JP7311884B2 - Sales data processor, control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sales data processing device, control method, and program.

There is a POS system in which data processing is performed by interlocking (hereinafter simply referred to as interlocking) through communication between a merchandise registration unit and a settlement unit that processes deposits and withdrawals. As an example of such a device, a POS system having a checkout unit and a POS terminal is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an error such as a clogged deposit occurs at the checkout section, the customer's deposit amount is manually entered at the POS terminal based on the deposit information sent from the checkout section. Information on the change is sent to the settlement section, and only the payment function is used to discharge the change and process the customer.

You can continue to use only these withdrawal functions, but the error will not be resolved indefinitely, and even if the error is resolved, the POS Since the terminal does not know the state of the checkout unit, it cannot smoothly perform processing related to sales data such as product registration processing and checkout processing.

Japanese Patent No. 4908582

In this way, the registration unit continues to process the sales data for each customer even after an error has occurred and the interlocking between the registration unit and the settlement unit has been stopped. On the other hand, on the side of the settlement department, the customer often makes a payment without noticing an error in the settlement department. In this case, a payment is made while the error is occurring, and after the settlement department is restored, and when the registration department and the settlement department are linked again, the breakdown of the deposited amount before restoration is not known, and an error occurs in the data processing by the registration department. .

Therefore, it was necessary to eliminate errors in data processing for each customer by performing data processing of the input amount that occurred while the settlement department stopped interlocking with the registration department after the settlement department was restored. rice field.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a technology that enables smooth data processing of the amount of money deposited after an error has occurred in the settlement section and before error recovery. to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a POS device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a registration unit that executes registration processing for registering purchased products for each customer, and settles the price of the products registered in the registration unit. A POS device capable of performing data processing in conjunction with a checkout unit capable of depositing and withdrawing cash to perform data processing, wherein the registration unit is capable of performing data processing in conjunction with the checkout unit while interlocking is stopped. and unprocessed deposit processing means for performing data processing based on the unprocessed deposit information, wherein the unprocessed deposit processing means is interlocked with the registration unit. If an error occurs in the settlement unit that is currently operating, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started, based on the information stored in the registration unit It is characterized in that data processing is performed on the unprocessed deposit information for each customer.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a POS device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a registration unit that executes registration processing for registering purchased products for each customer, and a payment for the products registered in the registration unit. A POS device capable of performing data processing in conjunction with a checkout unit capable of depositing and withdrawing cash to perform data processing, wherein the registration unit is capable of performing data processing in conjunction with the checkout unit while interlocking is stopped. unprocessed deposit receiving means for obtaining unprocessed deposit information related to deposits from the unprocessed deposit processing means for performing data processing based on the unprocessed deposit information; and operation instruction display means for displaying operation instructions to the clerk. In addition, when an error occurs in the settlement unit interlocking with the registration unit, the operation instruction display means stops interlocking with the settlement unit, recovers from the error, and starts interlocking with the settlement unit. Secondly, reception of an operation instruction for data processing the unprocessed deposit information is displayed on the clerk's side display section.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a method for controlling a POS device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a registration unit that executes registration processing for registering purchased products for each customer, and a price for the products registered in the registration unit. A control method for a POS device capable of performing data processing in conjunction with communication with a settlement unit capable of depositing and withdrawing cash to settle a payment, wherein the registration unit stops interlocking an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information related to deposit from the settlement unit while the unprocessed deposit information is stored; and an unprocessed deposit processing step in which the registration unit performs data processing based on the unprocessed deposit information In the processing deposit processing step, if an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started. The unprocessed payment information is processed for each customer based on the information stored in the registration unit.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a control method for a POS device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a registration unit that executes a registration process for registering purchased products for each customer, and a price for the products registered in the registration unit. A control method for a POS device capable of performing data processing in conjunction with communication with a settlement unit capable of depositing and withdrawing cash to settle a payment, wherein the registration unit stops interlocking an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information on deposit from the settlement unit while the registration unit is in an unprocessed deposit processing step of performing data processing based on the unprocessed deposit information by the registration unit; and an operation instruction display step of displaying an operation instruction to a store clerk, wherein an error occurs in the settlement unit interlocking with the registration unit in the operation instruction display step, and interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped. When the error is recovered later and interlocking with the settlement section is started, reception of an operation instruction for data processing of the unprocessed deposit information is displayed on the clerk side display section.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a program, which is one aspect of the present invention, includes a registration unit for executing registration processing for registering purchased products for each customer, and A computer of a POS device capable of performing data processing in conjunction with a settlement unit capable of depositing and withdrawing cash through communication with the registration unit, from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped A program for executing an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information related to deposit and an unprocessed deposit processing step of performing data processing by the registration unit based on the unprocessed deposit information, wherein the unprocessed deposit In the processing step, if an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started, the registration unit data processing is performed for each customer based on the information stored in the unprocessed payment information.
and

To solve the above-described problems, a program, which is one aspect of the present invention, includes a registration unit for executing registration processing for registering purchased products for each customer, and A computer of a POS device capable of performing data processing in conjunction with a settlement unit capable of depositing and withdrawing cash through communication with the registration unit, from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped An unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information related to deposit; an unprocessed deposit processing step of performing data processing based on the unprocessed deposit information by the registration unit; and an operation instruction display step to display, wherein an error occurs in the settlement unit interlocked with the registration unit in the operation instruction display step, and the error occurs after stopping interlocking with the settlement unit. When the system recovers and interlocking with the settlement section is started, reception of an operation instruction for data processing of the unprocessed deposit information is displayed on the clerk side display section.

It is a figure which shows the installation example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the external appearance example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a POS terminal. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a settlement part. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of a POS terminal; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining switching of operation modes of the POS terminal; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of operations in a normal mode; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operations in a normal mode; It is a figure which shows the example of the screen displayed on the salesclerk side and the customer side. It is a figure which shows the process outline|summary after the settlement|settlement part initial state. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a selection screen and the like; This is an example of a situation in which it is necessary to give a clerk a choice. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of a registration unit; 4 is a flowchart showing processing of a registration unit; 4 is a flowchart showing processing of a registration unit; It is a flowchart which shows the process of a settlement part. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a settlement part. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on a customer-side display part.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation example of a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like viewed from the customer side. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as seen from the salesclerk side. As shown in FIG. 1A, a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 viewed from the customer side. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the salesclerk side. In FIG. 2, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

A configuration example of the POS terminal 20 will be described below with reference to FIG. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201 , a ROM 202 , a RAM 203 , a hard disk 204 , a customer-side display section 205 , a customer-side scanner section 206 , a card payment section 208 , a clerk-side display section 210 , and a key operation section 211 . , a clerk-side scanner unit 212 , a printing unit 213 , an audio output unit 214 , and a communication unit 215 . They can communicate with each other via a bus. The POS terminal 20 also includes a settlement section 209 . In the configuration example of the POS terminal 20 shown in FIG. The registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 are electrically connected and communicable.

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

A RAM 203 is a read/write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (for example, a product master acquired from a store controller, etc.), information generated during processing (for example, registration information (registration data) generated in registration processing for registering products, purchased product settlement information, etc., generated in settlement processing for settlement (settlement) of

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

<Customer side display>
The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to the customer and receives various inputs from the customer.
A customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various kinds of information.
For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically scans barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on accounting tickets (registered trademark). read. In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 scans codes (bar codes, 2 dimension code, etc.) may be read.

The customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when the customer registers the product, but the customer may register the product by another method. For example, when a preset key corresponding to a product (a button for ordering a product) is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer may operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

The card settlement unit 208 is a settlement mechanism using various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card settlement unit 208 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), display unit, and operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information on various cards. The read information is used for settlement (settlement) of purchased products. In addition, when using the recognized information for the payment (settlement) of the purchased product this time (that is, in the case of credit payment by credit card, in the case of prepaid card payment by prepaid card, the card recognition part will use (consumption), etc.), in addition to cases where the recognized information is not used for the payment (settlement) of the purchased product (for example, in the case of awarding benefits by presenting a credit card, in the case of awarding points to a point card) etc.) may also recognize various cards. Note that the card settlement unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but the card settlement unit 208 may include at least a card recognition unit. Further, the card recognition unit of this embodiment corresponds to a contact type card (IC card, magnetic card). may correspond to

The settlement unit 209 (cash settlement unit) is a settlement mechanism using cash, and has an inlet for banknotes and coins, an outlet for banknotes and coins, and the like. , and the change is discharged from the discharge port. The settlement unit 209 is directed to the customer side and operated by the customer. Note that when banknotes or coins are inserted into the slot, they are detected by a sensor (detection of insertion, detection of the number of coins by denomination, etc.). The card settlement section 208 and the settlement section 209 form a settlement section.

<Clerk display>
The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for the clerk, and displays various information to the clerk and receives various inputs from the clerk.
The key operation unit 211 is composed of various keys (hardware keys, buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk.
The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for the clerk, and optically reads various kinds of information. For example, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 optically reads a bar code attached to a product or a clerk code attached to a clerk's name tag. In addition to the above, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 may read codes printed on checkout coupons, coupons, and codes printed on various cards.

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

The printing unit 213 prints and issues various media (receipts, accounting coupons, etc.). The printing unit 213 can be rotatably changed from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side (the direction of the medium issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be automatically changed (mechanically controlled, etc.) based on, for example, switching of operation modes (details will be described later). Note that whether the orientation of the printing unit 213 is correct or incorrect may be detected by a sensor or the like. Note that the switching of the operation mode is also referred to as the operation mode transition.

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

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the settlement unit 209. As shown in FIG. The settlement unit 209 includes a control unit 401 , a connection unit 402 , a display operation unit 405 , a coin input port 410 , a coin payout port 411 , a bill input port 412 , a bill payout port 413 , a storage unit 416 , and a transport unit 420 . The transport section 420 includes a transport path 421 , an identification section 422 , a counting section 423 and a detection section 424 . A lamp (light emitting unit) or a counting display unit (not shown) that displays the amount calculated by the counting unit 423 may be arranged near the coin slot 410 or bill slot 412 .

The control unit 401 controls the entire settlement unit 209 . The connection unit 402 is a communication interface for connecting with the registration unit 300 . The display operation unit 405 is, for example, a touch panel. The storage unit 416 stores deposits and change. The storage unit 416 has storage spaces for each denomination. The coin slot 410 is a coin slot. The coin payout port 411 is a coin payout port. The banknote slot 412 is a banknote slot. The banknote dispensing opening 413 is a banknote dispensing opening. Hereinafter, the coin slot 410 and the bill slot 412 will be collectively referred to as the slot, and the coin dispensing slot 411 and the bill slot 413 will be generically referred to as the dispensing slot. Note that the banknote slot and the banknote payout slot may be shared, and the coin slot and coin payout slot may be shared.

The transport path 421 is a passage for transporting money. The identification unit 422 identifies the type of money to be transported (inserted money or ejected money). The counting unit 423 counts the money that is conveyed. The identification result by the identification unit 422 and the counting result by the counting unit 423 are notified to the control unit 401 .

The detection unit 424 detects whether or not money has been inserted into the slot. Also, the detection unit 424 detects an error in the transport path 421 . For example, the detection unit 424 detects an error in which money (for example, bills) is jammed in the transport path 421 . The detection result is notified to the control unit 401 .
The settlement unit 209 does not count the amount of money deposited immediately after money or banknotes are inserted into the slot, but counts the amount of money deposited after passing through the counting unit 423 of the transport unit. In this case as well, an error occurs immediately after depositing into the coin slot 410 or bill slot 412 and the amount of deposit is not counted and the operation stops due to an error. After passing through 423 and the deposited amount is counted as data, it may stop as an error.

The control unit 401 receives various information (for example, the number of coins to be conveyed for each denomination and error detection results) from the conveying unit 420 . Also, the control unit 401 controls the transport unit 420 . For example, the control unit 401 controls the transport unit 420 (transport path 421 ) so as to transport the money inserted into the slot toward the storage unit 416 . Further, the control unit 401 controls the transport unit 420 (transport path 421) so as to transport the money stored in the storage unit 416 toward the payout port.

Also, the control unit 401 communicates with the registration unit 300 via the connection unit 402 . For example, the control section 401 receives various information from the registration section 300 . As an example, the control unit 401 receives a control command (for example, a request for withdrawal, a notice of start accepting payment, etc.) from the registration unit 300 . Also, for example, the control unit 401 transmits various information to the registration unit 300 . For example, the control unit 401 generates deposit information based on the denomination and number of coins acquired from the transport unit 420, and transmits it to the registration unit 300 as a deposit information response. The control unit 401 also generates error information including error identification information based on the error detection result acquired from the transport unit 420 and transmits the error information to the registration unit 300 .

For example, when receiving a withdrawal request to the effect that money should be discharged, the control unit 401 causes the transport unit 420 to discharge money. The control unit 401 changes from being unacceptable to accepting money to be accepted when receiving a notice of start of accepting money, and makes it unacceptable to accept money to be inserted into the slot when receiving a notice of stop being paid. Further, when the checkout unit 209 has a lamp near the insertion port, the control unit 401 prompts the insertion of money into the insertion port when receiving an insertion instruction to prompt the insertion of money. , the lamp may be illuminated.

When money is put into the slot, the settlement unit 209 counts the amount of money put in, notifies the registration unit 300 of the amount of money put in, and stores the put money in the storage unit 416 . Further, when the settlement unit 209 receives from the registration unit 300 a control command (discharge instruction) to dispense money, it dispenses the money stored in the storage unit 416 to the payout port. Further, for example, when an error occurs in which money (for example, banknotes) is jammed in the transport path 421 when dispensing money, the settlement section 209 transmits error information including error identification information of the error to the registration section 300 .
Note that the settlement unit 209 can determine the denomination of the inserted denomination and store it as data for each denomination.

(Outline of each operation mode)
Next, operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has multiple operating modes. This operation mode is an operation mode during normal business (operation mode related to registration processing and settlement processing), and is an aggregation mode for totaling and inquiring about sales, balance, etc., and a mode for setting work and maintenance work by store clerks and maintenance personnel. It does not include the maintenance mode when doing training, the training mode when newcomers do training, etc.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 20 has, for example, three types of operation modes (normal mode (standard mode), full-self mode, and semi-self mode (accounting mode)) shown in FIG. 5A. Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a normal mode (restricted mode) in FIG. 5(B) in place of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) in FIG. 5(A). Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a semi-self mode (registration-only mode) in FIG. 5(B) instead of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) in FIG. 5(A). Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a semi-self mode (registration-only mode) in FIG. 5(B) in place of or in addition to the semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) in FIG. 5(A).

In FIG. 5A, columns indicate operation modes, and rows indicate functions (“product registration (clerk side)”, “product registration (customer side)”, “insert money”, . "Read accounting ticket"). The same applies to FIG. 5B (however, illustration of each function is omitted in FIG. 5B).

In FIG. 5(A) (similar to FIG. 5(B)), "O" in the column specified by the column and row indicates that the function of the row is valid in the operation mode of the column. . For example, "O" in the column specified by the column "normal mode (standard mode)" and the row "product registration (clerk side)" means that product registration (clerk side) is valid in normal mode (standard mode). It indicates the purpose. Also, "-" in the column specified by the column and row indicates that the function of the row is disabled in the operation mode of the column. For example, "-" in the column specified by the column "normal mode" and the row "product registration (customer side)" indicates that product registration (customer side) is disabled in the normal mode.

(Description of each function)
An outline of each function shown in FIG. 5A will be described below.

