state and ends the process.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing processing performed by the accounting device in the accounting state.
Step S901: The accounting device determines whether it has received an accounting end event. In other words, it determines whether or not the transaction has been completed on its own device.
Step S902: The accounting device sends an idle notification to the registration device, the monitoring device and other accounting devices when the accounting end event is received.
Step S903: The accounting device determines whether there is another accounting device waiting for accounting that has transferable registration data.
Step S904: If there is no other accounting device waiting for accounting that has transferable registration data, the accounting device transitions to the idle state and ends the process.
Step S905: If there is another accounting device waiting for accounting that has transferable registered data, the accounting device transitions to a handover possible state.
Step S906: The checkout device lights the sign pole and ends the process.
Step S907: If the accounting device has not received an accounting end event, it determines whether or not it has received an accounting waiting notice.
Step S908: When the accounting device receives the notification of waiting for accounting, the state of the accounting device of the transmission source is changed to waiting for accounting, and the processing ends.
Step S909: The accounting device determines whether or not it has received an idle notification if it has not received an accounting waiting notification.
Step S910: When the accounting device receives the idle notification, it sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to the idle state, and terminates the process.
Step S911: If the accounting device has not received the idle notification, it determines whether it has received the accounting start notification.
Step S911: If the accounting device has not received the accounting start notice, it ends the process.
Step S912: When the accounting device receives the accounting start notice, it sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to the accounting status, and ends the process.

24 and 25 are flow charts showing the processing performed by the accounting device in a takeover enabled state.
Step S1001: The accounting device determines whether or not it has received a registration data notification.
Step S1002: The accounting device stores the registration data in the RAM 203 when receiving the registration data notification.
Step S1003: The accounting device sends a notification of waiting for accounting to the registration device, monitoring device, and other accounting devices.
Step S1004: The accounting device transitions to the accounting waiting state.
Step S1005: The checkout device turns off the sign pole and ends the process. In this transferable state processing, as described above, the sign pole has already emitted light to notify that registration data can be received from another accounting device and accounting can be performed. The pole is extinguished.
Step S1006: If the accounting device has not received the registration data notification, it determines whether or not it has received the accounting waiting notification.
Step S1007: When the accounting device receives the notification of waiting for accounting, it changes the state of the accounting device of the transmission source to waiting for accounting.
Step S1008: The accounting device transitions to the idle state. In the handover-enabled state, the fact that another device is in the accounting waiting state means that there are a plurality of registration data before accounting processing. Therefore, the accounting device transitions to the idle state in order not to receive registration data.
Step S1009: The accounting device turns off the sign pole and ends the process.
Step S1010: The accounting device determines whether it has received a reception request or a reception event if it has not received a notification of waiting for accounting. The reception event is an event indicating that the customer has selected to use this checkout device to checkout, as described above.
Step S1011: When the accounting device receives a reception request or a reception event, it sends a registration data request to another accounting device. The other checkout device here is the checkout device indicated in the receive request in the case of a receive request, and the checkout device selected by the customer in the case of a receive event.
Step S1012: The checkout device turns off the sign pole and ends the process.
Step S1013: If the accounting device has not received the reception request and the reception event, it determines whether it has received the idle notification.
Step S1014: When the accounting device receives the idle notification, it sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to the idle state, and terminates the process.
Step S1015: If the accounting device has not received the idle notification, it determines whether it has received the accounting start notification.
Step S1016: When receiving the accounting start notice, the accounting device sets the status of the sender accounting device in the other device information to the accounting status.
Step S1017: The accounting device determines whether or not the registration data notified in the received accounting start notification is transferable registration data.
Step S1017: If the registration data notified by the accounting start notification is not transferable registration data, it is not the registration data that triggered the transition to the transferable state of the own device, so the processing ends as it is.
Step S1018: The accounting device transitions to the idle state when the registration data notified by the accounting start notification is transferable registration data. Receipt of an accounting start notification in the takeover-enabled state means that there is no registration data that can be taken over and used for accounting. Therefore, since the accounting device cannot receive the registration data, it transitions to the idle state.
Step S1019: The accounting device turns off the sign pole and terminates the process.
Step S1020: If the accounting device has not received the accounting start notice, it determines whether it has received a motion event. As described above, the human event is an event indicating that the human sensor 221 has detected that a customer has come close. That is, it is determined whether or not a person has approached.
Step S1020: If the accounting device has not received a motion event, it ends the process.
Step S1021: When the accounting device receives a motion event, it outputs a sound and ends the process. The voice output here is a voice for notifying the person that the checkout is possible with the checkout device, such as "You can checkout at this cash register." In this way, since the checkout device notifies by voice that reception is possible, it is possible to make it easier for the customer to understand whether or not the checkout device is capable of receiving.

