JP7483667B2 - Accounting device, checkout system, processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an accounting device, a checkout system, a processing method, and a program .

A checkout system has been proposed that includes a product data registration device that reads out unit prices and other information based on a read and input product code to generate transaction data, and an accounting device where a shopper performs accounting procedures based on the transaction data generated by the product data registration device. This type of checkout system can eliminate accounting tasks from the work of a checker (store clerk).

With this type of checkout system, the shopper receives a receipt on which is printed identification data that identifies the transaction data temporarily held in the product data registration device. The shopper then retrieves the held transaction data by having the accounting device read and input the identification data printed on the receipt, and performs the accounting process.

The accounting device of this type of checkout system is used by shoppers in accounting-only mode. In accounting-only mode, unnecessary input is prohibited, allowing for simple operations to complete the accounting process and preventing fraud.

However, because the accounting-only mode prohibits unnecessary input, it is not possible to input any operations to recover from an error, etc., even if an error occurs. Therefore, the store clerk performing the recovery work must turn off the accounting-only mode, but when the mode is changed, the screen notifying the error disappears when the screen changes due to the mode change, making it impossible to check the details of the error.

The accounting device of the embodiment is a plurality of accounting devices communicatively connected to a single registration device that registers product information, and each of the accounting devices comprises a registration means for registering product information based on product identification information read by a scanner provided in the accounting device itself, a receiving means for receiving the product information registered by the registration device, and a mode change means for switching, by operation by a store clerk, between a first mode in which the receiving means executes accounting processing based on the product information received from the registration device, a second mode in which the receiving means executes accounting processing based on the product information registered by the registration means, and a third mode in which the product information registered by the registration means is output to another accounting device among the plurality of accounting devices .

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire checkout system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the product data registration device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the transaction device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the product data registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the product data registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transaction process carried out by the transaction device. FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of a payment method selection screen. FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the notification screen. FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of a normal POS mode screen. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a scan-only mode screen. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a POS terminal equipped with an automatic change dispenser.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall checkout system 101 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the checkout system 101 includes a product data registration device 102 operated by an operator O who is a checker (store clerk), and an accounting device 103 operated by a shopper C. The product data registration device 102 is installed on a horizontally long table-like workbench 104.

Two accounting devices 103 are provided for each product data registration device 102. The accounting devices 103 are installed linearly adjacent to the work tables 104. Therefore, in this embodiment, an aisle for shopper C is formed between the multiple work tables 104.

Note that, although two accounting devices 103 are provided for one product data registration device 102, the product data registration device 102 can also send transaction data to accounting devices 103 other than these two. This allows the operator O to send transaction data to accounting devices 103 other than the two installed for the product data registration device 102 that he is operating, allowing for flexible operation according to the usage status of the accounting devices 103.

First, the product data registration device 102 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the product data registration device 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the product data registration device 102 is installed on the top surface of the workbench 104 and is configured based on a vertical scanner 111 having a reading window 112. The scanner 111 has an imaging unit (not shown) located behind the reading window 112.

The product data registration device 102 also includes a display 114 with a touch panel 113 and a keyboard 115 on top of the scanner 111. The display 114 displays the product name, price, etc. of the product captured by the imaging unit of the scanner 111. The touch panel 113 and the keyboard 115 are intended to assist in the input of product data.

A printer 116 is provided to the left of the product data registration device 102 when viewed from the operator O's side. The printer 116 issues receipts on which transaction data such as identification data (described below) and the total amount for one transaction are printed.

In addition, a customer side display 117 for shopper C is provided on the left side of the product data registration device 102 when viewed from the operator O side.

The product data registration device 102 refers to the PLU file F1 (see FIG. 4) and identifies the product included in the image captured by the imaging unit by reading code information such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) attached to the product, or by general object recognition.

It should be noted that the generic object recognition technology for recognizing objects contained in an image is explained in the following literature.
Keiji Yanai, "Current status and future of general object recognition", Transactions of the Information Processing Society of Japan, Vol. 48, No. SIG16 [Retrieved January 6, 2014], Internet <URL: http://mm.cs.uec.ac.jp/IPSJ-TCVIM-Yanai.pdf>

Next, the product data registration device 102 displays a screen on the display 114 to confirm the identified product and to accept input of the quantity, etc. Then, based on information such as the product code of the product for which confirmation input has been accepted and the input quantity, the product data registration device 102 stores information related to sales registration such as the product classification, product name, and unit price of the product corresponding to the product code as sales data in a sales master file (not shown) or the like, and performs sales registration.