<Product registration (clerk side)>
"Commodity registration (clerk side)" is a function for registering purchased commodities on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, it is a function of executing the registration process of the purchased product by the operation of the store clerk (scanning by the store clerk side scanner unit 212, touch on the store clerk side display unit 210, operation of the key operation unit 211).

(Product registration (customer side))
"Commodity registration (customer side)" is a function of registering a purchased commodity on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). In other words, it is a function of executing the registration processing of the purchased product by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205).

(insertion of money)
"Insert money" is a function of receiving money (banknotes, coins). In other words, it is a function that accepts an operation for settlement with cash (insertion of money into the settlement unit 209).

(Transmission of registration information to other terminals)
"Send registration information to other terminal" is to send the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (other terminal capable of executing the settlement process, for example, another POS terminal 20) (directly to the other terminal). It is a function of transmitting data to another terminal indirectly via a store controller, a monitoring terminal, etc. (the same shall apply hereinafter).

(Receipt of registration information from other terminals)
"Receiving registration information from other terminals" refers to receiving registration information generated in the registration process of other terminals (directly from other terminals, or indirectly from other terminals via store controllers, monitoring terminals, etc.). It is a function to receive from the terminal (hereinafter the same). A terminal that receives registration information from another terminal executes settlement processing based on the registration information.

(Description of each operation mode)
Next, an outline of each operation mode shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B will be described.

(Normal mode (standard mode))
The normal mode (standard mode), as shown in FIG. 5A, is an operation mode in which product registration (store clerk side) is enabled "O" and product registration (customer side) is disabled "-". In other words, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which the store clerk executes the registration process without executing the registration process on the customer side.

In normal mode (standard mode), as shown in Fig. 5(A), the insertion of money, the transmission of registration information to other terminals, and the issuance of accounting coupons are all valid. Operation mode. In other words, in the normal mode (standard mode), it is possible to execute the settlement processing after the registration processing on the store clerk's side either on the own terminal (own device) or on another terminal. Specifically, in the normal mode (standard mode), payment processing is executed on the own terminal by accepting money insertion into the payment unit 209, and registration information is transmitted to other terminals (or accounting coupons are sent). (by issuing it) causes the other terminal to execute the settlement process.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which both reception of registration information from other terminals and reading of checkouts are valid "O". That is, in the normal mode (standard mode), settlement processing can be executed based on the registration information generated by the other terminal. Note that the settlement process after receiving the registration information (or after reading the accounting ticket) may be executed in the semi-self mode of FIG. 5(A). In other words, when the registration information is received (or the accounting ticket is read) while in the normal mode (standard mode), the normal mode (standard mode) is automatically switched to the semi-self mode (accounting mode). You may ask for permission by ), and you may execute settlement processing in semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode). In addition, if you shift to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) and execute settlement processing, it will automatically switch from semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) to normal mode (standard mode) (you may ask for permission from the clerk). It may be transferred (returned) or left in the semi-self mode (accounting mode).

In the normal mode (standard mode), at least one of reception of registration information from other terminals and reading of accounting coupons may be disabled (-).

(Full self mode)
As shown in FIG. 5A, the full-self mode is an operation mode in which product registration (customer side) is set to valid "O". In other words, the full self mode is an operation mode premised on registration processing on the customer side. However, in the full-self mode, product registration (on the store clerk's side) is also enabled with "O". In other words, the full-self mode is an operation mode that allows registration processing on the salesclerk side as well as registration processing on the customer side. A state in which registration processing is being performed on both the customer side and the store clerk side may be referred to as a double scan mode.

In the example shown in FIG. 5(A), product registration (clerk side) is set to valid "○" in full self mode, but product registration (clerk side) is set to invalid "-" in full self mode. good too.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the full-self mode is an operation mode in which the insertion of money is enabled "O" and the transmission of registration information to other terminals and the issuance of accounting coupons are disabled "-". is. That is, the full-self mode is an operation mode that assumes settlement processing at the terminal.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 5(A), in the full self mode, as in the normal mode (standard mode), both the reception of registration information from other terminals and the reading of accounting tickets are valid. This is an operating mode that That is, in the full-self mode, as in the normal mode (standard mode), it is possible to execute settlement processing based on registration information generated in other terminals. Note that the settlement process after receiving the registration information (or after reading the accounting ticket) may be executed in the semi-self mode of FIG. 5(A). In other words, when registration information is received (or an accounting ticket is read) while in full-self mode, the system automatically shifts from full-self mode to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) and semi-self mode (accounting mode). The settlement process may be executed as a dedicated mode). In addition, if you shift to semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) and execute settlement processing, you may automatically shift (return) from semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) to full self mode, or semi-self mode ( Accounting only mode) may be left as is.

(Semi-self mode (accounting mode))
In the semi-self mode (accounting only mode), as shown in Fig. 5(A), reception of registration information from other terminals, reading of accounting coupons, and insertion of money are enabled, and product registration (clerk side) is performed. and product registration (customer side) are disabled "-". In other words, the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) is an operation mode in which the own terminal does not execute the registration process, but exclusively executes the settlement process based on the registration information generated in the other terminal. In addition, since the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) is an operation mode that does not execute registration processing (because registration information is not generated), as shown in FIG. The issuance of accounting coupons is also invalidated as "-".

(Normal mode (restricted mode))
In normal mode (restricted mode), as shown in Fig. 5(B), transmission of registration information to other terminals and issue of accounting coupons, which were marked as valid in normal mode (standard mode) in Fig. 5(A) and are invalid "-". In other words, the normal mode (restricted mode) is an operation mode that restricts the function of allowing other terminals to execute settlement processing, which is permitted in the normal mode (standard mode).

(Semi-self mode (registration-only mode))
In the semi-self mode (registration-only mode), as shown in Fig. 5(B), product registration (clerk side), transmission of registration information to other terminals, and issuance of accounting coupons are enabled with "○", and product registration ( (customer side), inserting money, receiving registration information from other terminals, and reading checkouts are disabled (-). In other words, the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) is an operation mode in which the own terminal exclusively executes the registration process and the other terminal executes the settlement process. In the semi-self mode (registration-only mode), since it is assumed that the registration operation is performed by a store clerk, product registration (customer side) is disabled "-".

(Regarding enabling/disabling functions)
In the above description, the POS terminal 20 performs various functions provided by the POS terminal 20 itself (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side) in FIG. 5A, insertion of money, …, reading of the accounting ticket), it is different whether it is valid "〇" or invalid "-". In other words, in the above description, the POS terminal 20 originally performs all functions (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side), insertion of money, ..., reading of accounting coupons in FIG. 5A). and some of the functions are disabled depending on the operation mode (for example, as shown in FIG. Registration (customer side) is disabled "-", and when in full self mode, transmission of registration information to other terminals and issuance of accounting coupons are disabled "-").

However, the POS terminal 20 only needs to have different executable functions depending on the operation mode, and the POS terminal 20 does not necessarily have all the functions originally, and disables some of the functions according to the operation mode. It is not necessary to have such a configuration. For example, the POS terminal 20 does not have all the functions (programs for realizing the functions) from the beginning, but depending on the operation mode (for example, when switching the operation mode), it is necessary in the operation mode. It is possible to obtain and execute a program for realizing the function (function corresponding to the function marked as valid in Fig. 5) from outside (for example, store controller, monitoring terminal, server outside the store (cloud, etc.), etc.) In addition, if there is a program for realizing an unnecessary function in the operation mode (function equivalent to the function disabled "-" in Fig. 5), execute the program It may be disabled (for example, erased). It should be noted that after disabling the program for realizing the unnecessary function, the program for realizing the necessary function may be acquired and made executable. In addition, for example, when switching the operation mode, the POS terminal 20 temporarily makes all programs unexecutable regardless of the operation mode to be switched to, and then implements functions required in the operation mode. The program may be acquired from the outside and made executable.
In other words, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 may be such that some of the various originally provided functions are disabled according to the operation mode. It may be such that only the functions are appropriately provided.

