JP7483971B2 - Checkout system, accounting machine and its program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a checkout system.

A semi-self-service checkout system is known for use in mass retailers. A semi-self-service checkout system is separated into a registration machine, where a customer enters data on the products they wish to purchase, i.e., the products they wish to purchase, and an accounting machine, which processes the payment for the products based on the data entered in the registration machine. The registration machine is mainly operated by a store clerk, and the accounting machine is mainly operated by the customer.

In the semi-self-service system, the customer takes the items they wish to purchase to the cash register. There is a store clerk at the cash register, who operates a registration machine to input the data for the items they wish to purchase. The customer waits until the data entry is complete. Once the data entry is complete, the store clerk instructs the customer to move to the cash register, at which point the customer moves to the designated location and operates the machine to pay for the items.

In this way, the customer waits by the registration machine until the data entry of the items to be purchased is complete, and then moves to the location of the cash register and begins preparations to pay. In other words, the customer can only begin preparations to pay after the data entry of the items to be purchased is complete and the customer moves to the location of the cash register, meaning that the waiting time until the data entry is complete is wasted.

JP 2013-242839 A

The problem that the embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a checkout system that allows a customer to start preparing to pay at the cash register without waiting for the customer to finish inputting the data of the items to be purchased.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes a registration machine for inputting data of products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the products based on the data inputted at the registration machine, and is provided with a linking means, a displaying means, a transmitting means, and a notifying means.
The linking means makes the registration machine capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before or during the period from the start of inputting data of the commodity to be purchased by the customer to the registration machine until the input is completed.
The display means displays the total price of the products data-entered at the registration machine together with the plurality of communication buttons on the display of any one of the payment machines capable of data communication with the registration machine. The transmission means, when any one of the plurality of communication buttons is entered at the payment machine, transmits a command corresponding to the type of communication button entered to the registration machine capable of data communication with the payment machine. The notification means, at the registration machine that received the command, notifies the store clerk of the content corresponding to the type of command.

1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine and the accounting machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a selection table. 4 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure for one transaction executed by a CPU of the registration machine according to a control program. 4 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure for one transaction executed by a CPU of the registration machine according to a control program. 4 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure of one transaction executed by the CPU of the accounting machine according to a control program. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the pre-transaction processing in FIG. 6 . 8 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure for electronic money processing in FIG. 7; 8 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the payment acceptance process in FIG. 7 . 7 is a flowchart showing a specific procedure of the accounting process in FIG. 6 . FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a registration image displayed on a touch panel of a registration machine. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which a linked image is displayed on the registered image in FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction preparation image displayed on the touch panel of the transaction machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a payment machine selection image displayed on the touch panel of the registration machine. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other examples of the payment machine selection image displayed on the touch panel of the registration machine.

Below, we will use the drawings to explain an embodiment of a checkout system that allows customers to begin preparing to pay at the payment machine location without waiting for them to finish inputting the data for the items they wish to purchase.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes multiple registration machines 11 and payment machines 12. The registration machines 11 and payment machines 12 are installed in each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration machines 11 and payment machines 12 placed in one checkout lane is arbitrary. However, there are more payment machines 12 than registration machines 11. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which one registration machine 11 and two payment machines 12 are installed in each of three checkout lanes.

The registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 in each checkout lane are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 13, which is an in-store network. The registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 exchange information via the LAN 13. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server stores a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The server may also store other databases. Note that the network may be another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN instead of the LAN 13. Information may also be exchanged between the registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 via the server.

The registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 are each assigned a unique machine ID. The registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 are individually identified by the machine ID. In this embodiment, the registration machine 11 installed in the left checkout lane when looking at FIG. 1 from the front is assigned the machine ID "R1". The registration machine 11 installed in the center checkout lane is assigned the machine ID "R2". The registration machine 11 installed in the right checkout lane is assigned the machine ID "R3". In addition, the two payment machines 12 installed in the left checkout lane are assigned the machine IDs "A1" and "A2". The two payment machines 12 installed in the center checkout lane are assigned the machine IDs "A3" and "A4". The two payment machines 12 installed in the right checkout lane are assigned the machine IDs "A5" and "A6".

The checkout system 10 is a semi-self-service system. That is, the registration machine 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The checkout machine 12 is operated by a customer 22 who is about to purchase a product. The registration machine 11 is attached to a counter 14. The counter 14 has a rectangular top plate. A passage (checkout lane) for customers 22 is formed by arranging multiple counters 14 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are almost parallel. In this embodiment, the customer 22 enters the passage from the sales floor side (the lower side in FIG. 1), places a shopping basket 16 containing the product to be purchased on the counter 14, and then proceeds to the location of one of the checkout machines 12. The store clerk 21 instructs the customer to proceed to the location of the checkout machine 12. Information indicating which checkout machine 12 to proceed to is communicated to the customer by display or voice, etc., and the customer may proceed to the location of the checkout machine 12 on his or her own accord.

The registration machine 11 has the functions of registering products to be purchased and creating registered transaction data. Registering products to be purchased means that the registration machine 11 accepts data input of the products that the customer 22 wishes to purchase and registers the data in memory. For example, when the barcode attached to the product to be purchased is scanned by a scanner, the registration machine 11 registers data such as the number of items sold and the sales price of the product. The registered transaction data is a collection of data obtained by registering all products that one customer wishes to purchase. The registered transaction data includes the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales price of each product to be purchased, as well as the total number of items and total price of all products to be purchased. The registered transaction data created by the registration machine 11 is transferred to one of the accounting machines 12. Note that the memory in which the data is registered does not necessarily have to be a memory provided in the registration machine 11. The data may be registered in the memory of an external device connected to the registration machine 11.

In FIG. 1, two payment machines 12 are lined up along the short side of each counter 14 opposite the sales floor. Each payment machine 12 is installed so that the customer 22 who operates the payment machine 12 faces the sales floor. On the right side of each payment machine 12, as seen from the customer 22 operating it, there is a bagging table 15. Products that have been registered in the registration machine 11 and placed in the shopping basket 16 are placed on the table 15 by the store clerk. The customer 22 operates the payment machine 12 to pay for the products and have the products bagged.

The arrangement of the registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 can be arbitrary and is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1. At the very least, it is sufficient that the flow of the customer 22 goes to the side of the registration machine 11, hands over the product to be purchased to the store clerk 21, proceeds to the location where the payment machine 12 is installed, and operates the payment machine 12.

The accounting machine 12 has a function to receive the registration transaction data transferred from the registration machine 11, a function to process the payment for the product to be purchased based on the registration transaction data, and the like. There are various means of paying for the product. In this embodiment, the accounting machine 12 supports payment by cash, electronic money, and credit card. The accounting machine 12 may also support other payment means, such as payment by gift certificate or other voucher, payment by accumulated points, etc.

