JP7494355B2 - Systems and methods - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product sales data processing device and a display control program.

In store accounting systems (checkout systems) used in supermarkets and the like, product sales data processing devices called POS (Point of Sales) terminals are widely used. The product sales data processing devices register products to be purchased and process payments for registered products in response to operations by employee 2 (store clerk).

In recent years, semi-self-service checkout systems have been used, which are equipped with a registration device (product sales data processing device) that performs registration processing mainly through the operation of an employee, and an accounting device that performs payment processing through the operation of a customer based on the transaction information generated by the registration processing. In semi-self-service checkout systems, the employee who operates the registration device must manage the accounting device used for payment processing and also handle customers who use the accounting device. For this reason, conventional systems are equipped with a function that sends information indicating the operation status of the accounting device by the customer, such as processing in progress/use completed, to the registration device and notifies the employee by displaying it on the accounting device.

In conventional systems, when a status that an employee should be notified of occurs at an accounting device, the registration device is notified and the accounting device's status is displayed on the accounting device each time. This makes it difficult to grasp situations other than the notified predetermined operation status such as processing in progress/use completed. In other words, it is difficult to intuitively grasp which processing stage has been completed within the overall processing carried out by a customer at the accounting device. Also, for example, if a customer's accounting processing remains in the processing status for a long time, an employee cannot easily grasp how much time has passed and has to make an intuitive judgment as to whether or not the customer should be dealt with.

JP 2015-143955 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a product sales data processing device and a display control program that make it possible to easily grasp the status of the accounting device.

According to an embodiment, the product sales data processing device has a receiving unit, a display unit, and a change unit. The receiving unit receives data representing a current processing status at a plurality of processing stages from the accounting device. The display unit displays a status image representing the plurality of processing stages. The change unit changes the display form of the range of processing stages in the status image according to the current processing status based on the data received by the receiving unit.

2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a registration device and multiple accounting devices in the semi-self-service checkout system of the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a registration device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a combination keyboard according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a registration device and an accounting device in the embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a state transition image displayed on a touch panel in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process for displaying a state transition image of the registration device in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process for displaying a state transition image of the registration device in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process for displaying a state transition image of the registration device in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the accounting device in the embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing examples of display forms of status images in the embodiment.

The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The checkout system in this embodiment is installed in a store such as a supermarket. In the following explanation, it is assumed that a semi-self-service type checkout system is used. A semi-self-service type checkout system is provided with a registration device (product sales data processing device) that performs registration processing mainly through the operation of an employee, and an accounting device that performs payment processing through the operation of a customer based on transaction information generated by the registration processing.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of registration devices 10 (10A, 10B) and multiple accounting devices 12 (12A1, 12A2, 12B1, 12B2) in a semi-self-service checkout system of this embodiment. The checkout system shown in Figure 1 is provided with two registration devices 10A and 10B. Near registration device 10A, two accounting devices 12A1 and 12A2 are provided that execute payment processing based on transaction information generated in registration device 10A. Similarly, near registration device 10B, two accounting devices 12B1 and 12B2 are provided that execute payment processing based on transaction information generated in.

The registration device 10A inputs the product code of the product that the shopper 4 (4A-1) wishes to purchase, and generates transaction information based on the product code to be used for payment processing at the accounting device 12. The registration device 10A generates transaction information for each transaction. The transaction information includes information on at least one product and the amount to be paid (total transaction amount). The registration device 10A is operated by an employee 2-1 who performs product registration operations, known as a checker. The registration device 10A also has the function of performing payment processing similar to that of the accounting device 12 by operating the checker, based on the transaction information.

The accounting devices 12A1, 12A2 receive the transaction information generated by the registration device 10A and perform payment processing based on this transaction information. The accounting devices 12A1, 12A2 are operated by shoppers 4 (4A-2, 4A-3). Figure 1 shows an example in which two accounting devices 12A1, 12A2 are installed. Three or more accounting devices 12 may be installed.

Registration device 10B, like registration device 10A, registers the items that shopper 4 (4B-1) wishes to purchase and generates transaction information. Registration device 10B is operated by employee 2-2 (checker). Registration device 10B also has the function of carrying out payment processing similar to that of accounting device 12, based on the transaction information and through the operation of the checker.

The accounting devices 12B1 and 12B2 receive the transaction information generated by the registration device 10B and perform payment processing based on this transaction information. The accounting devices 12B1 and 12B2 are operated by shoppers 4 (4B-2 and 4B-3).