The normal mode (standard mode), full-self mode, semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) in FIG. 5(A), normal mode (restricted mode), and semi-self mode (registration-only mode) in FIG. 5(B) have been described above. However, the following description will focus on the normal mode (standard mode), full-self mode, and semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) shown in FIG. 5(A). Note that, in the following description, the normal mode (standard mode) may be simply referred to as the normal mode. Also, the semi-self mode (accounting only mode) may be simply referred to as the semi-self mode.

(Operation mode switching (transition))
Next, switching (transition) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 basically switches the operation mode according to an explicit mode switching operation (also referred to as a mode switching operation; details will be described later) for switching the operation mode by the clerk. Also, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to another operation (for example, reading a store clerk code, etc.) different from the mode switching operation.

In addition, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode without being operated by the store clerk. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to a mode switching instruction (mode switching instruction) from another terminal (POS terminal 20, monitoring terminal, mobile terminal, etc.). In addition, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to time conditions (for example, the elapsed time since the last operation, the fixed time according to the schedule, etc.). Also, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode at the start of processing (for example, at the start of settlement processing based on the received registration information, at the start of settlement processing based on an accounting ticket, etc.). Also, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode at the end of the process (for example, at the end of the settlement process based on the received registration information, at the end of the settlement process based on the accounting ticket).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating switching of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The left side of FIG. 6 shows a combination of operation modes before and after switching (operation mode before switching→operation mode after switching), and the right side shows conditions (an example) for switching operation modes. For example, row a indicates, as an example of conditions for switching the operating mode from the normal mode to the full self mode, a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, and the elapse of a predetermined time (non-use). In other words, when the operation mode is the normal mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, or the passage of a predetermined time (not used), the operation mode will switch from the normal mode to the full self mode. showing.

(Operation of each operation mode)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in the normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (clerk, customer) in the case of executing settlement processing on its own terminal in the normal mode. FIG. 8 is a flowchart outlining the operation in the normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation when executing the settlement process in the own terminal in the normal mode.

In the normal mode (both when executing settlement processing on the own terminal and when executing settlement processing on another terminal), the clerk displays the purchased product of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, It is registered by the key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes registration processing of purchased products according to the operation of the store clerk (scanning by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, touch on the store clerk-side display unit 210, operation of the key operation unit 211) (the upper part of FIG. 7). ).

When the registration processing by the store clerk is completed, the customer confirms the total amount of purchased commodities on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money (cash) into the settlement unit 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to make a settlement. (bottom of FIG. 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing according to the customer's operation (insertion of cash into the settlement unit 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7).

That is, when executing the settlement process at the own terminal in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 8, the store clerk first scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), the customer side, for example, the checkout unit 209 is performed (step S50), and the process is completed. The subtotal key in step S30 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be referred to as a subtotal button, registration completion key, registration completion button, checkout key, checkout button, or the like.

The customer may wait until the store clerk completes the registration process (until the total amount is determined), but may insert cash into the settlement unit 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept payment during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 7).

Also, the customer may select a payment method (also referred to as payment type, settlement method, or settlement type) before completing the registration process. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept the selection of the payment method during the registration process.

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

In addition, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the payout of change or bills by the settlement unit 209 in order to prevent forgetting to take the change. issuance of the receipt by the printing unit 213 may be controlled after recognizing the above. The same applies to other operation modes.

In the normal mode (standard mode), as described above, after the store clerk executes the registration process, the customer side of the own terminal executes the settlement process using the registration information generated in the registration process (see FIG. 7). , FIG. 8), and a function of transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (another terminal capable of executing the settlement process, such as another POS terminal 20) to cause the other terminal to execute the settlement process. Then, the registration information generated in the registration process (or the information for acquiring the registration information) is coded (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) and printed accounting coupons are issued, and settlement processing is performed on the other terminal. and a function that causes the

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the semi-self mode (accounting only mode) has a function of receiving registration information generated in the registration process on another terminal and executing the settlement process, and It also includes a function to read accounting tickets and execute settlement processing. In other words, the semi-self mode (accounting exclusive mode) is an operation mode exclusively for executing settlement processing.

Next, examples of screens displayed on the store clerk side and the customer side will be described. FIG. 9 shows a screen example in the normal mode as an example. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 when the product registration process and the payment process are executed. FIG. 9(A) shows the state when the third product item "10 kinds of vegetable green potage" is registered. The body of this page contains a registration GUI key for each product.

That is, when the store clerk presses the registration GUI key corresponding to the product, the product is registered. The main body of this page also includes a display area for the customer's purchase information (product name, price, quantity, total price, and product registration list of purchased products). A selection area 600 at the top of this page includes the customer's accounting information (total amount 602 and deposit amount 601) and a character 603 (a cat in FIG. 9A).

The character 603 is for identifying the customer corresponding to the displayed screen. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 can display a screen for each customer, and when the selection area 600 is touched, the customer's screen corresponding to the selection area 600 is displayed. Thus, character 603 is displayed to identify the customer. In addition, the selection area 600 may include the insufficient amount or excess amount and status information indicating whether or not the customer's payment has been completed.

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of display on the customer-side display section 205 when product registration for the customer is completed and the subtotal key is pressed. This screen contains the customer's customer side accounting information (quantity, total amount, deposit amount, deficit amount). This screen also includes guidance information prompting the user to put in the shortfall and an animation (moving image) showing how the money is put in.

Next, processing for smoothly performing data processing related to sales even when an error occurs in the settlement unit 209 (hereinafter also referred to as "data processing for settlement unit error") will be described.
If the registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209, which processes deposits and withdrawals, communicate with each other to perform data processing in conjunction with each other, the registration unit and the settlement unit are separated. However, the present invention can also be applied to a POS device in which a store clerk performs registration and settlement using a single device, even when processing is performed in conjunction with one device face-to-face.

As shown in FIG. 2, the settlement unit 209 is apparently a part of the POS terminal 20, but as described in FIG. are different devices with In this way, the fact that the registration unit and the settlement unit are different devices is not limited to the POS terminal 20 of the present embodiment, but is a general configuration. The registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 perform data processing in cooperation with each other through communication. When an error occurs in the settlement unit 209, the registration unit 300 stops interlocking with the settlement unit 209, and the registration unit 300 alone can operate.

Processing by the store clerk when the linkage between the registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 is stopped as described above will be described.

When an error occurs in the settlement unit 209 and an error signal is received, the registration unit 300 can notify the settlement unit 209 of an initialization signal in order to eliminate the error in the settlement unit 209 . The error can also be resolved by turning off the power of the settlement unit 209 and then turning it on again. However, even if the initialization is performed or the power is turned off and on again, the settlement unit 209 cannot necessarily solve the error.
When the error in the settlement unit 209 is resolved, the registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 can work together again to perform processing.

There are various types of errors in the settlement unit 209, such as banknote transport errors. The error targeted in the settlement unit error handling process in this embodiment is one in which payment can be accepted even during an error occurrence. It is an error (hereinafter also referred to as "deposit possible error"). The registration unit 300 transmits a payment acceptance start notification to the settlement unit 209 . As a result, the settlement unit 209 can insert the deposit, but the error that occurs after that is targeted. For example, even if an error occurs in the bill slot 412, the customer can put money into the coin slot 410 if the coin slot 410 can operate normally. Also, even if there is an error in which change cannot be discharged from the coin outlet 411 and bill outlet 413, bills and coins can still be inserted.
In this case, the change can be paid by the clerk from a coin case prepared in advance.

The registration unit 300 when interlocking is stopped reads the product with the store clerk side scanner unit 212, presses the subtotal key on the sales screen, inputs the deposit deposited by the customer into the checkout unit 209, and calculates the current total. After depressing the key, change is taken out from the store clerk's coin case or the like, and the processing for the customer is terminated.
The registration unit 300 stores the total amount of merchandise, the manually input deposit amount, and the amount of change as a transaction history in an electronic journal.

