JP7357040B2 - Checkout systems, payment devices and their control programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a payment registration device, and a control program thereof.

Semi-self-type checkout systems are already known. In this type of checkout system, purchase registration and payment processing at a supermarket or the like are performed using different product registration devices and payment devices, respectively. Usually, the product registration device is operated by an employee, and the payment device is operated by a shopper.

Such systems typically do not involve employees in payments. Therefore, after a shopper who desires a receipt makes a payment using the payment device, he either brings the receipt issued by the payment device to the service counter or calls an employee using the payment device. The shopper then receives a receipt issued by the employee.

Alternatively, it has been proposed that a payment device issue a receipt in response to a setting made by an employee in the product registration device to issue a receipt in response to a request by a shopper.

In each of these cases, the shopper had to inform the employee that he/she desired to be issued a receipt and, with the employee's involvement, have the receipt issued.

For this reason, it has been desired that shoppers be able to obtain receipts without the involvement of employees.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-010618

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout system, a payment device, and a control program therefor that allow a shopper to obtain a receipt without the involvement of an employee.

The checkout system of the embodiment includes a product registration device and at least one payment device. The product registration device includes a creation means, an operation device, a determination means, a generation means, and a notification means. The payment device includes a payment means, a receipt issuing means , a storage means, and a statement issuing means. The creation means obtains the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased products. The operating device is provided with its operating surface facing the shopper who purchases the purchased item. The determining means determines to issue a receipt in response to the operation on the operating device. The generating means generates payment information that includes the list created by the creating means and also includes issuance information indicating that a receipt will be issued when the determining means determines that a receipt will be issued. The notification means notifies one of the at least one payment device of the payment information generated by the generation means. The payment means performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means. The receipt issuing means issues a receipt when the payment information notified by the notification means includes issuing information indicating that a receipt will be issued. The storage means stores setting data indicating whether two-way printing is permitted or prohibited. When the receipt issuing means issues a receipt, the statement issuing means issues a statement representing the details of the list if the setting data stored in the storage means indicates permission for printing on both sides, and stores the receipt. If the setting data stored in the means indicates prohibition of double-sided printing, no statement will be issued.

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

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment.

The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 is shown. The number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of product registration devices 11 to payment devices 12 is also arbitrary.

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

The product registration device 11 is operated by the store employee 21 who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases products sold at the store. However, some operations of the product registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22. Further, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to a work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of their top plates are substantially parallel, thereby forming an aisle for shoppers 22.

The product registration device 11 has functions of purchase registration, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12. Purchase registration is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper entering the aisle as a purchased product. Payment processing is processing for payment of purchased products. Payment information is information required for payment processing.

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12.

Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13. Instead of the LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which information is exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, and a first touch panel 11g. , a second touch panel 11h, a printer 11i, a card reader/writer 11j, a communication unit 11k, and a transmission system 11m.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11m to form a computer.

The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The CPU 11a controls each part to implement various operations of the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may also store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 11a is stored when performing various processes.

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

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include a control program that describes control processing to be described later. Generally, the product registration device 11 is transferred with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and the control program may be transferred with the control program recorded on a removable recording medium or via a network. In this case, the control program is written into the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11, for example, in response to a user's operation. As a removable storage medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. can be used.

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

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

The first and second touch panels 11g and 11h each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device uses an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen as its display screen. As the display device, for example, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor. As shown in FIG. 1, the first touch panel 11g has its operation surface directed toward the location where the employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 should be located. As shown in FIG. 1, the second touch panel 11h has its operation surface directed toward the location where a shopper who purchases a product that is the subject of product registration performed by the product registration device 11 should be located. . Thus, the second touch panel 11h is an example of an operation device.

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

The card reader/writer 11j reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader/writer 11j may be a magnetic type, contact type, or non-contact type device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 11k performs communication via the LAN 13.

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

Note that as the hardware of the product registration device 11, it is possible to use, for example, an existing POS terminal.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader/writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The CPU 12a controls each part to implement various operations of the payment device 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c.