The checkout system in this embodiment is not limited in the number of registration devices 10. In addition, the transaction information generated by the registration device 10 is basically processed for payment by an accounting device 12 installed near the registration device 10 that generated the transaction information, but the payment may also be processed by an accounting device 12 installed in a remote location. For example, the transaction information generated by the registration device 10A may be processed for payment by accounting device 12B or accounting device 12B.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the registration device 10 (10A, 10B) in this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the registration device 10 is provided with a change dispenser 11e, a touch panel 11h, a combination keyboard 11j (keyboard 11ja, touch panel 11jb), a printer 11k, a card reader/writer 11m, and a display 11n.

The registration device 10 is configured so that the touch panel 11h, combination keyboard 11j, printer 11k, and display 11n are detachable from the specified housing. Therefore, the registration device 10 can be individually equipped with the touch panel 11h, combination keyboard 11j, printer 11k, and display 11n that are suitable for use in a store.

For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the combination keyboard 11j may be provided with a keyboard 11ja and a touch panel 11jb, or may be provided with only a keyboard with more keys instead of the touch panel 11jb. It may also be provided without providing the combination keyboard 11j and only accepts input operations from the employee 2 via the touch panel 11h. In this embodiment, the combination keyboard 11j provided with the keyboard 11ja and touch panel 11jb shown in Fig. 3 is described as being provided.

Similarly, for example, display 11n is used for customer facing purposes to provide information to customers, and can be implemented by selecting one of multiple units with different screen sizes. Also, it is possible to implement a touch panel instead of display 11n so that input operations by customers can be accepted.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of registration device 10A and accounting device 12A1 in this embodiment. Note that detailed explanation of registration device 10B is omitted since it has the same configuration as registration device 10. Also, detailed explanation of accounting devices 12A2, 12B1, and 12B2 is omitted since it has the same configuration as accounting device 12A1.

The registration device 10A is equipped with the functions of a computer and has a processor (CPU (central processing unit) etc.) 11a, ROM (read-only memory) 11b, RAM (random-access memory) 11c, storage unit 11d, change dispenser 11e, communication unit 11f, scanner 11g, touch panel 11h, combination keyboard 11j (keyboard 11ja, touch panel 11jb), printer 11k, card reader/writer 11m, and display 11n.

The processor 11a is a circuit for controlling each part to realize various operations of the registration device 10 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

ROM 11b and RAM 11c store various programs executed by processor 11a, as well as data referenced by processor 11a when performing various processes. For example, when a process for registering product information is executed, RAM 11c stores a registered product table in which information about products to be purchased by customers is registered.

The programs executed by the processor 11a include a process for inputting product information (product code, etc.) through the scanner 11g, a process for generating transaction information used in payment processing according to product information registered in the registered product table, and a control program for executing payment processing based on the transaction information. Furthermore, the programs executed by the processor 11a include a display control program for displaying a screen showing the processing status of the payment processing executed in the accounting device 12. By executing the display control program, the processor 11a realizes the functions of a receiving unit that receives data showing the current processing status in multiple processing stages included in the payment processing from the accounting device 12, a display unit that displays a status image (status transition image) showing multiple processing stages, a changing unit that changes the display form of the range of processing stages according to the current processing status in the status image based on the data received by the receiving unit, and a status data receiving unit that receives status data showing at least one of the remaining amount of bills and coins stored in the change machine provided in the accounting device 12 and the remaining amount data showing the remaining amount of paper stored in the printer provided in the accounting device 12.

The storage unit 11d stores data used by the processor 11a when performing various processes, or data generated by the processes of the processor 11a. For example, the storage unit 11d may be an EEPROM (registered trademark) (electrical erasable programmable read-only memory), a HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive).

The change machine 11e is a device that automatically deposits and withdraws cash in conjunction with payment processing by the processor 11a, receiving (depositing) coins and banknotes inserted by the employee 2 and dispensing (dispensing) coins and banknotes as change.
The communication unit 11f communicates with another registration device 10B, multiple accounting devices 12, and a server 13 via, for example, a LAN 14.

Scanner 11g reads product information, for example, by optical scanning, and inputs a product code unique to the product. Scanner 11g may be a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner, or may be a type that identifies products using image recognition technology from a photographed image of the product. Also, scanner 11g may be of only one type, or multiple types.