In this manner, the human sensor 221 can output voice according to the movement of the customer. Specifically, while the customer is moving in front of the checkout device A, it is detected by the human sensor of the checkout device A, so the customer is notified by the checkout device A and is moving in front of the checkout device B. Since the time is detected by the human sensor of the checkout device B, the checkout device B notifies the user. In addition to outputting sound, the screen 511 in FIG. 13B may be displayed, or the screen 511 may be displayed without outputting sound. Control using the human sensor 221 can inform the customer that the checkout device can be changed at an appropriate timing. It should be noted that after the registration data is transmitted from the registration device, notification may be made only by the first checkout device that is on standby.

Next, as a modified example, an embodiment in which the registration device changes the accounting device will be described. The above-described embodiment has the advantage that the customer can specify the accounting device suitable for the customer by his/her own operation. In this case, it may take time to reach the accounting device, or it may be difficult to change the accounting device. For example, when a customer uses a crutch or the like, it is better to avoid stopping for operations other than checkout as much as possible. If such a customer wants to change the accounting device, he/she can ask the clerk with the monitoring device to change the accounting device. Even if you do, you may be dealing with other customers. Under these circumstances, the registration device may be used to change the accounting device.

An embodiment in which the registration device changes the accounting device will be described. There are two forms of the operation screen for changing the accounting device on the registration device. An example in which a store clerk changes from checkout device A to checkout device C will be used in the description of either form. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an operation screen (No. 1) for changing the accounting device on the registration device. In the screen shown in FIG. 26A, since registration data has already been sent to accounting devices A and B, accounting device designation buttons A and B are disabled. In addition, above the accounting device designation button C corresponding to accounting device C, "waiting" is displayed as the status of accounting device C. FIG.

Furthermore, a tab is provided on the upper right of the screen for each accounting device that has sent the registration data. This tab is displayed until accounting is started on the corresponding accounting device. In other words, the fact that the tab is displayed indicates that the account has not yet been accounted for. In the case of FIG. 26A, since registration data has been sent to accounting devices A and B, a tab 601 corresponding to accounting device A and a tab 602 corresponding to accounting device B are displayed. Note that the tabs are displayed from the left in order of time when the registration data was transmitted to the corresponding accounting device, but may be displayed in a predetermined order.

In order to change from checkout device A to checkout device C, the clerk touches tab 601 on the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 26B shows a screen displayed after the tab 601 is touched. On the screen shown in FIG. 26(B), registered products corresponding to the registration data transmitted to the accounting device A are displayed. On the screen shown in FIG. 26(B), the clerk touches the checkout device specification button C to change to the checkout device C. As a result, the registration data is transferred from the accounting device A to the accounting device C.

FIG. 26C is a diagram showing a screen displayed after registration data is transferred from accounting device A to accounting device C. FIG. A pop-up screen 603 indicating that registration data has been transferred from accounting device A to accounting device C is displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 26(C). An OK button 604 is displayed on the pop-up screen 603 . This OK button 604 is a button for deleting the pop-up screen 603 . The store clerk confirms the pop-up screen 603 and touches the OK button 604 to clear the pop-up screen 603 . Instead of providing the OK button 604, the pop-up screen 603 may be erased after a predetermined period of time has passed since the pop-up screen 603 was displayed.

Accounting device A is now on standby due to the transfer of registration data from accounting device A to accounting device C. Waiting” is displayed, and since registration data has been sent to the accounting device C, the accounting device designation button C is disabled. Further, the tab 601 displays "B register" and the tab 602 displays "C register".

Next, the second form will be explained. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an operation screen (part 2) for changing the accounting device on the registration device. In the screen shown in FIG. 27(A), since registration data has already been sent to accounting devices A and B, accounting device designation buttons A and B are disabled. In addition, above the accounting device designation button C corresponding to accounting device C, "waiting" is displayed as the status of accounting device C. FIG. Furthermore, a transfer button 610 is displayed.