The ROM 12b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The ROM 12b stores the above operating system. The ROM 12b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may also store data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 12c stores data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 12a is stored when performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a to perform various processes, or data generated by processing by the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be used.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include a control program that describes control processing to be described later. Generally, the payment device 12 is transferred with the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the payment device 12 may be transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and the control program may also be transferred with the control program recorded on a removable recording medium or via a network. In this case, the control program is written into the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the payment device 12, for example, in response to an operation by the user. As a removable recording medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. can be used.

The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and banknotes that are inserted. The automatic change machine 12e also discharges coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as is. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product using image recognition technology.

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

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

The card reader/writer 12i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader/writer 12i may be a magnetic type, contact type, or non-contact type device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 12j performs communication via the LAN 13.

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

Note that, as the hardware of the payment device 12, it is possible to use, for example, an existing self-service POS terminal.

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as above will be explained. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

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

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

In Act 1, the CPU 11a resets the receipt flag. The receipt flag, when set, indicates that a receipt is to be issued, and corresponds to issuance information.

In Act 2, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information regarding products that have been registered for purchase.

In Act 3, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the second touch panel 11h as a standby screen.

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

The standby screen SC1 represents text T1 and button B21.

Text T1 represents a text message to the effect that the shopper 22 should touch button B21 if he/she wishes to issue a receipt for payment of the purchased product.

The button B21 is touched by the operator to specify issuing of a receipt. The operation surface of the second touch panel 11h is directed toward the location where the shopper 22 should be located, as described above. Therefore, it is typically the shopper 22 who touches the button B21. However, the operator who touches the button B21 is not limited to the shopper 22, but may also be the employee 21. For example, it is assumed that the button B21 is touched by an employee 21 who is accompanying a small child or an elderly person.

In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not issuing a receipt has been instructed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the button B21 has not been touched, the process proceeds to Act5.

In Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the process returns to Act 4.

Thus, in Acts 4 and 5, the CPU 11a waits for an instruction to issue a receipt or for a product code to be obtained. Note that in this standby state, the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of other events such as other operations being performed, and proceed to processing in accordance with the occurring event.

When the purchase registration of a product that the shopper 22 intends to purchase is performed in the product registration device 11, the shopper 22 stands in front of the product registration device 11. The shopper 22 then visually watches the standby screen SC1 until the purchase registration starts. If the shopper 22 wishes to issue a receipt, he or she touches button B21. If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4 because such an operation is detected by the second touch panel 11h, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act6.

In Act 6, the CPU 11a sets a receipt flag. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state in Acts 4 and 5.

By the way, the CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by a well-known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 5 because the product code is obtained while in the standby state in Acts 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 3, the process proceeds to Act 7.

In Act 7, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table to include the obtained product code. The CPU 11a then proceeds to Act8. Note that if the purchase registration is started without issuing an instruction to issue a receipt, Act 6 is not executed and the receipt flag remains in the reset state.

In Act 8, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the second touch panel 11h as a registration screen. The registration screen displays the contents of the registered product table and allows the shopper 22 to check the implementation status of the registration process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC2 as an example.

Registration screen SC2 includes regions R1 and R2. Registration screen SC2 further represents text T11 and button B31.

Area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, and unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, and the total number and total price of the purchased products after the product was registered. Area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts of products for which purchase registration was made before the product shown on the registration screen SC2.

Note that the registration screen SC2 shows a state in which various types of information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made. However, when the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 8, the registered product table includes only information regarding one product. For this reason, the registration screen represents information regarding the product in area R1, but does not represent information regarding the item in area R2.

Text T11 represents a text message to the effect that the shopper 22 should touch button B31 if he/she wishes to issue a receipt for the payment of the purchased item.

The button B31 is touched by the operator to designate issuance of a receipt. Similar to button B21, the operator of button B31 is typically the shopper 22.

Note that the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the first touch panel 11g to be a screen including areas R1 and R2 of the registration screen SC2 during the period when the purchase registration is performed. However, each of the first and second touch panels 11g and 11h may display a part of the information differently, or may have a different layout of that information on the screen. In addition, the CPU 11a displays product buttons for the employee 21 to specify products and various function buttons such as a subtotal button in areas other than the areas R1 and R2 on the screen of the first touch panel 11g. represent.