The touch panel 11h is a device on which employees perform input operations, and includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen. For example, the display device displays a registration screen (product list screen) including a list of transaction information (product name, price, etc.) related to products registered for purchase and a subtotal amount, various menus, and buttons for inputting commands. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch sensor is placed over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the processor 11a. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

The combination keyboard 11j is a device on which an employee operates to input data, and includes, for example, a keyboard 11ja with an arrangement of multiple keys, each of which is assigned a specific function, and a touch panel 11jb. The touch panel 11jb is configured in the same manner as the touch panel 11h. The touch panel 11jb displays supplementary information that does not need to be displayed all the time, and information that should be shared among the employees 2 in the store (such as sales information and messages from the store manager). In addition, it is possible to always display a screen on the touch panel 11jb that is not directly related to the checking work performed by operating the touch panel 11h. For this reason, the touch panel 11jb can display, for example, a status image (state transition image) that displays the processing status of the accounting device 12, allowing the employee 2 to continuously grasp the progress of the multiple processing steps performed by the accounting device 12.

Printer 11k is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and issues transaction receipts and the like on which transaction details such as product name, unit price, and total amount are printed by printing various characters, images, code patterns (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) on receipt paper.

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

The display 11n is a device used for customer facing purposes, for example, to provide information to customers, and may be a well-known device such as a color LCD.

The accounting device 12A1 is equipped with the functions of a computer and has a processor (such as a CPU) 12a, a ROM (read-only memory) 12b, a RAM (random-access memory) 12c, a storage unit 12d, a change dispenser 12e, a communication unit 12j, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, and a card reader/writer 12i. Each part of the accounting device 12A1 functions in the same way as the parts of the registration device 10A with the same name, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

The processor 12a executes the payment process based on the transaction information generated by the registration process of the registration device 10A, in accordance with the payment process program stored in the ROM 12b or RAM 12c. In the payment process, data indicating the current processing status at multiple processing stages is sent to the registration device 10A. The processor 12a also sends to the accounting device 12A1 status data indicating at least one of the remaining amounts of bills and/or coins stored in the change dispenser 12e, and remaining amount data indicating the remaining amount of receipt paper stored in the printer 12h.

The change machine 12e is provided with a function to detect the amount of stored banknotes and coins. The change machine 12e is provided with, for example, a banknote storage section and a coin storage section. The banknote storage section has banknote storage containers for each denomination, detects banknotes stored in or dispensed from each banknote storage container with a storage sensor, and counts the number of banknotes stored in each banknote storage container for each denomination. The coin storage section has coin storage containers for each denomination, detects coins stored in each coin storage container with a storage sensor, and counts the number of coins stored in each coin storage container for each denomination.

The change dispenser 12e can transmit to the processor 12a at a specified transmission timing, inventory data indicating the number of bills and coins of each denomination stored in the bill storage section and the coin storage section, counted in response to detection by the storage sensor.

In addition to banknotes and coins, inventory data indicating the inventory of wrapped coins (coins rolls) stored in the coin roll storage device of the change machine 12e may also be transmitted. The inventory data for coin rolls may indicate the inventory for each of multiple denominations, for example.

Printer 12h stores receipt paper wound in a roll, for example, and for each transaction, the required amount as a receipt is pulled out, the transaction details are printed, and the paper is cut and discharged. Printer 12h is provided with a function to detect the remaining amount of paper wound around the receipt paper. For example, printer 12h is provided with a remaining amount sensor that detects when a specified amount of receipt paper remains (near empty state), and can send remaining amount data indicating the remaining amount detected by this remaining amount sensor to processor 12a.

The server 13 is a store server that manages the entire checkout system. The server 13 is equipped with computer functions, and has, for example, a processor, ROM, RAM, a storage unit, a communication unit, a display, a keyboard, and a printer. The processor of the server 13 can realize the functions of a receiving unit, a display unit, a change unit, and a status data receiving unit by executing a display control program in the same way as the registration device 10A. The server 13 can receive data indicating the current processing status from the accounting device 12 via the LAN 14, and display a status image (status transition image) indicating the processing status in the accounting device 12 based on this data.

Next, the operation of the registration device 10A (product sales data processing device) in this embodiment will be described.
When the registration device 10A is started in a mode for performing a process for registering products to be purchased, the processor 11a starts a control process based on a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the storage unit 11d.

When the processor 11a starts the control process, it clears the registered product table stored in the RAM 11c and displays a registration screen on the touch panel 11h. The registration screen is used to display information about the products registered in the registered product table, and allows the employee 2 to check the implementation status of the registration process.

In addition, when the processor 11a constantly displays a state transition image showing the processing status of the accounting devices 12A and 11B on the touch panel 11jb, the processor 11a starts a state image display process based on a display control program stored in the ROM 11b or the storage unit 11d. When the processor 11a starts the state image display process, the processor 11a displays the state transition image on the touch panel 11jb. When the processor 11a does not constantly display the state transition image on the touch panel 11jb, the processor 11a displays supplementary information that does not need to be displayed all the time and information that should be shared among the employees 2 in the store (such as sale information and messages from the store manager), as necessary. In this case, when it becomes necessary to check the operating status of the accounting device 12, the employee 2 instructs the display of the state transition image by a specified operation on the registration device 10A. The processor 11a executes the state image display process in response to a specified operation by the employee 2 to display the state transition image on the touch panel 11jb.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a state transition image SC displayed on the touch panel 11jb in this embodiment.
The state transition image SC shown in FIG. 5 includes a first state transition image SC1 representing the processing status of accounting device 12A1, and a second state transition image SC2 representing the processing status of accounting device 12A2.