2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12. The registration machine 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 scanner 11e, a touch panel 11f, a printer 11g, a communication unit 11h, and a transmission system 11i.
The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11i to form a computer. The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various functions of the registration machine 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application programs. The ROM 11b may store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.
The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a references when performing various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data that the CPU 11a temporarily uses when performing various processes.
The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a in performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the CPU 11a. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used as the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include a control program that describes information processing executed by the registration machine 11.

The scanner 11e reads the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product code of that product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f is installed on the counter 14 so that its screen faces the work space of the store clerk 21. The printer 11g issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. The communication unit 11h is connected to the LAN 13. The communication unit 11h performs data communication with multiple accounting machines 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11h can also perform data communication with other registration machines 11 via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11i transmits data between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary memory unit 11d, scanner 11e, touch panel 11f, printer 11g, and communication unit 11h. The transmission system 11i can use well-known systems including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses to each part. For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as hardware for such a registration machine 11.

The accounting machine 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory unit 12d, a scanner 12e, a touch panel 12f, a printer 12g, a communication unit 12h, a card reader/writer 12j, an electronic money reader/writer 12k, an automatic change dispenser 12m, and a transmission system 12i.
The card reader/writer 12j has a function for reading data recorded on a card and a function for writing data onto the card. The card includes a payment card such as a credit card or a debit card.

The electronic money reader/writer 12k has the function of reading data recorded on an electronic money medium and the function of writing data to the electronic money medium. Electronic money media include IC cards, smartphones, etc.

The automatic change machine 12m receives coins and bills that are inserted. The automatic change machine 12m also dispenses coins and bills as change.

The remaining components, CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12e, touch panel 12f, printer 12g, communication unit 12h, and transmission system 12i, have the same functions as those of the registration machine 11. That is, CPU 12a is connected to ROM 12b, RAM 12c, and auxiliary storage unit 12d via transmission system 12i to form a computer. CPU 12a controls each part to realize various operations of the accounting machine 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in ROM 12b and RAM 12c. Application programs stored in ROM 12b or auxiliary storage unit 12d include control programs that describe information processing executed by the accounting machine 12. For example, an existing POS terminal compatible with a self-service system can be used as hardware for such an accounting machine 12.

The checkout system 10 equipped with the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 having the above configuration has the following functions A to G.
Function A: A function (linking means) that links the registration machine 11 to one of the multiple payment machines 12 so as to enable data communication before or after data registration of products to be purchased by a customer begins on the registration machine 11, i.e., products to be purchased. Function B: A function (display means) that displays, on the display (touch panel 12f) of any one of the linked payment machines 12, details of products to be purchased that have been entered into the registration machine 11 linked to that payment machine 12, before data entry of all products to be purchased by one customer is completed.
Function C: When data entry of all items to be purchased by one customer has been completed in the registration machine 11, a function (payment means) of executing payment based on the entered payment data in any one of the linked accounting machines 12.
Function D: A function (unlinking means) for unlinking the link between the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 after the settlement is completed.
Function E: A function (payment acceptance means) for accepting input related to payment for products at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 before data entry of all products to be purchased by one customer is completed at the registration machine 11.
Function F: A function (charge acceptance means) of accepting electronic money charge at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 before data entry of all items to be purchased by one customer at the registration machine 11 is completed.
Function G: A function (notification receiving means) for receiving a notification to the operator of the registration machine 11 at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11 before data entry of all items to be purchased by one customer is completed at the registration machine 11.

In order to realize the above functions A to G, the checkout system 10 forms a data buffer 31 and a linked ID memory 32 in the RAM 11c of the registration machine 11, and forms a data buffer 41, a transaction buffer 42, a selection table memory 43, and a linked ID memory 44 in the RAM 12c of the accounting machine 12.

The data buffer 31 on the registration machine 11 side is an area for storing the product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity and sales amount of all products to be purchased by one customer, i.e., the products to be purchased that are registered as one transaction. The product code is a unique code for identifying each product individually. Each product is assigned a product code represented by, for example, a barcode, and the registration machine 11 can obtain the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11e. The product name and unit price are the name and price per unit of the product identified by the corresponding product code.
The linked ID memory 32 is an area for storing the device ID of the payment device 12 that is in a linked state with the registration device 11 in question.

The data buffer 41 on the cash register 12 side is an area for storing payment transaction data relating to the payment of the price of the product to be purchased, which is registered as one transaction. For example, in the case of a cash payment, the payment transaction data includes the deposit amount, the payment amount, the change amount, etc. In the case of an electronic money payment, the payment transaction data includes the payment amount, the balance after payment, etc. In the case of a credit card payment, the payment transaction data includes card information, the payment amount, etc.
The transaction buffer 42 stores transaction data generated from the registration transaction data transmitted from the registration machine 11 and the payment transaction data in the data buffer 41 .

The selection table memory 43 stores a selection table T1 with the data structure shown in FIG. 3. The selection table T1 associates the device ID (accounting ID) of each registration machine 11 with the device ID (registration machine ID) of each registration machine 11, and sets the device ID (accounting ID) of each payment machine 12 in order of priority. The priority is determined in order of proximity to the registration machine 11. However, adjustments are made so that the same payment machine 12 does not have the same priority in relation to different registration machines 11.

In this embodiment, in FIG. 1, for a registered device 11 with device ID "R1", device IDs of the payment devices 12 "A2", "A1", "A3", "A4", "A5", and "A6" are set in order of priority from 1st to 6th. For a registered device 11 with device ID "R2", device IDs of the payment devices 12 "A4", "A3", "A5", "A6", "A1", and "A2" are set in order of priority from 1st to 6th. For a registered device 11 with device ID "R3", device IDs of the payment devices 12 "A6", "A5", "A4", "A3", "A2", and "A1" are set in order of priority from 1st to 6th.

The linked ID memory 44 is an area for storing the device ID of the registration device 11 that is linked to the accounting device 12.

The checkout system 10 installs a control program in the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 for implementing each of the functions A to G in one transaction.
Figures 4 and 5 are flow charts showing the information processing procedure of one transaction executed by the CPU 11a of the registration machine 11 according to the control program. Figures 6 to 10 are flow charts showing the information processing procedure of one transaction executed by the CPU 12a of the payment machine 12 according to the control program. Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing an example of an image displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration machine 11. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the touch panel 12f of the payment machine 12. Below, using these figures, the information processing executed for one transaction by each of the registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 will be explained. Note that the contents of the information processing explained below are only examples, and various information processing that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the information processing executed by the registration device 11 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. This information processing is performed according to a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

When the control program is started in the registration device 11, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 11a first clears the data buffer 31 in Act 1. Next, the CPU 11a displays the registration image SC1 (see FIG. 11) on a portion of the screen of the touch panel 11f in Act 2.

