JP7305218B2 - Registration device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system, a settlement device, a program, and a settlement method.

The POS system, in which the customer himself/herself performs the operation at the time of payment when purchasing the product, includes a registration device for registering data concerning the transaction of the product that the customer intends to purchase, and the customer himself/herself based on the registered data. There is one that is configured from a settlement device that is operated to perform settlement processing. Patent Literature 1 describes a POS system including such a registration device and a settlement device.

In the POS system described in Patent Literature 1, first, a registration device issues a payment receipt, which is handed over to the customer. Information necessary for settlement (for example, information representing the total purchase price) regarding the purchase target product is printed on the receipt for settlement in the form of, for example, a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code. Next, the customer operates the settlement device by himself/herself using the receipt for settlement, and performs settlement processing. For example, the customer makes the reader of the settlement device read a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code, and then performs payment operations such as inserting cash or inserting a credit card. The settlement device executes settlement processing according to the read two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code and the customer's payment operation.

JP 2011-158993 A

In the POS system described in Patent Literature 1, the customer is required to perform a predetermined operation in order to allow the settlement device to perform settlement processing using the data registered by the registration device, which is time consuming. something happened. Therefore, there was a problem that it took time to settle the account.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a POS system, a settlement device, a program, and a settlement method that can shorten the settlement time for customers.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices for performing payment processing by being operated by the customer based on the registration data of the product. a selection means for selecting either cash, credit card, electronic money or a combination of payment methods for settling the price in the payment processing in either the registration device or the settlement device in the POS system having the The registration device comprises transmission means for transmitting at least the registration data of the product so that the settlement device of the plurality of settlement devices can perform the settlement processing of the customer, and the settlement device receives the transmitted data. a receiving means for receiving product registration data; and a payment means for executing payment processing based on the received product registration data, wherein the settlement device, when the selection means is executed in the registration device, The receiving means receives the selected payment method, executes the payment method based on the received product registration data and the received payment method, and if the registration device does not execute the selection means, the payment is made. The POS system is characterized in that the device executes the selection means, and executes the settlement means based on the received product registration data and the selected settlement method.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to select a settlement method on the settlement device, and to declare the settlement method on the settlement device by the registration device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the customer's operations in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the checkout device includes an indicator lamp that displays a plurality of colors, and the indicator lamp indicates that the checkout device is a selected device, or , to notify that the settlement device is operable.

According to the above-described aspect, the customer is notified by the indicator lamp that it is the settlement device to which the settlement should be made, so that the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, when the settlement device starts settlement processing based on the settlement method information, the registration device that transmitted the registration data indicates that settlement is in progress. characterized by transmitting to

According to the above aspect, in the registration device, it is possible to display information indicating that payment is being made as information indicating the state of the settlement device that has started the payment processing.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device displays that the settlement device is idle when the settlement device is not in use, and when the settlement device is in use, is characterized by comprising display means for displaying that the settlement device is in use.

According to the above aspect, the state of the settlement device can be grasped on the registration device side.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a registration device registers a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and transmits registration data of the product to one of a plurality of settlement devices. A plurality of settlement devices for receiving product registration data transmitted from the device and operated by the customer to settle the payment based on the received registration data, and either the registration device or the settlement device. and a selection means for selecting one of cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combined settlement method for settlement of the price in the POS system, based on the registration data of the received product. payment means for executing payment processing, wherein, when the selection means is executed in the registration device, the payment method selected by the registration device is received, and the received product registration data and the received product registration data are received. Execute the payment means based on the payment method, and if the selection means is not executed in the registration device, execute the selection means in the settlement device, and execute the payment method based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method A settlement device characterized by executing the settlement means.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to select a settlement method on the settlement device, and to declare the settlement method on the settlement device by the registration device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the customer's operations in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the checkout device includes an indicator lamp that displays a plurality of colors, and the indicator lamp indicates that the checkout device is a selected device, or that the checkout device is selected. It is characterized by notifying that it is operable.

According to the above-described aspect, the customer is notified by the indicator lamp that it is the settlement device to which the settlement should be made, so that the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, when the settlement means is started, the settlement device transmits an indication that settlement is in progress to the registration device that transmitted the registration data of the product. do.

According to the above aspect, in the registration device, it is possible to display information indicating that payment is being made as information indicating the state of the settlement device that has started the payment processing.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the first computer functions as a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and the customer himself/herself operates based on the registration data of the product to perform payment processing. a program for a POS system that causes a second computer to function as a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing, wherein payment is made by the payment processing in either the first computer or the second computer, cash, credit Functioning as selection means for selecting either card or electronic money or a settlement method to be used in combination, the first computer is at least configured to perform settlement processing for the customer at one of the plurality of settlement devices. The second computer functions as a transmitting means for transmitting the product registration data, and the second computer is made to function as a receiving means for receiving the transmitted product registration data, and a settlement for executing payment processing based on the received product registration data. When the selection means is executed in the first computer, the second computer receives the selected payment method by the reception means, and receives the received product registration data and the received product registration data. If the selection means is not executed in the first computer, the selection means is executed in the second computer, and the received product registration data and the selected payment are executed. A program operable to implement the payment means based on the method.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to select a settlement method on the settlement device, and to declare the settlement method on the settlement device by the registration device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the customer's operations in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a registration device registers a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and transmits registration data of the product to one of a plurality of settlement devices. A plurality of settlement devices for receiving product registration data transmitted from the device and operated by the customer to settle the payment based on the received registration data, and either the registration device or the settlement device. a program for the settlement device in a POS system, comprising selection means for selecting one of cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combined settlement method for settlement of the price in the above, wherein the registered data of the received product and when the selection means is executed in the registration device, the payment method selected by the registration device is received, and the received product registration data and The payment means is executed based on the received payment method, and if the selection means is not executed in the registration device, the selection means is executed in the settlement device, and the received product registration data and the selected payment are executed. A program operable to implement the payment means based on the method.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to select a settlement method on the settlement device, and to declare the settlement method on the settlement device by the registration device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the customer's operations in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there are provided a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices for performing payment processing by the customer's own operation based on the registration data of the product. wherein payment is made in the payment process by either cash, credit card, or electronic money, or a combination thereof, in either the registration device or the settlement device. a selection step for selecting a method; a transmission step for transmitting at least the registration data of the product so that the customer's payment can be processed by one settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices in the registration device; and the settlement device. a receiving step of receiving the transmitted product registration data; and a payment step of executing payment processing based on the received product registration data, wherein the settlement device performs the selection step in the registration device. is executed, the selected payment method is received in the receiving step, the payment step is executed based on the received product registration data and the received payment method, and the selection step is performed in the registration device If not executed, the selection step is executed in the settlement device, and the payment step is executed based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to select a settlement method on the settlement device, and to declare the settlement method on the settlement device by the registration device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the customer's operations in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a customer's settlement time can be shortened.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system as one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a registration POS register 20 of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a settlement POS register 30 of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a registration POS register 20 and a settlement POS register 30 of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing in the POS system 1 of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a process of selecting a destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. 5; FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a destination settlement POS register in step S25 of FIG. 5; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt on which a guide indicating a POS register for settlement is printed; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a POS register for settlement that has shifted to a standby state in step S26 of FIG. 5; 3 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the flow of processing in the POS system 1 of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for suspending settlement processing in the processing in the POS system 1 of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a button for suspending settlement processing displayed on a settlement POS register; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a pending receipt issued in step S29c of FIG. 11; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, a registration POS register 20, and three settlement POS registers 30. As shown in FIG. The store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, and the three settlement POS registers 30 are interconnected by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11. FIG.

Note that the configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. can be reduced to two. Also, the store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, and the settlement POS register 30 do not necessarily need to be connected via the LAN 11. FIG. In that case, data can be exchanged using power line communication or the like that realizes high-speed communication by utilizing electric wiring. Alternatively, the function of the store controller 10 may be provided by the registration POS register 20, and the store controller 10 may be omitted.

The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1 and manages various information such as product masters. The store controller 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master data to the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30 . Here, the product master is a file storing product information such as product identification information, product name, and sales price of each product, and is updated as appropriate.

The registration POS register 20 performs processing for registering data of products that the customer intends to purchase. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading a bar code attached to the product. For this reason, the registration POS register 20 is provided with, for example, a scanner for reading a bar code (product code) attached to the product purchased by the customer by the operation of the store clerk. In the present application, the data related to the product registered by the registration POS register 20 and used in the settlement process will be referred to as registration data. The registration data includes information on the total price of all products to be purchased, and the unit price and quantity of each product. The registration data may be identification information (code information, etc.) for calling up information on the price of all products to be purchased, that is, the total price, or the unit price and number of individual products. In this case, the settlement POS register 30 requests the store controller 10 or the registration POS register 20 having the function of the store controller 10 based on the identification information (code information, etc.) to receive the registration data. can be The registration POS register 20 also receives and manages status information from each settlement POS register 30 .

Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be sent according to the status information. At this time, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 should be used by the customer who is currently registering the product for settlement, so as to reduce the waiting time as much as possible based on the status information. That is, the registration POS register 20 selects the optimum one from the plurality of settlement POS registers 30 . The registration POS register 20 selects, for example, an empty settlement POS register 30 . Alternatively, if all the settlement POS registers 30 are occupied by customers, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement device that is most likely to become available soonest. Then, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the selected settlement POS register 30 . A customer who intends to purchase the product indicated by the registration data can operate the POS register 30 for settlement to which the registration data has been transmitted to perform settlement processing by himself/herself. The settlement process is a process of paying and settling the price of the product to be purchased by selectively using cash, electronic money, credit card, or the like.