In FIG. 5, the first state transition image SC1 and the second state transition image SC2 corresponding to the multiple accounting devices 12A1 and 12A2 are displayed on one screen, but the first state transition image SC1 and the second state transition image SC2 may be displayed on one screen. In this case, the processor 11a switches to a screen that displays the first state transition image SC1 and the second state transition image SC2 individually, for example, in response to a predetermined operation by the employee 2. It is also possible to display not only the state transition images corresponding to the accounting devices 12A1 and 12A2 arranged near the registration device 10A, but also the state transition images corresponding to the accounting devices 12B1 and 12B2 arranged near the other registration device 10B. The touch panel 11jb is provided independently of the touch panel 11h, so the registration screen is not hidden by displaying the state transition image, and therefore does not interfere with the registration process, etc.

The first state transition image SC1 shown in FIG. 5 includes a state image 41-1 for displaying the processing stage of the accounting device 12A1, a balance display image 42-1 for displaying the balance of bills and coins stored in the change dispenser 12e of the accounting device 12A1, and a remaining amount display image 43-1 for displaying the remaining amount of receipt paper stored in the printer 12h of the accounting device 12A1.

The status image 41-1 displays the current processing status among the multiple processing stages executed by the accounting device 12A1 through state transitions based on data representing the current processing status received from the accounting device 12A1. In this embodiment, the multiple processing stages executed by the accounting device 12A1 are described as five stages, for example, "Waiting," "Start of operation," "Pre-closing," "Change withdrawal," and "Receipt." Figure 5 shows an example in which the multiple processing stages are displayed with shapes and text within the shapes. Other display forms, such as still images, videos, or text only, can also be used as long as the state transitions can be easily understood by the employee 2. The processing stages of the accounting device 12A1 are not limited to those described above.

The balance display image 42-1 and the remaining amount display image 43-1 are displayed based on status data indicating the status of the change machine 12e and the printer 12h received from the accounting apparatus 12A1.
The balance display image 42-1 indicates the balance of each denomination of bills and coins stored in the change dispenser 12e, for example, by the number of bills. In addition, in the balance display image 42-1, when the balance falls below a preset number, a near empty indication "N" 42N is added for each denomination. When the balance exceeds the preset number of bills that can be stored (or exceeds the preset number), a full indication "F"("F" 42F shown in the second state transition image SC2) is added for each denomination.

The remaining amount display image 43-1 shows the amount of receipt paper remaining in the printer 12h. In this embodiment, for example, it displays "Normal" when there is a sufficient amount remaining, "Near End" when the amount remaining is below a preset value, and "No Remaining" when the receipt paper has run out.

The second state transition image SC2 shown in FIG. 5 includes a state image 41-2 for displaying the processing stage of the accounting device 12A2, an inventory display image 42-2 for displaying the inventory of bills and coins stored in the change dispenser of the accounting device 12A2, and a remaining amount display image 43-2 for displaying the remaining amount of receipt paper stored in the printer of the accounting device 12A2. A detailed description of the second state transition image SC2 will be omitted as it is displayed in the same way as the first state transition image SC1.

6 is a flow chart for explaining the process for displaying the state transition image SC (balance display image, remaining amount display image) of the registration device 10A in this embodiment. Here, the display of the balance display image 42-1 and remaining amount display image 43-1 of the first state transition image SC1 corresponding to the accounting device 12A1 will be explained as an example. Note that the second state transition image SC2 (balance display image 42-2 and remaining amount display image 43-2) corresponding to the accounting device 12A2 will not be explained as the same process is performed.
When it is time to receive the balance data of the change machine 12e from the accounting device 12A1 (Act1, Yes), the processor 11a receives the balance data of the change machine 12e transmitted from the accounting device 12A1. The balance data includes data indicating the balance of each of the multiple denominations of banknotes and coins stored in the change machine 12e. As for the reception timing, for example, the registration device 10A may issue a request to the accounting device 12A1 to transmit the balance data of the change machine 12e at predetermined intervals, or the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 may obtain the balance data from the change machine 12e at predetermined intervals and transmit it to the registration device 10A. In addition, when there is a predetermined change (amount of decrease) in the balance (banknotes, coins) in the change machine 12e, the accounting device 12A1 may obtain the balance data from the change machine 12e and transmit it to the registration device 10A.