The registration image SC1 shows the contents of the data buffer 31, and allows the store clerk 21 to check the implementation status of the registration process for one transaction. As shown in FIG. 11, the registration image SC1 includes display areas D1 and D2. The display area D1 displays the product name, unit price, sales points (number of items), and sales amount of the product to be purchased that was most recently registered in the data buffer 31. The display area D1 also displays the total number of items and total amount of all registered products to be purchased. The display area D2 displays in list form the product name, unit price, sales points (number of items), and sales amount of products to be purchased that were registered in the data buffer 31 before the product shown in the display area D1. Incidentally, at the time of Act 2, no data has been registered in the data buffer 31, so no data is displayed in the display areas D1 and D2.

Although not shown in the figure, various function buttons are displayed outside the area of the touch panel 11f screen designated as the registered image SC1, such as a product button that allows the store clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button that allows the store clerk 21 to specify the end of the registration of products to be registered as one transaction.

When the registered image SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11a checks in Act 3 whether a link request command has been received from any of the accounting machines 12. The link request command will be explained in the information processing of the accounting machine 12 described below. If a link request command has not been received (NO in Act 3), the CPU 11a checks in Act 4 whether a product code has been input. The product code is input via the scanner 11e or the touch panel 11f. If a product code has not been input (NO in Act 4), the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act 3. Therefore, in the processing of Acts 3 and 4, the CPU 11a waits for a link request command to be received or for a product code to be input.

When a product code is entered in the standby state of Act 3 and Act 4 (YES in Act 4), the CPU 11a registers the product sales data as Act 5. That is, the CPU 11a acquires product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. The CPU 11a also multiplies this unit price by the number of sales points to calculate the amount for the number of sales points, the so-called sales amount. If the number of sales points was entered using the numeric keypad or the like before the product code was entered, that number is used, and if not, the number is "1". In this way, the CPU 11a creates product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, number of sales points, and sales amount. The CPU 11a then registers the product sales data in the data buffer 31.

When the product sales data has been registered, the CPU 11a updates the display areas D1 and D2 of the registered image SC1 based on the data in the data buffer 31 in Act 6. The CPU 11a then returns to the standby state for Acts 3 and 4. In this standby state, if, for example, the subtotal button is pressed, the input is ignored.

When a link request command is received in the standby state of Act 3 and Act 4 (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a stores the device ID of the accounting machine 12 included as the sender in the link request command in the link destination ID memory 32 in Act 7. Next, the CPU 11a displays the link destination image SC2 (see FIG. 12) in Act 8. The CPU 11a also sends an acceptance response command to the accounting machine 12 that sent the command in Act 9. The acceptance response command includes the device ID of the registration machine 11 as the sender. Note that the processing procedures of Act 8 and Act 9 are not limited to this. The order may be reversed.

As shown in FIG. 12, the linked image SC2 represents information that guides the customer 22 to the accounting machine 12 that sent the link request command. In FIG. 12, the linked image SC2 is displayed in the upper right corner of the registered image SC1. The display position of the linked image SC2 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 12. For example, it may be displayed in the center of the registered image SC1. In that case, the linked image SC2 includes a confirmation button, and when this confirmation button is touched, the linked image SC2 is erased.

After completing the processing of Act 7 to Act 9, the CPU 11a checks whether or not a product code has been input in Act 11, as shown in FIG. 5. If a product code has not been input (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a checks whether or not a communicate command has been received from the linked accounting machine 12 in Act 12. The communicate command will be explained in the information processing of the accounting machine 12 described below. If a communicate command has not been received (NO in Act 12), the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button has been pressed in Act 13. If the subtotal button has not been pressed, the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act 11. Therefore, in the processing of Act 11 to Act 13, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be input, for a communicate command to be received, or for the subtotal button to be pressed.

When a product code is input in the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a executes the same process as that of Act 5 and Act 6 described above. That is, the CPU 11a registers product sales data in Act 14, and updates the display areas D1 and D2 of the registered image SC1 in Act 15. Furthermore, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11h to transmit display data including information on the product name, unit price, number of sales items, and sales amount registered in the data buffer 31, as well as information on the total number of sales items and the total amount, to the linked accounting device 12 in Act 16. Through this control, display data addressed to the device ID stored in the linked ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN 13. This display data is received by the accounting device 12 identified by the destination device ID. After controlling the transmission of the display data, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13.

If a communication command is received during the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 (YES in Act 12), the CPU 11a displays a message, icon, etc. corresponding to the command on the touch panel 11f in Act 17. Details of this process will be explained later in the section on information processing of the payment machine 12.

If the subtotal button is pressed during the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 (YES in Act 13), the CPU 11a displays a transfer button on the touch panel 11f in Act 18. The transfer button may be displayed as part of the registered image SC1. Alternatively, the transfer button may be displayed outside the area of the touch panel 11f that is the registered image SC1.

In Act 19, the CPU 11a waits for the transfer button to be pressed. When the transfer button is pressed (YES in Act 19), the CPU 11a issues a new registration machine transaction number in Act 20. The registration machine transaction number is, for example, a number that starts from 1 and increases by 1 in sequence. When the registration machine transaction number is issued, the CPU 11a generates registration transaction data including the registration machine transaction number and the product sales data in the data buffer 31 in Act 21. The CPU 11a then controls the communication unit 11h to transmit this registration transaction data to the linked accounting machine 12. Through this control, the registration transaction data addressed to the device ID stored in the linked ID memory 32 is transmitted to the LAN 13. This registration transaction data is received by the accounting machine 12 identified by the destination device ID.

After controlling the transmission of the registered transaction data, the CPU 11a stores the registered transaction data in a journal file in the auxiliary storage unit 11d in Act 22. The CPU 11a also clears the device ID stored in the link destination ID memory 32 in Act 23. The CPU 11a also erases the link destination image SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11f in Act 24. Note that the processing order of Act 22 to Act 24 is not limited to this. The order may be reversed as appropriate.
When the processing of Act 20 to Act 24 is completed, the CPU 11a ends the information processing for one transaction and then starts the processing from Act 1 again.

Next, the information processing executed by the accounting machine 12 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. This information processing is performed in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

6, when the control program is started in the payment device 12, the CPU 12a first sets the device status ST to "0" in Act 31. Then, the CPU 12a displays a default image on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11f in Act 32.
The default image is arbitrary. For example, it may display a message saying "Welcome" or it may display an advertising image for a promotional item.