The above status information is information representing the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30 . The status of progress is divided into statuses such as waiting status, payment in progress, receipt issuing, vacant status, accounting pending, and trouble occurring. Based on this progress, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 to select. For example, the registration POS register 20 preferentially selects the empty settlement POS register 30 . If there is no vacant settlement POS register 30, the one for which a receipt is being issued is selected. The above-mentioned three progress states of waiting state, payment in progress, and receipt issuing indicate stages during settlement processing, and progress shifts from waiting state to payment in progress, and from payment in progress to receipt issuing. Therefore, progress is more advanced during receipt issuance than during payment. 30 can be selected.

Further, the registration POS register 20 performs the following display processing when transmitting registration data currently being processed for product registration to the settlement POS register 30 selected as described above. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information received from each settlement POS register 30 on a display screen such as a touch panel of the registration POS register 20 . This display is not limited to when the registration data is transmitted, but may be displayed during the registration process or during idle time, and may be updated all the time or as needed. Furthermore, when the registration data is transmitted, the registration POS register 20 displays to which POS register 30 for settlement the registration data has been transmitted so that the store clerk or the customer can understand. For example, when it is displayed to the salesclerk, the salesclerk can verbally inform the customer. Any display method can be used in this case. For example, the status information of each settlement POS register 30 is displayed on a touch panel installed facing the store clerk in the registration POS register 20, and the status information corresponding to the transmitted settlement POS register 30 is highlighted. can be done by Further, a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 may be displayed on the display unit of the registration POS register 20 facing the customer side. Alternatively, a receipt (for example, a number tag receipt on which the number of the POS register 30 for settlement is printed) may be issued and handed to the customer.

The selection of the POS register 30 for payment may be manually performed by the store clerk. For example, the POS register 30 for settlement may be selected by the clerk making a decision by looking at the status information and pressing the POS register 30 button for settlement selected on the touch panel. Also, in order to help the store clerk's judgment, in the display of the status information, the POS registers 30 for payment that are (or are likely to be) vacant may be emphasized and displayed.

Further, the registration POS register 20 may print all purchase details of the products purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can check the contents of registration using the registration POS register 20 by looking at the printed result before operating the settlement POS register 30 to perform settlement processing.

On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30 is a device for the customer to operate and perform settlement processing by himself/herself. (e.g. for electronic money). The settlement POS register 30 also transmits status information to the registration POS register 20 at any time.

When the settlement POS register 30 receives the above registration data from the registration POS register 20, the settlement POS register 30 notifies the customer (that is, guides the customer) so that the customer can come to the settlement POS register 30. )do. An example of notification is to display character information such as a predetermined number on the entire screen of the display unit of the POS register 30 for settlement. The character information such as the number is information separately notified to the customer by the registration POS register 20 (or by the store clerk operating the registration POS register 20). For example, the customer should go to the POS register 30 for settlement displaying his/her own number. Further, as another notification example, guidance is provided by lighting a predetermined lamp of the POS register 30 for settlement. For example, it lights up in a particular color and directs the customer to go to the checkout POS register 30 of the specified color. Alternatively, it may be blinking or the like. As another notification example, the membership card number may be displayed on the screen of the POS register 30 for settlement. This membership card number is read by the registration POS register 20, for example. The customer goes to the POS register 30 for settlement, which notifies his/her membership card number.

After the notification, the settlement POS register 30 enters a standby state. That is, after the notification, the settlement POS register 30 waits for an instruction to start settlement processing corresponding to the received registration data. As an example of canceling the standby state, for example, when the customer touches the display screen of the settlement POS register 30 (or presses some button), the settlement processing is automatically started. Either nothing is displayed on the screen until the touch is made, or only the number is displayed as in the above notification example. Alternatively, the checkout POS register 30 may detect whether or not a customer approaches using a human sensor, and start the checkout process. In this case as well, the screen can be blanked or numbered until detection. The settlement POS register 30 starts settlement processing when the human sensor detects the approach of a person. Alternatively, a camera can be used instead of the occupancy sensor. For example, cameras may be installed at the settlement POS register 30 and the registration POS register 20, and settlement processing may be started only when the same person approaches by face recognition.

Further, the flow of settlement processing for the settlement POS register 30 in the standby state can be performed, for example, as follows.
(1) First, select a payment method. Either cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., or a combination thereof is selected according to the customer's operation.
(2) Next, execute settlement. Settlement is executed by inserting cash into the slot for inserting and ejecting banknotes and coins of the settlement POS register 30, paying change, reading cards with a card reader, and the like.
(3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the POS register 30 for settlement. On the receipt, for example, a list of purchased products, the total purchase amount, the received amount, the change amount, etc. are printed.
(4) Then, the settlement POS register 30 ends the settlement processing and becomes empty.

The settlement method at the POS register 30 for settlement may be declared at the POS register 20 for registration. In this case, information on the settlement method is sent from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30, and the settlement POS register 30 starts processing from the above operation (2).

Next, configuration examples of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration POS register 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement POS register 30. As shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the registration POS register 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner section 204, and a display section (clerk 205 , a display unit (for customers) 205 a , an operation unit 206 , a communication unit 207 , a buzzer 208 , and a printing unit 209 . They can communicate with each other via a bus.

The ROM 202 is a read-only memory and stores programs in advance.
The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the registration POS register 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 .

The scanner unit 204 optically reads a bar code (product code) attached to the product.
A RAM 203 is a read/write memory at any time, and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores product information based on barcodes read by the scanner unit 204, status information received from the POS register 30 for checkout, and the like. Also, for example, the RAM 203 may store a history of operations of operation buttons.

A display unit (for salesclerk) 205 and a display unit (for customer) 205a display various information. For example, the display unit (for store clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customer) 205a display information (for example, product name, price, etc.) acquired from the product master. A display unit (for store clerk) 205 is a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information for the store clerk. Furthermore, the display unit (for store clerk) 205 accepts an operation input for product information (product code, etc.) set and registered in advance by operating an operation button (preset button) displayed in an area within the screen. .

The operation unit 206 includes various operation buttons (subtotal key, cash total key, number key, correction key, preset key, etc.) for operating the registration POS register 20 . For example, when an operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 accepts operation input for product information (product code, etc.) preset and registered in the preset key.

A communication unit 207 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11 .
A buzzer 208 generates a buzzer sound when it is necessary for the store clerk to confirm the operation.

A printing unit 209 prints information indicating registration data and the like as necessary. However, printing of registration data can be omitted in this embodiment. As described above, the printing unit 209 may print, on a receipt (printing medium), information for guiding the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data (accounting data) selected according to the status information is to be sent. good.

FIG. 4 shows the external configuration of the scanner unit 204, the display unit (for store clerk) 205, the operation unit 206, and the printing unit 209. As shown in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the settlement POS register 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, and a printer. A unit 309 , a settlement unit 310 , a sign pole 311 and a human detection sensor 312 are provided. They can communicate with each other via a bus.

ROM 302 is a read-only memory that stores programs.
The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the settlement POS register 30 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 302 .

The RAM 303 is an occasional read/write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 303 stores the product master acquired from the store controller 10 and the purchase details of the product indicated by the two-dimensional code or bar code read by the scanner unit 304 . As an example of reading a two-dimensional code or bar code with the scanner unit 304, for example, the registration POS register 20 cannot acquire the status information of the settlement POS register 30 for some reason (for example, when a trouble occurs). It is conceivable that the registration POS register 20 prints a two-dimensional code or bar code used for accounting on the accounting slip because of the situation.

The scanner unit 304 optically reads a barcode (membership code) attached to, for example, a membership card.

The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen under the control of the CPU 301 . In addition, the display unit 305 causes the RAM 303 to store, for each operation button, a history of operations of the operation buttons displayed on the screen (for example, the number of operations, the order of operations, etc.).

The operation unit 306 includes various operation buttons (correction key, preset key, etc.) for operating the POS register 30 for settlement. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts correction of operation input by operating an operation button (correction key).

A communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11 . For example, it connects to the store controller 10 and acquires the latest merchandise master from the store controller 10 .

A buzzer 308 generates a buzzer sound for reporting an error when an error or the like occurs. The printing unit 309 prints and issues a settlement receipt to be brought back by the customer when the settlement processing (that is, settlement of the purchase price of the product) is completed.

The settlement unit 310 includes a change bill machine, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc., and their control units. done. The settlement unit 310 executes settlement with cash using a change bill machine, and outputs the result of the execution of the settlement (for example, information indicating whether or not the settlement is successful) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change bill machine has a bill slot for inserting and ejecting bills, a coin slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection slot for ejecting change. Also, the settlement unit 310 executes settlement by credit and outputs the result of executing the settlement to the CPU 301 via the port and bus. The settlement unit 310 also executes settlement with electronic money, and outputs the result of executing the settlement to the CPU 301 via the bus.