When the processor 11a receives the balance data of the change machine 12e from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 2), it updates the display content of the balance display image 42-1 of the state transition image SC displayed on the touch panel 11jb (Act 3).

If it is determined that a warning display is necessary based on the cash data (near empty or full), the processor 11a adds a display indicating a warning (near empty display "N" or full display "F"). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the 100 yen coins are in a near empty state, so "N" 42N is added to the display of the number of 100 yen coins "18 pieces". When displaying a warning, the display format is made different from normal, such as by changing the background color to a color indicating a warning, so that the employee 2 can easily recognize it.

On the other hand, when it is time to receive the remaining amount data of the printer 12k from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 6, Yes), the processor 11a receives the remaining amount data of the printer 12k sent from the accounting device 12A1. The remaining amount data indicates the remaining amount of receipt paper stored in the printer 12k, and indicates, for example, one of the following: "normal" when a sufficient amount remains, "near end" when the remaining amount is below a preset value, or "no remaining amount" when the receipt paper has run out. As for the reception timing, for example, the registration device 10A may issue a request to the accounting device 12A1 to transmit the remaining amount data of the printer 12k at predetermined intervals, or the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 may obtain the remaining amount data from the printer 12k at predetermined intervals and transmit it to the registration device 10A. Also, when there is a predetermined change (amount of decrease) in the remaining amount in the printer 12k, the accounting device 12A1 may obtain the remaining amount data from the printer 12k and transmit it to the registration device 10A.

In addition, if the accounting device 12A1 needs to notify (warn) the employee 2 only when the receipt paper in the printer 12k becomes "near end" or "out of paper remaining," the accounting device 12A1 may receive the remaining paper data when the receipt paper in the printer 12k becomes "near end" or "out of paper remaining."

When the processor 11a receives the remaining amount data of the printer 12k from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 7), it determines whether the remaining amount data indicates a state in which a warning display of "near end" or "no remaining amount" is required. Here, if it is determined based on the remaining amount data that a warning display is required (Act 8, Yes), the processor 11a changes the display of the remaining amount display image 43-1 to "near end" or "no remaining amount" as indicated by the remaining amount data. When displaying a warning, the display form is made different from the normal form, such as by changing the background color to a color that indicates a warning, so that the employee 2 can easily recognize it.

The timing (Act 1) of receiving the cash balance data of the change machine 12e from the accounting device 12A1 and the timing (Act 6) of receiving the remaining amount data of the printer 12k may be the same or different.

In the above explanation, the state transition image is displayed on touch panel 11jb, but it may be displayed on touch panel 11h. For example, when no registration process is being performed, or when no work is being performed that uses the screen displayed on touch panel 11h, the state transition image is displayed on touch panel 11h in response to an instruction input by employee 2.

In this way, the balance display image 42-1 and the remaining amount display image 43-1 of the state transition image SC (first state transition image SC1) can display the balance of bills and coins stored in the change machine 12e of the accounting device 12A1 and the remaining amount of receipt paper stored in the printer 12k. This allows the employee 2 to simultaneously grasp the status of the change machine 12e and the printer 12k from the first state transition image SC1. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to respond individually to situations that require replenishment work that occur individually in the change machine 12e and the printer 12k, and it is possible to efficiently perform replenishment work for the change machine 12e and the printer 12k. Similarly, the balance display image 42-2 and the remaining amount display image 43-2 of the second state transition image SC2 can display the balance of bills and coins stored in the change machine of the accounting device 12A2 and the remaining amount of receipt paper stored in the printer. This allows the inventory and remaining amount of receipt paper in multiple accounting devices 12A1 and 12A2 to be grasped at the same time, making refilling operations more efficient.

Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the process for displaying the state transition image SC (state image) of the registration device 10A in this embodiment. Here, the display of the state image 41-1 of the first state transition image SC1 corresponding to the accounting device 12A1 will be explained as an example. Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the accounting device 12A1 in this embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display form of the state image 41-1 in this embodiment. Note that the same process is executed for the second state transition image SC2 (state image 41-2) corresponding to the accounting device 12A2, so the explanation will be omitted.

When processor 11a detects that employee 2 has operated scanner 11g to read the product code attached to the product, processor 11a registers (updates) the product information corresponding to the product code in the registered product table. Processor 11a also updates the product information on the registration screen according to the contents of the updated registered product table. Thereafter, as described above, processor 11a sequentially adds product information corresponding to the obtained product code to the registered product table each time employee 2 operates scanner 11g to read a product code.

