JP7492632B2 - Accounting devices and programs - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an accounting device and a program .

In the past, self-service accounting devices have been proposed for the sale of merchandise and other items for sale, in which the customer himself registers the merchandise and performs accounting operations. Semi-self-service checkout systems have also been proposed, which are equipped with a registration device and an accounting device, in which an operator performs the registration operation on the registration device and the customer performs accounting operations on the accounting device. These accounting devices or the accounting devices included in the checkout systems are equipped with a coin and bill change machine in preparation for cash accounting.

This change machine has a stock section that stocks bills and coins (hereafter collectively referred to as "money") to replenish change. However, because the accounting device is operated by the customer themselves, the accounting device does not have a stock section for security reasons. As a result, store staff such as attendants had to carry money from the stock section installed in a managed area such as the back room to the accounting device to replenish the change machine, which was time-consuming and burdensome for the staff.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a program that make it possible to provide a stock unit in an accounting device operated by a customer while ensuring security.

The accounting device of the embodiment comprises a housing that houses a change machine that dispenses change and a stock section that stocks multiple types of money to replenish the change machine with money, a first door that is provided in the housing and can be opened and closed to close a storage section that houses the change machine and the stock section, a first locking mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the first door cannot be opened and an unlocked state in which the first door can be opened , and a mode switching means that, when the first door is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state by the first locking mechanism, switches from a specific mode based on input of permission information to unlock the first locking mechanism to a normal mode in which accounting processing can be performed by driving the change machine to dispense change .

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system including a self-checkout POS terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the self-checkout POS terminal with the door open. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the self-service POS terminal with another door open. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the coin bar drawer. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the attendant PC. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile attendant PC. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the display unit of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the unlocking process in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the replenishment process in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying coin replenishment on the display unit of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of control for error processing in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of control for error processing of the printing unit in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of control for error processing of the printing unit in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen indicating an error in the printing unit on the display unit of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of control for error processing of a change dispenser in a self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of control for error processing of a change dispenser in a self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen indicating an error in the change machine on the display unit of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the change replenishment process of the change dispenser in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the change replenishment process of the change dispenser in the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen showing a shortage state of the change dispenser on the display unit of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the attendant PC. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the mobile attendant PC. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a semi-self-service checkout system according to a modified example of the embodiment.

Below, the accounting device according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings of Figures 1 to 26. In the embodiment, a self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal where a customer performs registration and accounting operations will be described as the accounting device. In the embodiment, a coin roll drawer that stocks coin rolls (a predetermined number (e.g. 50) of the same type of coins stacked together and integrated with a film or the like) to be replenished in a coin change machine will be described as an example of a stock section. In the embodiment, products will be described as an example of an item for sale. Note that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system including a self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the system includes multiple self-service POS terminals 1, an attendant PC (Personal Computer) 2, and a mobile attendant PC 3. Each self-service POS terminal 1 and attendant PC 2 are electrically connected by a communication line NT1, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) line. Also, the attendant PC 2 and mobile attendant PC 3 are electrically connected by a communication line NT2, such as a wireless LAN.

The self-service POS terminal 1 is equipped with a registration unit that reads a product code that identifies the product to be purchased, and an accounting unit that performs accounting operations based on the product information corresponding to the read product code. Both the registration operations in the registration unit and the accounting operations in the accounting unit are performed by the customer themselves. The self-service POS terminal 1 executes sales registration processing based on the registration operations performed by the customer. The self-service POS terminal 1 also executes accounting processing based on the accounting operations performed by the customer. The detailed configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 will be explained in detail in Figures 2 to 5.

Here, sales registration processing refers to the process of displaying and storing product information such as the product name and price of the product based on the input product code. Additionally, accounting processing refers to the process of displaying the total amount related to the transaction based on the product information from the sales registration processing, and of accounting and issuing a receipt based on the deposit received from the customer. Additionally, transaction processing includes sales registration processing and accounting processing. Additionally, transaction information includes product information and accounting information.

The self-service POS terminal 1 can be switched between a normal mode and an unlocked mode. The normal mode allows a customer to perform registration and accounting operations. The unlocked mode allows the electromagnetic lock of the self-service POS terminal 1 to be unlocked, for example, when an error occurs in the self-service POS terminal 1 or when refilling receipt paper or change. By unlocking the electromagnetic lock, the inside of the self-service POS terminal 1 can be opened. The self-service POS terminal 1 can be switched to the unlocked mode when a code (in this embodiment, an attendant code) is entered, which is permission information that identifies a person who has been granted the authority to unlock the terminal, such as a manager, a store manager, or a specific attendant.

In addition, a camera is provided near each self-service POS terminal 1 to monitor customers performing registration and accounting operations. The display unit 208 of the attendant PC 2 (see FIG. 7) displays images of the customer's registration and accounting operations at each self-service POS terminal 1. An attendant (who is authorized to unlock the door) who is a store clerk watches the images displayed on the display unit 208 of the attendant PC 2 and monitors the customer's registration and accounting operations, checking for fraud by the customer, for example. The attendant PC 2 also displays information on the customer's operation of the help button on the self-service POS terminal 1, and upon seeing the display, the attendant goes to the corresponding self-service POS terminal 1 and provides assistance with the operation, for example.

The mobile attendant PC3 is a PC that the attendant can carry around, such as a tablet PC. The mobile attendant PC3 has some of the functions of an attendant PC. The mobile attendant PC3 receives images of the customer's registration operations and accounting operations at the self-service POS terminal 1 from the attendant PC2 and displays them on the display unit 308 (see Figure 8). The attendant watches the images displayed on the display unit 308 and monitors the customer's registration operations and accounting operations, checking for fraud by the customer, for example. Because the attendant carries the mobile attendant PC3 with him, he can monitor the customer's registration operations and accounting operations from any location.

2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a first housing 41 and a second housing 42. The first housing 41 houses a coin change machine 34, a bill change machine 35 (collectively referred to as the "change machine 27"), a coin roll drawer 33 (stock section), and a control device 36 in an internal storage section 37 (see FIG. 3). The coin change machine 34 stores coins received from customers by denomination. The coin change machine 34 also dispenses change for the coins to customers. The bill change machine 35 stores bills received from customers by denomination. The bill change machine 35 also dispenses change for the bills to customers. The coin roll drawer 33 stocks bills of various denominations. The control device 36 executes the control process for the self-service POS terminal 1. The control device 36 includes the control unit 100, memory unit 14, communication unit 43, power supply unit (not shown), etc. in FIG. 6.

The first housing 41 also includes a first door 411 (door) and a second door 412 (door) that can be opened and closed. The first door 411 rotates vertically around the hinge portion 411a. The second door 412 rotates horizontally around the hinge portion 412a. The second door 412 is interfered with by the first door 411, so that in order to open the second door 412, it is first necessary to open the first door 411 upwards. When both the first door 411 and the second door 412 are closed, it is not possible to open only the second door 412.

When the first door 411 rotates upward, the upper interior of the first housing 41 is opened, exposing the coin change machine 34 and the bill change machine 35. When the second door 412 rotates to the right, the lower interior of the first housing 41 is opened, exposing the coin roll drawer 33 and the control device 36.

In addition, the second door 412 rotates leftward to close the lower interior of the first housing 41, and the coin roll drawer 33 and the control device 36 are hidden by the closed second door 412. The first door 411 then rotates downward to close the upper part of the first housing 41, and the coin change machine 34 and the bill change machine 35 are hidden by the first door 411. In this way, by closing the first door 411 and the second door 412, the self-service POS terminal 1 hermetically closes the storage section 37 that stores the coin change machine 34, the bill change machine 35, the coin roll drawer 33, and the control device 36 inside the first housing 41.