The sign pole 311 has indicator lamps of a plurality of colors, and by lighting or blinking the indicator lamps, it is possible to report information indicating that the POS register 30 for settlement is the selected device and to operate it. Inform you of something.
The human detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects that a person (customer) is within a predetermined range in front of the POS register 30 for payment.

FIG. 4 shows the external configuration of the scanner unit 304, the display unit 305, the operation unit 306, the printing unit 309, the settlement unit 310, the sign pole 311, and the like.

Next, an operation example of the POS system 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In the operation example shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that transmission and reception of predetermined data between the store controller 10 and the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30 have been completed. Therefore, only the processing in the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30 and the exchange of data therebetween are shown. 5, the three POS registers 30 for settlement shown in FIG. 1 are shown as POS registers for settlement 30a to 30c. Further, in the operation example of FIG. 5, it is assumed that the three POS registers 30a to 30c for settlement are all empty at the start.

Now, in steps S11, S14 and S17, assuming that status information indicating that each of the three settlement POS registers 30a to 30c is in an empty state is transmitted to the registration POS register 20, the registration POS register 20 receives status information (steps S12, S15 and S18). Then, the registration POS register 20 stores the status information of each settlement POS register 30a to 30c in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 (steps S13, S16 and S19).

Next, in step S20, it is assumed that a customer visits the registration POS register 20 and the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206, thereby starting product registration processing. After that, using the scanner unit 204, the display unit 205, and the operation unit 206, registration processing of product data that the customer intends to purchase is performed. Then, in step S21, it is assumed that the merchandise registration processing is completed by the store clerk performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206, thereby completing the merchandise registration processing. In step S21, registration data (accounting data) to be transmitted to any of the settlement POS registers 30 is generated.

Here, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be sent (step S22). In step S22, the registration POS register 20 refers to each status information of each of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, and based on each status information, the progress of settlement processing is the highest. Select the advanced (i.e., vacant or most likely to become vacant earliest) checkout POS register. In this example, it is assumed that the settlement POS register 30a is selected in step S22.

Next, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the settlement POS register 30a, which is the transmission destination of the registration data set in step S22 (step S23). In response, the settlement POS register 30a receives the registration data (step S24). The registration POS register 20 that has transmitted the registration data in step S23 makes a display indicating that the settlement POS register that has transmitted the registration data is the settlement POS register 30a (step S25). On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30a, which has received the registration data in step S24, notifies that it has received the registration data, and shifts to the settlement processing standby state (step S26).

Next, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating that it is in a standby state (step S27). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S28). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from the empty state to the standby state (step S29).

When the customer arrives at the payment POS register 30a and performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 306 or the like, or when the human sensor 312 senses the approach of a person, the payment process is started ( step S30). In the settlement process started in step S30, the operation method and the like are displayed on the display unit 305, and the settlement method is selected and the settlement is made by the selected settlement method according to the customer's operation. When the settlement POS register 30a starts settlement processing in step S30, it transmits status information indicating that settlement is in progress (step S31). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S32). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from the standby state to the settlement state (step S33).

Next, when the settlement process by the predetermined settlement method is completed at the settlement POS register 30a (step S34), the settlement POS register 30a starts issuing a receipt (step S35). After starting the receipt issuing process in step S35, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating that the receipt is being issued (step S36). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S37). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from "payment in progress" to "receipt issuance" (step S38).

Next, after issuing receipts (step S39), the settlement POS register 30a shifts to an empty state and transmits status information indicating the empty state (step S40). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S41). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from receipt issued to empty (step S42).

As described above, in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, any one of the settlement POS registers 30 is automatically selected by the registration POS register 20, and according to the customer's operation using the settlement POS register 30, settlement processing is performed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the process of selecting the destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. 5 will be described. Here, it is assumed that there are five states of progress indicated by the status information: standby state, payment in progress, receipt issuance in progress, idle state, and trouble occurring. As shown in FIG. 6, the registration POS register 20 first refers to the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, so that the empty settlement POS registers 30 is determined (step S101). If there is an empty settlement POS register 30 (Yes in step S101), one of the idle settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S102). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the transmission destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if there is no vacant settlement POS register 30 (No in step S101), it is determined whether or not there is a settlement POS register 30 that is printing a receipt (step S104). If there is a settlement POS register 30 that is printing a receipt (Yes in step S104), one of the settlement POS registers 30 that is printing a receipt is selected (step S105). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the transmission destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S104 is that there is no settlement POS register 30 that is printing a receipt (No in step S104), it is determined whether or not there is a settlement POS register 30 that is being processed for settlement. Determine (step S106). If there is a settlement POS register 30 that is in the process of settlement (Yes in step S106), one of the settlement POS registers 30 that is in the process of settlement is selected (step S107). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the transmission destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S106 is that there is no settlement POS register 30 in the process of settlement (if No in step S106), it is determined whether or not there is a standby settlement POS register 30. (step S108). If there is a standby settlement POS register 30 (Yes in step S108), one of the standby settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S109). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the transmission destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S108, if there is no settlement POS register 30 in the standby state (No in step S108), in this example, all the settlement POS registers 30 are in trouble. Since this means that the POS register for settlement of the transmission destination could not be determined, it is set as information representing the selection result (step S110).

If two or more settlement POS registers 30 are selected in steps S102, S105, S107 or S109, one of them is selected by an arbitrary method. For example, if the distance between the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 is large or small, the settlement POS register 30 with the shortest distance can be selected. In addition, if one of the customers among the multiple customers undergoing payment processing has a membership card, etc., and one of the customers does not have a membership card, for example, Customers can select the equipment they are using. This is because, if the user has a membership card, the probability that the user is familiar with the operation is relatively high. Also, in the case where information about age can be registered at the registration POS register 20, other devices (i.e., avoiding that device) can be used according to age when only children are using the device. It is conceivable to select

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a display example in the display processing of the destination settlement POS register in step S25 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a display example of the display section (for store clerk) 205 of the registration POS register 20. As shown in FIG. In the display example of FIG. 7, buttons 2051 to 2053 representing the status information of the POS registers 30a to 30c for settlement are displayed along with an icon for product selection (in this example, vegetables), information indicating the amount, quantity, and the like. there is However, the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are indicated as devices 1 to 3, respectively. Further, the POS register 30a for settlement whose status information is empty selected in the process of step S22 is displayed in a form different from that of the other buttons (for example, blinking or displaying in a different color), as indicated by shading. display). In the example of FIG. 7, by changing this form, it is shown that the settlement POS register 30a is selected as the destination.

As described above, the registration POS register 20 may display a guide indicating the settlement POS register 30 of the destination on the display unit (for customer) 205a. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display buttons 2051 to 2053 representing the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c shown in FIG. 7 on the display section (customer) 205a.

Further, as described above, the guide indicating the destination POS register 30 for payment may be printed on the receipt handed over to the customer. FIG. 8 shows an example of a receipt printed with a guide indicating the POS register 30 for settlement of the destination (a number tag receipt printed with the number of the POS register 30 for settlement, an accounting ticket, and a POS register guidance receipt). there is In FIG. 8, as a guide indicating the POS register 30 for settlement of the destination, the characters "Please pay at the first register" (see reference numeral 3051) are printed on the receipt. Here, this "first cashier" corresponds to the device 1 (settlement POS register 30a) in the display example of FIG. 7, for example.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a display example of the display section 305 of the settlement POS register 30 that has shifted to the settlement processing standby state in step S26 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 9 shows a display example of the display section 305 of the POS register 30 for settlement. In the display example of FIG. 9, along with information indicating that it is a "payment machine" and information indicating that it is in a standby state ("waiting"), the payment is made based on the registration data received by the payment POS register 30. Information (for example, number, "accounting number") that can identify the customer to be registered is displayed in the order of accounting (acceptance order of registration data). Information (for example, a number) that can identify a customer may be notified to the customer by being displayed on the display unit (for customer) 205a of the registration POS register 20, or may be printed on a receipt handed to the customer. Customer may be notified by

Next, another operation example of the POS system 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of operation shown in FIG. 10, the status information of each POS register 30 for payment is different from the example of operation described with reference to FIG. That is, in the operation example of FIG. 10, the settlement POS register 30a is in the process of settlement, the settlement POS register 30b is in the process of issuing a receipt, and the settlement POS register 30c is in the process of settlement.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, in steps S51 to S59, the status information of each of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c is updated in the same manner as steps S11 to S19 in FIG. Then, in steps S60 and S61, product registration processing is performed in the same manner as in steps S20 and S21 of FIG. 5, and in step S62, the POS register 30b for settlement that is issuing receipts is selected as the destination device. In this example, since the settlement POS registers 30a and 30c are in the process of settlement, it is determined that the settlement POS register 30b, which is issuing receipts, is the most advanced in processing. Thereafter, in steps S63 to S82, transmission processing of registered data and settlement processing are performed using the settlement POS register 30b in the same manner as in steps S23 to S42 of FIG. However, the notification and transition processing to the standby state in step S66 are executed after the receipt that was being issued when the status information was transmitted in step S54 is completed.