After at least one product has been registered in this way, if processor 11a detects, for example, that the subtotal button has been operated (Act 21, Yes), it generates transaction information for payment processing related to the products registered in the registered product table based on the contents registered in the registered product table. The transaction information includes information such as a list of registered products and the total number and total price of purchased products. Processor 11a transmits the transaction information to, for example, accounting device 12A1, which executes payment processing based on the transaction information.

The processor 11a also starts measuring the "waiting" time from when the transaction information is sent until the operation is started in the accounting device 12A1 (Act 22). The processor 11a also changes the display form of the figure corresponding to the "waiting" processing stage in the status image 41-1 (Act 23). That is, it displays the figure to indicate that the processing stage in the accounting device 12A1 is in the "waiting" state. Note that the change in the display form is made to a different form from the normal one, such as changing to a specific color display.

Figure 10 (A) shows the state in which the display form of figure ST1, which corresponds to the "waiting" processing stage in status image 41-1, has been changed to figure ST1B, which indicates that the "waiting" processing stage has been reached. Figure ST1B has a different display form from figures ST2, ST3, ST4, and ST5, which correspond to the other processing stages of "start of operation," "before closing," "change withdrawal," and "receipt," respectively. Therefore, by referring to the display of status image 41-1, it can be seen that the processing stage of accounting device 12A1 is "waiting."

On the other hand, when the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 receives the transaction information from the registration device 10A, it displays a standby screen for accepting operations from the shopper 4 on the touch panel 12g (Act 41). The standby screen is a screen provided with selection buttons for selecting a payment method (cash, credit).

The processor 11a of the registration device 10A measures the time until the shopper 4 starts operating the accounting device 12A1 (receives a notification that an operation has started) (Acts 22-26). During this time, the processor 11a determines whether the measured time has exceeded a preset "standby" time (Act 24).

If it is determined that the "standby" time has elapsed (Act 24, Yes), the processor 11a displays a warning in the status image 41-1 indicating that the "standby" time has elapsed. Here, for example, it is assumed that two times are preset as the "standby" time.

As the first "standby" time, for example, an expected time is set from when the accounting device 12A1 becomes ready for operation for payment processing (reception of transaction information) until the shopper 4 actually starts operation. In other words, an expected time for a normal shopper 4 to start operation (e.g., 20 seconds) is set. This allows the employee 2 to determine that it is necessary to assist the shopper 4 due to a problem, etc., if no operation is started after the first "standby" time has elapsed.

The second "waiting" time is set to a time shorter than the first "waiting" time. In other words, the start time (e.g., 10 seconds) of the display notifying employee 2 that the first "waiting" time is approaching is set.

When the processor 11a determines that the second "waiting" time has elapsed (Act 24, Yes), it changes the display format of the warning display to one that displays a number indicating the time remaining until the first "waiting" time is reached (Act 25).

Figure 10 (B) shows an example of a figure ST1T that displays the remaining time (8 seconds) until the first "waiting" time is reached in figure ST1 corresponding to the "waiting" processing stage in status image 41-1. Processor 11a changes the number indicating the remaining time displayed in figure ST1T as time passes. Therefore, when the display of figure ST1 shown in Figure 10 (A) in status image 41-1 is changed to figure ST1T, employee 2 can know that shopper 4 is not immediately performing an operation, and can continuously recognize the remaining time until the expected time to start an operation under normal circumstances. This allows employee 2 to pay attention to shopper 4 who is unable to start an operation, and to prepare to deal with shopper 4, etc.

Furthermore, when the processor 11a determines that the first "waiting" time has elapsed (Act 24, Yes), it changes the figure ST1 to a warning display form indicating that the first "waiting" time has been reached (Act 25). For example, since there is a possibility that the shopper 4 will not be able to start operation due to a problem occurring, the figure ST1 is changed to a display form that can be particularly recognized by the employee 2, such as by flashing in red, in order to prompt the employee 2 to take immediate action regarding the shopper 4. This enables the employee 2 to immediately take action regarding the shopper 4.

On the other hand, when the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 detects an operation by the shopper 4 to select a payment method on the standby screen (Act 42, Yes), it sends an operation start notification to the registration device 10A (Act 43). When the processor 11a of the registration device 10A receives the operation start notification from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 26, Yes), it changes the display form of the figure ST2 corresponding to the processing stage of "operation start" in the status image 41-1 to indicate that the processing stage in the accounting device 12A1 is in the "operation start" state (Act 27). Note that if a warning display was given for the figure ST1, the display form will be changed to indicate that the normal processing stage has been reached, just like the figure ST2.