In other words, when the first door 411 and the second door 412 are closed and the interior is sealed, customers and attendants cannot touch the coin change machine 34, the bill change machine 35, the coin roll drawer 33, and the control device 36 located inside the first housing 41 from outside the self-service POS terminal 1.

The first housing 41 also includes a first electromagnetic lock 30 (first locking mechanism) (see FIG. 6) that switches between a locked state in which the first door 411 is kept closed and cannot be opened, and an unlocked state in which the first door 411 can be opened. The electromagnetic lock is a key that switches between an unlocked state and a locked state electromagnetically. The electromagnetic lock is in the locked state by, for example, passing electricity through a solenoid to position the lock pin in the locked position, and in the unlocked state by cutting off the electricity, the lock pin is placed in the unlocked position.

When the first electromagnetic lock 30 is locked with the first door 411 and the second door 412 closed, the first door 411 and the second door 412 cannot be opened. When the first electromagnetic lock 30 is unlocked, the first door 411 can be opened. When the first door 411 is opened, the second door 412 can be opened.

The first housing 41 also has a second electromagnetic lock 31 (second locking mechanism) (see FIG. 6) that switches between a locked state in which the coin roll drawer 33 is kept closed and cannot be opened, and an unlocked state in which the coin roll drawer 33 can be opened. When the second electromagnetic lock 31 is locked with the coin roll drawer 33 in the closed state, the coin roll drawer 33 cannot be opened. When the second electromagnetic lock 31 is unlocked, the coin roll drawer 33 is unlocked and can be opened.

The first door 411 also has a deposit hole 271, a discharge hole 273, and a receiving tray 272. The deposit hole 271 is located on the top surface of the first door 411, and is a hole for opening the coin insertion port for depositing coins into the coin change machine 34. The discharge hole 273 is a hole for opening the dispensing port for dispensing coins from the coin change machine 34. The receiving tray 272 is a tray for receiving coins dispensed as change from the coin change machine 34.

The first door 411 also has a deposit hole 274 and a withdrawal hole 275. The deposit hole 274 is a hole for opening the insertion opening for banknotes to be deposited into the banknote change machine 35. The withdrawal hole 275 is a hole for opening the dispensing opening for dispensing upward the change for banknotes dispensed from the banknote change machine 35.

The first housing 41 also has a basket mounting stand 25 and a basket mounting stand 26 on the left and right sides. The basket mounting stand 25 has a first weighing section 251. The basket mounting stand 26 has a second weighing section 261.

The basket placement platform 25 is a platform on which a basket containing products to be purchased is placed. The first weighing unit 251 weighs the total weight of the basket placed on the basket placement platform 25 and the products in the basket. The basket placement platform 26 is a platform on which a basket is placed into which products removed from the basket placement platform 25 are to be placed. The second weighing unit 261 weighs the total weight of the basket placed on the basket placement platform 26 and the products in the basket.

The basket placement table 26 also has two support posts 43 extending upward from the top surface of the basket placement table 26, a temporary placement table 44 formed on the top of the support posts 43, and two extension rods 45. The extension rods 45 are rods for hanging vinyl bags (not shown) in which to pack the products whose product codes have been read by the reading unit 23. The bags open with their handles hooked onto the extension rods 45, making it easier to insert the products. The temporary placement table 44 is a table for temporarily placing fragile products (tofu and eggs) among the products whose product codes have been read by the reading unit 23. The products placed on the temporary placement table 44 are finally packed into bags.

The customer removes an item from a basket placed on the basket placement platform 25 and passes it in front of the reading unit 23, which will be described later, so that the reading unit 23 reads the code attached to the item. The customer then places the item in the basket placed on the basket placement platform 26. The first weighing unit 251 weighs the item before and after it is removed from the basket placed on the basket placement platform 25, and the control unit 100 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, measures the change in weight. The second weighing unit 261 weighs the item before and after it is placed in the basket placed on the basket placement platform 26, and the control unit 100 measures the change in weight. Depending on whether these two weight changes are equal, the control unit 100 determines whether the customer is operating correctly.

The second housing 42 is provided on top of the first housing 41. The second housing 42 houses the reading unit 23, the printing unit 24, and the card unit 28 in an internal storage section 38 (see FIG. 4). The reading unit 23 is a device that optically reads, for example, product codes contained in codes such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes attached to products. The printing unit 24 prints transaction information for products purchased by a customer and issues a receipt. The card unit 28 reads customer-specific information, for example from an inserted credit card. The self-service POS terminal 1 executes accounting processing based on the customer-specific information read by the card unit 28.

The second housing 42 also has two third doors 421 that rotate between an open position and a closed position. The third doors 421 rotate like double doors around the hinges 421a. When the third doors 421 are in the open position, the storage section 38 of the second housing 42 is opened, and the reading section 23, the printing section 24, and the card section 28 are exposed. When the third doors 421 are in the closed position, the inside of the second housing 42 is hermetically closed, and the reading section 23, the printing section 24, and the card section 28 are hermetically hidden inside the second housing 42. In this way, when the third doors 421 are closed, the self-service POS terminal 1 hermetically closes the storage section 38 that stores the reading section 23, the printing section 24, and the card section 28 inside the second housing 42.

In other words, when the third door 421 is closed and the storage section 38 is hermetically closed, customers and attendants cannot touch the reading section 23, the printing section 24, and the card section 28 inside the second housing 42 from outside the second housing 42.

The second housing 42 also has a third electromagnetic lock 32 (see FIG. 6) that can be switched between a locked state in which the third door 421 is kept closed and cannot be opened, and an unlocked state in which the third door 421 can be opened. When the third electromagnetic lock 32 is in the locked state with the third door 421 in the closed state, the third door 421 cannot be opened. When the third electromagnetic lock 32 is in the unlocked state, the third door 421 is unlocked and can be opened.

The third door 421 also has a hole 4212 that exposes the reading window of the reading unit 23, a hole 4213 that ejects receipts issued by the printing unit 24, and a hole 4211 that inserts a card into the card unit 28.

The second housing 42 also has a display unit 22 on the top. The display unit 22 displays product information for products associated with the customer's registration operation. The display unit 22 also displays accounting information associated with the customer's accounting operation. The display unit 22 also displays guidance to the customer to help them properly perform registration and accounting operations. The display unit 22 also displays how to cancel an incorrect operation and how to call an attendant.

The display unit 22 has a touch panel 21 on its surface. The touch panel 21 functions as a key. By operating the touch panel 21 at a position corresponding to each of the various keys displayed on the display unit 22, the corresponding key is operated.

