JP7394183B2 - Product registration device, its control program, and control method - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product registration device, its control program, and control method .

Purchase registration and payment processing at supermarkets, etc. will be performed using different product registration devices and payment devices, and the product registration device will be operated by employees, and the payment device will be operated by shoppers. Semi-self-type checkout systems are known.

In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from a product registration device to a vacant payment device. Therefore, if all of the payment devices are executing payment processing, payment information cannot be transferred to the payment terminals, which also delays the purchase registration process in the product registration device. .

Under these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to efficiently perform purchase registration and payment processing.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-344123

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product registration device, its control program, and control method that can efficiently perform purchase registration and payment processing.

The product registration device of the embodiment is a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and includes an acquisition device, a generation device, a setting device, a payment device , an output device , and a display device . The acquisition means acquires the product code of the purchased product. The generation means generates payment information for payment including the total amount of purchased products based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means. The setting means sets the first mode or the second mode. When the first mode is set, the payment means performs payment processing based on the payment information generated by the generation means. The output means outputs the payment information generated by the generation means to the payment device when the second mode is set. When the first mode is set, the display means displays a first screen that enables the closing operation on the first screen, and when the second mode is set, the display means generates a message to the payment device. A second screen different from the first screen is displayed, which represents a key for receiving an instruction to output the payment information generated by the means.

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 registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the notification 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, the payment device 12 may also 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 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, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. , a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k 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 is transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and is also recorded in a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11.

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 touch panel 11g includes 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.

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

The card reader/writer 11i 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 11i may be a magnetic type, contact type, or non-contact type device, and may include multiple types of devices.

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

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader/writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, 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 is transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and is recorded in a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written into the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred payment device 12.

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, images, etc. 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 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 2, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen displays the contents of the registered product table and allows the employee 21 to check the implementation status of the registration process.

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

Registration screen SC1 includes regions R1 and R2.

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 SC1.

Note that although the registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made is displayed, the registration screen in Act 2 does not display various information regarding the product, but instead displays a predetermined basic form. represents only.

In addition, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button in an area other than the registration screen on the screen of the touch panel 11g. is omitted.

In Act 3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a checks whether the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act4.

In Act 4, 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 Act3.

Thus, in Acts 3 and 4, the CPU 11a waits until the subtotal button is touched or the product code is acquired. 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 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. After acquiring the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 4 and proceeds to Act 5.

In Act 5, 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 3 and 4. 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 creation section.

If the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 3, and proceeds to Act 6 in FIG. 4.

In Act 6, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment regarding the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this point. The payment information includes information such as a list of registered products and the total number and total amount of purchased products. 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 generation section.

In Act 7, the CPU 11a checks whether the semi-self mode is on. The CPU 11a sets the semi-self mode on or off based on the operation by the employee 21 through a process different from the control process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. If the determination is No because the semi-self mode is off, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act8.

In Act 8, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first selection screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the first selection screen SC2.

The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, and B8.

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 touch panel 11g is set as the first selection screen SC2, only the payment device 12 named "device A" is executing the payment process. Note that the buttons B4 to B7 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. Button B3 is used by the employee 21 to specify that the process should proceed to selection of a payment method for the purchased product. Buttons B4 to B7 are used by the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The button B8 is used by the employee 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is to be returned to the registration screen.

If it is determined Yes in Act 7 because the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 9.

In Act 9, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a second selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the second selection screen SC3. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The second selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

In other words, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen obtained by omitting the button B3 from the first selection screen SC2. As a result, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen that does not allow the employee 21 to input a designation to proceed to the selection of a payment method for the purchased product.

The CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second selection screen in Act8 or Act9, and then proceeds to Act10.

In Act 10, 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 proceeds to Act 11.

In Act 11, 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 has not been specified, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 12.

In Act 12, the CPU 11a checks whether a tightening operation has been performed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the tightening operation has not been performed, the process returns to Act10.

Thus, in Acts 10 to 12, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be acquired, one of the payment devices 12 to be designated, or a closing operation to be performed. However, the tightening operation is, for example, a touch of button B3. Therefore, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second selection screen, the CPU 11a always determines No in Act 12 because the button B3 does not exist and no tightening operation is performed. It turns out. That is, in the standby state of Acts 10 to 12, if the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be obtained or for one of the payment devices 12 to be specified.

Although not shown, in this standby state, the CPU 11a also waits for buttons B1 and B2 to be touched. For example, if either button B1 or B2 is touched by the employee 21 and this is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a calculates the total amount included in the payment information in response to a subsequent instruction from the employee 21. and change it.

After acquiring the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 10 and proceeds to Act 13.