If a plurality of customers deposit money after a depositable error has occurred and interlocking between the registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 has been stopped, the registration unit 300 will be able to confirm the receipt of each customer since the interlocking has been stopped. Amounts cannot be recognized. Therefore, after the settlement unit 209 resolves the error and restores the linkage with the registration unit 300, the settlement unit 209 notifies the registration unit 300 of the denomination and total amount of the deposit received from the customer. However, since the registration unit 300 cannot determine which customer's transaction is used for the payment, the registration unit 300 displays an error and interrupts the data processing. For this reason, processing relating to sales cannot be performed smoothly.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, if there is a payment in the settlement unit 209 when the interlocking is restored, the clerk selects the data processing for this, so that the data processing regarding sales can be performed smoothly. In the following description, a payment that has been made to the settlement unit 209 and has not undergone data processing will be referred to as an unprocessed payment, and the amount will be referred to as an unprocessed payment amount.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of processing after the settlement unit 209 initializes and is in an initialized state. Here, the initialization of the settlement unit 209 refers to returning to a state in which it is possible to accept payment again as the next customer's transaction after completing data processing for one transaction.

As shown in FIG. 10, the settlement unit 209 can be initialized and branches (step S1). If the initialization is not possible, interlocking with the registration unit 300 is disabled (step S2), and a restart screen is displayed on the clerk's display screen (step S3). This restart screen will be described later. After that, by restarting (step S4), product registration can be started.

If the initialization is possible, interlocking with the registration unit 300 is allowed (step S5), and the process branches depending on whether or not there is unprocessed deposit information (step S6). If there is no unprocessed payment information, product registration can be started.

If there is unprocessed payment information, a selection screen is displayed on the clerk's display screen to allow selection from one or more of the three corresponding processes as processing for the unprocessed payment (step S7). ), and let the store clerk select (step S8).

The first handling process among the three handling processes described above is a withdrawal process for withdrawing a deposit. As a situation in which this process is necessary, for example, registration processing and settlement were performed only by the registration unit 300 in a state where interlocking was stopped because an error occurred after the previous customer put in money, but the processing was completed. In some cases, the next customer puts money in immediately. Since the amount of the previous customer and the next customer are mixed, even if the registration part 300 recovers the interlocking with the settlement part, the breakdown of the amount of money put in cannot be known, and the registration part 300 has reported as an error so far.
When the first corresponding process is selected, the settlement unit 209 withdraws the same amount as the deposited amount. The store clerk performs processing such as returning the amount of money of the previous customer to the coin case as payment processing, and puts the money of the next customer into the settlement section 209 again as the money deposited this time.

More specifically, since the registration unit 300 stores one or more transaction histories for each customer whose payment has been processed manually, each transaction can be displayed on the screen from maintenance operations and data correction operations. , the amount of money withdrawn is deposited in the settlement unit 209 as a deposit for each transaction, and the change is discharged. The change is returned to the coin case or the like.
This work can be done on the spot, or during the closing work of the day.

The second corresponding process is actual transaction payment processing, which is treated as payment for actual transaction. As a situation where this process is necessary, for example, although the registration unit 300 was able to process the data of the deposit amount of the previous customer, an error or the like occurred after that, and the linking was stopped, and then the next customer inserted money. Therefore, when the registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 start interlocking, the data processing of the deposited money may not be known. When this second handling process is selected, the deposit in the settlement unit 209 is processed as the amount of deposit for the actual transaction.

In the registration unit 300, the unprocessed payment amount is registered in the data as the deposit amount of the customer who is currently conducting the transaction, and thereafter the normal registration processing can be performed.

The third corresponding process is pre-transaction deposit processing, which is treated as deposit in the previous customer transaction. As a situation where this process is necessary, for example, registration processing and settlement are performed only by the registration unit 300 because an error occurs after the previous customer puts in money, and then the registration unit 300 recovers interlocking with the settlement unit. The next customer may not have made the payment when it is done. When the third handling process is selected, the deposit is treated as the deposit of the previous customer.

In the registration unit 300, the unprocessed amount of the deposit manually entered in the transaction history of the previous customer in the electronic journal is overwritten automatically or by selection, and when there is data to be paid out as change, a change payout port is provided. perform an operation to discharge the change from the Since the amount of money discharged is the money taken out of the coin case or the like, the store clerk performs processing to put it back.

By the store clerk's selection of these corresponding processes, the handling of deposits while interlocking is stopped can be confirmed, so that processes related to sales, such as product registration, can be performed smoothly.
In this correspondence processing, data processing is automatically performed when internal processing on the side of the registration unit is possible, and when data processing cannot be performed automatically by the registration unit, a plurality of options are displayed on the screen according to the situation.
For example, if the manually entered deposit amount stored in the electronic journal as the transaction history at the time of the previous transaction matches the data sent from the settlement unit 209 when the linkage is stopped and recovered. It is appropriate to process the data as a deposit from the previous customer's transaction, so the data is automatically processed in the registration section, and this time, the message "Data processing was performed as the previous transaction" is displayed on the screen. It is also possible to end the data processing by displaying a confirmation button along with a message such as "."
Also, when the interlocking is restored so as to restore the amount of money taken out of the coin case or the like, it may be displayed on the screen, or only the amount of money returned to the coin case or the like may be discharged from the change outlet of the settlement unit 209. good.

If an error occurs in the current transaction, interlocking is stopped during the transaction, and interlocking is started due to recovery from the error, it is known that the unprocessed deposit is the deposit in the current transaction. Since it can be processed, data can be processed automatically even in such cases.

FIG. 11(A) is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen that allows a store clerk to select from three handling processes. Since a plurality of customers can deposit money into the settlement unit 209 despite the error state, the registration unit 300 does not know the details of the unprocessed deposits. As described above, in the case of an error during payment, the settlement unit 209 can store the type of payment and the total amount of money as data. It will be. The registration unit 300 tries to data process the total amount sent from the settlement unit 209, but when a plurality of customers have paid, the registration unit 300 cannot determine the amount of each customer's payment, so the data processing proceeds. Therefore, the options are displayed on the clerk's display screen.

On the selection screen 301, "'XXX yen' was inserted when the settlement department was restored from an abnormality" is displayed. This “XXX yen” is the unprocessed payment amount stored in the settlement unit 209 . The selection screen 301 also includes a "withdrawal" button for the clerk to select the first handling process, a "process as current transaction" button for selecting the second handling process, and three A "Process as previous transaction" button is displayed for selecting the first corresponding process.

The store clerk selects one of the buttons on the selection screen 301, and an example of criteria for selection will be described. Here, "there is a deposit" means that the customer put money into the settlement unit 209 and the settlement unit 209 was able to count it as deposit data, or that an error occurred before the money was counted even though the customer put money into the settlement unit 209. Including when they are out and about. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of criteria for selection.

In the case of "there is a deposit from the previous customer" and this deposit remains unprocessed, and "there is a deposit from the current customer" ("Case A"), Fig. 11(B) shows the There are three button options so that you can

Case A has four patterns, as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows the amounts deposited by the first customer and the second customer and the amounts notified to the registration unit 300 from the settlement unit 209 for each of patterns 1 to 4 indicating patterns of deposits made during interlocking stop. It is The "first customer" corresponds to the "previous customer", and the "second customer" corresponds to the "current customer".