The second housing 42 also has a cylindrical pole 46 at the rear that extends upward. The upper end of the pole 46 has a light-emitting section 29 that emits light when a customer performs an operation to call an attendant.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the self-service POS terminal 1 with the first door 411 and second door 412 open. As shown in Figure 3, because the first door 411 is open upward, the self-service POS terminal 1 is open inside, exposing the storage section 37 in which the coin change machine 34 and the bill change machine 35 are stored. In addition, because the second door 412 is open to the right, the storage section 37 in which the coin roll drawer 33 and the control device 36 are stored is exposed.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the self-service POS terminal 1 with the third door 421 open. As shown in Figure 4, the third door 421 opens like a double door on both sides from the center of the self-service POS terminal 1, so that the inside of the self-service POS terminal 1 is open and the storage section 38 that stores the reading section 23, the printing section 24, and the card section 28 is exposed.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the coin roll drawer 33. As shown in Figure 5, the coin roll drawer 33 has a housing section 331 and a drawer section 332. The housing section 331 is a box-shaped rectangular parallelepiped housing with an open front section. The drawer section 332 can be inserted into and removed from the housing section 331 from the front section. The drawer section 332 is in a closed state when pushed into the housing section 331, and in an open state when protruding from the housing section 331. The second electromagnetic lock 31 maintains the closed state of the coin roll drawer 33 by locking the drawer section 332 when pushed into the housing section 331 (the coin roll drawer 33 cannot be opened). In addition, by unlocking the second electromagnetic lock 31, the coin roll drawer 33 is unlocked, and the drawer section 332 protrudes slightly from the housing section 331 (open state).

The drawer section 332 has a plurality of coin roll storage sections 334 arranged in parallel in two rows. Each coin roll storage section 334 is equipped with two transparent coin roll sensors 336 and coin roll sensors 337. The coin roll sensors 336 and 337 output information on whether or not a coin roll 335 is stored in each coin roll storage section 334, and information identifying the denomination of the coin roll if a coin roll 335 is stored in the coin roll storage section 334. The control section 100, which will be described later, determines the denomination and number of coin rolls stored in the coin roll drawer 33 based on the information output by the coin roll sensors 336 and 337. The control section 100 then calculates the total amount of coins stored in the coin roll drawer 33 based on the identified denomination and number of coin rolls. Each time the number of coin rolls stored in the coin roll drawer 33 changes, the control section 100 calculates the new number of coin rolls and the total amount.

From here, the hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1, the attendant PC 2, and the mobile attendant PC 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory section 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is the main controller. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands various data. The memory section 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory section 14 are connected to each other via a data bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute the control section 100. That is, the control section 100 executes the control process described below by the CPU 11 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory section 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 141 that stores a control program. The memory unit 14 also includes a money storage unit 142 and a coin roll unit 143. The money storage unit 142 stores the amount of money stored in the change machine 27. Specifically, the money storage unit 142 counts the amount of money stored in the storage unit of the change machine 27 and the amount of money dispensed from the storage unit for each denomination, and stores the difference as the amount of money stored in the change machine 27.

The coin roll section 143 also stores the number of coin rolls by denomination and the total amount stocked in the coin roll drawer 33. Specifically, based on the information output from the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337 of the coin roll drawer 33, the control unit 100 calculates the number of coin rolls by denomination and the amount stocked in the coin roll drawer 33, and stores this in the coin roll section 143. More specifically, the control unit 100 determines the denomination and number of coin rolls based on the information output from the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337. Also, since the number of coin rolls is set to, for example, 50, the amount per coin roll for each denomination is known. For example, the amount per coin roll for 10 yen coins is 500 yen. Therefore, if the denomination and number of coin rolls are known, the amount per coin roll can be multiplied by the number of coin rolls by the amount per coin roll, and this is done for all coin rolls, to determine the total amount stocked in the coin roll drawer 33.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the touch panel 21, the display unit 22, the reading unit 23, the printing unit 24, the first weighing unit 251, the second weighing unit 261, the change machine 27, the card unit 28, the light-emitting unit 29, the first electromagnetic lock 30, the second electromagnetic lock 31, the third electromagnetic lock 32, the coin roll sensor 336, and the coin roll sensor 337 via the data bus 15 and the controller 16.

The touch panel 21 has an Unlock 1 key 211 corresponding to the display of "Unlock 1 key" on the display unit 22, an Unlock 2 key 212 corresponding to the display of "Unlock 2 key", an Unlock 3 key 213 corresponding to the display of "Unlock 3 key", and a Replacement key 214 corresponding to the display of "Replacement key". In the following explanation, "keys provided on the touch panel 21 corresponding to the display of the keys on the display unit" will be simplified to, for example, "keys displayed on the display unit".

The unlocking 1 key 211 is a key operated to unlock the first electromagnetic lock 30 when it is locked. The unlocking 2 key 212 is a key operated to unlock the second electromagnetic lock 31 when it is locked. The unlocking 3 key 213 is a key operated to unlock the third electromagnetic lock 32 when it is locked. The replacement key 214 is a key operated to unlock both the first electromagnetic lock 30 and the second electromagnetic lock 31 when they are locked.

The control unit 100 also connects to the communication unit 43 via the data bus 15. The communication unit 43 transmits and receives information to and from other self-service POS terminals 1 and attendant PC 2 via the communication line NT1.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the attendant PC 2. As shown in Figure 7, the attendant PC 2 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and a memory unit 204. The CPU 201 is the main controller. The ROM 202 stores various programs. The RAM 203 expands various data. The memory unit 204 stores various programs. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the memory unit 204 are connected to each other via a data bus 205. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 constitute the control unit 200. That is, the control unit 200 executes the control process described below by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 202 or the memory unit 204 and expanded in the RAM 203.

The memory unit 204 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 2041 that stores the control program.

The control unit 200 is also connected to the touch panel 207 and display unit 208 via the data bus 205 and the controller 206. The touch panel 207 has an UNLOCK 1 key 2071, an UNLOCK 2 key 2072, an UNLOCK 3 key 2073, and a REPLACE key 2074, which are displayed on the display unit 208. The function of the UNLOCK 1 key 2071 is the same as the function of the UNLOCK 1 key 211. The function of the UNLOCK 2 key 2072 is the same as the function of the UNLOCK 2 key 212. The function of the UNLOCK 3 key 2073 is the same as the function of the UNLOCK 3 key 213. The function of the REPLACE key 2074 is the same as the function of the REPLACE key 214.

The control unit 200 is also connected to the communication unit 209 via the data bus 205. The control unit 200 transmits and receives information to and from each self-service POS terminal 1 via the communication unit 209 and communication line NT1. The control unit 200 is also connected to the communication unit 210 via the data bus 205. The control unit 200 transmits and receives information to and from the mobile attendant PC 3 via the communication unit 210 and communication line NT2.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile attendant PC 3. As shown in Figure 8, the mobile attendant PC 3 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, and a memory unit 304. The CPU 301 is the main controller. The ROM 302 stores various programs. The RAM 303 expands various data. The memory unit 304 stores various programs. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the memory unit 304 are connected to each other via a data bus 305. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 constitute the control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control processing described below by the CPU 301 operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 304 and expanded in the RAM 303.

The memory unit 304 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 3041 that stores the control program.

The control unit 300 is also connected to the touch panel 307, the display unit 308, and the reading unit 309 via the data bus 305 and the controller 306. The touch panel 307 has an UNLOCK 1 key 3071, an UNLOCK 2 key 3072, an UNLOCK 3 key 3073, and a REPLACE key 3074, which are displayed on the display unit 308. The function of the UNLOCK 1 key 3071 is the same as that of the UNLOCK 1 key 211. The function of the UNLOCK 2 key 3072 is the same as that of the UNLOCK 2 key 212. The function of the UNLOCK 3 key 3073 is the same as that of the UNLOCK 3 key 213. The function of the REPLACE key 3074 is the same as that of the REPLACE key 214. The reading unit 309 has the same configuration as the reading unit 23.

The control unit 300 is also connected to the communication unit 310 via the data bus 305. The control unit 300 transmits and receives information to and from the attendant PC 2 via the communication unit 310 and the communication line NT2.