In Act 9 in FIG. 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not issuing of a receipt has been instructed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the button B31 has not been touched, the process proceeds to Act10.

In Act 10, the CPU 11a checks whether the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the first touch panel 11g has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the first touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act 11.

In Act 11, the CPU 11a confirms whether the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the process returns to Act9.

Thus, in Acts 9 to 11, the CPU 11a waits for an instruction to issue a receipt, for the subtotal button to be touched, or for a product code to be obtained. Note that in this standby state, the CPU 11a may check the occurrence of other events such as other operations being performed, and proceed to processing in accordance with the occurring event.

The shopper 22 who is waiting for the purchase registration to be completed will visually check the registration screen SC2 while the purchase registration is being completed. If the shopper 22 wishes to issue a receipt, he or she touches button B31. If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act9 because such an operation is detected by the second touch panel 11h, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act12.

Both the process in Act 9 and the process in Act 6 correspond to the process of deciding to issue a receipt. Therefore, when the CPU 11a executes the control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the core functions as a determining means.

In Act 12, the CPU 11a sets a receipt flag. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state in Acts 9 to 11.

On the other hand, if the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 11 because the product code has been acquired, the process proceeds to Act 13.

In Act 13, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table to include the obtained product code. In addition, in response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state in Acts 9 to 11. The registered product table created in this way represents a list of purchased products. Therefore, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a core functions as a creation means. The period during which purchase registration is performed is the period during which the list is created.

When the employee 21 completes the purchase registration of all purchased items, the employee 21 touches the subtotal button on the first touch panel 11g. If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 10 because the first touch panel 11g detects that the subtotal button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act 14.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment regarding the registered product based on the contents of the registered product table at this point. The payment information includes information such as a list of registered products, the total number of purchased products, and the total amount. Note that the CPU 11a includes the receipt flag in the payment information. In this manner, the CPU 11a executes the control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as the core functions as a generating means.

In Act 15, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the first touch panel 11g as a selection screen.

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

Selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7.

The CPU 11a displays the total number and total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a displays whether or not payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12 in display areas AR2 to AR5. Note that the payment device 12 does not accept transfer of payment information while the payment processing is being executed, and the CPU 11a displays "transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. That is, when a partial area of the screen of the first touch panel 11g is set as the selection screen SC3, only the payment device 12 named "device A" is executing the payment process. Note that the buttons B3 to B6 have different display formats depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts transfer of payment information, or change the display format depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts transfer of payment information. If it is not displayed, it may be hidden.

Buttons B1 and B2 are used by the employee 21 to specify that a discount be applied to the total amount included in the payment information. Buttons B3 to B6 are used by the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The button B7 is used by the employee 21 to specify a return to a state in which a partial area of the screen of the first touch panel 11g is used as a registration screen.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a confirms whether the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred has been specified. If the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, it repeats Act 16. Thus, in Act 16, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred to be specified.

When the CPU 11a is in the standby state in Act 16, if the payment device 12 is specified by, for example, touching one of the buttons B3 to B6 on the selection screen SC3 by the employee 21, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 16. Then, proceed to Act 17. Note that even if one of the buttons B3 to B6 associated with a payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information is touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 16. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information. Note that the CPU 11a does not wait for the specification of the payment device 12 in the standby state of Act 16 if all of the payment devices 12 are in a stopped state of operation or are in a state of operation that does not accept transfer of payment information. That will happen.

In Act 17, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the designated payment device 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11k to transmit payment information to the LAN 13, with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the payment information will be notified to the payment device 12. In this manner, the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as a core functions as a notification means.

In Act 18, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the first touch panel 11g as a notification screen. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to Act 1 in FIG. 3, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

The notification screen is a screen for making the employee 21 aware that payment information has been transferred to the payment device 12 for semi-self payment. Note that semi-self payment is a payment form in which payment processing is executed in the payment device 12 in response to an operation by the shopper 22.

Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act 1 in FIG. 3 in response to the button on the notification screen being touched by the employee 21 for instructing to close the notification screen, and performs the subsequent processing as described above. Repeat as you did.