Next, the accounting device 103 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device 103. In this embodiment, the accounting device 103 is configured to function as a self-service POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that allows shopper C to register products and make payments when idle.

The accounting device 103 comprises an information processing device 2 (see FIG. 4), a cash deposit/withdrawal unit 4, a fixed scanner 5, a display operation panel 6, a hand scanner 7, a card reader/writer 8, a receipt printer 9, a first housing 10, and a second housing 11. The first housing 10 is a box that houses the information processing device 2 and the cash deposit/withdrawal unit 4, and is placed on the floor. The second housing 11 is the outer shell of the fixed scanner 5 and the receipt printer 9, and is placed on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10.

The stationary scanner 5 has an imaging window 5a provided on the top of the first housing 10, and an imaging unit (not shown) built into the first housing 10. The imaging unit captures an image of a code symbol, such as a barcode, held in front of the imaging window 5a and decodes the captured code symbol image. The imaging unit then outputs the decoded code information to the information processing device 2. When performing general object recognition, the imaging unit outputs a product image captured of a product held in front of the imaging window 5a to the information processing device 2.

The hand scanner 7 is disposed at the top of the front surface 10b of the first housing 10. A holder 10c that holds the tip 71 of the hand scanner 7 in a hooked state is provided at the top right of the front surface 10b of the first housing 10.

The display operation panel 6 includes a display 61 and a touch panel 62, and is mounted on the second housing 11. The display 61 displays an image according to the control of the information processing device 2. The touch panel 62 is provided on the surface of the display 61, and outputs information based on the position touched by the operator O to the information processing device 2.

The card reader/writer 8 is disposed next to the second housing 11 and on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10. The card reader/writer 8 reads and writes information from magnetic cards (information recording media) such as point cards and credit cards.

The deposit/withdrawal unit 4 has a coin insertion port 41, a bill withdrawal port 42, and a coin withdrawal unit 43. The coin withdrawal unit 43 has a payout port 431 and a receiving tray 432. The deposit/withdrawal unit 4 accepts bills and coins inserted into the coin insertion port 41, separates them, and stores them. The deposit/withdrawal unit 4 then pays out change from the payout port 431 in response to a request from the information processing device 2. The paid out change is received by the receiving tray 432.

The receipt printer 9 has a printing unit (not shown) built into the second housing 11 and a receipt issuing port 91 provided on the front surface 11a of the second housing 11. The receipt printer 9 issues receipts printed by the printing unit from the receipt issuing port 91 under the control of the information processing device 2.

The information processing device 2 is built into the first housing 10, and controls all the parts of the accounting device 103 (the deposit/withdrawal unit 4, the fixed scanner 5, the display operation panel 6, the hand scanner 7, the card reader/writer 8, and the receipt printer 9). The information processing device 2 acquires code information and product images from the fixed scanner 5 or the hand scanner 7. The information processing device 2 also outputs information to be displayed on the display 61 of the display operation panel 6, and acquires information on operations performed by the operator O from the touch panel 62. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 grasps deposits into the deposit/withdrawal unit 4, and instructs the deposit/withdrawal unit 4 to withdraw money.

The accounting device 103 also has a basket stand 21 on one side of the first housing 10. The basket stand 21 is a storage stand where shopper C places a basket when performing accounting.

The accounting device 103 further includes a display pole 22 on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10 as a notification unit that displays the current status of the accounting device 103. The display pole 22 has a light-emitting portion 22a at its tip that selectively emits light in blue or red.

Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103.

As shown in FIG. 4, the product data registration device 102 includes a computer-configured control unit 150 that is made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (neither of which are shown). The ROM stores various programs and data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs, and stores sales data indicating product sales records and various screen display data to be displayed on the display 114.

The control unit 150 controls I/O devices such as the scanner 111, touch panel 113, display 114, keyboard 115, printer 116, customer side display 117, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 136 via the I/O (Input/Output) device control unit 139 and bus 138, and controls the entire system of the product data registration device 102.