From here, the control of the self-service POS terminal 1 in response to customer operations will be described in detail using Figures 9 to 24. Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1. The control unit 100 functions as an opening/closing control means 101, a refill key display means 102, a detection means 103, and a transmission means 104 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and the control program section 141 of the memory unit 14.

The opening/closing control means 101 has a function of keeping the first electromagnetic lock 30 in a locked state in a normal mode in which the accounting process is carried out by driving the coin change machine 34 to dispense change in accordance with the amount of the product, and of switching the first electromagnetic lock 30 to an unlocked state in an unlocking mode based on the input of an attendant code that has the authority to permit unlocking the electromagnetic lock.

The refill key display means 102 has the function of displaying a refill key 214 on the display unit 22, which instructs the refilling of coins from the coin roll drawer 33 to the coin change machine 34.

The detection means 103 has the function of detecting a shortage of coins in the coin change machine 34.

The transmission means 104 has a function of transmitting to the outside display information to be displayed on the mobile attendant PC 3 that can carry the refill key 3074.

10 to 24 are flowcharts showing the flow of the control process of the self-service POS terminal 1 and related display screens. First, the control unit 100 sets the self-service POS terminal 1 to the normal mode when the self-service POS terminal 1 is in the standby state. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 100 judges whether or not the start key (not shown) displayed on the display unit 22 has been operated while the self-service POS terminal 1 is in the standby state (S11). The start key is operated by the customer when starting the operation of the self-service POS terminal 1. If it is determined that the start key has been operated (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 then judges whether or not a product code that identifies a product has been input from the reading unit 23 by the customer's registration operation (S12). If it is determined that the product code has been input (Yes in S12), the control unit 100 executes a sales registration process in which product information corresponding to the input product code is read from the product master (not shown) and stored in the product information unit 131 (S13). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S12. The control unit 100 executes the processes of S11 to S15 in the normal mode. In this normal mode, customers and attendants cannot open the first door 411, the second door 412, or the third door 421 of the self-service POS terminal 1 and touch any of the internal elements.

If it is determined that the product code has not been entered (No in S12), the control unit 100 determines whether an end key (not shown) that ends the sales registration process displayed on the display unit 22 has been operated (S14). The end key is operated by the customer when ending the registration operation on the self-service POS terminal 1. If it is determined that the end key has been operated (Yes in S14), the control unit 100 executes the accounting process based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 (S15). The control unit 100 then returns to S11. If it is determined that the end key has not been operated (No in S14), the control unit 100 returns to S12.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that the start key has not been operated (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether an attendant code has been input from the reading unit 23 (S21). The attendant code is a code for identifying the attendant, and is printed in the form of a barcode, for example, on an employee ID card carried by the attendant. The self-service POS terminal 1 inputs the attendant code by having the employee ID card read by the reading unit 23.

If it is determined that an attendant code has been entered (Yes in S21), the control unit 100 then determines whether the entered attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S22). Because money stored in the self-service POS terminal 1 is handled, the store only grants the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 to specific individuals, such as sales floor managers and leaders. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines whether the attendant is authorized to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 based on the entered attendant code.

If it is determined that the attendant code is an authorized one (permission information for unlocking the lock mechanism) (Yes in S22), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 from normal mode to unlock mode (S23). Then, the control unit 100 (supplement key display means 102) displays a display screen on the display unit 22 that shows the unlock key that unlocks the electromagnetic lock (S24).

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in which unlocking keys are displayed on the display unit 22 in S24. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 100 displays an unlocking 1 key 211, an unlocking 2 key 212, an unlocking 3 key 213, and a replacement key 214 on the display unit 22.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 10, the control unit 100 next judges whether the attendant has operated any of the unlocking 1 key 211, the unlocking 2 key 212, and the unlocking 3 key 213 (S25). If it is judged that any of the unlocking keys has been operated (Yes in S25), the control unit 100 executes the unlocking process described in detail in FIG. 12 (S26). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. If it is judged that none of the unlocking keys have been operated (No in S25), the control unit 100 next judges whether the refill key 214 has been operated (S27). If it is judged that the refill key 214 has been operated (Yes in S27), the control unit 100 executes the change refill process described in detail in FIG. 13 (S28). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. If it is judged that the attendant has not operated the refill key 214 (No in S27), the control unit 100 returns to S25.

If it is determined in S22 that the input attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S22), the control unit 100 displays an error message on the display unit 22 indicating that the attendant code does not have the authority to unlock (S29). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S21 that the attendant code has not been input from the reading unit 23 (No in S21), then the control unit 100 (detection means 103) determines whether an error has occurred in the self-service POS terminal 1 (S31). This error includes so-called errors such as receipt paper jamming in the printing unit 24 or money jamming in the change dispenser 27, as well as non-error conditions such as the roll of receipt paper stored in the printing unit 24 running out soon or the number of change sheets stored in the change dispenser 27 falling short of a specified amount (collectively referred to as a "shortage condition").

If it is determined that an error has occurred (Yes in S31), the control unit 100 executes error processing (S32), which will be described in detail in Figs. 15 to 24. The control unit 100 then returns to S11. If it is determined that no error has occurred (No in S31), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

Next, the unlocking process in S26 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the unlocking process in the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 100 judges whether the unlocking key operated in S25 is the unlocking 1 key 211 (S41). The attendant operates the unlocking 1 key 211 when an error such as a change jam occurs in the change dispenser 27. If it is judged to be the unlocking 1 key 211 (Yes in S41), the control unit 100 sets the first electromagnetic lock 30 to an unlocked state (S42). In this state, the first door 411 is released from the closed state and becomes rotatable upward around the hinge portion 411a and is in an open state. The attendant opens the first door 411, and then opens the second door 412 around the hinge portion 412a. In this state, the second electromagnetic lock 31 maintains the locked state. The attendant then opens the coin change machine 34 or the bill change machine 35 to resolve any error conditions, such as a money jam.

After the attendant resolves the error state, the attendant closes the doors in the order of the second door 412 and the first door 411. The control unit 100 determines whether the first door 411 is closed or not (S43). The control unit 100 determines S43 based on the output of a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the first door 411. The control unit 100 waits until the first door 411 is closed (No in S43), and if it is determined that the first door 411 is closed (Yes in S43), the control unit 100 sets the first electromagnetic lock 30 to a locked state and sets the first door 411 to a state in which it cannot be opened (S44). The control unit 100 then switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to the normal mode (S45). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the unlocking key operated in S25 is not the unlocking 1 key 211 (No in S41), the control unit 100 determines whether the unlocking key operated in S25 is the unlocking 2 key 212 (S51). After the unlocking 1 key 211 is operated, the attendant operates the unlocking 2 key 212 to unlock the second electromagnetic lock 31, for example, when opening the coin roll drawer 33 to refill coin rolls or remove coin rolls. If it is determined that it is the unlocking 2 key 212 (Yes in S51), the control unit 100 sets the second electromagnetic lock 31 to an unlocked state (S52). In this state, the coin roll drawer 33 is released from the closed state, and the drawer section 332 is in an open state with the drawer section 332 protruding slightly forward from the housing section 331. The attendant pulls out the protruding drawer section 332 toward himself. The attendant then refills or removes coin rolls from the coin roll drawer 33.