It should be noted that the registration data transmission process in step S<b>63 may be put on standby according to the status information of the POS register 30 for settlement. For example, the registration data is transmitted only to the POS register 30 for settlement that is idle or issuing a receipt, and the status information for the POS register 30 for settlement that is in the settlement state or waiting state is "issuing a receipt". You may make it wait until transmission of registration data. In this case, the customer waits for a while near the registration POS register 20, for example. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the customer from being guided to the POS register 30 for payment without notifying that the POS register 30 for payment is a non-selected device. In this case, the registration POS register 20 may issue a numbered receipt to the customer temporarily waiting at the standby position and hand it to the customer. Then, the customer's registered data is transmitted to the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is empty or in the state of receipt issuance, and the number printed on the numbered receipt is displayed on the display of the settlement POS register 30 that has received it. may be displayed to guide the customer.

By the way, as described above, there are a registration POS register 20 for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a settlement POS register 30 for settlement by the customer himself/herself operating the payment for the products registered at the registration POS register 20. In the POS system 1 consisting of, when a customer remembers (notices) an item he forgot to buy at the time of payment (at the time of payment), he is at the POS register 30 for payment after being registered at the POS register 20 for registration. . Therefore, the customer has to go to the registration queue of the registration POS register 20 again to purchase the product that he/she has forgotten to buy after once completing the payment at the POS register 30 for payment. Sometimes.
In this case, the same procedure is repeated until the product that the customer forgot to buy is purchased, so the repeated procedure is troublesome and troublesome for the customer who forgot to buy. In addition, there is a possibility that the customer may give up purchasing the product that he or she has forgotten to buy, which may adversely affect the sales of the store or damage the impression of the store.

Therefore, in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suspend the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30, and to additionally register product registration data to the suspended registration data. be.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, in the settlement POS register 30 which has received the registration data and is in a standby state, the settlement processing based on the registration data is put on hold, and the product registration data is added to the held registration data. An operation example of processing for additional registration will be described. The case where the customer puts the settlement process on hold means that, as described above, the registration data of the product to be purchased registered in the registration POS register 20 is transmitted to the settlement POS register 30 and the customer enters a standby state. For example, when you notice that there is an item you forgot to buy while you are shopping, and suspend the checkout process. By suspending the settlement process, the customer can add (register) the product as a product to be purchased before performing the settlement process.

For example, the screen display of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 is provided with a button such as "settlement pending". When this "settlement suspension" button is pressed, the settlement POS register 30 suspends the customer's registration data (settlement processing based on the registration data).

In the operation example shown in FIG. 11, in step S26 in FIG. 5, after the settlement POS register 30a shifts to the standby state, processing for suspending the settlement processing is added. is different from In FIG. 11, processing corresponding to each processing in FIG. 5 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and description thereof will be omitted. Further, the operations after "settlement processing start" in step S30 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 5, and are omitted from the drawing.

The settlement POS register 30a shifts to a settlement processing standby state (step S26), and after transmitting the status information (step S27), for example, according to the customer's operation, the settlement including the payment amount information is displayed on the display unit 305. The payment information for processing is displayed, and a button for inputting "settlement suspension" for suspending the settlement processing is displayed. Then, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not settlement processing has started (step S29a). If it is determined in step S29a that the settlement process has started, the settlement POS register 30a advances the process to step S30 and starts the settlement process as described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29a that the settlement process has not started, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not the "settlement pending" button has been pressed (step S29b).

If it is determined in step S29b that the "settlement hold" button has not been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a returns the process to step S29a, and determines that the settlement process has started or the "settlement hold" button The processing of steps S29a and S29b is repeated until it is determined that is pressed.

If it is determined in step S29b that the "settlement pending" button has been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a issues a pending receipt containing information (identifiable information) that allows identification of the registration data for which settlement processing has been suspended ( Step S29c). For example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code is printed on the pending receipt for recalling the registration data for which the settlement process has been suspended.
If the registration POS register 20 or the settlement POS register 30 is unable to communicate due to some trouble and the accounting receipt has already been issued, it is not necessary to issue the receipt.

In addition, the settlement POS register 30a performs a process of returning the registration data whose settlement processing has been suspended to the registration POS register 20 that registered (transmitted) the registration data. For example, the settlement POS register 30a transmits the registration data treated as pending (suspended registration data) to the registration POS register 20 that registered (transmitted) the registration data (step S29d). The registration POS register 20 receives the pending registration data transmitted from the settlement POS register 30a (step S29e).

Registered data treated as pending will be treated as pending until called up. For example, a customer who forgets to buy leaves his/her shopping basket with a store clerk and then goes to the registration POS register 20 with the forgotten product to have the forgotten product additionally registered. In response to the customer's request for additional product registration (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 returns the process to step S12, and recalls the registration data (suspended registration data) for which settlement processing is suspended. , add the registration data of the product to be additionally registered (the product you forgot to buy) to the registration data. As a result, the "forgot-to-buy product" additionally registered in the registration POS register 20 is additionally registered in the reserved registration data treated as reserved.

Then, the registration POS register 20 transmits the additionally registered registration data to the settlement POS register selected based on each status information. The customer either calls up the registration data using the pending receipt, or goes to the POS register 30 for settlement indicated by the POS register 20 for registration and settles the settlement himself/herself.

In this way, the settlement POS register 30 executes the processes (suspension means) of steps S29c and S29d for suspending the settlement processing based on the registration data received and in the standby state. In addition, the registration POS register 20 executes the process of step S29e for receiving pending registration data for which settlement processing has been suspended, and in response to a customer's request for additional product registration (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 receives A process of additionally registering the registration data of "forgot to buy" is executed for the held registration data. As a result, in the POS system 1 using the settlement POS register 30 operated by the customer himself/herself for settlement, even if there is an item that the customer has forgotten to buy, the registration data for executing settlement processing at the settlement POS register 30 can be obtained. On the other hand, it is possible to add the product that the customer forgot to buy.

If the registration data is stored in the registration POS register 20, the registration data is held in the registration POS register 20 from the settlement POS register 30 instead of the above-described process of transmitting the holding registration data (registration data It may be a process of notifying that the process based on is on hold). For example, the settlement POS register 30a displays on the display unit 305 a display indicating that pending registration data exists in the registration POS register 20, and also displays status information indicating that the registration POS register 20 is in a pending state. You may send. Further, the registration POS register 20 may update the status information from the standby state to the pending state in response to receiving the status information indicating the pending state.

The pending registration data may be stored in the settlement POS register 30, or may be transmitted to the registration POS register 20 in which the registration data is registered (or may be identified by an identifier capable of identifying the pending registration data). (Method of storing information and status information indicating the pending state) (Method of storing in registration POS register 20), method of transmitting to store controller 10 (Method of storing in store controller 10), etc. Various cases are assumed.

In the case of the method of storing pending registration data in the settlement POS register 30, the registration POS register 20 transmits only the additionally registered "forgotten product" to the settlement POS register 30 storing the pending registration data. You may process to do. As a result, the settlement POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data may additionally register the received "forgot-to-buy product" in the pending registration data treated as pending.

In the case of the method of storing pending registration data in the store controller 10 , the registration POS register 20 may transmit the additionally registered “forgotten product” to the store controller 10 . As a result, the store controller 10 may additionally register the received "forgotten product" in the stored pending registration data.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a display example of a button for suspending settlement processing displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 will be described. In FIG. 12, the settlement POS register 30 displays settlement information such as a receipt number and payment amount information for settlement processing, and a "forgotten purchase button" (see reference numeral 3061) for suspending settlement processing. is displayed on the display unit 305 . For example, the settlement POS register 30a that has shifted to the standby state in step S26 of FIG. 11 displays information including a "forgot to buy button" on the display section 305 as shown in FIG. Then, in step S29b of FIG. 11, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not the "forgot to buy button" has been pressed, as whether or not the "settlement suspension" button has been pressed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the pending receipt issued in step S29c of FIG. 11 will be described. The pending receipt shown in FIG. 13 contains a guide (see reference numeral 3051) indicating the issuer's settlement POS register 30 and a two-dimensional code (see reference numeral 3052) for recalling the registered data whose settlement processing is suspended. printed. A one-dimensional code such as a bar code may be used instead of the two-dimensional QR code (registered trademark) shown in this figure. Further, instead of the two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code, information indicated by numbers, letters, symbols, pictures, etc. associated with each registration data may be used.

As described above, the POS system 1 of the present embodiment includes a registration POS register 20 (registration device) for registering products to be purchased, and a plurality of settlement POS registers 30 (for settlement based on product registration data). payment device). In the registration POS register 20, the processing (acquisition means) of steps S12, S15, S18, etc. for acquiring status information related to the settlement process from each settlement POS register 30, and the settlement POS to perform settlement for the registered product. The process (selecting means) of step S22 for selecting the register 30 based on the status information and the process (transmitting means) of step S23 for transmitting the registration data of the registered product to the selected POS register 30 for settlement are executed. . In this way, since registration data is transmitted from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30 according to the status of the settlement POS register 30, the necessary registration data has already arrived at the settlement POS register 30. , the customer's operation can be reduced, thereby shortening the checkout time.

In addition, since the settlement POS register 30 executes the processing (control means) of step S26 for performing control so that the settlement processing standby state is entered when the registration data is received from the registration POS register 20, the settlement POS register 30 can be brought into a standby state in which settlement can be started immediately, and customer operations can be reduced as much as possible.

In addition, the processing of step S26 for notifying the customer that the settlement POS register 30 is the settlement POS register 30 that should settle the registered product when the registration data is received from the registration POS register 20 (informing means ), so the customer can immediately tell which checkout station to go to.