HDD 136 stores program 137 executable by the CPU of control unit 150 and PLU file F1. PLU file F1 is a file that stores a unique product code assigned to each product in association with information about the product, such as the product's name, price, and product classification. In addition, when a product is identified by general object recognition, PLU file F1 also stores feature amounts such as color tone and surface irregularities that are read from the product image.

The program 137 that operates the CPU of the control unit 150 of the product data registration device 102 is provided in the form of an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program 137 that operates the CPU of the control unit 150 of the product data registration device 102 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. The program 137 that operates the CPU of the control unit 150 of the product data registration device 102 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The control unit 150 can communicate with a store server (not shown) and an accounting device 103 connected to a network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) via the communication I/F 140.

The store server generally manages the product sales registration process performed by one or more product data registration devices 102 installed in the store, the accounting process performed by the accounting device 103, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the accounting device 103 is provided with a computer-configured control unit 50 in the information processing device 2, which is made up of a CPU and storage media such as ROM and RAM (neither shown). The ROM stores various programs and data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs, and stores sales data showing product sales records and various screen display data to be displayed on the display 61.

The control unit 50 controls I/O devices such as the touch panel 62, display 61, fixed scanner 5, hand scanner 7, card reader/writer 8, receipt printer 9, cash deposit/withdrawal unit 4, display pole 22, and HDD 36 via the I/O device control unit 39 and bus 38, and controls the entire system of the accounting device 103.

The card reader/writer 8 reads information from a customer's point card or credit card inserted through the card insertion slot. The receipt printer 9 prints a receipt after the transaction has been processed and issues it through the receipt issuing port 91. The deposit/withdrawal unit 4 processes bills and coins inserted through the currency insertion port 41. The deposit/withdrawal unit 4 also pays out change from the payment port 431 upon request.

The HDD 36, which serves as a storage means, stores a program 37 that can be executed by the control unit 50 and a PLU file F1.

The program 37 that operates the CPU of the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 is provided in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program 37 that operates the CPU of the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 may also be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program 37 that operates the CPU of the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 may also be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The control unit 50 can communicate with a store server (not shown) and a product data registration device 102 connected to a network NT such as a LAN via the communication I/F 40.

Next, the functional configuration realized by the CPU of the control unit 150 of the product data registration device 102 executing the program 137, and the functional configuration realized by the CPU of the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 executing the program 37 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 150 of the product data registration device 102 is provided with an information input means 151, a registration means 152, and a communication control means 153 by executing the program 137 stored in the HDD 136.

The control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 executes the program 37 stored in the HDD 36, and is equipped with a communication control means 51, an accounting means 52, a determination means 53, a notification means 54, a mode change means 55, and a display control means 56.

First, we will explain the product data registration device 102.

The information input means 151 accepts input of identification information for identifying various products. More specifically, the information input means 151 accepts input of code information and product images output from the scanner 111 as identification information.

The registration means 152 identifies a product based on the identification information input from the information input means 151, and registers sales data indicating details of the commercial transaction for the identified product. More specifically, when product identification information is input from the scanner 111, the registration means 152 refers to the PLU file F1 to identify the product corresponding to the identification information, and registers information related to sales registration such as the product classification, product name, and unit price of the product as sales data. Furthermore, the registration means 152 uses the registered sales data to calculate the total price of the products to be purchased. As a result, the registration means 152 generates transaction data, which is product registration information in which the products to be purchased and the total price of the products to be purchased are registered.

The communication control means 153 controls communication with the accounting device 103 connected to a network NT such as a LAN via the communication I/F 140. More specifically, the communication control means 153 transmits transaction data, which is product registration information.

Next, we will explain the accounting device 103.

The communication control means 51 controls communication with the product data registration device 102 connected to a network NT such as a LAN via the communication I/F 40. More specifically, the communication control means 51 receives transaction data, which is product registration information.

The accounting means 52 executes accounting processing using the transaction data sent from the product data registration device 102. At that time, the accounting means 52 executes accounting processing on the condition that it is in the accounting-only mode described below.

The determination means 53 determines whether there is a reason to display the notification screen P2 (see FIG. 8). For example, the determination means 53 determines that there is a reason to display the notification screen P2 (see FIG. 8) when an error has occurred and the transaction cannot be continued, or when the transaction requires the intervention of a store clerk.