On the other hand, when the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts control processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the control processing of the CPU 12a.

In Act 31, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen indicates that there is no situation for payment processing, and any information may be displayed on the standby screen. For example, as for the standby screen, the basic screen is one that displays an image representing a text message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, and the one that displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement etc. is displayed as a screen saver. It is assumed that

In Act 32, the CPU 12a confirms whether payment information has been received. If the CPU 12a determines No because the payment information has not been received, it repeats Act 32. Thus, in Act 32, the CPU 12a waits for payment information to be received.

Now, as described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12, which is the destination of the payment information sent from the communication unit 11k of the product registration device 11 to the LAN 13, receives the payment information and stores it in the RAM 12c or The data is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. If the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 32 because the payment information has been received in this way, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 33.

In Act 33, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.

The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 to make a payment based on the received payment information. The payment screen, for example, represents at least the total amount indicated in the payment information. The payment screen may also include the total number of items and a list of purchased items. Furthermore, if payments using multiple payment methods are allowed, the payment screen includes buttons for the shopper 22 to select a payment method.

In Act 34, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the shopper 22 performs an operation for payment. If the CPU 12a determines No because the corresponding operation has not been performed, it repeats Act34. Thus, in Act 34, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for payment to be performed.

By the way, when the employee 21 operating the product registration device 11 transfers payment information to one of the payment devices 12 by touching any one of the buttons B3 to B6 on the selection screen SC3, the employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 transfers the payment information to one of the payment devices 12. The shopper 22 is notified that he or she should make a payment. This notification may be made verbally by the employee 21, or may be made by the employee 21 handing the customer 22 a slip showing the number of the transfer destination payment device 12, etc. In the latter case, the CPU 11a may control the printer 11i after any of Acts 16 to 18 to print the number of the designated payment device 12 on a receipt paper and issue the above-mentioned slip. The shopper 22 who has received the above notification moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs the operation for payment on the payment screen described above. Then, if the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act34 because the operation for payment is performed in this manner and is detected by the touch panel 12g, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act35.

In Act 35, the CPU 12a executes payment processing. The payment process here is a process for paying the total amount indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in accordance with the operation by the shopper 22. For the payment processing here, for example, the processing performed at existing self-POS terminals can be applied as is. In this manner, the CPU 12a executes the control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 12a as the core functions as a payment means.

In Act 36, the CPU 12a checks whether the receipt flag included in the payment information is set. If the CPU 12a determines No because the receipt flag is in the reset state, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act37.

In Act 37, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a statement representing the information indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the above payment processing. The statement is a slip showing the details of the transaction, such as the name and unit price of each purchased product. Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 36 because the receipt flag is set, the process proceeds to Act 38.

In Act 38, the CPU 12a confirms whether the setting is such that printing on both sides is allowed. Printing both means printing both the statement and the receipt. Whether or not double-sided printing is allowed is arbitrarily determined by the administrator of the payment device 12, and is written in the setting data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, the CPU 12a checks the setting data, and if it determines Yes because there is a description that allows both-sided printing, the process proceeds to Act 39.

In Act 39, the CPU 12a issues a statement as in Act 37. The CPU 12a then proceeds to Act40.

The CPU 12a checks the setting data, and if it determines No in Act 38 since there is a description that prohibits printing on both sides, it passes Act 39 and proceeds to Act 40. In other words, the CPU 12a does not issue a statement if the setting is to prohibit printing on both sides.

In Act 40, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt. A receipt is a document that represents the payment amount and does not represent details of the transaction such as the names and unit prices of the purchased products. Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above. In this manner, the CPU 12a executes the control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 12a as the core functions as an issuing means.

In this manner, when a receipt is to be issued, the CPU 12a issues both the statement and the receipt if printing of both is permitted, and only the receipt if printing of both is prohibited. Note that if printing on both sides is prohibited, the shopper 22 may request issuance of a receipt without knowing that a statement will not be issued. Therefore, if the CPU 12a determines No in Act 38, the screen of the touch panel 12g may be a screen displaying a text message indicating that the statement will not be issued. In this case, the CPU 12a further displays a button on the above screen for specifying whether to issue a receipt or a statement, and if issuing a statement is specified, the process goes to Act 37, and the button to issue a receipt. If specified, the process may proceed to Act 40, respectively.