Further, since the registration POS register 20 executes the processing (display means) of step S25 for displaying the status information, the registration POS register 20 side can grasp the state of the settlement POS register 30 .

Further, the status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process. POS register 30 is selected. According to this configuration, the optimum settlement POS register 30 is selected according to the status information indicating the progress of the settlement processing at the settlement POS register 30. Therefore, for example, customers can concentrate on one settlement POS register 30. Efficient settlement is possible without being overwhelmed.

If the status information is the same when the registration POS register 20 transmits the registered data to the settlement POS register 30, the transmission destination is determined according to the age of the customer and the distance to the settlement POS register 30. may be determined. For example, in the case of an elderly person, if the POS register for settlement 30 closest to the POS register for registration 20 is selected, support is facilitated and customer satisfaction can be further improved.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the registration device transmits the registration data of the purchase target product of the customer registered to the settlement device selected during the registration process. The settlement device identification information of the settlement POS register 30 selected during the registration process by the registration POS register 20 and the registration data of the product are linked and transmitted to the store controller 10, and the settlement targeted by the store controller 10 is transmitted. According to the settlement processing status of the POS register 30, the registration data of the customer's purchase target product registered in the registration device may be transmitted. Alternatively, according to the settlement processing status of the settlement POS register 30, the settlement POS register 30 itself requests the registration data of the product to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device in the store controller 10 based on the settlement device identification information of its own device. may be performed and received.

Note that the registration POS register 20 may execute a process (printing means) for printing on a print medium information for guiding the settlement POS register 30 selected in the process (selection means) of step S22. As a result, the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to by checking the printed contents.

In addition, the registration POS register 20 performs selection prohibition control so that the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" cannot be selected as the settlement POS register 30 to settle the registered product. Do. Here, the case where the status information is "in use" means that the progress of the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30 is, for example, "waiting", "paying", or "issuing receipt". (i.e., when it is not "empty"). It should be noted that the case of "in trouble" may also be included when the status information is "in use".

For example, as described above, the clerk sees the status information of each settlement POS register 30 displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20, and transmits the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20. It may be configured to select the POS register 30 for use. As a specific example, on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20, buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30 are displayed so that the settlement POS register 30 to which registration data is transmitted can be selected. Alternatively, the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be transmitted may be selected by selecting and pressing one of the buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30 . In such a case, the registration POS register 20 may be controlled so that the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" cannot be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the buttons corresponding to the settlement POS registers 30 whose status information is "in use" among the buttons corresponding to the settlement POS registers 30 so that they cannot be selected. good too. If the customer who is being registered is a customer who has put the registration data (accounting data) on hold at the settlement POS register 30, the button corresponding to the settlement POS register 30 put on hold by the customer is displayed as "Hold". Therefore, when the store clerk presses the button displaying "hold", the registered data (accounting data) held by the customer is called. After that, when the additional registration of the product that the customer forgot to buy is completed and the button displaying "Hold" corresponding to the settlement POS register 30 is pressed, the "Hold" button and the settlement POS register 30 corresponding to the "Hold" button are pressed. The registration data (accounting data) may be transmitted to the .

As a result, the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 is not transmitted to a specific settlement POS register 30 among the plurality of settlement POS registers 30. Customers can be allocated on average to each POS register 20 .

In addition, the settlement POS register 30 executes the processes (suspension means) of steps S29c and S29d for suspending the settlement processing based on the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state. In addition, the registration POS register 20 executes the process of step S29e for receiving pending registration data for which settlement processing has been suspended, and in response to a customer's request for additional product registration (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 receives A process of additionally registering the registration data of "forgot to buy" is executed for the held registration data. As a result, it is possible to suspend the settlement processing of registration data that has already been registered, and smoothly additionally register the product that was forgotten to be purchased in the registration POS register 20 and perform the settlement together. For example, in the POS system 1 using the settlement POS register 30 operated by the customer himself/herself for settlement, even if there is an item that the customer has forgotten to buy, the settlement processing based on the registered data in the waiting state is put on hold. Therefore, it becomes possible to additionally register the product that the customer forgot to buy in the registration POS register 20 with respect to the suspended registration data. Therefore, the customer can have the POS register 20 for registration additionally register the product he/she forgot to buy without going through troublesome and cumbersome procedures, and settle the account.

Further, when the registration data received by the settlement POS register 30 and in a standby state is put on hold, the registration data is transmitted (returned) to the registration POS register 20 that transmitted the registration data (step S29d). is executed, the pending registration data can be updated on the registration POS register 20 side.

In addition, when the settlement processing based on the registration data received and in the waiting state is suspended, the settlement POS register 30 notifies the registration POS register that transmitted the registration data that the registration data has been suspended. A process of notifying the register 20 may be performed. As a result, it is possible to know at any time that the registration data has been suspended on the registration POS register 20 side, and it is possible to always know that the pending registration data exists on the display screen. It is also possible to call the pending registration data (accounting data) by the clerk touching the display on the display screen where the pending registration data exists. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly perform support for customers and additional registration processing of forgotten-to-buy items.

Further, when the above-described holding means suspends the settlement processing based on the registration data in the standby state, a pending receipt on which information associated with the registration data is printed is issued, so that the customer forgets to purchase. By handing the purchased product and the reserved receipt to the clerk of the registration POS register 20, the product forgotten to buy can be smoothly registered.

In addition, when the above-described holding means suspends the settlement processing based on the registered data in the standby state, it issues a suspended receipt printed with a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code that can call up the registered data. The store clerk of the registration POS register 20 can easily call up the accounting data of the customer who forgot to buy by the code information of the reserved receipt, and can smoothly additionally register the commodity which the customer forgot to buy.

In addition, when the POS register for settlement 30 suspends the registered data by the suspending means, processing (notifying means) for notifying that the registered data has been suspended by the buzzer 308 is executed (notification means), so that it is treated as suspended. The store clerk can quickly recognize the fact, can support the customer, and has the effect of preventing fraud.

In the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suspend the settlement process by pressing the "settlement suspension" button of the settlement POS register 30, and the suspended registration data can be transferred to the registration POS. Although the data is transmitted to the register 20, it is not limited to this. For example, in the POS system 1, the registration POS register 20 is provided with a "call back of unsettled registered data" button. settlement processing) is displayed on the screen of the registration POS register 20 as a list of unsettled accounts, and by touching the registered data of the target customer from the unsettled list (for example, a touch operation by a store clerk), the customer is registered. The data may be held and recalled to the registration POS register 20 .
As a result, the POS system 1 can recall the registration data of the customer waiting for payment to the registration POS register 20 regardless of the order of the payment, and can quickly perform additional registration of products that the customer has forgotten to buy.

Further, in the present embodiment, the settlement means (payment method) in settlement processing (settlement processing) for settlement based on registered data that has been treated as pending may be changed. As for the change of the settlement method, in the settlement processing based on the registered data of the customer who is going to settle the settlement at the settlement POS register 30, by pressing a button such as "payment pending" on the screen display of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 You may change the settlement method in the settlement process for settlement based on the registered data treated as pending. Alternatively, the unsettled registration data of the customer waiting for settlement at the settlement POS register 30 (unsettled registration data stored in the settlement POS register 30) is provided in the registration POS register 20 as "unsettled You may change the settlement method in the settlement process for settlement based on the pending registered data in the unsettled list displayed by pressing the "Recall settlement registered data" button.
The above-mentioned change of payment method is not limited to payment methods that selectively use cash, electronic money, credit cards, etc. A change may be made to a payment method in which payment is made using cash vouchers, shopping coupons, etc. that can be used as the payment amount. For example, in the settlement process, if the face value paid using a gift certificate, etc., is part of the settlement price, the remainder after subtracting the face value of the gift certificate, etc. from the settlement price based on the registered data that was put on hold The amount may be set as the settlement amount of registered data treated as pending. In the settlement process, if the face value paid using gift certificates, etc. exceeds the settlement price, the settlement price based on the pending registration data will be subtracted from the face value paid using gift certificates, etc. The amount paid may be the amount to be withdrawn from the POS register 30 for settlement as the remaining amount of the gift certificate not used up as a refund.
The registration POS register 20 may transmit the pending registration data whose settlement process has been changed to the settlement POS register 30 as described in the above-described embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, the status information representing the progress of settlement processing in the settlement POS register 30 includes standby state, payment in progress, receipt being issued, empty state, accounting pending, trouble occurring, and the like. However, not limited to this, for example, in the case of a change dispenser for depositing and withdrawing cash in the settlement unit 310, the state of the change dispenser may be used as status information, and the state of the change dispenser may be transmitted as status information. You may make it In this case, the coin types stored in the change dispenser are near-full (a state in which the coin type stored in the change dispenser is almost full) or near-end (a state in which the change dispenser is almost full). (a state in which a specific currency denomination stored by a bank has run out) may be transmitted to the registration POS register 20 as status information. Based on this status information, the registration POS register 20 may determine which settlement POS register 30 to select. For example, the registration POS register 20 avoids selecting a settlement POS register 30 that is in a near-full or near-end state for the currency denominations stored in the change bill machine, and selects another settlement POS register 30. You may As a result, it is possible to avoid troubles such as running out of change during payment by cash, or a change bill machine being in a fully charged state and unable to operate due to the denomination of money deposited at the time of payment. It has the effect of being able to
In the display example of FIG. 7, buttons 2051 to 2053 representing the status information of the POS registers 30a to 30c for payment are displayed along with the icon for product selection (in this example, vegetables), information indicating the amount, quantity, etc. However, the display is not limited to this, but is not limited to this, for example, the state of the change bill machine provided in the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c (for example, near full, near end, or coin clogged state). may be displayed.
If the POS register 30 for settlement is equipped with a change dispenser whose status information is displayed in a near-full or near-end state, there is a high possibility of causing problems such as troubles during settlement. In a form that calls attention different from that of If red is a color that is not commonly used, it may be displayed by changing it to red, etc.). In the case of this form, it is indicated that the settlement POS register 30, which displays the status information in a form different from that of the other buttons, should not be selected as the destination. There is an effect that it is possible to reduce the transmission of registration data to the POS register 30 for settlement, which is highly likely to be done.