In order to change from checkout device A to checkout device C, the clerk touches transfer button 610 on the screen shown in FIG. FIG. 27B shows a screen displayed after transfer button 610 is touched. A pop-up screen 611 is displayed on the screen shown in FIG.

The pop-up screen 611 displays buttons corresponding to each accounting device on the left side. When a button displayed on the left is touched, accounting devices to which registration data can be transferred from the accounting device corresponding to the touched button are displayed on the right. In the case of FIG. 27B, since the button "Register A" is touched, checkout device C to which registration data can be transferred from checkout device A is displayed on the right side. Accounting device B has registration data and cannot be transferred from accounting device A, so it is not displayed. Similarly, when the button "Register B" is touched, accounting device C to which registration data can be transferred from accounting device B is displayed on the right side.

Of the buttons displayed on the left side, buttons corresponding to accounting devices that do not have registered data to be transferred are disabled. In the case of FIG. 27(B), since accounting device C does not have registration data, the button corresponding to accounting device C is disabled.

In the screen shown in FIG. 27(B), the clerk touches the button "C register" to change to the checkout device C. As a result, the registration data is transferred from the accounting device A to the accounting device C.

FIG. 27(C) is a diagram showing a screen displayed after registration data is transferred from accounting device A to accounting device C. As shown in FIG. On the screen shown in FIG. 26(C), a pop-up screen 612 indicating that registration data has been transferred from accounting device A to accounting device C is displayed. An OK button 613 is displayed on the pop-up screen 612 . This OK button 613 is a button for deleting the pop-up screen 612 . When the store clerk confirms the popup screen 612 and touches the OK button 613, the popup screen 603 is erased. Instead of providing the OK button 613, the pop-up screen 613 may be erased after a predetermined period of time has passed since the pop-up screen 612 was displayed.

Accounting device A is now on standby due to the transfer of registration data from accounting device A to accounting device C. Waiting” is displayed, and since registration data has been sent to the accounting device C, the accounting device designation button C is disabled.

An example of processing for changing the accounting device by the registration device described above will be described using a sequence diagram. In addition, in order to simplify the explanation, the accounting device B is omitted in the processing examples in the sequence diagrams described below.

FIG. 28 is an example of a sequence when accounting is performed by the accounting device C by operating the registration device. In the sequence shown in FIG. 28, accounting device A is designated as the registration device, accounting device C is selected as the transfer destination on the screen displayed on the registration device shown in FIG. shows the processing when performing

Since the accounting device A is designated as the accounting device, the registration device transmits registration data notification to the accounting device A (step S1101). Accounting device A, which has received the notification of registration data, displays a start screen and transmits a notice of waiting for accounting to each of accounting device C, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S1102, 1103, 1104). The registration device that receives the accounting waiting notice invalidates the accounting device designation button A (A register) corresponding to accounting device A. Also, the monitoring device that has received the accounting waiting notification stores that accounting device A is in the accounting waiting state. The accounting device C, which has received the accounting waiting notification, can take over the accounting, so it displays the takeover possible screen.

When accounting device C is selected as the transfer destination on the screens (FIGS. 26B and 27B) displayed on the registration device, the registration device transmits a transfer request to accounting device A (step S1105). ). Accounting device A, which has received the transfer request, transmits a registration data notification to accounting device C (step S1106). Further, accounting device A sends an idle notification to each of accounting device C, registration device, and monitoring device (steps S1107, 1108, 1109). The registration device that receives the idle notification cancels invalidation of the checkout device designation button A (A register) corresponding to checkout device A. Also, the monitoring device and accounting device C that have received the idle notification store that accounting device A is in the idle state. Accounting device C, which has received the registration data notification, displays the start screen instead of the transferable screen, and transmits accounting waiting notices to the registration device and the monitoring device (steps S1110 and 1111). After that, the same accounting processing as the accounting processing in accounting device A shown in the basic sequence is performed in accounting device B. FIG.

In this way, the POS system 1 may have a function of transferring the registration data from the registration device to the accounting device that has acquired the registration data. With this processing, the data can be transferred by a registration device other than the checkout device, so that the store clerk can make the checkout using the checkout device that is suitable for the customer by operating the registration device.