As described above, in the product registration device 11, it is determined whether or not to issue a receipt in accordance with the operation of the second touch panel 11h by the shopper 22. Then, a receipt flag indicating whether or not to issue a receipt is notified from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12. In the payment device 12, a receipt is issued when the receipt flag indicates that a receipt should be issued. Shopper 22 can thus obtain a receipt without employee 21 involvement.

In addition, the product registration device 11 always accepts an operation by the shopper 22 to designate the issuance of a receipt during the period when purchase registration is being performed. Therefore, the shopper 22 can judge and specify whether or not to issue a receipt without panicking.

Furthermore, the product registration device 11 accepts an operation by the shopper 22 to designate the issuance of a receipt, not only during the period when the purchase registration is being performed, but also before the start of the purchase registration. Therefore, if it is determined in advance that a receipt is required, the shopper 22 can promptly specify that a receipt be issued.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

The specification for issuing a receipt may be accepted only during the period when the purchase is registered, or only during a part of the period within this period.

When issuing a receipt, a statement may be issued unconditionally, or a statement may not be issued unconditionally.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Below, the invention described in the original claims of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-038870 will be added.
[Additional Note 1] A checkout system including a product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device includes:
a creation means for acquiring product codes of purchased products and creating a list of purchased products;
an operation device provided with an operation surface facing the shopper who purchases the purchased item;
determining means for determining to issue a receipt in response to an operation on the operating device;
Settlement information is generated that includes the list created by the creation means and also includes issuance information indicating that the receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue the receipt. a generating means;
Notifying means for notifying one of the at least one payment device of the payment information generated by the generating means,
The payment device is
a payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
A checkout system comprising: issuing means for issuing the receipt when the payment information notified by the notification means includes the issuing information indicating that the receipt is to be issued. .
[Additional Note 2] At least a payment means that performs payment processing based on payment information, and an issuing means that issues the receipt when the payment information includes issuance information indicating that a receipt is to be issued. A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with one payment device,
a creation means for acquiring product codes of purchased products and creating a list of purchased products;
an operation device provided with an operation surface facing the shopper who purchases the purchased item;
determining means for determining to issue the receipt in response to an operation on the operation device;
the payment information including the list created by the creation means and the issuance information indicating that the receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue the receipt; a generating means for generating;
A product registration device comprising: notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation device.
[Additional Note 3] The product registration device according to Additional Note 2, wherein the determining means always receives the operation for the determination during the period.
[Additional Note 4] The product registration device according to Additional Note 3, wherein the determining means receives the operation for the determination even before the start of the period.
[Additional Note 5] The operating device is a touch panel, and always displays a button for specifying that the receipt is issued before and during the period,
4. The product registration device according to appendix 4, wherein the determining means determines to issue the receipt when a touch on the button is detected by the touch panel.
[Additional Note 6] At least a payment means that performs payment processing based on payment information, and an issuing means that issues the receipt when the payment information includes issuance information indicating that a receipt is to be issued. A computer that constitutes a checkout system together with one payment device and that controls a product registration device that has an operation device that faces the operation surface toward the shopper who purchases the purchased product.
creating means for acquiring the product code of the purchased product and creating the list;
determining means for determining to issue the receipt in response to an operation on the operation device;
the payment information including the list created by the creation means and the issuance information indicating that the receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue the receipt; a generating means for generating;
A control program for functioning as a notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation device.

10... Checkout system, 11... Product registration device, 11a... CPU, 11b... ROM, 11c... RAM, 11d... auxiliary storage unit, 11e... drawer opening unit, 11f... scanner, 11g... first touch panel, 11h... th... 2 touch panel, 11i...Printer, 11j...Card reader/writer, 11k...Communication unit, 11m...Transmission system, 12...Payment device, 12a...CPU, 12b...ROM, 12c...RAM, 12d...Auxiliary storage unit, 12e...Automatic Change machine, 12f...Scanner, 12g...Touch panel, 12h...Printer, 12i...Card reader/writer, 12j...Communication unit, 12k...Transmission system.