A program for realizing the POS register (registration POS register or settlement POS register) and the POS system described above is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program is read and executed by a computer system. You may make it It should be noted that the "computer system" 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. Also, the 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. Furthermore, 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.

[Appendix]
It should be noted that one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a POS system and a registration device that can reduce customer operations in settlement processing.

(Supplementary Note 1) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement based on registration data of the products, wherein the registration device is , selection means for selecting a settlement device to settle the account for the registered commodity, and transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered commodity so that the customer can settle the account with the selected settlement device. It is a POS system characterized by:

According to the above configuration, the registration device selects a settlement device to be processed by the customer, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Therefore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Supplementary Note 2) In one aspect of the present invention, the registration device includes acquisition means for acquiring status information related to settlement processing from each settlement device, and the selection means is a settlement device that should perform settlement for the registered product. is selected based on the status information, and the settlement device is provided with control means for performing control so as to enter a standby state for settlement processing when the registration data is received from the registration device.

According to the above configuration, the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the settlement device selected according to the status information regarding settlement processing, and the settlement device is in a standby state in which settlement can be started immediately. operation can be reduced as much as possible.

(Appendix 3) One aspect of the present invention further includes a notification means for notifying the customer that the settlement device is the settlement device that should settle the account for the registered product when the registration data is received from the registration device. It is characterized by having

According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to.

(Appendix 4) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes printing means for printing on a print medium information for guiding the settlement device selected by the selection means.

According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to by checking the printed contents.

(Appendix 5) An aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes display means for displaying the status information.

According to the above configuration, the state of the settlement device can be grasped on the registration device side.

(Supplementary Note 6) In one aspect of the present invention, the status information is information indicating the progress of settlement processing, and the selection means is the settlement device that is to perform settlement for the registered product, and the progress of settlement processing is the most advanced. It is characterized by selecting a payment device.

According to the above configuration, the optimum settlement device is selected according to the status information indicating the progress of settlement processing in the settlement device. Since the registered data (accounting data) is transmitted to the settlement device which is likely to complete the settlement early in the settlement processing in which the settlement is performed by the user's own operation, congestion in the settlement device can be dispersed and efficient settlement can be achieved. , Customer service improves.

(Supplementary note 7) In one aspect of the present invention, the selection means performs selection prohibition control so that the payment device whose status information indicates that it is in use cannot be selected as the payment device to be used for payment for the registered product. characterized by performing

According to the above configuration, the registration data registered in the registration device is not transmitted to only a specific settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices. Customers can be assigned to

(Additional remark 8) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the settlement device includes a holding means for holding the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the settlement processing of registration data that has already been registered, smoothly additionally register the product that the user forgot to buy in the registration device, and perform the settlement together. Therefore, the customer does not have to worry about adding the product that he forgot to buy and paying the bill.

(Additional remark 9) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device adds the registration data of the product to the registration data held by the settlement device.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the settlement processing of registration data that has already been registered, smoothly additionally register the product that the user forgot to buy in the registration device, and perform the settlement together. Therefore, the customer does not have to worry about adding the product that he forgot to buy and paying the bill.

(Supplementary Note 10) According to one aspect of the present invention, when the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state is put on hold, the settlement device transmits the registration data to the registration device that transmitted the registration data. It is characterized by transmitting.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to return the registration data whose settlement processing is suspended to the registration device. Registered data can be updated.

(Supplementary Note 11) According to one aspect of the present invention, when the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state is put on hold, the settlement device notifies that the registration data has been put on hold. It is characterized in that the notification is sent to the registered device that sent the information.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to always know that the registration data is suspended on the registration device side, and to always know that the suspended registration data exists on the display screen. In addition, if the customer who is being registered is a customer who has put the registration data (accounting data) on hold at the settlement device, the button corresponding to the settlement device put on hold by the customer is displayed as "Hold", and the customer In the case before the additional registration of the product forgotten to buy, when the button displaying "hold" corresponding to the settlement device is pressed, the registration data (accounting data) held by the customer is called. You may do so. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly support a customer who forgot to buy.

(Supplementary Note 12) In one aspect of the present invention, when the holding means holds the registration data in the standby state, it issues a holding receipt on which information associated with the registration data is printed. It is characterized by

According to the above configuration, by issuing the pending receipt, the customer can smoothly register the forgotten product by handing over the forgotten product and the pending receipt to the store clerk of the registration device.

(Supplementary Note 13) According to one aspect of the present invention, when the holding means reserves the registration data in the standby state, the registration data is printed with a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code for calling up the registration data. It is characterized by issuing a receipt.

According to the above configuration, when the customer registers and adds the product that the customer has forgotten to buy by issuing the pending receipt, by handing the pending receipt to the clerk of the registration device, the clerk of the registration device can hold the item. By reading the code information on the receipt with a scanner, the withheld accounting data of the customer can be read out easily, so that the additional registration of the merchandise that the customer forgot to buy can be performed smoothly.

(Supplementary Note 14) An aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, when the registration data is suspended by the suspension means, the settlement device notifies that the registration data has been suspended by the notification means. .

According to the above configuration, the informing means notifies that the product has been treated as pending, so that the store clerk can quickly recognize that the product has been treated as pending, so that it is possible to provide support to the customer and prevent fraud. Play.

(Supplementary Note 15) An aspect of the present invention is the registration device in a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased and a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement based on registration data of the products, Acquisition means for acquiring status information related to settlement processing from each of the settlement devices; selection means for selecting a settlement device for settlement processing for a registered product based on the status information; and transmission means for transmitting the registration data of the registration device.

According to the above configuration, the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the settlement device selected according to the status information regarding the settlement process. Therefore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Supplementary Note 16) An aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes printing means for printing on a printing medium information for guiding the settlement device selected by the selection means.

According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to by checking the printed contents.

(Supplementary note 17) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device operated by a store clerk to register products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlements operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products. , wherein the registration device comprises display means for displaying a plurality of buttons respectively indicating the plurality of settlement devices, and a settlement device for performing settlement processing based on the registration data of the registered merchandise. selection means for allowing selection from the buttons; and transmission means for transmitting the registration data so that the selected settlement device can perform settlement processing for the customer; is displayed in a manner different from the buttons of other settlement devices.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Further, the button of the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer which settlement device the registration data has been sent to, and furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been stored in the settlement device. It has arrived. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Supplementary Note 18) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device acquires status information from the settlement device, and the selection means causes the display means to display the status information based on the acquired status information. It is characterized by controlling prohibition or permission of selection of the settlement device displayed as a button.

According to the above-described aspect, the registration device can be prevented from selecting, for example, a settlement device whose status information is "in use" as a settlement device that should settle the account for the registered product. Therefore, since the registration data registered in the registration device is not transmitted to only a specific settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices, customers are allocated on average to each of the plurality of settlement devices. be able to.

(Supplementary Note 19) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device acquires status information from the settlement device, and the display means displays the status information on the button of the settlement device. and highlighting the status information corresponding to the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted by the transmitting means.

According to the above aspect, the state of the settlement device can be grasped on the registration device side.

(Supplementary Note 20) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the customer is informed that the settlement device is a settlement device that settles the registered product when the registration data is received from the registration device. The present invention is characterized by comprising an informing means for informing.

According to the above aspect, the customer can immediately recognize which settlement device to go to.

(Appendix 21) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device that is operated by a store clerk to register products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlements that are operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products to perform settlement processing. a display means for displaying a plurality of buttons respectively indicating the plurality of checkout devices on a display unit for a store clerk; Selecting means for selecting a settlement device for performing settlement processing from the buttons; Sending means for transmitting the registration data so that the settlement processing for the customer can be performed by the selected settlement device; The registration device is characterized in that the button of the settlement device to which the transmission means has transmitted the registration data is displayed in a manner different from that of the buttons of the other settlement devices.

According to the above aspect, the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the settlement device selected according to the status information regarding the settlement process. Further, the button of the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer which settlement device the registration data has been sent to, and furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been stored in the settlement device. It has arrived. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 22) In one aspect of the present invention, the registration device acquires status information from the settlement device, and the selection means is displayed as the button by the display means based on the acquired status information. It is characterized by controlling prohibition or permission of selection of the settlement device.

According to the above-described aspect, the registration device can be prevented from selecting, for example, a settlement device whose status information is "in use" as a settlement device that should settle the account for the registered product. Therefore, since the registration data registered in the registration device is not transmitted to only a specific settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices, customers are allocated on average to each of the plurality of settlement devices. be able to.