The processor 11a also starts measuring the "pre-closing" time from when the operation is started until the closing operation is performed in the accounting device 12A1 (Act 28). Furthermore, the processor 11a changes the display form of the figure ST3 corresponding to the "pre-closing" processing stage in the status image 41-1 to indicate that the processing stage in the accounting device 12A1 is in the "pre-closing" state (Act 29).

Figure 10 (C) shows the state where the display format has been changed up to figure ST3, which corresponds to the "pre-tightening" processing stage in status image 41-1. As shown in Figure 10 (C), status image 41-1 displays figures ST1B, ST2B, and ST3B whose display format has been changed to indicate that each of the processing stages up to the "pre-tightening" processing stage, "wait," "start operation," and "pre-tightening," has been reached.

While measuring the time from when the shopper 4 starts operating the accounting device 12A1 until the closing operation is performed, the processor 11a of the registration device 10A determines whether the measured time has passed a preset "pre-closing" time (Act 30).

If it is determined that the "standby" time has elapsed (Act 30, Yes), the processor 11a displays a warning in the status image 41-1 to indicate that the "pre-closing" time has elapsed. Here, for example, it is assumed that two times are preset as the "pre-closing" time, similar to the "standby" time.

The first "pre-closing" time is set to, for example, the expected time from when the accounting device 12A1 is ready for operation for payment processing (receiving transaction information) until the closing operation (completion of payment operation) is performed. In other words, the expected time for the closing operation to be completed for a normal shopper 4 (for example, 40 seconds) is set. This allows the employee 2 to determine that if the closing operation is not completed after the first "pre-closing" time has passed, it is necessary for the employee 2 to assist the shopper 4 due to a problem, etc.

The second "pre-deadline" time is set to a time shorter than the first "pre-deadline" time. In other words, the start time (e.g., 30 seconds) of the display notifying employee 2 that the first "pre-deadline" time is approaching is set.

When the processor 11a determines that the second "pre-closing" time has elapsed (Act 30, Yes), it changes the display format to a warning display that displays a number indicating the time remaining until the first "pre-closing" time is reached (Act 31).

Figure 10 (D) shows an example of a figure ST3T that displays the remaining time (25 seconds) until the first "pre-closing" time is reached in figure ST3B corresponding to the "pre-closing" processing stage in status image 41-1. Processor 11a changes the number indicating the remaining time displayed in figure ST3T as time passes. Therefore, in status image 41-1, employee 2 can know that shopper 4 has not completed the closing operation by the display of figure ST3B shown in Figure 10 (C) being changed to figure ST3T, and can continuously recognize the remaining time until the expected time to complete the closing operation under normal circumstances. Therefore, employee 2 can pay attention to shopper 4 who cannot complete the closing operation (including, for example, the deposit operation, the insertion of a credit card, etc.) and can prepare to deal with shopper 4.

Furthermore, when the processor 11a determines that the first "pre-closing" time has elapsed (Act 30, Yes), it changes the figure ST3 to a warning display form indicating that the first "pre-closing" time has been reached, as a warning display (Act 31). For example, since there is a possibility that the shopper 4 will not be able to complete the closing operation because he or she does not know how to perform the closing operation, the figure ST3 is changed to a display form that can be particularly recognized by the employee 2, such as by flashing it in red, in order to prompt the employee 2 to take immediate action regarding the shopper 4. This enables the employee 2 to take action regarding the shopper 4 immediately.

Meanwhile, when the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 detects that the operations required for the settlement process (deposit, insert credit card) have been performed (Act 44) and that the closing operation has been performed (Act 45, Yes), it sends a closing notification to the registration device 10A (Act 46). When the processor 11a of the registration device 10A receives the closing notification from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 32, Yes), it changes the display form of the figure ST4 corresponding to the "change" processing stage in the status image 41-1 to indicate that the processing stage in the accounting device 12A1 is in the "change" state (Act 33). Note that if a warning was displayed for the figure ST3, the display form will be changed to indicate that the normal processing stage has been reached, similar to the figure ST4.

When the change has been dispensed, or when there is no change and payment is made by credit card (Act 47, Yes), the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 sends a change dispense notification to the registration device 10A (Act 48). When the processor 11a of the registration device 10A receives the change dispense notification from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 34, Yes), it changes the display form of the figure ST5 corresponding to the "receipt" processing stage in the status image 41-1 to indicate that the processing stage in the accounting device 12A1 has reached "receipt" issuance (Act 35).

Figure 10 (E) shows the state in which the display format has been changed up to figure ST5, which corresponds to the "receipt" processing stage in status image 41-1. As shown in Figure 10 (E), status image 41-1 displays figures ST1B to ST5B whose display format has been changed to indicate that all processing stages up to the "receipt" processing stage have been reached.