In Act 13, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen, then proceeds to Act 5 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

When the CPU 11a is in the standby state in Acts 10 to 12, the payment device 12 is designated, for example, by the employee 21 touching one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screen SC2 or SC3. If it has been done, it is determined Yes in Act 11, and the process proceeds to Act 14. Note that even if one of the buttons B4 to B7 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 11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information. Note that if all the payment devices 12 are in a stopped state or in an operating state in which they do not accept transfer of payment information, the CPU 11a specifies the payment device 12 in the standby state of Acts 10 to 12. There will be no waiting. The CPU 11a may set the cashier mode on or off based on the operation by the employee 21, and when the cashier mode is on, may not accept the designation of any payment device 12.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information generated in Act 6 to the designated payment device 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j to transmit payment information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the transfer information will be notified to the payment device 12. Thus, the CPU 11a determines that the payment process will be performed by the payment device 12 in response to touching any of the buttons B4 to B7. In other words, the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, so that the computer having the CPU 11a as the core functions as a determining section. Further, the CPU 11a accepts the touch of any one of the buttons B4 to B7 as an instruction to end the registration, and accordingly notifies the payment information to the payment device 12. In other words, the CPU 11a executes control processing based on a control program, and thereby the function as a notification section is realized through cooperation between a computer with the CPU 11a as the central part and the communication unit 11j.

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

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example notification screen SC4.

Notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11, AR12 and button B11.

The CPU 11a displays an image in the display area AR11 to make the employee 21 aware that semi-self payment has been selected. 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.

The CPU 11a displays, in the display area AR12, the total number and total amount indicated in the payment information, as well as to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents was transferred.

Button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4.

Then, in response to the touch of the button B11, the CPU 11a returns to Act 1 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

When the CPU 11a is in the standby state in Acts 10 to 12, for example, if a closing operation such as button B3 is touched by the employee 21, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 12 and proceeds to Act 16.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a executes payment processing. The payment process here is a process in which the employee 21 interacts with the shopper 22 to settle the total amount indicated in the payment information generated in Act 6. For the payment processing here, for example, the processing performed at existing interactive POS terminals can be applied as is. As the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a core functions as a payment section and a first payment section.

In Act 17, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h and issues a receipt representing the information indicated in the payment information generated in Act 6 and the result of the above payment process. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to Act 1 in FIG. 3, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

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. 9 is a flowchart of the control processing of the CPU 12a.

In Act 21, 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, the standby screen may display a message indicating that payment processing is not possible, or an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screen saver.

In Act 22, the CPU 12a checks whether payment information has been received. Then, if the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a determines No, and repeats Act 22. Thus, in Act 22, 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 11j 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. In response, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act22, and proceeds to Act23.

In Act 23, 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 24, 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 Act 24. Thus, in Act 24, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for payment to be performed.

By the way, if the employee 21 operating the product registration device 11 touches any of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screen SC2, SC3 to transfer the payment information to one of the payment devices 12, , notifies the shopper 22 that payment should be made at the transfer destination payment device 12. The shopper 22 who receives this notification moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs the operation for payment on the payment screen described above. If the operation for payment is performed in this way and this is detected by the touch panel 12g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 24 and proceeds to Act 25.

In Act 25, 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 second payment section.

In Act 26, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt representing the information indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the payment processing described above. Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to Act 21 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10, after the registration of the purchased product in the product registration device 11 is completed, the employee 21 can decide whether to perform the payment process in the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12. can be selected. As a result, the employee 21 takes into consideration the number of shoppers 22 waiting at the product registration device 11 and the congestion status of the payment device 12 at the timing when the payment processing should be started, and the employee 21 starts the payment processing at the product registration device 11. It is possible to use the payment processing in the payment device 12 as appropriate. For example, when the number of shoppers 22 waiting at the product registration device 11 is small, the employee 21 can perform payment processing while interacting with the shoppers 22, thereby providing a high level of customer service while waiting. When the number of shoppers increases, by using the payment processing by the payment device 12 alone or in combination, it becomes possible to minimize the waiting time of the shoppers 22.

Further, according to the checkout system 10, by turning on the semi-self mode, it is possible to perform payment processing only by the payment device 12.

Further, according to the checkout system 10, as described above, the CPU 11a does not wait for the specification of the payment device 12 in the standby state of Acts 10 to 12, so that the payment processing is performed only by the product registration device 11. be able to.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

In the embodiment described above, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as both a designation to perform payment processing in the payment device 12 and a designation to end registration. The reception period is defined as the period from when the subtotal button is touched until when one of the buttons B3 to B7 is touched. However, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as a designation for performing payment processing with the payment device 12, and a touch on a separately prepared end button as a designation for terminating registration. , in response to touching the end button after touching any of the buttons B4 to B7, transfers the payment information to the payment device 12 associated with the touched one of the buttons B4 to B7. Also good. Alternatively, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on a semi-self button separately prepared for designating that the payment process is to be performed by the payment device 12 as a designation that the payment process is to be performed by the payment device 12, and also selects one of the buttons B4 to B7. will be accepted as a designation to end registration, and in response to touching any of the buttons B4 to B7 after touching the semi-self button, the button will be associated with the touched one of the buttons B4 to B7. The payment information may be transferred to the designated payment device 12. In these cases, the acceptance period for accepting a designation for payment processing to be performed by the payment device 12 is the period from the start of purchase registration until the end of registration is designated, or a part of that period. It can be a period.