An error is, for example, when the cash deposit/withdrawal unit 4 cannot make or receive payment because there is no change, or when the receipt printer 9 cannot issue a receipt because it has run out of receipt paper. Accounting processes that require the intervention of a store clerk are, for example, when an operation to call a store clerk is input, when a store clerk's seal is required to issue a warranty or receipt, when the total amount exceeds a certain amount and a store clerk's confirmation is required, or when a store clerk's operation is required to make a payment by credit card.

When the determination means 53 determines that there is a reason for notification, the notification means 54 issues a notification by displaying a notification screen P2 (see FIG. 8) on the display 61. The notification means 54 loads the notification screen P2 in the work area of the RAM. The data displaying the notification screen P2 loaded in the work area of the RAM is not erased even when the mode is changed, and is erased from the work area of the RAM when an operation is input that explicitly indicates the erasure of the notification screen P2. Thus, the notification means 54 can display the notification screen P2 even when the mode change means 55 changes the mode.

The notification means 54 also maintains the display of the notification screen P2 even if the reason for the notification has been resolved. Then, the notification means 54 erases the notification screen P2 when an operation is input that explicitly indicates that the notification screen P2 should be erased.

The mode change means 55 changes the mode of the accounting device 103. The accounting device 103 has a scan-only mode, an accounting-only mode, and a normal POS mode. The scan-only mode is a mode in which, like the product data registration device 102, the input of identification information that identifies the product is accepted to identify the product, and information related to sales registration is registered as sales data. The first mode, the accounting-only mode, is a mode in which the accounting process is carried out by the shopper C. The normal POS mode is a mode in which the device functions as a normal POS terminal. The second mode, the normal POS mode, is a mode in which the device carries out processes to resolve the reason for the notification, to recover from an error state, and to carry out processes that require the intervention of a store clerk.

In this way, the mode change means 55 can operate the accounting device 103 in a scan-only mode. This allows the accounting device 103 to be used as the product data registration device 102, for example, if the product data registration device 102 breaks down and becomes unusable.

In the accounting-only mode, the mode change means 55 changes the mode to the normal POS mode when clerk identification information that identifies a clerk is input. More specifically, the mode change means 55 cancels the accounting-only mode and changes the mode to the normal POS mode when the scanners 5, 7 read a code symbol on which clerk identification information is printed during the process of calling a clerk in the accounting-only mode. By making the change to the normal POS mode the input of clerk identification information, the mode change means 55 can prevent shopper C from changing the mode to the normal POS mode, improving security. Then, in the normal POS mode, the mode change means 55 changes the mode to the accounting-only mode when an operator that changes the mode to the accounting-only mode is selected.

In addition, the mode change means 55 changes the mode to the scan-only mode when an operator that changes the mode to the scan-only mode is selected in the normal POS mode. In the scan-only mode, the mode change means 55 changes the mode to the scan-only mode when an operator that changes the mode to the scan-only mode is selected.

The display control means 56 causes the display device 61 to display a screen corresponding to the input operation. The display control means 56 also changes the screen to be displayed depending on the mode of the accounting device 103.

Next, the operation of the accounting device 103 of the checkout system 101 will be described in detail. As a prerequisite, it is assumed that the transaction data to be processed by the accounting device 103 has been sent from the product data registration device 102. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the accounting process performed by the accounting device 103.

The control unit 50 (communication control means 51) of the accounting device 103 determines whether or not to receive transaction data (step S1). If transaction data is not received (step S1; No), the control unit 50 (communication control means 51) of the accounting device 103 waits.

On the other hand, if transaction data is received (step S1; Yes), the control unit 50 (communication control means 51) of the accounting device 103 stores the received transaction data in the work area of the RAM (step S2).

Next, the control unit 50 (communications control means 51) of the accounting device 103 displays the payment method selection screen P1. Here, FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of the payment method selection screen P1. The payment method selection screen P1 is a screen that allows the user to select a payment method for the price. Therefore, the payment method selection screen P1 displays the message "Please select a payment method." The payment method selection screen P1 also has a cash button B1a, a credit button B1b, and a store clerk call button B2. The cash button B1a is a button that is pressed when paying with cash. The credit button B1b is a button that is pressed when paying with a credit card. The store clerk call button B2 is a button that is pressed when calling a store clerk.

Next, the control unit 50 (determination means 53) of the accounting device 103 determines whether there is a reason to display the notification screen P2 (step S4). If there is no reason to display the notification screen P2 (step S4; No), the control unit 50 (determination means 53) of the accounting device 103 proceeds to step S19.