The equipment status ST is information that indicates the state of the accounting machine 12, and is stored, for example, in the auxiliary memory unit 12d. In this embodiment, the equipment status ST is set to "0" when the accounting machine 12 is not linked to the registration machine 11. The equipment status ST is set to "1" when the accounting machine 12 is linked to the registration machine 11 and pre-accounting processing is possible. The equipment status ST is set to "2" when registration transaction data is received from a linked registration machine and accounting processing is possible.

Pre-checkout processing is processing that accepts a customer's preparations for payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, pre-checkout processing is processing that accepts the deposit of an appropriate amount of bills and coins into the automatic change machine 12m. In the case of electronic money payment, pre-checkout processing is processing that accepts an inquiry about the balance of electronic money or a charge of electronic money. In the case of credit card payment, pre-checkout processing is processing that reads the credit card data.

Accounting is the process of completing a customer's payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, the amount deposited into the automatic change machine 12m is treated as the deposit amount, and accounting is the process of calculating the change amount and dispensing it from the automatic change machine 12m. In the case of electronic money payment, accounting is the process of deducting the payment amount from the electronic money balance. In the case of credit card payment, accounting is the process of authenticating the credit card.

The CPU 12a checks the device status ST in Act 33. At this point, the device status ST is "0", so the CPU 12a communicates with other payment machines 12 via the LAN 13 in Act 34, and searches for a payment machine 12 whose device status ST is set to "0". The CPU 12a then refers to the selection table T1 in Act 35 to determine whether or not it is the highest priority payment machine. The highest priority payment machine is the payment machine 12 that has the highest priority among the payment machines 12 whose device status ST is set to "0" for a registration machine 11. When a payment machine is the highest priority payment machine for multiple registration machines 11, it is the highest priority payment machine for the registration machine 11 with the highest priority.

A specific example of the process for determining the highest priority accounting machine will be described using the selection table T1 in Figure 3. As an example, assume that the machine status of all accounting machines 12 is "0". In this case, for a registered machine 11 with machine ID "R1", the accounting machine with the highest priority, i.e., the accounting machine 12 with machine ID "A2", becomes the highest priority accounting machine. For a registered machine 11 with machine ID "R2", the accounting machine with the highest priority, i.e., the accounting machine 12 with machine ID "A4", becomes the highest priority accounting machine. For a registered machine 11 with machine ID "R3", the accounting machine with the highest priority, i.e., the accounting machine 12 with machine ID "A6", becomes the highest priority accounting machine. The other accounting machines 12 with machine IDs "A1", "A3", and "A5" do not become the highest priority accounting machine.

As another example, assume that the device status of the accounting machine 12 other than the one with device ID "A2" is "0." In this case, the accounting machine with the second highest priority, i.e., the accounting machine 12 with device ID "A1," becomes the highest priority accounting machine for the registered machine 11 with device ID "R1."

As yet another example, suppose that the device status of the accounting machines 12 with device IDs "A1", "A2", and "A3" is not "0", but the device status of the accounting machines 12 with device IDs "A4", "A5", and "A6" is "0". In this case, the accounting machine with the fourth highest priority, i.e., the accounting machine 12 with device ID "A4", becomes the highest priority accounting machine for the registered machine 11 with device ID "R1". However, the accounting machine 12 with device ID "A4" becomes the highest priority accounting machine with the first highest priority over the registered machine 11 with device ID "R2". Therefore, for the registered machine 11 with device ID "R1", the accounting machine with the fifth highest priority, i.e., the accounting machine 12 with device ID "A5", becomes the highest priority accounting machine.

If it is determined in Act 35 that the device is not the highest priority accounting device (NO in Act 35), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 33. In this case, since the device status ST remains at "0", the CPU 12a repeats the processes of Act 34 to Act 35.

If it is determined in Act 35 that the machine itself is the highest priority accounting machine (YES in Act 35), the CPU 12a controls the communication unit 12h to send a link request command to the registration machine 11 for which the machine itself is the highest priority accounting machine in Act 36. With this control, a link request command addressed to the device ID of the corresponding registration machine 11 is sent to the LAN 13. The link request command includes the machine's own device ID (accounting machine ID) as the sender. The link request command is received by the registration machine 11 for which the destination device ID is set.

After transmitting the link request command, the CPU 11a determines whether or not an acceptance response command has been received in Act 37.
As described above, when the registration machine 11 in the standby state of Act 3 and Act 4 receives a link request command, the CPU 11a of the registration machine 11 executes the processes of Act 7 to Act 9. That is, the CPU 11a stores the source device ID (accounting machine ID) included in the link request command in the link destination ID memory (Act 7), and displays the link destination image on the touch panel 11f (Act 8). The CPU 11a also transmits an acceptance response command to the accounting machine 12 that transmitted the link request command (Act 9). In response, the registration machine 11 in the standby state of Act 11 to Act 13 does not accept the link request command. Therefore, the registration machine 11 does not transmit an acceptance response command to the accounting machine 12 that transmitted the link request command.

If the CPU 12a does not receive an approval response command in response to the link request command (NO in Act 37), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 33. In this case, the device status ST remains at "0", so the CPU 12a repeats the processes of Act 34 to Act 37.

When an approval response command is received in response to the link request command (YES in Act 37), the CPU 12a stores the device ID of the registered device 11 included as the destination in the command in the link destination ID memory 44 in Act 38. The CPU 12a also updates the device status ST to "1" in Act 39. Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 33.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a linking means by the processing of Acts 7 to 9 of the registration machine 11 and the processing of Acts 34 to 39 of the accounting machine 12.

When the process returns to Act 33 after processing Act 39, the device status ST has been updated to "1", so the CPU 12a executes pre-accounting processing in Act 40.

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the specific steps of the pre-checkout process. When the pre-checkout process begins, the CPU 12a sets media data M to "0" in Act 51. Media data M is data that identifies the payment method. In this embodiment, media data M that identifies a cash payment is set to "1", media data M that identifies an electronic money payment is set to "2", and media data M that identifies a credit card payment is set to "3". "0" indicates that the payment method is undefined.

The CPU 12a clears the data buffer 41 in Act 52. Then, the CPU 11a displays a checkout preparation image SC3 (see FIG. 13) on a portion of the screen of the touch panel 12f in Act 53.

The checkout preparation image SC3 supports customers who are preparing to pay. As shown in FIG. 13, the checkout preparation image SC3 includes display areas D3, D4, and D5. Display area D3 displays guidance to the customer. Display area D4 displays the registration details of the product the customer wishes to purchase. Display area D5 includes a communication area D51, an electronic money area D52, a payment selection area D53, and a registration completion area D54.