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 the present application will be added.
[Additional note 1] A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
a creation department that obtains the product code of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed;
a determining unit that determines, in response to an instruction from an operator, to perform payment processing for the payment using the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit, if the determination unit does not determine that the payment device should perform the payment processing for the payment in response to the instruction to end the registration. a payment unit that performs the payment processing;
In response to the instruction to end the registration, if the determination unit determines that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device, the payment information generated by the generation unit is a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
A product registration device characterized by comprising:
[Additional Note 2] The determining unit receives a designation operation by the operator to designate the payment device during the acceptance period as a designation to perform the payment processing with the payment device,
The product registration device according to appendix 1, wherein the notification unit receives the designation operation as an instruction to end the registration.
[Additional note 3] When semi-self mode is set,
The payment unit does not perform the payment process regardless of the determination result of the determination unit,
The notification unit notifies the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result by the determination unit.
The product registration device according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that:
[Additional note 4] When all of the payment devices do not accept notification of the payment information, or when the cashier mode is set,
The payment unit performs the payment process regardless of the determination result of the determination unit,
The notification unit does not notify the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result by the determination unit.
The product registration device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 3, characterized in that:
[Additional Note 5] A checkout system including at least one product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device includes:
a creation department that obtains the product code of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed;
a determining unit that determines, in response to an instruction from an operator, to perform payment processing for the payment using the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit, if the determination unit does not determine that the payment device should perform the payment processing for the payment in response to the instruction to end the registration. a first payment unit that performs the payment processing;
In response to the instruction to end the registration, if the determination unit determines that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device, the payment information generated by the generation unit is a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
Equipped with
The payment device is
a second payment unit that performs the payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification unit;
A checkout system characterized by:
[Appendix 6] The computer that controls the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the payment device,
a creation department that obtains the product code of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products;
a generation unit that generates payment information for payment of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed;
a determining unit that determines, in response to an instruction from an operator, to perform payment processing for the payment using the payment device during a predetermined acceptance period after the start of the registration period;
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit, if the determination unit does not determine that the payment device should perform the payment processing for the payment in response to the instruction to end the registration. a payment unit that performs the payment processing;
In response to the instruction to end the registration, if the determination unit determines that the payment processing for the payment is to be performed by the payment device, the payment information generated by the generation unit is a notification unit that notifies the payment device;
control program to make it function.

10...Checkout system, 11...Product registration device, 11a...CPU, 11b...ROM, 11c...RAM, 11d...Auxiliary storage unit, 11e...Drawer opening unit, 11f...Scanner, 11g...Touch panel, 11h...Printer, 11i... Card reader/writer, 11j...Communication unit, 11k...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 (6)

A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
an acquisition means for acquiring a product code of a purchased product;
generation means for generating payment information for payment including the total amount of the purchased products based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means;
Setting means for setting the first mode or the second mode;
When the first mode is set, a payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information generated by the generation means;
when the second mode is set, output means for outputting the payment information generated by the generation means to the payment device;
When the first mode is set, a first screen that allows closing operation is displayed on the first screen, and when the second mode is set, the generated information is sent to the payment device. display means for displaying a second screen different from the first screen, the second screen representing a key for receiving an instruction to output the payment information generated by the means;
A product registration device equipped with The payment processing performed by the payment means includes at least payment using a payment card.
The product registration device according to claim 1 . The payment processing performed by the payment means includes payment by cash,
A product registration device according to claim 1 or claim 2 . an issuing unit that controls a printer to issue a receipt after the payment process is performed by the payment unit;
The product registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The computer that controls the product registration device that makes up the checkout system along with the payment device,
an acquisition means for acquiring a product code of a purchased product;
generation means for generating payment information for payment including the total amount of the purchased products based on the product code acquired by the acquisition means;
Setting means for setting the first mode or the second mode;
When the first mode is set, a payment means that performs payment processing based on the payment information generated by the generation means;
when the second mode is set, output means for outputting the payment information generated by the generation means to the payment device;
When the first mode is set, a first screen that allows closing operation is displayed on the first screen, and when the second mode is set, the generated information is sent to the payment device. display means for displaying a second screen different from the first screen, the second screen representing a key for receiving an instruction to output the payment information generated by the means;
control program to make it function. The product registration device, which together with the payment device constitutes the checkout system,
Get the product code of the purchased product,
Generate payment information for payment including the total amount of the purchased product based on the obtained product code,
setting the first mode or the second mode;
If the first mode is set, perform payment processing based on the generated payment information,
If the second mode is set, outputting the generated payment information to the payment device;
When the first mode is set, a first screen that allows closing operations is displayed on the first screen, and when the second mode is set, payment information is sent to the payment device. displaying a second screen different from the first screen, the second screen representing a key for receiving an instruction to output the
Control method to control as follows.