Pattern 1 shows a pattern in which 500 yen is deposited as the "previous customer's deposit" and 1000 yen is deposited as the "current customer's deposit". In this case, the amount of money notified to the registration unit 300 from the settlement unit 209 after the linked recovery is 1500 yen. Pattern 2 shows a pattern in which 1,000 yen is deposited as the "previous customer's deposit" and 500 yen is deposited as the "current customer's deposit." In this case, the amount of money notified to the registration unit 300 from the settlement unit 209 after the linked recovery is 1500 yen. Pattern 3 shows a pattern in which 1,500 yen is deposited as the "deposit of this customer". In this case, the amount of money notified to the registration unit 300 from the settlement unit 209 after the linked recovery is 1500 yen. Pattern 4 shows a pattern in which 1,500 yen is deposited as "previous customer's deposit". In this case, the amount of money notified to the registration unit 300 from the settlement unit 209 after the linked recovery is 1500 yen.

As described above, in any pattern, the amount of money notified to the registration unit 300 from the settlement unit 209 after the linked recovery is 1500 yen, so the registration unit 300 cannot make a determination. Therefore, the registration unit 300 presents three options as shown in FIG. Since 1,500 yen is displayed for "XXX yen" on the screen of the registration section, the clerk judges which option is appropriate based on this.

For example, when a number of deposits are entered by a plurality of customers, it is appropriate for the clerk to select the "withdraw" button to withdraw the unprocessed deposits from the settlement unit 209 for processing.
If the deposit amount deposited by the previous customer in the settlement unit 209 is the same as the unprocessed amount "XXX yen" on the screen, it is appropriate to "process as the previous transaction". If it can be seen from the display of "XXX yen" that the money is deposited by the customer who is currently trading, it is appropriate to select "process as current transaction".

The selection screen 301 does not always have to display all the options, and can display the options by setting.
Even if the registration unit 300 can automatically process data, if it is appropriate to display any two of the three options and let the store clerk process them, only the corresponding options can be displayed on the screen. . At that time, unnecessary options may be deleted from the selection screen 301, the display of the button may be reversed, or the button may not react even if pressed.
For example, even if it is appropriate to automatically process the data in the registration unit 300 as a deposit of the previous customer's transaction, if it is easier for some store clerk to process the withdrawal, the "as the previous transaction" may be used. You can also set options such as "process" and "withdraw" to process.

In the case of "previous customer's deposit", this deposit remains unprocessed, and "no current customer's deposit"("CaseB"), shown in Fig. 11(B). It may be appropriate to select the “Process as previous transaction” button so that As an example of case B, when the "previous customer's deposit" is 250 yen, the "current customer's deposit" is 0 yen, so 250 yen is displayed in "XXX yen". Therefore, selection of the "process as previous transaction" button is appropriate.
If the display column of the previous transaction on the selection screen 301 also displays a display such as "manual input processing" from the information stored in the electronic journal, the store clerk can understand. Furthermore, when there are multiple processes to be manually input, a display or mark indicating that there are multiple processes may be provided in the display field so that the information can be accessed.

In the case of "no deposit from previous customer" and "with deposit from current customer" (referred to as "Case C"), as shown in FIG. is considered appropriate. As an example of case C, it is conceivable that the ``previous customer's deposit'' is 0 yen and the ``current customer's deposit'' is 1,000 yen. be done. Therefore, selection of the "treat as current transaction" button is appropriate.

In the case of "no previous customer's deposit" and "no current customer's deposit", the selection screen 301 is not displayed as shown in FIG. 11(B). As described above, the store clerk determines which button is appropriate to select from the information described on the selection screen 301, and selects the button.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when an error occurs in the settlement unit 209 interlocked with the registration unit 300 and interlocking with the settlement unit 209 is started after stopping interlocking with the settlement unit 209, the received initialization A selection screen 301 is displayed as instruction information for instructing processing of the unprocessed information corresponding to the unprocessed information included in the response. As a result, it is possible to smoothly perform data processing for the deposited amount before error recovery.
In addition to options, a list of previous transactions and current transactions may also be displayed on the screen at the same time. Furthermore, the type of denomination deposited as deposit may also be displayed on the screen. For example, displaying ``100-yen coins, 1000-yen bills,'' etc. makes it easier for the clerk to confirm and judge the details when withdrawing money.

In addition, when a plurality of customers are processed in the registration unit 300 with interlocking stopped, the deposits of the plurality of customers are in the settlement unit 209. , and a processing screen for multiple unprocessed deposits may be prepared.

The case where interlocking is possible after the settlement unit 209 is initialized has been described. A restart screen 302 is displayed on the clerk's side display unit 210 to prompt the user to turn off the power of the device 209 and turn it on again. Here, the power can be turned on again by the store clerk operating a power button or a reset button (not shown) of the checkout unit 209 .

Next, the settlement unit error handling process will be described using a flowchart. 13, 14, and 15 are flowcharts showing the processing of the registration unit 300. FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 13 shows the processing from when the transaction is started and the product can be registered. The registration unit 300 determines whether or not a product registration operation has been performed (step S101). The product registration operation includes an operation such as reading the bar code of the product by the clerk-side scanner unit 212 .

When the product registration operation is performed (step S101: YES), the registration unit 300 performs the product registration operation and registers the product (step S102).

The registration unit 300 transmits an operating state request to the settlement unit 209 (step S103). This operating state request is a message to inquire whether or not an error has occurred in the settlement unit 209 . When the registration unit 300 receives an operating state response that is a response to the operating state request (step S104), the registration unit 300 determines whether the settlement unit 209 is normal (step S105). The operating status response is a message containing information indicating the operating status and whether or not there is an error.

If the settlement unit 209 is not normal (step S105: NO), the process proceeds to step S301 in FIG. If the settlement unit 209 is normal (step S105: YES), the registration unit 300 determines whether or not the subtotal key has been pressed (step S106). If the subtotal key has been pressed (step S106: YES), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. If the subtotal key has not been pressed (step S106: NO), the registration unit 300 determines whether or not a product registration operation has been performed (step S107). If the product registration operation has not been performed (step S107: NO), the process returns to step S106. If the product registration operation has been performed (step S107: YES), the registration unit 300 returns to step S102 and registers the product for which the product registration operation has been performed (step S102).

Continuing from FIG. 13, the processing of the settlement unit will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 14 shows processing when it is determined in step S106 of FIG. 13 that the subtotal key has been pressed. The registration unit 300 transmits a receipt acceptance start notification to the settlement unit 209 (step S201). This notification of start of reception of payment is a notification for permitting the reception of payment in the settlement section 209, thereby enabling the settlement section 209 to accept payment. After that, the registration unit 300 transmits a deposit information request to the settlement unit 209 (step S202). The deposit information request is a request to inquire of the settlement unit 209 about the amount currently deposited in the settlement unit 209 .

The registration section 300 receives a payment information response to the payment information request (step S203), and displays the deposit on the customer side display section 205 and the store clerk side display section 210 (step S204). After the deposit information request and the deposit information response are exchanged several times and the deposit becomes equal to or greater than the total amount of the merchandise, the cash register key is pressed by the clerk (step S205). This cash total key is a key for settlement. When the cash total key is pressed, the registration unit 300 transmits a payment stop notification to the settlement unit 209 (step S206). This receipt stop notice is a notification for prohibiting the settlement unit 209 from accepting deposits, so that the settlement unit 209 cannot accept deposits.

The registration unit 300 displays the amount of change obtained by subtracting the total amount of goods from the amount of payment indicated in the received payment information response on the customer side display unit 205 and the store clerk side display unit 210 (step S207). The registration unit 300 transmits a withdrawal request to the settlement unit 209 (step S208). The payment request is a request for payment to the settlement unit 209, and is transmitted together with the amount of change. The registration unit 300 stores the transaction history in the electronic journal (step S209), and ends the process. Electronic journals are stored in the hard disk 204 of the POS terminal 20 .

Continuing from FIG. 14, the settlement unit error handling process will be described using a flowchart with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows processing when it is determined in step S105 of FIG. 13 that the settlement unit 209 is not normal. The registration unit 300 determines whether or not an error notification has been received from the settlement unit 209 (step S301). The error notification is a message that notifies the registration unit 300 that an error has occurred in the settlement unit 209 .