As shown in FIGS. 26, 27, and 28, the transfer destination may be specified in the registration device. The forwarding destination may be specified automatically.

By making it possible to change the accounting device with the registration device, it is possible to change the accounting device even for customers who take a long time to arrive at the accounting device or who find it difficult to change the accounting device. service can be provided.

Through the processes described above, it is possible for the customer to use a suitable accounting device for accounting.

An operation example of the embodiment described above will be described. According to this embodiment, in addition to changing the checkout device so that the checkout device is closer to the registration device, the checkout device is changed to a checkout device closer to an empty soccer table. It is possible to change. In addition, customers who use their own bags can specify a checkout device near the exit, and customers who have done a lot of shopping can specify a checkout device near an elevator or service counter with a home delivery service. In addition, when the next customer is an elderly person, it is possible to designate a remote checkout device out of consideration. Specifically, the customer was instructed by the store clerk to use the accounting device A, but since the next customer is an elderly person, it is possible to change the accounting device to the accounting device C out of consideration.

Next, a modified example will be described. In the case of a semi-self-type POS device in which the registration device and the checkout device are separate devices, as shown in FIG. 1, the store clerk registers the product purchased by the customer on the registration device. There are various methods for determining the checkout device, which will be described later. Basically, the store clerk decides the checkout device in consideration of the state of the checkout device.

Normally, when the store clerk completes product registration and presses the subtotal button 220 in FIG. As another method, there is also a method of designating the accounting device by a reservation designating function that reserves and designates the accounting device in advance. In either method, the clerk confirms the status of the checkout device and then designates the checkout device. etc.).

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12(A), accounting device specification buttons A, B, and C for specifying each accounting device are displayed on the screen of the registration device. In the case of this embodiment, the checkout device designation button corresponding to the checkout device that cannot be used is disabled, but it may be changed to indicate the state. The state is, for example, "paying", "standby", "failure", or the like. Also, the status display, buttons, and functions may be unified.

The store clerk normally designates the closest checkout device from the registration device among checkout devices available for checkout. On the other hand, it is also possible to specify the accounting device by confirming, for example, the age of the customer, the amount of purchases of the current customer and the next customer, and the like. In this case, it is not always necessary to select the closest accounting device.In cases where the current customer is a young man and the next customer is an elderly person, the current customer (young man) is guided to a remote accounting device, and the next customer (elderly person) ) can be guided to the nearest accounting device.

In addition, the above-described reservation designation function has the following merits compared to the case of designating the accounting device after subtotaling. First, when specifying the accounting device after subtotaling, the state of the accounting device is checked at that time, so there may be some time lag, but this time lag does not occur by using the reservation specification function. In addition, if the accounting device is specified only by pressing the send button such as priority without selecting the accounting device, the accounting device must be notified to the customer after the store clerk confirms that the accounting device has been confirmed. According to the reservation designating function, since the accounting device for accounting has already been determined, the customer can be notified of the accounting device in advance. In this way, by specifying a reservation using the reservation specification function, the clerk can smoothly guide the customer to the checkout device, and the entire processing time can be shortened.

If it is not possible to designate a reservation by the reservation designating function, such as when any of the accounting devices is in the process of accounting, the method of designating the accounting device after the subtotal operation may be used in combination.

The method of specifying the accounting device is not limited to the method of pressing the accounting device specification button described above. As shown in FIG. 2A, since the accounting device designation button exists in a limited area of the screen, the clerk must check the button layout before pressing the button. Press If the store clerk erroneously designates a checkout device, complex operations such as a call-back operation will occur. There is also concern about psychological stress for store clerks during busy times.

Therefore, in order to improve operability, for example, a voice recognition function may be provided so that the accounting device can be designated by the voice recognition function. At this time, the transmission button to the accounting device specified by voice recognition is displayed in a large size on the entire screen, and the operability is improved by pressing the transmission button. Of course, when specifying a reservation for a checkout device, the checkout device can be easily specified while registering products by giving a voice instruction such as "reservation specified, checkout device 1". Even after pressing the subtotal key, other work such as preparing a shopping bag can be done, leading to a reduction in man-hours.

Alternatively, the accounting device may be specified by flicking the screen with a finger. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a screen for designating a checkout device by flicking. In FIG. 29, areas 621, 622, 623, and 624 indicating directions corresponding to registration A, registration B, registration C, and registration D are shown. That is, when the clerk flicks upward, cash register A is specified, when the clerk flicks leftward, cash register B is specified, when the clerk flicks downward, cash register C is specified, and when the clerk flicks rightward, Register D is designated.