(Appendix 23) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices for the customer to operate and perform settlement processing based on the registration data of the product. In the system, the registration device comprises: display means for displaying a plurality of buttons respectively indicating the plurality of settlement devices on a display unit; and transmitting means for transmitting the registration data so that the selected settlement device can perform settlement processing for the customer, wherein the display means transmits the registration data from the transmission means The buttons of the checkout device are displayed in a different display mode from the buttons of the other checkout devices, and the checkout device has a predetermined lamp that blinks or lights to notify the user, and the checkout device has the above The POS system is characterized by blinking or lighting the predetermined lamp when receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmitting means.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Further, the button of the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer which settlement device the registration data has been sent to, and furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been stored in the settlement device. It has arrived. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly. Further, when the settlement device receives the registration data from the registration device, the customer is notified by the lamp that the settlement device should settle the account for the registered product, so that the customer can immediately find out which settlement device to go to. can be discerned.

(Additional Note 24) In one aspect of the present invention, in the POS system described above, the predetermined lamp included in the settlement device is provided on a sign pole.

According to the above aspect, when the settlement device receives the registration data from the registration device, the customer is notified by the lamp of the sign pole of the settlement device that the settlement device should settle the account for the registered product. So customers can quickly tell which checkout station to go to.

(Appendix 25) One aspect of the present invention is to register products to be purchased by a customer, display a plurality of buttons respectively indicating a plurality of checkout devices on a display unit, and A settlement device for performing settlement processing is selected from the buttons, the registration data is transmitted so that the settlement processing of the customer can be performed by the selected settlement device, and the button of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data is pressed to another settlement device. A settlement device in a POS system, comprising: a registration device displaying buttons in different display modes from those of the settlement device; and a predetermined lamp for reporting by blinking or lighting, and blinking or lighting the predetermined lamp when receiving the registration data transmitted from the registration device.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Further, the button of the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer which settlement device the registration data has been sent to, and furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been stored in the settlement device. It has arrived. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly. Further, when the settlement device receives the registration data from the registration device, the customer is notified by the lamp that the settlement device should settle the account for the registered product, so that the customer can immediately find out which settlement device to go to. can be discerned.

(Appendix 26) An aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the settlement apparatus described above, the predetermined lamp is provided on a sign pole.

According to the above aspect, when the settlement device receives the registration data from the registration device, the customer is notified by the lamp of the sign pole of the settlement device that the settlement device should settle the account for the registered product. So customers can quickly tell which checkout station to go to.

(Appendix 27) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment processing by being operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products. In the system, the registration device comprises: display means for displaying a plurality of buttons respectively indicating the plurality of settlement devices on a display unit; and transmission means for transmitting the registration data so that the selected settlement device can perform settlement processing for the customer, wherein the display means of the registration device is arranged so that the transmission means is the The buttons of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data are displayed in a different display mode from the buttons of the other settlement devices, and the settlement device includes receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted from the registration device; and display means for displaying on a display unit a payment method for selecting at least either cash or credit card for payment based on the received registration data. .

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Further, the button of the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer to which settlement device the registration data has been sent. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Supplementary note 28) One aspect of the present invention is to register a product to be purchased by a customer, display a plurality of buttons indicating each of a plurality of checkout devices on a display unit, A settlement device for performing settlement processing is selected from the buttons, the registration data is transmitted so that the settlement processing of the customer can be performed by the selected settlement device, and the button of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data is pressed to another settlement device. A settlement device in a POS system, comprising: a registration device displaying buttons in different display modes from those of the settlement device; a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted from the registration device; and a settlement method for selecting at least either cash or credit card for settlement based on the received registration data. and display means for displaying on a display unit.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Further, the button of the settlement device to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer to which settlement device the registration data has been sent. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 29) One aspect of the present invention is to register a product to be purchased by a customer, display a plurality of buttons indicating each of a plurality of checkout devices on a display unit, and A settlement device for performing settlement processing is selected from the buttons, the registration data is transmitted so that the settlement processing of the customer can be performed by the selected settlement device, and the button of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data is pressed to another settlement device. As the settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that displays buttons in different display modes from those of the settlement device, and a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by customers themselves based on the registration data of the merchandise to perform settlement processing. a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted from the registration device; and a settlement method for selecting at least either cash or a credit card for settlement based on the received registration data. is a program for functioning as display means for displaying on a display unit.

(Appendix 30) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment processing by being operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products. In the system, the registration device includes selection means for selecting an idle settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices and setting the selected settlement device as a destination; and transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the settlement process can be performed, and the settlement device includes reception means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmission means; display means for displaying a payment method, at least cash or credit card, on a display unit for payment based on the registered data.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 31) In one aspect of the present invention, in the POS system, the selection means preferentially selects an idle settlement device according to the state of the settlement devices, and if there is no idle settlement device, is characterized by executing a selection process of selecting another settlement device according to the situation of the settlement device and setting it as a transmission destination.

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Supplementary note 32) In one aspect of the present invention, in the POS system, the selection means selects a settlement device according to a priority set based on the state of the settlement device and executes a selection process of setting it as a destination. It is characterized by

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Supplementary Note 33) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the checkout device further comprises reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code printed on a print medium used for the checkout process, The apparatus is characterized by printing a print medium on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code for calling registration data used in the settlement process is printed when the settlement apparatus is in a state of being unable to communicate.

According to the above aspect, even if the registration device cannot communicate with the settlement device, the settlement device can acquire the purchase details of the product by reading the receipt issued by the registration device.

(Appendix 34) One aspect of the present invention is a selection means for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, selecting an empty settlement device from a plurality of settlement devices, and setting the selected settlement device as a destination; A registration device having transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the settlement device set by the selection means can perform settlement processing of the customer, and a customer himself/herself operates based on the registration data. and a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement processing, said settlement device in a POS system comprising: receiving means for receiving said registration data transmitted by said transmission means; and based on said received registration data and display means for displaying on a display unit a settlement method for selecting at least either cash or credit card for settlement of charges.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 35) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and selecting at least either cash or credit card for settlement based on the registration data of the product. The registration device in a POS system having display means for displaying a settlement method on a display unit and a plurality of settlement devices operated by the customer to perform settlement processing, wherein the settlement devices are idle. A selection means for selecting a device and setting the selected settlement device as a transmission destination, and transmitting the registration data of the registered product so that the settlement device set by the selection means can perform settlement processing for the customer. and transmitting means.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Supplementary note 36) In one aspect of the present invention, in the registration device, the selection means preferentially selects an idle settlement device according to the state of the settlement device, and if there is no idle settlement device, is characterized by executing a selection process of selecting another settlement device according to the situation of the settlement device and setting it as a transmission destination.

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Supplementary Note 37) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above registration device, the selection means executes a selection process of selecting a settlement device according to a priority set based on the status of the settlement device and setting it as a transmission destination. It is characterized by

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Appendix 38) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices for the customer to operate and perform settlement processing based on the registration data of the product. selection means, which is the registration device in the system, selects a settlement device according to a priority order set based on the status of the settlement device and sets the selected settlement device as a transmission destination; and transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered merchandise so that the settlement apparatus can perform settlement processing of the customer.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 39) According to one aspect of the present invention, the first computer is operated by a store clerk to function as a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and the customer himself/herself operates and settles the account based on the registration data of the product. A program for a POS system that causes a second computer to function as a plurality of settlement devices that perform processing, wherein the first computer selects an idle settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices, and selects the selected settlement device. functioning as selection means for setting a transmission destination, and transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the payment processing of the customer can be performed by the settlement device set by the selection means; a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmission means; and a settlement method for selecting at least either cash or credit card for settlement of charges based on the received registration data. is a program for functioning as display means for displaying on a display unit.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 40) In one aspect of the present invention, the program preferentially selects an idle settlement device according to the state of the settlement device in the selection means, and if there is no idle settlement device A selection process is executed to select another settlement device according to the state of the settlement device and set it as a transmission destination.

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Appendix 41) According to one aspect of the present invention, the program executes a selection process in which the selection means selects a settlement device according to a priority set based on the state of the settlement device and sets it as a transmission destination. characterized by

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Additional Note 42) In one aspect of the present invention, the program causes the second computer to further function as reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code printed on a print medium used in the settlement process, and Further, the first computer is printing means for printing a print medium on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code for calling the registration data used in the settlement process is printed when the settlement device is in a state in which communication is impossible. It is characterized by functioning.

(Appendix 43) One aspect of the present invention is a selection means for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, selecting an unoccupied settlement device from a plurality of settlement devices, and setting the selected settlement device as a destination; A registration device having transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the settlement device set by the selection means can perform settlement processing of the customer, and a customer himself/herself operates based on the registration data. receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmission means; and display means for displaying a payment method, at least cash or credit card, on a display unit for payment.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 44) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and for selecting at least either cash or credit card for settlement based on the registration data of the product. A computer as the registration device in a POS system having a display means for displaying a settlement method on a display unit and having a plurality of settlement devices operated by the customer to perform settlement processing is placed in an idle state in the plurality of settlement devices. A selection means for selecting a settlement device and setting the selected settlement device as a transmission destination, and transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the settlement device set by the selection means can perform settlement processing for the customer. It is a program for functioning as a transmission means for transmitting.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device, and the settlement device can select the settlement method. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 45) In one aspect of the present invention, the program preferentially selects an idle settlement device according to the state of the settlement devices in the selection means, and if there is no idle settlement device, A selection process for selecting another settlement device and setting it as a destination is executed according to the state of the settlement device.