On the other hand, if there is a reason to display the notification screen P2 (step S4; Yes), the control unit 50 (notification means 54) of the accounting device 103 displays the notification screen P2 (step S5). Here, FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of the notification screen P2. The notification screen P2 is a screen that notifies that a store clerk is being called. Therefore, the notification screen P2 displays the message "A store clerk will be coming. Please wait a moment" to indicate that a call is being made. The notification screen P2 also displays the reason for calling the store clerk. The notification screen P2 shown in FIG. 8 displays the message "A warranty will be issued." In this way, by displaying not only the reason for the notification but also the fact that a store clerk is being called, shopper C can wait with peace of mind. This provides a grace period, allowing the store clerk to work calmly.

Next, the control unit 50 (mode change means 55) of the accounting device 103 determines whether or not to read the code symbol on which the store clerk identification information is printed (step S6). If the code symbol on which the store clerk identification information is printed is read (step S6; Yes), the control unit 50 (mode change means 55) of the accounting device 103 cancels the accounting-only mode and changes to the normal POS mode (step S7).

Next, the control unit 50 (display control means 56) of the accounting device 103 displays the normal POS mode screen P3 (step S8). Here, FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of the normal POS mode screen P3. The normal POS mode has the functions of a normal POS terminal, and can execute product registration processing and accounting processing. Therefore, the normal POS mode screen P3 is a screen for product registration. In addition, the notification screen P2 is displayed even when the mode is changed to the normal POS mode and the normal POS mode screen P3 is displayed. This allows the store clerk to check the reason for the notification even after changing to the normal POS mode.

The normal POS mode screen P3 has a mode display window W1, a registration window W2, a registered window W3, and a mode change button window W4. The mode display window W1 displays that the accounting device 103 is in normal POS mode. The registration window W2 displays the product name, product unit price, and individual product quantity. The registered window W3 displays the history displayed in the registration window W2. The mode change button window W4 has a scan button B4 and a checkout button B5. The scan button B4 is a button that is pressed to change to scan-only mode. The checkout button B5 is a button that is pressed to change to checkout-only mode.

Next, the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 determines whether a countermeasure for the reason for displaying the notification screen P2 has been input (step S9). If a countermeasure for the reason for displaying the notification screen P2 has been input (step S9; Yes), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 executes the input notification countermeasure process and resolves the cause of the notification (step S10).

On the other hand, if no countermeasure is entered for the reason for displaying the notification screen P2 (step S9; No), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 determines whether pressing of the scan button B4 is detected (step S11).

When pressing of the scan button B4 is detected (step S11; Yes), the control unit 50 (mode change means 55) of the accounting device 103 cancels the normal POS mode and changes it to the scan-only mode (step S12). The control unit 50 (display control means 56) of the accounting device 103 displays the scan-only mode screen P4 (step S13).

Here, FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of the scan-only mode screen P4. The scan-only mode is a mode in which the product registration process is executed. The notification screen P2 is also displayed when the mode is changed to the scan-only mode and the scan-only mode screen P4 is displayed. This allows the store clerk to check the reason for the notification even after the mode is changed to the scan-only mode.

The scan-only mode screen P4, like the normal POS mode screen P3, has a mode display window W5, a registration window W6, a registered window W7, and a mode change button window W8. The mode display window W5 displays that the mode is scan-only. The mode change button window W8 has a scan button B6 that cancels the scan-only mode and changes to normal POS mode.

The control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 therefore determines whether it detects pressing of the scan button B6 (step S14). If pressing of the scan button B6 is not detected (step S14; No), the control unit 50 (mode change means 55) of the accounting device 103 waits. On the other hand, if pressing of the scan button B6 is detected (step S14; Yes), the control unit 50 (mode change means 55) of the accounting device 103 proceeds to step S7 and changes to normal POS mode.

If pressing of the scan button B4 is not detected (step S11; No), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 determines whether pressing of the checkout button B5 is detected (step S15). If pressing of the checkout button B5 is not detected (step S15; No), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 proceeds to step S9.

On the other hand, if pressing of the checkout button B5 is detected (step S15; Yes), the control unit 50 of the checkout device 103 changes to checkout-only mode (step S16) and proceeds to step S5 to display the notification screen P2 again. In this way, even if the cause of the notification has been resolved, the notification screen P2 is displayed when the mode is changed to the checkout-only mode. This allows the store clerk to check whether the notification measures taken were appropriate.