If no error notification has been received (step S301: NO), the registration unit 300 transmits an initialization request to the settlement unit 209 (step S302). This initialization request is a message that causes the settlement unit 209 to transition to a predetermined state (an initial state in which initialization processing has been executed). In this way, the registration unit 300 requests the settlement unit 209 to shift to the initial state when it is determined that an error has occurred in the settlement unit 209 that is interlocked. The registration unit 300 receives the initialization response (step S303). An initialization response is a response to an initialization request. The initialization response includes unprocessed information indicating unprocessed deposits that have been deposited in the settlement unit 209 and have not yet been settled. Thus, the registration unit 300 receives the initialization response from the settlement unit 209 in response to the initialization request instruction.

The registration unit 300 determines whether the settlement unit 209 is normal based on the initialization response (step S304). If the settlement unit 209 is determined to be normal (step S304: YES), the registration unit 300 turns on the interlocking flag (step S305). The interlock flag is a flag indicating whether or not the registration unit 300 is interlocked with the settlement unit 209, and indicates ON when interlocked and OFF when not interlocked.

Furthermore, the registration unit 300 determines whether or not there is an unprocessed payment based on the initialization response (step S306). If there is no unprocessed deposit (step S306: NO), the process ends. After that, when making a new transaction, the process proceeds to step S101 in FIG. 13 again. If there is an unprocessed payment (step S306: YES), the registration unit 300 displays the selection screen 301 shown in FIG. 11A (step S307). The registration unit 300 branches according to the content selected by the clerk (step S308).

As shown in step S307, when an error occurs in the settlement unit 209 interlocking with the registration unit 300 and the interlocking with the settlement unit 209 is started after stopping the interlocking, the received initialization response includes In response to the unprocessed information received, instruction information for instructing the processing of the unprocessed information is displayed on the store clerk's side display unit. As a result, it is possible to smoothly perform data processing for the deposited amount before error recovery.

When the "process as current transaction" button is selected on the selection screen 301 (step S308: deposit (current)), the registration unit 300 treats the unprocessed deposit amount as the deposit amount in the current transaction (step S309). , terminate the process. In this step S309, the unprocessed payment amount is overwritten and stored in the electronic journal as that of the current transaction.

When the "withdrawal" button is selected (step S308: withdraw), the registration unit 300 transmits a withdrawal request to the settlement unit 209 in order to withdraw the unprocessed deposit amount (step S310) End. In this case, the withdrawn unprocessed deposit amount is returned to the coin case, drawer, or settlement unit 209 by the clerk.

If the "process as previous transaction" button is selected (step S308: deposit (previous)), the registration unit 300 treats the unprocessed deposit amount as the deposit amount in the previous transaction (step S311), and terminates. In this step S311, the unprocessed payment amount is overwritten and stored in the electronic journal as that of the previous transaction.

In step S301, if an error notification has been received (step S301: YES), the registration unit 300 displays an error screen on the clerk-side display unit 210 indicating that an error has occurred in the checkout unit 209. (step S312).

The registration unit 300 transmits an interlocking stop notification to the settlement unit 209 (step S314), turns off the interlocking flag (step S315), and proceeds to step S316. The interlocking stop notification is a message in which the registration unit 300 notifies the settlement unit 209 that interlocking is to be stopped.

Since the settlement unit 209 cannot be used when the interlocking flag is off, the registration unit 300 displays a screen on the clerk-side display unit 210 for the clerk to input the amount of money deposited by the customer. When the deposit amount is input (step S316) and the cash total key is pressed (step S317), the registration unit 300 displays the amount of change obtained by subtracting the total amount of products from the deposit amount on the customer side display unit. 205 is displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 (step S318). The store clerk pays the displayed change amount to the customer. The registration unit 300 stores the transaction history in the electronic journal (step S319), and terminates the process.

If it is determined in step S304 that the settlement unit 209 is not normal (step S304: NO), the restart screen 302 shown in FIG. 11C is displayed (step S320). Since the reactivated settlement unit 209 spontaneously transmits an initialization response, the registration unit 300 proceeds to step S303 after step S320. Note that the restart screen 302 displayed in step S320 may be displayed as a second instruction screen when an initialization request is transmitted and an initialization response to the initialization request cannot be received from the settlement unit 209. .

As shown in FIG. 15 described above, the registration unit 300 displays response information (selection screen 301, restart screen 302) based on the received response. Conventionally, when there is an unprocessed payment, another salesclerk is called to process the unprocessed payment, and then the sales process is performed. can recognize If the store clerk selects from among the options on the selection screen 301, the processing regarding sales can be continued, so that the processing regarding sales can be performed smoothly. In addition, even if the error is such that it needs to be restarted, the restart screen 302 allows the clerk to recognize that the restart is necessary. Since there is a possibility that the system will return to normal without any problems, the sales process can be performed more smoothly than in the prior art.

Further, as shown in step S315, even if the interlocking is stopped (even if the interlocking flag is turned off), the process proceeds to step S316. , purchased products can be registered, so that sales processing can be performed smoothly.

Next, processing of the settlement unit 209 will be described. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the processing of the settlement unit 209. FIG. The flow charts shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are flow charts showing the processing from when the settlement unit 209 is activated.

In FIG. 16, the settlement unit 209 receives an operating state request from the registration unit 300 after activation (step S400), and performs an abnormality check (step S401). This abnormality check is a check of various devices that the settlement unit 209 has. Next, the settlement unit 209 transmits the checked contents to the registration unit 300 as an operating state response (step S402). If there is no abnormality in the settlement unit 209 (step S403: YES), the reception of the receipt reception start notification from the registration unit 300 is waited for in step S404. If there is an abnormality (step S403: NO), an error notification is sent in step S501 of FIG.

The settlement unit 209 determines whether or not a notice of start of acceptance of payment has been received from the registration unit 300 (step S404). When receiving the payment reception start notification (step S404: YES), the settlement unit 209 enters a payment reception possible state (step S405).

If the payment reception start notification has not been received (step S404: NO), the settlement unit 209 determines whether or not the payment reception stop notification has been received from the registration unit 300 (step S406). When receiving the payment acceptance stop notification (step S406: YES), the settlement unit 209 enters a payment acceptance stop state (step S407), and terminates the process.

If the notification of stop accepting payment has not been received (step S406: NO), the settlement unit 209 determines whether or not the notification of withdrawal has been received from the registration unit 300 (step S408). When the payment notification is received (step S408: YES), the settlement unit 209 withdraws the notified amount (step S409), sets the unprocessed payment amount to 0 (step S410), and terminates. .

If the payment notification has not been received (step S408: NO), the settlement unit 209 transmits an error notification in step S501 of FIG.

The settlement unit 209 accepts the payment from the customer after making it ready for payment in step S405 (step S414). The settlement unit 209 transmits deposit information in response to the deposit information request transmitted from the registration unit 300 in step S202 (step S415). The settlement unit 209 receives the payment stop notification transmitted from the registration unit 300 in step S206 (step S416), stops accepting deposits (step S417), and updates the balance in the settlement unit (step S418). . The settlement unit 209 discharges change in response to the withdrawal request transmitted from the registration unit 300 in step S208 (step S419), and ends the process.

Continuing from FIG. 16, the processing of the settlement unit 209 will be described using a flowchart with reference to FIG. The settlement unit 209 transmits an error notification to the registration unit 300 (step S500). After that, the settlement unit 209 determines whether or not an initialization response request has been received (step S501). When the initialization response request is received (step S501: YES), the settlement unit 209 acquires the stored unprocessed payment amount (step S502). The settlement unit 209 transmits an initialization response indicating the acquired unprocessed payment amount to the registration unit 300 (step S503), and returns to step S400 in FIG.

If a payment information request has not been received (step S501: NO), the settlement unit 209 determines whether or not payment has been detected (step S504). If payment is detected (step S504: YES), the settlement unit 209 adds the detected payment amount to the stored unprocessed payment amount (step S505), and returns to step S400 in FIG.