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Appendix 46) In one aspect of the present invention, the program executes a selection process in which the selection means selects a settlement device according to a priority set based on the state of the settlement device and sets it as a transmission destination. characterized by

According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to disperse congestion in the checkout device, enable efficient checkout, and improve customer handling.

(Appendix 47) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment processing by being operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products. A computer as the registration device in the system is set by the selection means, which selects the settlement device according to the priority order set based on the state of the settlement device and sets the selected settlement device as a transmission destination. and transmitting means for transmitting the registration data of the registered product so that the customer's settlement processing can be performed by the settlement device that has been registered.

According to the above aspect, the customer selects a settlement device for settlement processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the required registration data has already been delivered to the settlement device. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened accordingly.

(Appendix 48) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment processing by being operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products. In the system, the registration device comprises transmission means for selecting a settlement device according to priority and transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the settlement device can be used for settlement processing of the customer. It is a POS system characterized by:

According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which registration data is to be transmitted, priority is given to, for example, an idle settlement device or a settlement device that is likely to become available the earliest (a settlement device that has made the most progress in settlement processing). Therefore, it is possible to disperse the congestion at the checkout device, and it is possible to perform the checkout efficiently, thereby improving the handling of customers. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the customer to settle the account, and shorten the settlement time.

(Additional Note 49) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device includes guide means for displaying guidance of a settlement device for settlement processing by the customer on a display unit.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to correctly inform the customer of the settlement device for which the customer should perform settlement processing.

(Additional Note 50) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the settlement device includes suspending means for suspending settlement processing based on the registration data.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the settlement processing of registration data that has already been registered, smoothly additionally register the product that the user forgot to buy in the registration device, and perform the settlement together. Therefore, the customer does not have to worry about adding the product that he forgot to buy and paying the bill.

(Appendix 51) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device is characterized by comprising a holding means for holding payment processing based on the registration data or holding unsettled registration data. do.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the settlement processing of registration data that has already been registered, smoothly additionally register the product that the user forgot to buy in the registration device, and perform the settlement together. Therefore, the customer does not have to worry about adding the product that he forgot to buy and paying the bill.

(Additional Note 52) In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device or the settlement device further includes reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and calls the suspended registration data. The suspended registration data is called when the suspended receipt on which the possible one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code is printed is read by the reading means.

According to the above configuration, by handing the pending receipt to the clerk of the registration device, the clerk of the registration device can easily read out the pending accounting data of the customer by reading the code information of the pending receipt with a scanner. , the product that the customer forgot to buy can be additionally registered smoothly. Therefore, the registered data whose settlement process is suspended can be called up by the registration device, and the registration data is updated by adding the registration data of the product that the customer forgot to buy to the suspended registration data in the registration device. be able to In addition, the registration data that has been reserved and additionally registered can be called up by the payment device using the reserved receipt, and the payment can be made.

(Appendix 53) One aspect of the present invention is a POS having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment processing by being operated by the customer based on the registration data of the products. The registration device in the system comprises transmission means for selecting a settlement device in accordance with the order of priority and transmitting registration data of the registered product so that settlement processing of the customer can be performed by the selected settlement device. is a registration device characterized by

According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which registration data is to be transmitted, priority is given to, for example, an idle settlement device or a settlement device that is likely to become available the earliest (a settlement device that has made the most progress in settlement processing). Therefore, it is possible to disperse the congestion at the checkout device, and it is possible to perform the checkout efficiently, thereby improving the handling of customers. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the customer to settle the account, and shorten the settlement time.

(Supplementary Note 54) An aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device further includes guidance means for displaying on a display section guidance of a settlement device for which the customer performs settlement processing.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to correctly inform the customer of the settlement device for which the customer should perform settlement processing.

(Supplementary Note 55) An aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device further comprises a suspending unit that suspends settlement processing based on the registration data or suspends unsettled registration data.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the settlement processing of registration data that has already been registered, smoothly additionally register the product that the user forgot to buy in the registration device, and perform the settlement together. Therefore, the customer does not have to worry about adding the product that he forgot to buy and paying the bill.

(Appendix 56) In one aspect of the present invention, the registration device further includes reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and the one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code is printed so that the suspended registration data can be called. When the reserved receipt is read by the reading means, the reserved registration data is called.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to call up the registration data whose settlement processing is suspended by the registration device, and to add the registration data of the product which the customer has forgotten to buy to the registration data which has been suspended in the registration device. Registered data can be updated.

(Supplementary Note 57) One aspect of the present invention is to operate a first computer as a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and to perform settlement processing by the customer himself/herself based on the registration data of the product. A program for a POS system that causes a second computer to function as a settlement device, wherein the first computer selects a settlement device according to priority, and is registered so that the selected settlement device can perform settlement processing for the customer. This is a program for functioning as a transmission means for transmitting registered product registration data.

According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which registration data is to be transmitted, priority is given to, for example, an idle settlement device or a settlement device that is likely to become available the earliest (a settlement device that has made the most progress in settlement processing). Therefore, it is possible to disperse the congestion at the checkout device, and it is possible to perform the checkout efficiently, thereby improving the handling of customers. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the customer to settle the account, and shorten the settlement time.

(Appendix 58) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices operated by the customer based on the registration data of the product for settlement processing. functioning as transmission means for selecting a settlement device according to the order of priority and transmitting the registration data of the registered merchandise so that the settlement processing of the customer can be performed by the selected settlement device. It is a program for

According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which registration data is to be transmitted, priority is given to, for example, an idle settlement device or a settlement device that is likely to become available the earliest (a settlement device that has made the most progress in settlement processing). Therefore, it is possible to disperse the congestion at the checkout device, and it is possible to perform the checkout efficiently, thereby improving the handling of customers. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the customer to settle the account, and shorten the settlement time.

(Supplementary Note 59) One aspect of the present invention includes a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement processing by being operated by the customer based on registration data of the product, and the registration device. In a POS system having a device and a management device connected to the settlement device via a communication line, the management device selects the settlement device according to priority, and the customer operates the selected settlement device himself/herself. The POS system is characterized by comprising transmitting means for transmitting registration data of the registered merchandise so that settlement processing can be performed.
(Supplementary Note 60) One aspect of the present invention includes a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement processing by being operated by the customer based on registration data of the products, and the registration device. The management device in a POS system having a device and a management device connected to the settlement device via a communication line, wherein the settlement device is selected according to the order of priority, and the customer operates the selected settlement device. transmitting means for transmitting registration data of the registered merchandise so that settlement processing can be performed by the management apparatus.
(Supplementary Note 61) One aspect of the present invention is to operate a first computer as a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, and to perform settlement processing by the customer himself/herself based on the registration data of the products. A POS system program for causing a second computer to function as a settlement device and a third computer to function as a management device connected to the registration device and the settlement device via a communication line, wherein the third computer is: A program for functioning as transmission means for selecting a settlement device according to priority and transmitting registration data of the registered merchandise so that the customer can operate the selected settlement device to perform settlement processing. .
(Additional Note 62) One aspect of the present invention includes a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement processing by being operated by the customer based on registration data of the products, and the registration device. A computer as a management device in a POS system having a device and a management device connected to the settlement device via a communication line; the settlement device is selected according to the order of priority; and the customer operates the selected settlement device by himself/herself. This is a program for functioning as transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered product so that settlement processing can be carried out.
According to the above aspect, when selecting a settlement device, for example, a settlement device in an empty state or a settlement device that is likely to become available soonest (a settlement device with the most advanced settlement processing) can be selected preferentially, so congestion in the settlement device is eliminated. can be dispersed, efficient settlement is possible, and customer handling is improved. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the customer to settle the account, and shorten the settlement time.

10... Store controller 11... LAN
20... POS register for registration 30... POS register for settlement 201... CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204... Scanner unit 205... Display unit (for store clerk)
205a...Display unit (for customers)
206... Operation unit 207... Communication unit 208... Buzzer 209... Printing unit 301... CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
304... Scanner unit 305... Display unit 306... Operation unit 307... Communication unit 308... Buzzer 309... Printing unit 310... Settlement unit 311... Sign pole 312... Human sensor

Claims (1)

A registration device for registering a product purchased by a customer by a store clerk's operation, and for transmitting registration data relating to the transaction of the registered product to one of a plurality of settlement devices so that the customer can make a payment by his/her own operation. hand,
receiving means for receiving status information of the plurality of settlement devices;
Designating means for the registration device itself to designate, from among the plurality of settlement devices, an idle settlement device for performing settlement processing for the customer;
a transmitting means for transmitting the registration data to the settlement device specified by the specifying means;
receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt for guiding the customer to the settlement device specified by the specifying means;
with
The settlement device specified by the specifying means is the settlement device closest to the registration device among a plurality of unoccupied settlement devices,
When there is no free settlement device, the transmitting means temporarily waits for transmission of registration data and issues a receipt by the receipt issuing means.
A registration device characterized by:

Images