After removing or refilling coin rolls, the attendant pushes the drawer section 332 into the housing section 331. The control unit 100 determines whether the coin roll drawer 33 is closed or not (S53). The control unit 100 determines S53 based on the output of a sensor that detects whether the coin roll drawer 33 is open or closed. The control unit 100 waits until the coin roll drawer 33 is closed (No in S53), and if it determines that the coin roll drawer 33 is closed (Yes in S53), the control unit 100 locks the second electromagnetic lock 31 and prevents the coin roll drawer 33 from being opened (S54). The control unit 100 then executes S45. The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

If the control unit 100 determines in S25 that the unlocking key operated is not the unlocking 2 key 212 (No in S51), the control unit 100 determines whether the unlocking key operated in S25 is the unlocking 3 key 213 (S61). If the control unit 100 determines that the unlocking key operated in S25 is the unlocking 3 key 213 (Yes in S61), the control unit 100 sets the third electromagnetic lock 32 to an unlocked state (S62). In this state, the third door 421 is released from the closed state and can be rotated like a double door around the hinge portion 421a, becoming an open state. The attendant opens the third door 421. Then, the attendant resolves the error state in the printing unit 24 and the card unit 28. If the control unit 100 determines that the unlocking key operated is not the unlocking 3 key 213 (No in S61), the control unit 100 returns to S41.

After resolving the error state, the attendant closes the third door 421. The control unit 100 determines whether the third door 421 is closed or not (S63). The control unit 100 determines S63 based on the output of a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the third door 421. The control unit 100 waits until the third door 421 is closed (No in S63), and if it is determined that the third door 421 is closed (Yes in S63), the control unit 100 sets the third electromagnetic lock 32 to a locked state, and sets the third door 421 to a state in which it cannot be opened (S64). The control unit 100 then executes the process of S45. The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

Next, the change replenishment process in S28 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the change replenishment process in the self-service POS terminal 1. First, the control unit 100 calculates the amount of coins stored in the coin change machine 34. Specifically, since the coin change machine 34 knows the appropriate number of coins to store for each denomination, the control unit 100 compares this appropriate number with the number of coins currently stored in the storage unit. The control unit 100 then calculates whether there is a shortage of coins in the coin change machine 34 and how many should be replenished (S71). Then, for the denomination that is insufficient, the replenishment quantity is displayed as the number of coin rolls (S72).

Figure 14 shows an example of the display screen in S72, which displays a message indicating that 10 yen coins and 100 yen coins will be replenished, and a display 224 indicating that the coins to be replenished are one roll of 10 yen coins and one roll of 100 yen coins.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 13, the control unit 100 next unlocks the first electromagnetic lock 30 to open the first door 411 (S73). The control unit 100 then unlocks the second electromagnetic lock 31 to open the coin roll drawer 33 (S74). In this state, the attendant removes the 10 yen coin and 100 yen coin rolls from the coin roll drawer 33. The attendant then destroys the packaging seal of the removed 10 yen coin roll and replenishes the 10 yen coin storage section with 50 10 yen coins, and further destroys the packaging seal of the 100 yen coin roll and replenishes the 100 yen coin storage section with 50 100 yen coins.

The control unit 100 determines whether the output of the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337 has changed as a result of removing the 10 yen coin roll and the 100 yen coin roll from the coin roll drawer 33 (S75). If it has changed (Yes in S75), the control unit 100 performs a recount by subtracting 1 from the number of 10 yen coin rolls and 100 yen coin rolls in the coin roll drawer 33 stored in the coin roll section 143 based on the changed detection output of the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337 (S76). The control unit 100 also counts the 50 10 yen coins and 50 100 yen coins replenished in the coin changer 34, and updates the value in the coin storage section 142.

When the refilling of coins is completed, the attendant first pushes the drawer portion 332 of the coin roll drawer 33 into the housing portion 331 to close the coin roll drawer 33. The control unit 100 judges whether the coin roll drawer 33 is in the closed state (S77). The control unit 100 waits until the coin roll drawer 33 is in the closed state (No in S77), and if it is determined that the coin roll drawer 33 is in the closed state (Yes in S77), the control unit 100 locks the second electromagnetic lock 31 (S78).

Next, the control unit 100 judges whether the first door 411 is in a closed state (S79). It waits until the first door 411 is in a closed state (No in S79), and if it is determined that the first door 411 is in a closed state (Yes in S79), the control unit 100 locks the first electromagnetic lock 30 (S80). The control unit 100 then switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to normal mode (S81). The control unit 100 then returns to S11. Note that in S75, if there is no change in the output of the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337 (No in S75), the control unit 100 executes the processes from S77 onwards without executing S76.

In this way, when the self-service POS terminal 1 is in unlock mode, the attendant operates the unlock key displayed on the display unit 22, which causes the control unit 100 to unlock the corresponding electromagnetic lock and open each door. The attendant opens the doors and executes error processing for the elements stored in the storage units. In addition, the attendant operates the refill key 214 displayed on the display unit 22, which causes both the first electromagnetic lock 30 and the second electromagnetic lock 31 to be open, and the first door 441 and the coin roll drawer 33 to be open. The attendant takes out the coin roll of the displayed denomination from the opened coin roll drawer 33 and refills the coin changer 34.

Next, the error processing of S32 will be described. Figures 15 to 24 are flowcharts showing the control flow of error processing in the self-service POS terminal 1 and examples of related display screens. Note that the presence or absence of an error or shortage state in each of the elements described below is determined by the control unit 100 according to the output of each error detection sensor.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 100 first determines whether an error or shortage state has occurred in the printing unit 24 (S91). If it is determined that an error or shortage state has occurred in the printing unit 24 (Yes in S91), the control unit 100 executes error processing or shortage state processing for the printing unit 24 (S92). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

If it is determined that there is no error or shortage in the printing unit 24 (No in S91), the control unit 100 then determines whether or not an error or shortage of coins has occurred in the change machine 27 (S93). An error in the change machine 27 refers, for example, to a jam of coins or banknotes during transport. A shortage in the coin change machine 34 refers, for example, to a state in which the number of coins stored in the storage unit is less than a specified number.

If it is determined that an error or shortage has occurred in the change dispenser 27 (Yes in S93), the control unit 100 determines whether there is an error or shortage (S94). If it is determined that there is an error (Error in S94), the control unit 100 executes a change error process (S95). The control unit 100 then returns to S11. If it is determined that there is a shortage (Shortage in S94), the control unit 100 executes a change refill process (S96). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

If the control unit 100 determines that neither an error state nor a coin shortage state has occurred in the change machine 27, the control unit 100 executes error processing for elements other than the printing unit 24 and the change machine 27 (S97). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

Next, the printing unit error processing of S92 will be described. Figures 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the control flow of error processing of the printing unit 24 in the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in Figure 16, the control unit 100 displays an error state or shortage state that has occurred in the printing unit 24 on the display unit 22 (S101). The control unit 100 then transmits screen information to be displayed on the display unit 22 to the attendant PC 2 (S102).

The control unit 100 then determines whether an attendant code has been input from the reading unit 23 (S103). If it has been input (Yes in S103), it determines whether the input attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S104). If it has the authority (Yes in S104), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to unlock mode (S105). The control unit 100 then displays the unlock 3 key 213 on the display unit 22 (S106). At this time, other unlock keys and the refill key 214 are not displayed.

Figure 18 is an example of screen information displayed on the display unit 22 in S106. As shown in Figure 18, the control unit 100 displays a message 221 indicating that the printing unit 24 is in an error state or in a shortage state, and the unlock 3 key 213 on the display unit 22. The attendant operates this unlock 3 key 213.