If payment has not been detected (step S504: NO), the settlement unit 209 determines whether or not an initialization notification has been received (step S506). If the initialization notification has not been received (step S506: NO), the process returns to step S400 in FIG. On the other hand, if the initialization notification has been received (step S506: YES), the settlement unit 209 performs initialization processing (step S507), and terminates the processing.

In the above-described embodiment, when a failure occurs in the settlement unit 209, the payment is made in cash, but other payment methods may be selected. FIG. 18 shows two types of screens displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 when a failure occurs. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a screen (hereinafter also referred to as "screen A") displayed when a failure occurs before the customer selects a settlement method. FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a screen (hereinafter also referred to as “screen B”) that is displayed when a failure occurs after the customer deposits cash into the settlement unit 209 .

A pop-up 311 is displayed on the screen A. A pop-up 311 displays "Failure has occurred in the settlement deposit/withdrawal device. Cash settlement cannot be made. The following settlement methods are possible." The pop-up 311 also displays buttons indicating "credit", "electronic money", and "cash settlement on other terminal" as settlement methods that can be selected by the customer. "Credit" indicates payment by credit card at the POS terminal 20 that registered the product. "Electronic money" indicates settlement by electronic money at the POS terminal 20 that registered the product. "Cash settlement at other terminal" indicates settlement in cash at a terminal other than the POS terminal 20 where the product was registered. A customer may press a desired payment method from these three payment methods.

A pop-up 312 is displayed on the screen B. FIG. A pop-up 312 displays "Failure has occurred in the settlement deposit/withdrawal device. Cash settlement cannot be made. The following settlement methods are possible." In addition, the pop-up 312 displays, as settlement methods that can be selected by the customer, ``refund the paid amount and settle on another terminal'', ``do not refund the paid amount and settle on another terminal'', ``settle the balance by credit card'', and a button indicating "settle balance with electronic money" is displayed.

By doing so, it is possible to smoothly perform the processing related to the sale of the product. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 in which the registration unit 300 and the settlement unit 209 are seemingly integrated has been described as an example. The POS terminal 20 (registration device) in dedicated mode and the POS terminal 20 (settlement device) in checkout-only mode, and the registration unit 300 and settlement unit 209 are seemingly separated from each other like a two-person cash register. can also apply this embodiment.

Further, when the settlement unit 209 notifies the registration unit 300 of an error, the customer-side display unit 205 may notify that the customer cannot deposit money into the settlement unit 209 . An example of notification is to display predetermined character information or the like on the entire screen of the customer-side display section 205 of the checkout section 209 . It is possible to prevent the customer from making a deposit by displaying a message such as "An error is currently occurring. Please stop accepting deposits."
Furthermore, as another notification example, when an error or the like occurs, it is possible to generate a buzzer sound to notify the error so as not to allow the money to be deposited.

A program for realizing the POS terminal 20 (registration unit 300, checkout unit 209) described above is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program is read and executed by a computer system. good too. It should be noted that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible discs, magneto-optical discs, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard discs incorporated in computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" means a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. , includes those that hold the program for a certain period of time. Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing this program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in a transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above. 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.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and designs and the like are included within the scope of the present invention.

1... POS system 20... POS terminal 201... CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Hard disk 205 Customer-side display unit 206 Customer-side scanner unit 208 Card payment unit 209 Checkout unit 210 Clerk-side display unit 211 Key operation unit 212 Clerk-side scanner unit 213 Printing unit 214 Audio output unit 215... Communication unit 300... Registration unit 301... Selection screen

Claims (8)

A registration unit that registers purchased products as a transaction for each shopper and a settlement unit that can settle the price of the products registered in the registration unit in cash for each transaction are interlocked by communicating with each other. A sales data processing device for processing sales data of one transaction by
The registration unit
Unprocessed deposit receiving means for obtaining unprocessed deposit information regarding deposit from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped;
unprocessed deposit processing means for data processing the unprocessed deposit information ;
with
The unprocessed deposit processing means
When an error occurs in the settlement unit interlocking with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started, stored in the registration unit A sales data processing device capable of executing data processing of said unprocessed deposit information on a transaction basis based on the information stored in said sales data processing unit. The unprocessed deposit processing means
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the unprocessed payment amount based on the unprocessed payment information can be processed at least as the payment amount in the current transaction or as the payment amount in the previous transaction. Sales data processor as described. A registration unit that registers purchased products as a transaction for each shopper and a settlement unit that can settle the price of the products registered in the registration unit in cash for each transaction are interlocked by communicating with each other. A sales data processing device for processing sales data of one transaction by
The registration unit
Unprocessed deposit receiving means for obtaining unprocessed deposit information regarding deposit from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped;
unprocessed deposit processing means for data processing the unprocessed deposit information ;
an operation instruction display means for displaying an operation instruction to the store clerk;
with
The operation instruction display means includes :
When an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started, the unprocessed deposit information A sales data processing device, characterized in that an operation instruction for executing data processing for each transaction is displayed on a store clerk's display section. The operation instruction display means includes:
As the operation instruction, an option for selecting whether to process the unprocessed deposit amount based on the unprocessed deposit information as the deposit amount in the current transaction, process it as the deposit amount in the previous transaction, or withdraw. 4. The sales data processing device according to claim 3, wherein the information is displayed. A registration unit that registers purchased products as a transaction for each shopper and a settlement unit that can settle the price of the products registered in the registration unit in cash for each transaction are interlocked by communicating with each other. A control method by a sales data processing device for processing sales data of one transaction by
by said Registry;
an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information regarding deposits from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped;
an unprocessed deposit processing step for data processing the unprocessed deposit information ;
including
In the unprocessed deposit processing step, if an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started. 7. A control method, wherein data processing of said unprocessed deposit information can be executed for each transaction based on information stored in said registration unit . A registration unit that registers purchased products as a transaction for each shopper and a settlement unit that can settle the price of the products registered in the registration unit in cash for each transaction are interlocked by communicating with each other. A control method by a sales data processing device for processing sales data of one transaction by
by said Registry;
an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information regarding deposits from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped;
an unprocessed deposit processing step of performing data processing on the unprocessed deposit information ;
an operation instruction display step of displaying an operation instruction to the store clerk ;
including
In the operation instruction display step, if an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started, A control method, wherein an operation instruction for executing data processing of the unprocessed deposit information on a transaction basis is displayed on a clerk-side display section. A registration unit that registers purchased products as a transaction for each shopper and a settlement unit that can settle the price of the products registered in the registration unit in cash for each transaction are interlocked by communicating with each other. to the computer of the registration unit in the sales data processing device that processes the sales data of one transaction by
an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information regarding deposits from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped;
an unprocessed deposit processing step for data processing the unprocessed deposit information ;
is a program that executes
In the unprocessed deposit processing step, if an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started. A program capable of executing data processing of said unprocessed deposit information for each transaction based on information stored in said registration unit. A registration unit that registers purchased products as a transaction for each shopper and a settlement unit that can settle the price of the products registered in the registration unit in cash for each transaction are interlocked by communicating with each other. to the computer of the registration unit in the sales data processing device that processes the sales data of one transaction by
an unprocessed deposit receiving step of obtaining unprocessed deposit information regarding deposits from the settlement unit while interlocking is stopped;
an unprocessed deposit processing step for data processing the unprocessed deposit information ;
an operation instruction display step of displaying an operation instruction to the store clerk ;
is a program that executes
In the operation instruction display step, if an error occurs in the settlement unit that is interlocked with the registration unit, and after the interlocking with the settlement unit is stopped, the error is recovered and the interlocking with the settlement unit is started, A program for displaying an operation instruction for executing data processing of the unprocessed deposit information on a transaction-by-transaction basis on a store clerk side display unit.

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