When the notification screen P2 in the accounting-only mode is displayed and the code symbol on which the store clerk identification information is printed is not read (step S6; No), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 determines whether pressing of the clear button B3 on the notification screen P2 is detected (step S17). If pressing of the clear button B3 is not detected (step S17; No), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 proceeds to step S6.

On the other hand, if pressing of the clear button B3 is detected (step S17; Yes), the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 erases the notification screen P2 (step S18).

Next, the control unit 50 (accounting means 52) of the accounting device 103 continues to execute the accounting process (step S19). Next, the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 issues a receipt and ends the process (step S20).

As described above, according to the embodiment of the checkout system 101, the accounting device 103 is equipped with a mode change means 55 that changes the mode. The notification means 54 does not erase the notification screen P2 even when the mode is changed to the normal POS mode, and displays the notification screen P2 when the mode is changed to the accounting-only mode. Therefore, the notification screen P2 can be confirmed even when the mode is changed.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

In the above embodiment, the accounting device 103 is described as being configured to function as a self-service POS terminal. The accounting device 103 may be a POS terminal equipped with an automatic change dispenser, where a store clerk registers products and performs accounting. Here, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a POS terminal 201 equipped with an automatic change dispenser.

The POS terminal 201 shown in FIG. 11 comprises a keyboard 221 with various function keys operated by a store clerk, a display 222 for the store clerk that displays various information, a display 223 for the customer that displays various information, a scanner 224 that reads codes attached to products, a printer 225 that prints receipts and journals, a touch panel 226 that is stacked on the display 222 for the store clerk, and an automatic change machine 203 that stores deposited coins. When using such a POS terminal 201, input can be disabled for items that do not need to be entered by shopper C, such as the keyboard 221. This can prevent malfunctions of the POS terminal 201 and unauthorized operations.

101 Checkout system 102 Product data registration device 51 Communication control means 52 Accounting means 53 Determination means 54 Notification means 55 Mode change means 56 Display control means

JP 2006-344123 A

Claims (4)

Each of a plurality of accounting devices communicably connected to a single registration device that registers product information,
A registration means for registering product information based on product identification information read by a scanner included in the device;
a receiving means for receiving the product information registered by the registration device;
a mode change means for switching, by operation by a store clerk, between a first mode in which the receiving means executes a transaction process based on the product information received from the registration device, a second mode in which the transaction process is executed based on the product information registered by the registration means, and a third mode in which the product information registered by the registration means is output to another of the multiple transaction devices ;
An accounting device comprising: A checkout system having one registration device for registering product information and a plurality of accounting devices communicably connected to the registration device,
The registration device includes:
A transmitting means for transmitting the registered product information to the accounting device,
Each of the accounting devices comprises:
A registration means for registering product information based on product identification information read by a scanner included in the device;
a receiving means for receiving the product information registered by the registration device;
a mode change means for switching, by operation by a store clerk, between a first mode in which the receiving means executes a transaction process based on the product information received from the registration device, a second mode in which the transaction process is executed based on the product information registered by the registration means, and a third mode in which the product information registered by the registration means is output to another of the multiple transaction devices ;
A check-out system comprising: A processing method executed by each of a plurality of accounting devices communicably connected to a single registration device that registers product information, comprising:
a registration step of registering product information based on product identification information read by a scanner included in the device;
a receiving step of receiving the product information registered by the registration device;
a mode change step of switching, by operation by a store clerk, between a first mode in which a transaction process is performed based on the product information received from the registration device in the receiving step, a second mode in which a transaction process is performed based on the product information registered in the registration step, and a third mode in which the product information registered in the registration step is output to another of the multiple transaction devices ;
A processing method comprising: A program for controlling, by a computer, each of a plurality of accounting devices communicably connected to a single registration device that registers product information,
The computer,
A registration means for registering product information based on product identification information read by a scanner included in the device;
a receiving means for receiving the product information registered by the registration device;
a mode change means for switching, by operation by a store clerk, between a first mode in which the receiving means executes a transaction process based on the product information received from the registration device, a second mode in which the transaction process is executed based on the product information registered by the registration means, and a third mode in which the product information registered by the registration means is output to another of the multiple transaction devices ;
A program that functions as a

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