Three types of communicate buttons B1, B2, and B3 are displayed in the communication area D51. The customer touches the communicate button B1 when using a gift certificate to pay for the purchase. The customer touches the communicate button B2 when purchasing a plastic bag (for which there is a fee). The customer touches the communicate button B3 when requesting accessories such as chopsticks or a spoon. It goes without saying that the communicate buttons B1, B2, and B3 are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. 13.

Two types of electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are displayed in the electronic money area D52. The electronic money button B4 is touched when the customer wants to charge electronic money. The electronic money button B5 is touched when the customer wants to inquire about the balance of electronic money. It goes without saying that the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are not limited to the two types shown in FIG. 13.

Three types of payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 are displayed in the payment selection area D53. The customer touches the payment method button B6 when selecting cash payment. The customer touches the payment method button B7 when selecting electronic money payment. The customer touches the payment method button B8 when selecting credit card payment. It goes without saying that the payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 are not limited to the three types shown in FIG. 13.

Information is displayed in the registration end area D54 to inform the customer that the registered transaction data has been received from a registered machine 11 that responded with an acceptance to the link request command, i.e., a registered machine 11 that is in a linked state. This information may be, for example, a message saying "Please make payment using the selected payment method." The total points or total amount included in the registered transaction data may also be displayed. The total points or total amount included in the registered transaction data may be displayed in the registration end area D54, and the above-mentioned message may be displayed in the display area D3.

After displaying the accounting preparation image SC3, the CPU 12a checks whether display data has been received from the linked registration device 11 in Act 54. If display data has not been received (NO in Act 54), the CPU 12a checks whether the communication buttons B1, B2, and B3 have been pressed in Act 55. If the communication buttons B1, B2, and B3 have not been pressed (NO in Act 55), the CPU 12a checks whether the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 have been pressed in Act 56. If the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 have not been pressed (NO in Act 56), the CPU 12a checks the media data M in Act 57. If the media data M is "0" (YES in Act 57), the CPU 12a checks whether the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 have been pressed in Act 58. If the payment means buttons B6, B7, and B8 have not been pressed (NO in Act 58), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 54. Therefore, when the media data M is "0", i.e., when the payment method is undefined, the CPU 11a waits for display data to be received, for the communication buttons B1, B2, and B3 to be pressed, for the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 to be pressed, or for the payment method buttons B6, B7, and B8 to be pressed.

When display data is received in the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58 (YES in Act 54), the CPU 12a updates the registration details display in the display area D4 in Act 59. The display data includes information on the product name, unit price, number of sales items, and sales amount registered in the data buffer 31 in the linked registration device 11, as well as information on the total number of items and total amount. The CPU 12a updates the registration details display in the display area D4 based on the received display data. After updating the registration details display in the display area D4, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a display means by the processing of Act 16 of the registration machine 11 and the processing of Acts 54 and 59 of the accounting machine 12.

When the communicate button B1, B2, or B3 is input during the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58, the CPU 12a controls the communication unit 12h to transmit a communicate command corresponding to the type of the communicate button B1, B2, or B3 input to the registered device 11 in the linked state as Act 60. By this control, a communicate command addressed to the device ID stored in the linked device ID memory 44 is transmitted to the LAN 13. This communicate command is received by the registered device 11 identified by the destination device ID. As described above, when the registered device 11 receives the communicate command, a message, icon, or the like corresponding to the command is displayed on the touch panel 11f.

For example, when a communication command corresponding to the communication button B1 is received, the registration machine 11 displays a message, icon, etc. on the touch panel 11f informing the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 will use the gift certificate. After confirming this notification, the store clerk 21 goes to the customer 22, receives the gift certificate, and registers the face value in the accounting machine 12 or the registration machine 11.

When a communication command corresponding to the communication button B2 is received, the registration device 11 displays a message, icon, etc. on the touch panel 11f informing the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 will be using a paid shopping bag. After confirming this notification, the store clerk 21 can register the paid shopping bag in the registration device 11 and place the shopping bag in the shopping basket 16 that contains the product to be purchased.

Furthermore, when a communication command corresponding to the communication button B3 is received, a message, icon, or the like is displayed on the touch panel 11f in the registration machine 11 to inform the store clerk 21 that the customer 22 has requested an accessory such as chopsticks or a spoon. After confirming this notification, the store clerk 21 can hand the necessary accessory from the products to be purchased to the customer 22.
After controlling the transmission of the communicate command, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a notification receiving means by processing Act 55 and Act 60 of the accounting device 12.

In the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58, when the electronic money buttons B4 and B5 are pressed, the CPU 12a executes electronic money processing in Act 61.
8 is a flow chart showing the specific procedure of the electronic money processing. When the electronic money processing starts, the CPU 12a checks whether the electronic money button B4 or B5 has been pressed in Act 71. When the electronic money button B4 has been pressed ("charge" in Act 71), the CPU 12a detects the balance of the electronic money from the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k in Act 72 and displays it on the touch panel 12f. At this time, an end button that the customer 22 can use to command the end of charging is displayed on the touch panel 12f together with the balance of the electronic money.

In Act 73, the CPU 12a checks whether the end button has been pressed. If the end button has not been pressed, in Act 74, the CPU 12a checks whether the charge amount has been deposited into the automatic change machine 12m. If the charge amount has not been deposited, the CPU 12a returns to Act 73. Therefore, in the processing of Act 73 and Act 74, the CPU 12a waits for the end button to be pressed or the charge amount to be deposited.

When the charge amount is deposited in the standby state of Act 73 and Act 74, the CPU 12a updates the balance of the electronic money medium in Act 75 so that it is increased by the amount of the deposit. The CPU 12a also displays the updated balance on the touch panel 12f. After that, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act 73 and Act 74.

If the end button is pressed during the standby state of Act 73 and Act 74, the CPU 12a issues a new accounting machine transaction number in Act 76. The accounting machine transaction number is, for example, a number that increases by one starting from 1. When the accounting machine transaction number is issued, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12g to issue a charge receipt in Act 77. This control issues a charge receipt on which the balance before charge, the charge amount, the balance after charge, the accounting machine transaction number, etc. are printed.

After controlling the issuance of the charge receipt, the CPU 12a erases the balance displayed on the touch panel 12f in Act 78. This ends the electronic money process when the electronic money button B4 is pressed.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a charge acceptance means by the processing of Act 56 and Act 61 (Act 71 to Act 77) of the accounting machine 12.

On the other hand, when the electronic money button B5 is pressed ("Query" in Act 71), the CPU 12a detects the electronic money balance from the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k in Act 79, and displays it on the touch panel 12f. At this time, a confirmation button for the customer 22 to instruct that he/she has confirmed the electronic money balance is displayed on the touch panel 12f, along with the electronic money balance.