The control unit 100 then determines whether the attendant has operated the unlock 3 key 213 (S107). The control unit 100 waits until the attendant has operated the unlock 3 key 213 (No in S107), and if it determines that the attendant has operated the unlock 3 key (Yes in S107), the control unit 100 sets the third electromagnetic lock 32 to the unlocked state (S108). In this state, the attendant opens the third door 421 and resolves the error in the printing unit 24. The attendant then closes the third door 421.

The control unit 100 then determines whether the third door 421 is closed (S109). It waits until the third door 421 is closed (No in S109), and if it is determined that the third door 421 is closed (Yes in S109), the control unit 100 locks the third electromagnetic lock 32 (S110). The control unit 100 then switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to normal mode (S111). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S104 that the input attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S104), the control unit 100 displays an error message on the display unit 22 indicating that the attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S112). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

In addition, in S103, if it is determined that the attendant code has not been input from the reading unit 23 (No in S103), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the attendant code has been received from the attendant PC 2 as shown in FIG. 17 (S121). If it is determined that the attendant code has not been received (No in S121), the control unit 100 returns to S103, and if it is determined that the attendant code has been received (Yes in S121), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the received attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S122). If it is determined that the authority exists (Yes in S122), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to the unlock mode (S123).

Then, the control unit 100 transmits the screen information displayed in S106, in which the unlock 3 key 213 is displayed on the display unit 22, to the attendant PC 2 (S124). Next, the control unit 100 judges whether or not unlock 3 information indicating that the attendant has operated the unlock 3 key 3073 displayed on the display unit 308 of the mobile attendant PC 3 has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S125). The control unit 100 waits until it is received (No in S125), and if it is determined that it has been received (Yes in S125), it executes the processing from S108 onwards. Note that if it is determined in S122 that the received attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S122), the control unit 100 executes the processing of S112.

Next, the change error processing in S95 will be described. Figures 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the control flow of error processing of the change machine in the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in Figure 19, the control unit 100 displays an error state that has occurred in the change machine 27 on the display unit 22 (S131). The control unit 100 then transmits screen information to be displayed on the display unit 22 to the attendant PC 2 (S132).

The control unit 100 then determines whether an attendant code has been input from the reading unit 23 (S133). If it has been input (Yes in S133), it determines whether the input attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S134). If it has the authority (Yes in S134), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to the unlock mode (S135). The control unit 100 then displays the unlock 1 key 211 on the display unit 22 (S136). At this time, other unlock keys and the refill key 214 are not displayed.

Figure 21 is an example of screen information displayed on the display unit 22 in S136. As shown in Figure 21, the control unit 100 displays a message 222 indicating that the change dispenser 27 is in an error state, and the UNLOCK 1 key 211 on the display unit 22. The attendant operates this UNLOCK 1 key 211.

The control unit 100 then determines whether the attendant has operated the unlock 1 key 211 (S137). The control unit 100 waits until the attendant has operated the unlock 1 key 211 (No in S137), and if it determines that the attendant has operated the unlock 1 key 211 (Yes in S137), the control unit 100 sets the first electromagnetic lock 30 to the unlocked state (S138). In this state, the attendant opens the first door 411 and the second door 412 to resolve the error in the change dispenser 27. The attendant then closes the second door 412 and the first door 411 in that order.

The control unit 100 then determines whether the first door 411 is closed (S139). It waits until the first door 411 is closed (No in S139), and if it is determined that the first door 411 is closed (Yes in S139), the control unit 100 locks the first electromagnetic lock 30 (S140). The control unit 100 then switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to normal mode (S141). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S134 that the input attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S134), the control unit 100 displays an error message on the display unit 22 indicating that the attendant code does not have the authority to unlock (S142). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

In addition, in S133, if it is determined that the attendant code has not been input from the reading unit 23 (No in S133), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the attendant code has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S151), as shown in FIG. 20. If it is determined that the attendant code has not been received (No in S151), the control unit 100 returns to S133. If it is determined that the attendant code has been received (Yes in S151), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the received attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S152). If it is determined that the authority exists (Yes in S152), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to the unlock mode (S153).

Then, the control unit 100 transmits the screen information displayed in S136, in which the UNLOCK 1 key 211 is displayed on the display unit 22, to the attendant PC 2 (S154). Next, the control unit 100 judges whether UNLOCK 1 information indicating that the attendant operated the UNLOCK 1 key 3071 displayed on the display unit 308 of the mobile attendant PC 3 has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S155). The control unit 100 waits until the information is received (No in S155), and if it is determined that the information has been received (Yes in S155), the control unit 100 executes the processing from S138 onwards. Note that if it is determined in S152 that the received attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S152), the control unit 100 executes the processing of S142.

Next, the change replenishment process in S96 will be described. Figures 22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the control flow of the change replenishment process in the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in Figure 22, the control unit 100 displays a change shortage that has occurred in the coin change machine 34 on the display unit 22 (S161). The control unit 100 then transmits screen information to be displayed on the display unit 22 to the attendant PC 2 (S162).

Next, the control unit 100 judges whether an attendant code has been input from the reading unit 23 (S163). If it is judged that an attendant code has been input (Yes in S163), it judges whether the input attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S164). If it is judged that the authority exists (Yes in S164), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to the unlock mode (S165).

Next, the control unit 100 calculates the number of coins (number of coin rolls) to be replenished for the denomination for which the sensor of the coin change machine 34 has detected a shortage (S166). The control unit 100 (replenishment key display means 102) then displays the replenishment key 214 on the display unit 22 (S167).

Figure 24 is an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 22 in S167. As shown in Figure 24, the control unit 100 displays a message 223 on the display unit 22 indicating that there is a shortage of 10 yen coins and that three 10 yen coin rolls should be replenished. The control unit 100 also displays a replenishment key 214 on the display unit 22. The attendant operates this replenishment key 214.

The control unit 100 then determines whether the attendant has operated the refill key 214 (S168). The control unit 100 waits until the attendant has operated the refill key 214 (No in S168), and if it determines that the attendant has operated the refill key (Yes in S168), the control unit 100 unlocks the first electromagnetic lock 30 (S169). Subsequently, or at the same time, the control unit 100 unlocks the second electromagnetic lock 31 (S170). In this state, the attendant opens the first door 411 and the second door 412, opens the coin roll drawer 33, and removes three 10-yen coin rolls from the coin roll drawer 33 to refill the coin change machine 34.

The control unit 100 judges whether the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337 have detected the removal of a coin roll from the coin roll drawer 33 (S171). If it has detected the removal (Yes in S171), the control unit 100 recalculates the number of 10-yen coin rolls in the coin roll drawer 33 stored in the coin roll section 143 by subtracting 3 (S172) based on the output of the coin roll sensor 336 and the coin roll sensor 337. At this time, the total amount of coins stored in the coin roll drawer 33 stored in the coin roll section 143 is also recalculated (S172). The control unit 100 also counts the 150 10-yen coins refilled in the coin changer 34 and recalculates the value in the coin storage section 142 (S172). If it has not detected the removal of a coin roll (No in S171), the control unit 100 executes the process from S173 onwards.

Next, the attendant closes the coin roll drawer 33, the second door 412, and the first door 411 in that order. Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the coin roll drawer 33 is in a closed state (S173). The control unit 100 waits until the coin roll drawer 33 is in a closed state (No in S173), and if it is determined that the coin roll drawer is in a closed state (Yes in S173), the control unit 100 locks the second electromagnetic lock 31 (S174).