A flick start point 625 is also shown on the screen shown in FIG. This is for indicating the position to start flicking to the store clerk so that the registration device can recognize the flicking direction more accurately.

Furthermore, when there are accounting devices on the right and left sides of the registration device, the right accounting device is designated when flicking to the right, and the left accounting device is designated when flicking to the left. For example, the checkout device designated by the flick direction may be determined based on the positional relationship between the registration device and the checkout device so that it can be operated intuitively.

In addition, so that the state of the checkout device can be easily grasped, the frame of the screen corresponding to the flick direction (for example, areas 621, 622, 623, and 624) is colored to indicate the state (for example, green for waiting, green for checkout, etc.). yellow, unusable red, etc.) may be displayed.

If the direction flicked by the clerk is a direction in which it is unclear which checkout device has been specified, it may be reported that the flicking direction could not be recognized, and a checkout device designation button may be displayed. In addition, if the accounting device specified by flicking cannot receive the registration data, an error may be notified, and the occurrence of this error automatically designates another accounting device on standby that can receive the registration data. , may report a designated accounting device. The device that automatically designates the accounting device may be the registration device or a server that manages the registration device and the accounting device.

Further, when the user flicks in the direction opposite to the flicking direction for designating the accounting device, it may be possible to perform "recall".

As another designation method, a method of capturing an image of a hand movement with an imaging device and designating a checkout device based on the imaged hand movement may be used. For example, motions such as sign language and gestures are registered in advance, and the designated accounting device is determined by comparing the registered motions with the captured motions. As a result, it is possible to provide a service in which a store clerk designates a checkout device with a gesture and the customer recognizes which checkout device has been specified by the gesture. For example, if the gesture of extending a hand to the right toward a customer is a gesture of directly specifying a checkout device, the clerk can specify the checkout device with a natural operation and at the same time guide the customer. It is possible to reduce the time and effort of

In the case of designation by flicking or hand movement, it may be difficult to determine the designated accounting device as described above. In this case, the accounting device designation button corresponding to the estimated accounting device may be displayed. Specifically, for example, when the checkout device A corresponds to the upward direction, the checkout device B corresponds to the rightward direction, and the checkout device C corresponds to the downward direction, and the user flicks diagonally upward to the right. , accounting device designation buttons corresponding to accounting devices A and B are displayed. In this manner, two accounting device designation buttons corresponding to accounting devices A and B are displayed instead of three accounting device designation buttons corresponding to accounting devices A, B, and C, thereby improving operability. can.

In addition, as a method in which the store clerk does not have to specify the accounting device, the customer who has finished registering the product is tracked by a camera, and the customer places the shopping basket at the position where the shopping basket is placed on the accounting device. A method of automatically transmitting registration data to the accounting device when the placement of a shopping basket is detected due to its weight or the like. According to this method, it is possible to save the clerk the trouble of pressing the checkout device designation button.

As shown in FIG. 3, the customer-side display unit 205 is provided in the checkout device according to the present embodiment, so the customer may specify the checkout device using the customer-side display unit 205. FIG.

In the above-described embodiment, when there are a plurality of accounting devices that have received registration data for which accounting processing has not been performed, the registration data is not transferred, but the registration data is transferred. good too. In this case, the previously transmitted registration data may be used as transferable registration data, and a screen for transferring only the registration data may be displayed on the accounting device. By doing so, it is possible to suppress customer confusion even when there are a plurality of checkout devices that have received registration data for which checkout processing has not been performed.

If there are a plurality of accounting devices that have received registration data that has not undergone accounting processing, the accounting device with the highest priority as the transfer source in FIG. You may make it display only the button displayed in . The priority can be set by the store clerk, so the store clerk can set the priority as appropriate. Also, the details of each accounting device (registered product name, total amount, etc.) may be displayed on the screen of the monitoring device 40 . In this case, it is possible to prevent misselection of the accounting device.

In the embodiment described above, the POS terminal 20 operates in the semi-self mode, but the POS terminal 20 can also operate in the full self mode as described above. In addition, POS terminals dedicated to full self-service are also widespread. In such a full self-service POS, a store clerk's terminal or the like operated by the store clerk often supports the customer's checkout.