The CPU 12a waits for the confirmation button to be pressed in Act 80. If the confirmation button is pressed (YES in Act 80), the CPU 12a erases the balance displayed on the touch panel 12f in Act 78. This completes the electronic money processing when the electronic money button B5 is pressed. When the electronic money processing is completed, the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Acts 54 to 58.

In the standby state of Act 54 to Act 58, if the payment means button B6, B7, or B8 is pressed (YES in Act 58), the CPU 12a changes the media data M in Act 62. That is, if the payment means button B6 is pressed, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "1", if the payment means button B7 is pressed, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "2", and if the payment means button B8 is pressed, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "3". After that, the CPU 12a executes the payment acceptance process in Act 63.

9 is a flow chart showing a specific procedure of the payment acceptance process. When the payment acceptance process starts, the CPU 12a checks the media data M in Act 91.
If the media data M is "1", the CPU 12a checks whether or not a deposit has been made in Act 92. If no cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12m (NO in Act 92), the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process. If cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12m (YES in Act 92), the CPU 12a stores the deposit amount in the data buffer 41 in Act 93 and displays a message on the touch panel 12f indicating that cash payment has been selected. With this, the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process.

If the media data M is "2", the CPU 12a checks in Act 94 whether the electronic money medium data is being read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k. If the electronic money medium data is not being read (NO in Act 94), the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process. If the electronic money medium data is being read (YES in Act 94), the CPU 12a detects the balance of electronic money from the data of the electronic money medium read by the electronic money reader/writer 12k in Act 95. The CPU 12a then stores the balance in the data buffer 41 and displays a message on the touch panel 12f indicating that electronic money payment has been selected. With this, the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process.

If the media data M is "3", the CPU 12a checks in Act 96 whether or not the credit card data is being read by the card reader/writer 12j. If the credit card data is not being read (NO in Act 96), the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process. If the credit card data is being read (YES in Act 96), the CPU 12a stores the credit card data read by the card reader/writer 12j in the data buffer 41 in Act 97, and displays a message on the touch panel 12f indicating that credit card payment has been selected. With this, the CPU 12a ends the payment acceptance process.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a payment acceptance means by the processing of Act 58, and Acts 62 to 63 (Acts 91 to 97) of the accounting machine 12.

When the payment acceptance process is completed, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 54. Therefore, this time the media data M is not "0" (NO in Act 57), so the CPU 12a proceeds to NO in Act 57. That is, the CPU 12a waits for the display data to be received, for the communication button B1, B2, B3 to be pressed, or for the electronic money button B4, B5 to be pressed. The CPU 12a then executes the payment acceptance process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 6, while the pre-accounting process is being performed, the CPU 12a waits for registration transaction data to be sent from the registration device 11 in Act 41. When the registration transaction data is received (YES in Act 41), the CPU 12a updates the device status ST to "2" in Act 42. The CPU 12a then returns to the processing of Act 33. Therefore, in this case, since the device status ST has been updated to "2", the CPU 12a stores the registration transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 43.

After storing the registered transaction data in the transaction buffer 42, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing in Act 44.

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing the specific steps of the transaction process. When the transaction process starts, the CPU 12a displays information in the registration end area D54 of the transaction preparation image SC3 in Act 101 to inform the customer that the registered transaction data has been received, as described above.

Next, the CPU 12a checks the media data M in Act 102. If the media data M is "0" (YES in Act 102), the payment method is undefined. In this case, the CPU 12a waits for the payment method button B6, B7, or B8 to be input in Act 103. If the payment method button B6, B7, or B8 is input (YES in Act 102), the CPU 12a changes the media data M in Act 104. That is, if the payment method button B6 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "1", if the payment method button B7 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "2", and if the payment method button B8 is input, the CPU 12a changes the media data M to "3". Therefore, the customer 22 can select the payment method not only before the accounting machine 12 receives the registered transaction data, but also after receiving it.

If the media data M is changed in Act 104, or if the media data M is not already "0" in Act 102 (NO in Act 102), the CPU 12a issues a new accounting machine transaction number in Act 105. After issuing the accounting machine transaction number, the CPU 12a edits the transaction data in Act 106. Specifically, the CPU 12a adds the payment transaction data stored in the data buffer 41 together with the accounting machine transaction number to the registered transaction data stored in the transaction buffer 42, to generate transaction data representing the contents of one transaction.

Then, the CPU 12a checks the media data M in Act 107. Here, if the media data M is "1", the CPU 12a executes the cash settlement process in Act 108. That is, when the amount of the deposit inserted into the automatic change machine 12m is equal to or greater than the total amount, the CPU 12a calculates the amount of change. At this time, if the amount of the deposit was stored in the payment acceptance process, the amount of the deposit becomes the amount of the deposit. Note that if further cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12m, the amount of the deposit is added to the amount of the deposit to become the amount of the deposit. Therefore, the customer can insert bills for an approximate amount at the pre-accounting process stage, and then insert coins for the fractional part of the amount determined at the accounting process stage.

When the cash settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 109. Specifically, the CPU 12a adds the deposit amount and the change amount to the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12a creates print data for a purchase receipt based on the data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 110, outputs the data to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the purchase receipt.

In Act 107, if the media data M is "2", the CPU 12a executes the electronic money payment process in Act 111. That is, the CPU 12a subtracts the total amount from the electronic money balance obtained from the data read from the electronic money medium by the electronic money reader/writer 12k. At this time, if the electronic money balance has already been stored in the payment acceptance process, that electronic money balance is used.

When the electronic money payment process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 112. Specifically, the balance of the electronic money before the payment and the balance of the electronic money after the payment are added to the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12a creates print data for a purchase receipt based on the data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 113, outputs the data to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the purchase receipt.

In Act 107, if the media data M is "3", the CPU 12a executes credit card payment processing in Act 114. That is, the CPU 12a authenticates the data read from the credit card by the card reader/writer 12j. At this time, if the credit card data is stored in the payment acceptance processing, the data is authenticated.

When the credit card data is authenticated and the credit card payment process is completed, the CPU 12a updates the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 115. Specifically, the amount of payment by credit card, some information about the credit card, etc. are added to the transaction data. Then, the CPU 12a creates print data for a credit slip based on the data in the transaction buffer 42 in Act 116, outputs this to the printer 12g, and controls the issuance of the credit slip.

In this way, when a purchase receipt is issued (Act 110, Act 113) or a credit voucher is issued (Act 116), the CPU 12a stores the transaction data in the transaction buffer 42 in the auxiliary storage unit 12d in Act 117. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.
Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a settlement means by the processing of Act 13, and Acts 18 to 21 of the registration machine 11 and the processing of Act 41, and Acts 43 to 44 of the accounting machine 12.

Returning to FIG. 6, when the transaction process is completed, the CPU 12a clears the device ID stored in the linked ID memory 32 in Act 45.