Claims (7)

A checkout system including a product registration device and at least one payment device, the checkout system comprising:
The product registration device includes:
creating means for acquiring product codes of purchased products and creating a list of the purchased products;
an operation device provided with an operation surface facing the shopper who purchases the purchased item;
determining means for determining to issue a receipt in response to an operation on the operating device;
Generation means for generating payment information that includes the list created by the creation means and also includes issuance information indicating that a receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue a receipt. and,
Notifying means for notifying one of the at least one payment device of the payment information generated by the generating means;
Equipped with
The payment device is
a payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
Receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt when the payment information notified by the notification means includes the issuing information indicating that a receipt will be issued;
a storage means for storing setting data indicating whether two-way printing is permitted or prohibited;
When the receipt issuing means issues a receipt, if the setting data stored in the storage means indicates permission for two-way printing, it issues a statement representing the details of the list, and stores the receipt in the storage means. statement issuing means that does not issue a statement when the stored setting data indicates prohibition of printing on both sides;
A checkout system equipped with The generation means includes, as the issuance information, a flag set to a predetermined first state to indicate that a receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue a receipt; generating payment information including a flag set to a predetermined second state for not indicating that a receipt will be issued if the determining means does not decide to issue a receipt;
The receipt issuing means issues a receipt when a flag included in the payment information notified by the notification means is in a first state.
The checkout system according to claim 1. Display means for displaying a screen displaying a message that a statement will not be issued when the setting data stored in the storage means indicates prohibition of printing on both sides;
The checkout system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: When the receipt issuing means issues a receipt and the setting data stored in the storage means prohibits printing on both sides, a display displaying a screen showing a message that a statement will not be issued. means,
The checkout system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: Display means for displaying a screen showing a button for specifying whether to issue a receipt or a statement when the setting data stored in the storage means indicates that printing of both is prohibited;
Furthermore,
The receipt issuing means issues a receipt if issuing a receipt is specified by the button;
The statement issuing means issues a statement if issuing the statement is specified by the button;
The checkout system according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 4. creating means for acquiring product codes of purchased products and creating a list of the purchased products;
an operation device provided with an operation surface facing the shopper who purchases the purchased item;
determining means for determining to issue a receipt in response to an operation on the operating device;
Generation means for generating payment information that includes the list created by the creation means and also includes issuance information indicating that a receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue a receipt. and,
a checkout system that is used as one of the at least one payment device together with a product registration device, comprising: notification means for notifying one of the at least one payment device of the payment information generated by the generation device; A payment device that constitutes a
a payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
Receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt when the payment information notified by the notification means includes the issuing information indicating that a receipt will be issued;
a storage means for storing setting data indicating whether two-way printing is permitted or prohibited;
When the receipt issuing means issues a receipt, if the setting data stored in the storage means indicates permission for two-way printing, it issues a statement representing the details of the list, and stores the receipt in the storage means. statement issuing means that does not issue a statement when the stored setting data indicates prohibition of printing on both sides;
A payment device equipped with creating means for acquiring product codes of purchased products and creating a list of the purchased products;
an operation device provided with an operation surface facing the shopper who purchases the purchased item;
determining means for determining to issue a receipt in response to an operation on the operating device;
Generation means for generating payment information that includes the list created by the creation means and also includes issuance information indicating that a receipt will be issued when the determination means decides to issue a receipt. and,
a checkout system that is used as one of the at least one payment device together with a product registration device, comprising: notification means for notifying one of the at least one payment device of the payment information generated by the generation device; The computer that controls the payment device that makes up the
a payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
Receipt issuing means for issuing a receipt when the payment information notified by the notification means includes the issuing information indicating that a receipt will be issued;
a storage means for storing setting data indicating whether two-way printing is permitted or prohibited;
When the receipt issuing means issues a receipt, if the setting data stored in the storage means indicates permission for two-way printing, it issues a statement representing the details of the list, and stores the receipt in the storage means. statement issuing means that does not issue a statement when the stored setting data indicates prohibition of printing on both sides;
control program to make it function.