After the change has been dispensed, the processor 12a of the accounting device 12A1 executes a receipt issuing process to issue a receipt using the printer 12h (Act 49), and when receipt issuing is completed (Act 50, Yes), it sends a receipt issuing notification to the registration device 10A (Act 51). When the processor 11a of the registration device 10A receives a receipt issuing notification from the accounting device 12A1 (Act 36, Yes), it clears the display of the status image 41-1 and returns it to its initial state (Act 37). In other words, it changes the display form to one that indicates that the payment process in the accounting device 12A1 has been completed.

In this way, in the registration device 10A of this embodiment, the overall process executed by the accounting device 12A1 is divided into multiple stages and displayed as status images 41-1 of the first state transition image SC1, and the display of the corresponding processing stage can be changed according to the progress. In other words, the status image 41-1 displays the processing stage reached by the state transition according to the transition of the process in the accounting device 12A1, so that the current processing stage in the overall process can be intuitively and easily grasped.

Note that the above explanation is for the case where the process is executed in the registration device 10A, but similar processing can be executed in the registration device 10B or the server 13.

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

The processes described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be written as a program that can be executed by a computer onto a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory, and provided to various devices. They can also be transmitted via a communication medium and provided to various devices. The computer reads the program recorded on the recording medium, or receives the program via the communication medium, and executes the above-mentioned processes by having its operation controlled by this program.

10 (10A, 10B)... registration device, 12 (12A1, 12A2, 12B1, 12B2)... accounting device, 13... server, 11a, 12a... processor, 11j... combination keyboard, 11ja... keyboard, 11jb... touch panel, SC... state transition image, 41-1... state image, 42-1... balance display image, 43-1... remaining amount display image.

Claims (8)

a plurality of accounting devices including a first accounting device and a second accounting device;
A product sales data processing device;
A system comprising:
The product sales data processing device includes:
a receiving unit that receives data representing the current processing status at a plurality of processing steps included in the settlement processing executed by each of the first and second accounting devices from each of the first and second accounting devices that are connected via a network ;
a display unit that displays status images corresponding to the first accounting device and the second accounting device, the status images representing each of the plurality of processing stages;
a change unit that changes a display form of an image of each of the processing stages in the status image up to a processing stage corresponding to a current processing status among the plurality of processing stages based on the data received by the receiving unit ,
system . a plurality of accounting devices including a first accounting device and a second accounting device;
A server connected via a network;
A system comprising:
The server,
a receiving unit that receives data from each of the first and second payment devices that represents a current processing status at a plurality of processing steps included in a payment process executed by each of the first and second payment devices;
a display unit that displays status images corresponding to the first accounting device and the second accounting device, the status images representing each of the plurality of processing stages;
a change unit that changes a display form of an image of each of the processing stages in the status image up to a processing stage corresponding to a current processing status among the plurality of processing stages based on the data received by the receiving unit,
system. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays a first status image corresponding to the first accounting device and a second status image corresponding to the second accounting device on a single screen. The system described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the display unit switches between a first status image corresponding to the first accounting device and a second status image corresponding to the second accounting device by accepting input through a specified operation, and displays them on the screen. The display unit includes a first display unit and a second display unit.
The first display unit displays a registration screen including information about a product registered as a purchase target,
The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second display unit displays the status image. the display unit displays the plurality of processing steps by graphics in the status image,
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the change unit changes a display form of a graphic representing each processing stage up to a processing stage according to a current processing status. a plurality of accounting devices including a first accounting device and a second accounting device;
A product sales data processing device;
1. A method performed on a system comprising:
The product sales data processing device includes:
receiving data representing current processing statuses at a plurality of processing steps included in a settlement process executed by each of the first and second accounting devices from each of the first and second accounting devices connected via a network;
displaying status images corresponding to each of the first and second payment devices, the status images representing each of the plurality of process steps;
changing a display form of an image of each of the processing stages in the status image up to a processing stage corresponding to a current processing status among the plurality of processing stages based on the received data;
Equipped with
Method. a plurality of accounting devices including a first accounting device and a second accounting device;
A server connected via a network;
1. A method performed on a system comprising:
The server,
receiving data from each of the first and second payment devices that represents a current status of a plurality of processing steps included in a payment process executed by each of the first and second payment devices;
displaying status images corresponding to each of the first and second payment devices, the status images representing each of the plurality of process steps;
changing a display form of an image of each of the processing stages in the status image up to a processing stage corresponding to a current processing status among the plurality of processing stages based on the received data;
Equipped with
Method.