Here, the checkout system 10 constitutes a release means by processing Act 23 of the registration device 11 and processing Act 45 of the accounting device 12.

When the processing of Act 45 is completed, the CPU 12a ends the information processing for one transaction. The CPU 12a then starts processing again from Act 31.

Next, the effect of the checkout system 10 will be explained using as an example a checkout lane in which a registration machine 11 with a machine ID of "R1" (hereafter referred to as registration machine 11-R1) is installed. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the registration process for the products to be purchased by a customer 22 at the location where a payment machine 12 with a machine ID of "A2" (hereafter referred to as payment machine 12-A2) is installed is completed at the registration machine 11-R1. In this case, it is assumed that the equipment status ST of the payment machine 12-A2 becomes "2". On the other hand, it is assumed that the payment machine 12 with a machine ID of "A1" (hereafter referred to as payment machine 12-A1) is in an idle state. In this case, the payment machine 12-A1 becomes the highest priority payment machine with respect to the registration machine 11-R1. Therefore, a link request command is sent from the payment machine 12-A1 to the registration machine 11-R1. Then, when the registration machine 11-R1 and the payment machine 12-A1 are linked, a link destination image SC2 that guides the customer 22 to the payment machine 12-A1 is displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration machine 11-R1. In addition, a payment preparation image SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 12f of the payment machine 12-A1.

Now, when the next customer 22 arrives at the checkout lane, the store clerk 21 guides the customer 22 to the accounting machine 12-A1 shown in the linked image SC2. The method of guidance is not particularly limited. A typical example would be to verbally guide the customer 22 to "please proceed to accounting machine A1 and prepare for payment." After hearing the guidance, the customer 22 moves to the location where accounting machine 12-A1 is installed.

The sales clerk 21, who is the operator of the registration machine 11-R1, starts inputting data on the products to be purchased by the customer 22 who has moved to the location where the accounting machine 12-A1 is installed. The data on the products to be purchased is then stored in the data buffer 31 of the registration machine 11-R1. The accounting machine 12-A1 also displays the data stored in the data buffer 31, that is, the details of the products to be purchased (product name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount), in the display area D4 of the accounting preparation image SC3. Therefore, the customer 22 who has moved to the location where the accounting machine 12-A1 is installed can check the registration details in the registration machine 11-R1 in real time from the contents of the display area D4. In this way, even if the customer 22 leaves the vicinity of the sales clerk 21, the customer 22 can be sure that the products to be purchased have been registered correctly by the sales clerk 21, so he or she can move to the location where the accounting machine 12-A1 is installed with peace of mind.

Meanwhile, customer 22, who has moved to the location where payment machine 12-A1 is installed and has checked payment preparation image SC3, can notify clerk 21 operating registration machine 11-R1 of the use of the gift certificate by touching communication button B1. Similarly, customer 22 can notify clerk 21 operating registration machine 11-R1 of the use of a paid shopping bag by touching communication button B2, and can notify of a request for accessories such as chopsticks or spoons by touching communication button B3. In this way, even when customer 22 has moved to the location where payment machine 12-A1 is installed, he or she can communicate with clerk 21 operating registration machine 11-R1. Therefore, customer 22 can follow the instructions of clerk 21 and move to the location where payment machine 12 is installed with peace of mind, even before finishing entering the data for the product to be purchased.

Furthermore, after checking the checkout preparation image SC3, the customer 22 can charge electronic money by touching the electronic money button B4, holding an electronic money medium over the electronic money reader/writer 12k, and inserting the charge amount into the automatic change machine 12m. Similarly, the customer 22 can inquire about the balance of his/her electronic money by touching the electronic money button B5 and holding an electronic money medium over the electronic money reader/writer 12k. In this way, while the checkout preparation image SC3 is displayed, that is, while data for the product to be purchased is being entered into the registration machine 11-R1, the customer 22 can operate the checkout machine 12-A1 to charge electronic money or inquire about the balance.

Similarly, after checking the checkout preparation image SC3, the customer 22 can proceed with preparations for a cash payment by touching the payment method button B6. Specifically, the amount of cash required for payment can be input in advance into the automatic change machine 12m. Furthermore, by touching the payment method button B7, the customer 22 can proceed with preparations for an electronic money payment, and by touching the payment method button B8, the customer 22 can proceed with preparations for a credit card payment.

Therefore, the customer 22 can start preparing to pay at the location where the accounting machine 12-A1 is installed without having to wait until the customer 22 has finished entering the data for the product to be purchased. As a result, the time that the customer 22 spends at the location where the accounting machine 12-A1 is installed is shortened, which makes the accounting process more efficient.

Other embodiments will be described below.
In the above embodiment, the payment machine 12 whose device status ST is "0" uses the selection table T1 to determine whether or not it is the highest priority payment machine with respect to the registration machine 11. If it is the highest priority payment machine, the payment machine 12 sends a link request command to the registration machine 11. If an approval response command is received from the registration machine 11 in response to this command, the checkout system 10 places the payment machine 12 and the registration machine 11 in a linked state.

In another embodiment, a payment machine 12 whose device status ST is "0" sends a link request command to the registration machine 11. The registration machine 11 that is not linked to the payment machine 12 displays on the touch panel 11f a payment machine selection image SC4 (see FIG. 14) that makes it possible to select the device ID of the payment machine 12 that sent the link request command.

As shown in FIG. 14, the payment machine selection image SC4 includes buttons B11-A1, B11-A3, and B11-A4 that correspond one-to-one to the device IDs of payment machines 12 whose device status ST is "0". The payment machine selection image SC4 is displayed, for example, in the center of the registration image SC1. After checking this image SC1, the store clerk 21 touches one of the buttons B11. This causes an approval response command to be sent from the registration machine 11 to the payment machine 12 with the device ID corresponding to that button B11. Thus, the checkout system 10 links the payment machine 12 and the registration machine 11.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, buttons B11-A1, B11-A2, B11-A3, B11-A4, and B11-A5 that correspond one-to-one with the device IDs of all accounting machines 12 are displayed on the accounting machine selection image SC5. Then, only the buttons that correspond to the device IDs of accounting machines 12 whose device status ST is "0" may be displayed in an input-enabled state.

In the above embodiment, the registration end area D54 is made part of the display area D5. In another embodiment, when registration transaction data is received from a linked registration machine 11, provided that a payment method has been selected at the pre-checkout process stage, the entire display area D5 is made the registration end area and each of the buttons B1 to B8 is erased. This makes it possible to accurately notify the customer 22 that registration of the products to be purchased has been completed on the registration machine 11.

In this case, if no payment method is selected at the pre-checkout processing stage, the communication area D51 and electronic money area D52 may be set as the registration end area, and buttons B6 to B8 in the payment selection area D53 may be set to accept input.