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the first door 411 is closed (S175). The control unit 100 waits until the first door 411 is closed (No in S175), and if it is determined that the first door 411 is closed (Yes in S175), the control unit 100 locks the first electromagnetic lock 30 (S176). The control unit 100 then switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to normal mode (S177). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S164 that the input attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S164), the control unit 100 displays an error message on the display unit 22 indicating that the attendant code does not have the authority to unlock (S178). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

In addition, in S163, if it is determined that the attendant code has not been input from the reading unit 23 (No in S163), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the attendant code has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S191) as shown in FIG. 23. If it is determined that the attendant code has not been received (No in S191), the control unit 100 returns to S163, and if it is determined that the attendant code has been received (Yes in S191), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the received attendant code has the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (S192). If it is determined that the authority exists (Yes in S192), the control unit 100 switches the self-service POS terminal 1 to the unlock mode (S193).

Then, the control unit 100 (transmission means 104) transmits the screen information displayed in S167, in which the refill key 214 was displayed on the display unit 22, to the attendant PC 2 to display it on the mobile attendant PC 3 (S194). Next, the control unit 100 judges whether or not refill information indicating that the attendant operated the refill key 3074 displayed on the display unit 308 of the mobile attendant PC 3 has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S195). The control unit 100 waits until it is received (No in S195), and if it is determined that it has been received (Yes in S195), it executes the processing from S169 onwards. Note that, if it is determined in S192 that the received attendant code does not have the authority to unlock the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S192), the control unit 100 executes the processing of S178.

Next, the control processing of the attendant PC 2 and the mobile attendant PC 3 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control processing in the attendant PC 2. As shown in FIG. 25, the control unit 200 judges whether or not screen information displaying error information has been received from the self-service POS terminal 1 (S201). If it is determined that it has been received (Yes in S201), the control unit 200 displays the screen information including the received error information on the display unit 208 (S202). The control unit 200 then transmits the received screen information to the mobile attendant PC 3 (S203).

Next, in response to the transmitted screen information, the control unit 200 determines whether an attendant code has been received from the mobile attendant PC 3 (S204). The control unit 200 waits until the attendant code has been received (No in S204), and if it determines that the attendant code has been received (Yes in S204), it transmits the attendant code to the self-service POS terminal 1 (S205).

Next, the control unit 200 judges whether screen information including an unlock key corresponding to the corresponding error has been received from the self-service POS terminal 1 (S206). The control unit 200 waits until the screen information has been received (No in S206), and if it has been determined that the screen information has been received (Yes in S206), the control unit 200 transmits the received screen information to the mobile attendant PC 3 (S207).

The control unit 200 then determines whether operation information of the attendant operating the unlock key has been received from the mobile attendant PC 3 that sent the screen information (S208). The control unit 200 waits until the operation information has been received (No in S208), and if it has been determined that the operation information has been received (Yes in S208), the control unit 200 transmits the received operation information to the self-service POS terminal 1 (S209). The control unit 200 then returns to S201.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S201 that screen information displaying error information has not been received from the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S201), the control unit 200 determines whether screen information displaying missing information of the printing unit 24 has been received from the self-service POS terminal 1 (S211). If it is determined that screen information has been received (Yes in S211), the control unit 200 displays the received screen information including the missing information on the display unit 208 (S212). The control unit 200 then executes the processes from S203 onwards.

If it is determined that screen information displaying the shortage information of the printing unit 24 has not been received (No in S211), the control unit 200 then determines whether screen information displaying the shortage information of coins in the coin change machine 34 has been received from the self-POS terminal 1 (S221). If it is determined that screen information has been received (Yes in S221), the control unit 200 displays the received screen information including the shortage information on the display unit 208 (S222). The control unit 200 then transmits the received screen information to the mobile attendant PC 3 (S223).

Next, in response to the transmitted screen information, the control unit 200 determines whether an attendant code has been received from the mobile attendant PC 3 (S224). The control unit 200 waits until the attendant code has been received (No in S224), and if it determines that the attendant code has been received (Yes in S224), it transmits the attendant code to the self-service POS terminal 1 (S225).

Next, the control unit 200 judges whether screen information including a replenishment key 214 corresponding to the shortage information has been received from the self-service POS terminal 1 (S226). The control unit 200 waits until it is received (No in S226), and if it is determined that it has been received (Yes in S226), it transmits the received screen information to the mobile attendant PC 3 (S227).

The control unit 200 then determines whether or not operation information indicating that the attendant operated the refill key 3074 displayed on the display unit 308 of the mobile attendant PC 3 has been received from the mobile attendant PC 3 that sent the screen information (S228). The control unit 200 waits until the operation information is received (No in S228), and if it is determined that the operation information has been received (Yes in S228), the control unit 200 transmits the received operation information to the self-service POS terminal 1 (S229). The control unit 200 then returns to S201.

If it is determined that screen information displaying information about a shortage of coins in the coin change machine 34 has not been received from the self-service POS terminal 1 (No in S221), the control unit 200 executes other processing (S230). Then, the control unit 200 returns to S201.

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in the mobile attendant PC 3. As shown in Figure 26, the control unit 300 judges whether or not screen information displaying error information has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S231). If it is determined that the screen information has been received (Yes in S231), the control unit 300 displays the screen information including the received error information on the display unit 308 (S232).

Next, in response to the displayed screen information, the control unit 300 determines whether or not an attendant code has been input from the reading unit 309 (S233). The control unit 300 waits until the attendant code has been input (No in S233), and if it determines that the attendant code has been input (Yes in S233), the control unit 300 transmits the attendant code to the attendant PC 2 (S234).

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether screen information including an unlock key corresponding to the error has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S235). The control unit 300 waits until the screen information has been received (No in S235), and if it is determined that the screen information has been received (Yes in S235), the control unit 300 displays the received screen information on the display unit 308 (S236).

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the attendant has operated the unlocking key included in the screen information displayed on the display unit 308 (S237). The control unit 300 waits until the attendant has operated the unlocking key (No in S237), and if it is determined that the attendant has operated the unlocking key (Yes in S237), the control unit 300 transmits operation information of the unlocking key that was operated to the attendant PC 2 (S238). The control unit 200 then returns to S231.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S231 that screen information displaying error information has not been received from attendant PC 2 (No in S231), the control unit 300 determines whether screen information displaying missing information of the printing unit 24 has been received from attendant PC 2 (S241). If it is determined that screen information has been received (Yes in S241), the control unit 300 displays the received screen information including the missing information on the display unit 308 (S242). The control unit 300 then executes the processes from S233 onwards.

If it is determined that screen information displaying the shortage information of the printing unit 24 has not been received from the attendant PC 2 (No in S241), the control unit 300 then determines whether screen information displaying the shortage information of coins in the coin change machine 34 has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S251). If it is determined that screen information has been received (Yes in S251), the control unit 300 displays the received screen information including the shortage information on the display unit 308 (S252).

Next, in response to the displayed screen information, the control unit 300 determines whether the attendant has input an attendant code from the reading unit 309 (S253). The control unit 300 waits until the attendant code is received (No in S253), and if it is determined that the attendant code has been received (Yes in S253), the control unit 300 transmits the attendant code to the attendant PC 2 (S254).

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether or not screen information including a replenishment key 3074 corresponding to the shortage information has been received from the attendant PC 2 (S255). The control unit 300 waits until the information has been received (No in S255), and if it is determined that the information has been received (Yes in S255), the control unit 300 displays the received screen information on the display unit 308 (S256).

Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the attendant has operated the refill key 3074 displayed on the display unit 308 (S257). The control unit 300 waits until the attendant has operated the refill key 3074 (No in S257), and if it is determined that the attendant has operated the refill key 3074 (Yes in S257), the control unit 300 transmits operation information indicating that the refill key 3074 has been operated to the attendant PC 2 (S258). The control unit 200 then returns to S231.

If it is determined that screen information displaying information about a shortage of coins in the coin change machine 34 has not been received from the attendant PC 2 (No in S251), the control unit 300 executes other processing (S259). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S231.

According to the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, when the self-service POS terminal 1 is in normal mode, the first door 411 is closed by locking the first electromagnetic lock 30. When the self-service POS terminal 1 is in unlock mode, the first door 411 is opened by unlocking the first electromagnetic lock 30. Therefore, in normal mode, the self-service POS terminal 1 is unable to allow a customer to touch the coin roll drawer 33 due to the closed first door 411. In unlock mode, an attendant can replenish coins from the coin roll drawer 33 to the coin changer 34. Therefore, the coin roll drawer 33 can be provided in the self-service POS terminal 1 while ensuring security.

In addition, in the embodiment, in the unlocking mode, the unlocking key and the refill key 214 that unlock both the first electromagnetic lock 30 and the second electromagnetic lock 31 are displayed, so that the coin roll drawer 33 can be provided in the self-service POS terminal 1 while ensuring security.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

For example, in the embodiment, the coin roll drawer 33 that stocks coins to replenish the coin change machine 34 has been described as the stock section, but this is not limited thereto, and the stock section may also be configured to replenish banknotes to the banknote change machine 35.

In addition, in the embodiment, the printing unit 24 and the change dispenser 27 are described as devices in which an error occurs, but this is not limited thereto, and an error may occur in an element other than the printing unit 24.

In addition, in the embodiment, the second door 412 is opened and closed together with the first door 411, but the second door 412 is not an essential requirement.

In addition, in the embodiment, in addition to the first electromagnetic lock 30 that opens and closes the first door, a second electromagnetic lock 31 that opens and closes the coin roll drawer 33 is provided, but this is not limited to this, and the second electromagnetic lock is not a required requirement.

In addition, in the embodiment, the change dispenser 27 and the coin roll drawer 33 are provided in the storage section 37 of the first housing 41, and the printing section 24 and the card section 28 are provided in the storage section 38 of the second housing 42, but this is not limited to the above, and all elements may be provided in storage sections within the same housing.

In addition, in the embodiment, products are described as examples of items for sale, but the items for sale may also be services, for example.

In the embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 1 is described as an accounting device, but this is not limiting, and the terminal may be an accounting device in a semi-self-service checkout system equipped with a registration device and an accounting device. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a semi-self-service checkout system as a modified example of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27, the checkout system 501 includes a registration device 502 operated by an operator O, who is a store clerk, and an accounting device 503 operated by a customer C.

The registration device 502 is installed on a horizontally long table-shaped workbench 505. Each registration device 502 and each accounting device 503 are electrically connected to each other via a network NT, such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

Two accounting devices 503 are provided for one registration device 502. In the example of FIG. 27, two accounting devices 503, accounting device 1 and accounting device 2, are connected to one registration device 502. In addition, two accounting devices 503, accounting device 3 and accounting device 4, are connected to another registration device 502. Accounting devices 1, 2, 3 and 4 are accounting devices 503 with the same structure and functions. Each accounting device 503 is installed linearly adjacent to a work table 505. Therefore, in the modified example, an aisle for customer C is formed between multiple work tables 505.

The accounting device 503 also has a change dispenser and a coin roll drawer inside. The accounting device 503 also has a door and an electromagnetic lock for closing the coin roll drawer. The accounting device 503 can also be switched between a normal mode and an unlocked mode.

In this type of checkout system 501, when customer C places a basket containing the items he or she wishes to purchase on the workbench 505 of the registration device 502, operator O removes the items from the basket and performs a registration operation in which the product code attached to the item is read using a scanner (not shown). The registration device 502 reads out the product information based on the read product code and performs sales registration processing. The registration device 502 transmits the product information of the items for which sales registration processing has been performed to the accounting device 503.

When operator O has completed the registration operation, customer C heads to the specified accounting device. The accounting device 503 to which customer C heads receives the product information from the registration device 502. The accounting device 503 receives the product information and displays it on a display unit (not shown). Customer C performs accounting operations based on the displayed product information.

In this modified example, when the accounting device 503 is in normal mode, the electromagnetic lock of the accounting device 503 is in a locked state, so the door of the storage section containing the coin roll drawer is kept closed. Therefore, customer C cannot touch the coin roll drawer. On the other hand, when the accounting device 503 is in unlocked mode, operator O can open the door, remove coin rolls from the coin roll drawer, and refill the change machine.

The programs executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of the embodiment are provided in the form of installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

The program executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. The program executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The program executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may also be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

1 Self-service POS terminal 2 Attendant PC
3. Mobile Attendant PC
Reference Signs List 22 Display unit 30 First electromagnetic lock 31 Second electromagnetic lock 32 Third electromagnetic lock 33 Coin roll drawer 34 Coin change machine 35 Bill change machine 100 Control unit 101 Opening/closing control means 102 Refill key display means 103 Detection means 104 Transmission means 335 Coin roll 336 Coin roll sensor 337 Coin roll sensor 411 First door 412 Second door 421 Third door

JP 2013-181377 A

Claims (5)

a housing that houses a change dispenser that dispenses change and a stock unit that stocks multiple types of currency to replenish the change dispenser;
a first door that is provided in the housing and that can be opened and closed to close a storage unit that stores the change machine and the stock unit;
a first lock mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the first door cannot be opened and an unlocked state in which the first door can be opened;
a mode switching means for switching, when the first door is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state by the first locking mechanism, from a specific mode based on input of permission information for unlocking the first locking mechanism to a normal mode in which accounting processing can be performed by driving the change dispenser to dispense change;
An accounting device equipped with a second lock mechanism that switches the stock unit between a locked state in which the stock unit cannot be opened and an unlocked state in which the stock unit can be opened to replenish money ,
the mode switching means switches from the specific mode to the normal mode when the first door is switched to the locked state by the first locking mechanism after the second locking mechanism is in the locked state,
The accounting device of claim 1 . a second door capable of opening and closing a second storage section that stores a printing unit provided in the housing;
a third lock mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the second door cannot be opened and an unlocked state in which the second door can be opened;
Further equipped with
the mode switching means switches from the specific mode to the normal mode when the second door is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state by the third lock mechanism.
The accounting device of claim 1 . the mode switching means switches from the specific mode to the normal mode when the stock unit is closed and the stock unit is locked by the second lock mechanism, and when the first door is then closed and the first door is locked by the first lock mechanism;
The accounting device of claim 2 . a housing that houses a change dispenser that dispenses change and a stock unit that stocks multiple types of currency to replenish the change dispenser with currency; a first door that is provided in the housing and can be opened and closed to close a storage unit that houses the change dispenser and the stock unit; and a first lock mechanism that switches between a locked state that prevents the first door from being opened and an unlocked state that allows the first door to be opened,
a mode switching means for switching, when the first door is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state by the first locking mechanism, from a specific mode based on an input of permission information for unlocking the first locking mechanism to a normal mode in which an accounting process for dispensing change by driving the change dispenser can be performed;
A program that can function as a

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