In such a full self-service POS, the customer may want to switch to another device due to some trouble while registering the product, or may have no choice but to use the other device for checkout. In addition, troubles here include, for example, a scanner that reads bar codes is not working well and must be scanned many times, a weighing table for checking is not working well and errors occur frequently, and a touch panel is not working well and you have to operate it many times.

However, there is a problem that if you change to another POS terminal, you have to register the product again. Accordingly, several configuration examples in which the POS terminal after the change can acquire registration data indicating, for example, registered products will be described.

(Configuration example 1)
Configuration example 1 is a configuration for issuing a pending receipt. A pending receipt is issued by the POS terminal or store clerk's terminal that suspends product registration. This pending receipt is a two-dimensional barcode indicating the registration data itself of the registered product, or a barcode indicating identification information for obtaining the registration data. In the case of a two-dimensional barcode, the POS terminal after the change reads it, and restarts using the read registration data. On the other hand, in the case of a bar code indicating identification information, the identification information is inquired of the POS terminal before the change or the management device that manages the POS terminal, and registration data is obtained. By doing so, it is possible to change the device even in the full-self POS.

(Configuration example 2)
Configuration example 2 is a configuration in which the POS terminal after the change acquires registration data via a network. An operation for obtaining the registered data by the changed POS terminal is performed on the POS terminal before the change, the store clerk's terminal, or the POS terminal after the change, and the registered data is changed via the network according to the operation. Let the later POS terminal acquire it. If the store clerk's terminal or the changed POS terminal is operable, the changed POS terminal can acquire registered data even if there is a problem with the touch panel of the old POS terminal.
According to Configurations 1 and 2, it is possible to solve the problem of prolonging operation time due to malfunction of the POS terminal and stressing the customer.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the checkout device can be easily changed, so that the checkout can be carried out using the checkout device that is suitable for the customer.

A program for realizing the POS system 1 and the POS terminal 20 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. It should be noted that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs incorporated in computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" means a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. , includes those that hold the program for a certain period of time. Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing this program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in a transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. Further, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... POS system 10... Store controller 20... POS terminal 40... Monitoring apparatus 201... CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Hard disk 205 Customer-side display unit 206 Customer-side scanner unit 207 Customer-side printing unit 208 Card payment unit 209 Change dispenser 210 Clerk-side display unit 211 Key operation unit 212 Clerk-side scanner unit 213 Clerk Side printing unit 214 Audio output unit 215 Communication unit 221 Human sensor 222 Sign pole

Claims (6)

In a system having a plurality of accounting devices for performing accounting processing based on registration data of registered products and a registration device for registering products ,
The accounting device
Designating means for designating another accounting device;
transfer means capable of transferring registration data acquired for accounting processing by the own device so as to be accounted for by the other accounting device specified by the specifying means;
an informing means for informing that accounting processing based on registration data transferred from an accounting device different from the own device is possible;
has
The registration device
Having output means for outputting registration data for accounting processing by one accounting device,
The output means outputs registration data for prohibiting transfer by the transfer means to the one accounting device that has acquired the registration data,
The accounting device prohibits transfer by the transfer means when receiving registration data whose transfer is prohibited.
A system characterized by: 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying identification information for identifying said other accounting device so that said other accounting device can be selected. 3. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a host device for transferring the registration data by said transfer means to the accounting device that has obtained the registration data. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said transfer means does not transfer registration data when there are a plurality of accounting devices that have received registration data for which accounting processing has not been performed. 5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the notification means uses light emission for notification. A program that causes a first computer to function as an accounting device that performs accounting processing based on registered product registration data, and that causes a second computer to function as a registration device for registering products,
the first computer,
Designation means for designating other accounting devices;
transfer means capable of transferring registration data acquired for accounting processing by the own device so as to be accounted for by the other accounting device specified by the specifying means;
notification means for notifying that accounting processing based on registration data transferred from an accounting device different from the own device is possible;
function as
the second computer,
Output means for outputting registration data for accounting processing by one accounting device;
function as
The output means outputs registration data for prohibiting transfer by the transfer means to the one accounting device that has acquired the registration data,
A program that causes the first computer to execute a process of prohibiting transfer by the transfer means when receiving registration data whose transfer is prohibited.

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