In the above embodiment, the registration transaction data based on the input product data is transferred from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 .
In another embodiment, registered transaction data based on the input product data is stored in a server on LAN 13. The registered transaction data stored in the server is then transferred from the server to the accounting machine 12, and settlement processing is performed based on payment data input at the accounting machine 12. Alternatively, settlement processing is performed at the server based on the registered transaction data stored in the server and payment data input at the accounting machine 12 linked to the registration machine 11. Then, if there is change, the change is paid out at the accounting machine 12, and a receipt is issued by the accounting machine 12.

The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 are generally transferred with the control program and other programs stored in ROM. However, this is not limited to the above, and the control program and other programs transferred separately from the computer device may be written to a writable storage device provided in the computer device in response to an operation by a user or the like. The control program and other programs may be transferred by recording them on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device. Furthermore, the functions obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with the OS (operating system) inside the device.

Although several other 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 implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below.
[1] A checkout system including a registration machine into which data of products to be purchased by a customer is input, and a plurality of payment machines which process payment for the products based on the data input by the registration machine, comprising: linking means for placing the registration machine in a state capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of payment machines before or during the period from when data input of the products to be purchased by the customer begins at the registration machine to when it is completed; display means for displaying, on a display of any one of the payment machines which has been made capable of data communication with the registration machine by the linking means, the total price of the products for which data input by the registration machine which is capable of data communication with the payment machine before data input of all the products to be purchased by the customer is completed; and payment means for, when data input of all the products to be purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine, the one of the payment machines which has been made capable of data communication with the linking means executes payment based on the payment data input by that payment machine.
[2] The checkout system according to [1], further comprising a release means for releasing the data communication enabled state between the registration machine and the accounting machine after the payment by the payment means is completed. [3] The checkout system according to [1] or [2], further comprising a payment acceptance means for accepting an input related to the payment for the products at the accounting machine which has become data communication enabled state with the registration machine by the link means before the data entry of all products purchased by the customer at the registration machine is completed.
[4] A checkout system as described in [1] or [2], further comprising a charge acceptance means for accepting the charge of electronic money at the accounting machine which has become capable of data communication with the registration machine via the link means before data entry of all items to be purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine.
[5] A checkout system as described in [1] or [2], further comprising a notification receiving means for receiving a notification to an operator of the registration machine at the accounting machine that has become capable of data communication with the registration machine via the linking means before data entry of all items to be purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine.
[6] A checkout system including a registration machine for inputting data of products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the products based on the data inputted at the registration machine, the registration machine being capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before data input of the products to be purchased by the customer begins at the registration machine or between the start and end of data input, the accounting machine comprising: a display means for displaying the total price of the products inputted at the registration machine capable of data communication before data input of all the products to be purchased by the customer is completed; and a payment means for executing payment based on the inputted payment data when data input of all the products to be purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine capable of data communication.
[7] A checkout system including a registration machine for inputting data of products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the products based on the data inputted at the registration machine, the registration machine being capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before data input of the products to be purchased by the customer begins at the registration machine or between the start and end of the data input, the system providing a program for realizing the following functions on a computer of the accounting machine: displaying the total price of the products for which data inputted at the registration machine capable of data communication before data input of all the products to be purchased by the customer is completed; and executing payment based on the payment data inputted when data input of all the products to be purchased by the customer is completed at the registration machine capable of data communication.

10...Checkout system, 11...Registration machine, 12...Accounting machine, 13...LAN, 14...Counter, 11a, 12a...CPU, 11b, 12b...ROM, 11c, 12c...RAM, 11d, 12d...Auxiliary memory unit, 11e, 12e...Scanner, 11f, 12f...Touch panel, 11g, 12g...Printer, 11h, 12h...Communication unit, 11i, 12i...Transmission system, 12j...Card reader/writer, 12k...Electronic money reader/writer, 12m...Automatic change dispenser, 31, 41...Data buffer, 32, 44...Link destination ID, 42...Transaction buffer, 43...Selection table memory, T1...Selection table, SC1...Registration image, SC2...Link destination image, SC3...Accounting preparation image, SC4, SC5...Accounting machine selection image.

Claims (6)

A registering machine for inputting data of products to be purchased by customers, and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the products based on the data inputted by the registering machine,
a link means for enabling the registration machine to communicate with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before or after data entry of the product to be purchased by the customer is started in the registration machine and until the data entry is completed;
a display means for displaying, on a display of any one of said payment machines which is capable of data communication with said registration machine via said link means , a total price of the merchandise inputted via said registration machine together with a plurality of types of communication buttons;
a transmission means for transmitting, when any one of the plurality of types of communication buttons is pressed in the payment machine, a command corresponding to the type of the pressed communication button to the registration machine capable of data communication with the payment machine;
a notification means in the registration machine that receives the command, for notifying a store clerk of the content according to the type of the command;
A check-out system comprising: The checkout system of claim 1, wherein the multiple types of communication buttons include a button that transmits a command to notify a store clerk that a customer is using a gift certificate, a button that transmits a command to notify a store clerk that a customer is using a paid plastic bag, or a button that transmits a command to notify a store clerk that a customer is requesting an accessory. The checkout system of claim 1, wherein the display means displays, on the display of the accounting machine, the total amount, the plurality of types of communication buttons, and a payment method button that the customer can enter when selecting a payment method. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays, on the display of the accounting machine, the total amount, the plurality of types of communication buttons, and an electronic money button that a customer can enter when charging electronic money or inquiring about a balance. A checkout system includes a registration machine for inputting data of products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for the products based on the data inputted in the registration machine , and the registration machine is capable of data communication with any one of the plurality of accounting machines before or after inputting data of the products to be purchased by the customer is started in the registration machine and until the data is finished,
a display means for displaying the total price of the products inputted by the registration machine in the data communication enabled state together with a plurality of types of communication buttons;
a transmission means for transmitting, when any one of the plurality of types of communication buttons is pressed, a command corresponding to the type of the pressed communication button to the registration device in the data communication enabled state;
An accounting machine equipped with the above. a computer for an accounting machine of a checkout system including a registration machine for inputting data of products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of accounting machines for processing payment for said products based on the data inputted in said registration machine, said registration machine being capable of data communication with any one of said plurality of accounting machines before or after inputting data of the products to be purchased by said customer is started in said registration machine and until it is finished;
a display means for displaying a total price of the products inputted by the registration machine in the data communication enabled state together with a plurality of types of communication buttons;
a transmission means for transmitting, when any one of the plurality of types of communication buttons is pressed, a command corresponding to the type of the input communication button to the registration device in the data communication enabled state;
A program to function as a