JP7680777B2 - POS system, product registration device, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a POS system, a product registration device, and a program.

Currently, there are POS (Point Of Sales) systems that consist of a product registration device that registers products and multiple settlement devices that settle the registered products. In such POS systems, one method for customers to settle their own accounts is to hand over an IC (Integrated Circuit) card to the customer when the registration operation is completed in the product registration device, and to settle the account by having the IC card read by the settlement device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Utility Model Registration No. 2603807

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it requires a medium, an IC card, to be handed to the customer. Therefore, a method can be considered in which, for example, one of multiple settlement devices is designated without using a medium, and data related to the transaction is sent from the product registration device to the designated settlement device. With this method, for example, if the store becomes crowded and data related to multiple transactions is sent to one settlement device, the next customer cannot settle their own transaction until the previous customer's settlement is completed, even if other settlement devices are available. For this reason, if it takes a long time to settle the previous customer's transaction, the next customer will also take a long time to settle. Similarly, if a problem occurs with the settlement device during the previous customer's settlement, the next customer's settlement will have to be done after the settlement device has malfunctioned, and settlement cannot be done quickly.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide technology that can quickly perform settlement according to the status of each settlement device.

In one aspect of the present invention, in a POS system having a registration device where a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices that customers themselves operate to perform settlement processing based on the registration data of the products, the registration device has a selection means for selecting a settlement device that will perform the settlement processing for the customer, a transmission means for transmitting the registration data of the registered products so that the settlement processing for the customer can be performed on the settlement device selected by the selection means, and a display means for displaying icons for product selection, and the settlement devices have a reception means for receiving the registration data.

Another aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, selects a settlement device that processes the customer's payment, transmits registration data of the registered products so that the selected settlement device can process the customer's payment, and displays icons for product selection, and a plurality of settlement devices in which customers themselves operate the settlement process based on the product registration data, the settlement device having a receiving means for receiving the registration data.

Another aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, selects a settlement device that processes the customer's payment, and transmits registration data of the registered products so that the selected settlement device can process the customer's payment, and a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by the customer themselves to perform the settlement process to settle the price based on the registration data of the products, the registration device having a display means for displaying icons for product registration.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program for a POS system that causes a first computer to function as a registration device where a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, and causes a second computer to function as a number of settlement devices that the customer operates to perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the products, the program causes the first computer to function as a selection means for selecting a settlement device that performs the settlement process for the customer, a transmission means for transmitting the registration data of the registered products so that the settlement process for the customer can be performed on the settlement device selected by the selection means, and a display means for displaying icons for product selection, and causes the second computer to function as a reception means for receiving the registration data.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that allows a store clerk to register products to be purchased by a customer, selects a settlement device that processes the customer's payment, transmits registration data of the registered products so that the selected settlement device can process the customer's payment, and displays icons for selecting products, and a plurality of settlement devices that customers themselves operate to process the payment based on the product registration data, to function as a receiving means for receiving the registration data.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a registration device in a POS system having a registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, selects a settlement device that performs settlement processing for the customer, and transmits registration data of the registered products so that the settlement processing for the customer can be performed at the selected settlement device, and a plurality of settlement devices that are equipped with display means for displaying on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card to settle the price based on the registration data of the products and that the customer operates to perform settlement processing, as a display means for displaying icons for registering products.

According to the present invention, settlement can be performed quickly according to the status of each settlement device.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product registration device according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a settlement device in a first embodiment. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure and an example of data in a registration data table stored in a RAM of the product registration device according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed by the product registration device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of an unsettled transaction screen displayed by the product registration device in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the product registration device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure and example data of a transaction data table stored in the RAM of the settlement device in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure and example data of a checkout status data table stored in a store controller in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of a process in the POS system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a registration process in the product registration device according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a transaction process in the settlement device in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a change process in the product registration device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of an unsettled transaction screen displayed by a settlement device in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the settlement device in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of change processing in the settlement device in the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, two product registration devices 20, and four settlement devices 30. The store controller 10, the two product registration devices 20, and the four settlement devices 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is just one example, and for example, the number of product registration devices 20 and settlement devices 30 can be increased or decreased. In addition, the store controller 10 does not necessarily need to be connected to the product registration devices 20 and settlement devices 30 via the LAN 11. In that case, data can be exchanged using power line communication that utilizes electrical wiring to achieve high-speed communication. It is also possible to omit the store controller 10 by having the product registration devices 20 have the functions of the store controller 10.

The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1, and manages various information such as the product master. The store controller 10 also transmits the latest product master to the product registration device 20 and each settlement device 30 as appropriate. Here, the product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information, product name, and sales price for each product, and is updated as appropriate. The store controller 10 also manages the settlement status of each transaction. For example, the store controller 10 stores a settlement status data table that indicates the settlement status of each transaction, and notifies each product registration device 20 of the settlement status of each transaction.

The product registration device 20 performs a process to register data on products that customers are planning to purchase. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading a barcode attached to the product. For this reason, the product registration device 20 is provided with, for example, a scanner that, when operated by a store clerk, reads the barcode attached to the product that the customer is planning to purchase.

Furthermore, the product registration device 20 selects a settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction for which the product data has been registered. The product registration device 20 then transmits data related to the transaction to the selected settlement device 30. The data related to the transaction includes a transaction number that identifies the transaction, the total amount, i.e., the price of all the products registered in the transaction, and the product codes of the registered products. The product code is identification information that identifies the products. The customer of the transaction can operate the settlement device 30 to which the data related to the transaction has been transmitted and perform the settlement process themselves. The settlement process is a process in which the price of the product to be purchased is paid and settled selectively using cash, electronic money, a credit card, etc.

When the product registration device 20 transmits data related to a transaction, it displays to which settlement device 30 the data related to the transaction has been transmitted so that the store clerk or customer can know. For example, if the display is displayed to the store clerk, the store clerk can verbally tell the customer. In this case, the display method is arbitrary. For example, the display method can be performed by highlighting the settlement device 30 that transmitted the data on a touch panel installed in the product registration device 20 facing the store clerk. Also, a guide indicating the settlement device 30 to which the data was transmitted may be displayed on a display unit of the product registration device 20 facing the customer. Also, a receipt indicating the corresponding settlement device 30 (for example, a numbered receipt with the number of the settlement device 30 printed on it) may be issued and handed to the customer.

The product registration device 20 may also print out all purchase details of the products purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can check the details registered using the product registration device 20 by looking at the printout before operating the payment device 30 to perform the payment process.

The product registration device 20 can also change the settlement device 30 that settles a transaction. The selection of the settlement device 30 is performed manually by a store clerk. For example, the store clerk determines the status of the settlement device 30 and changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction on a touch panel. This allows the transaction to be settled at another settlement device 30, for example, if there is a queue of customers at the selected settlement device 30 or if the automatic change dispenser of the settlement device 30 breaks down.

The settlement device 30, on the other hand, is a device that customers operate to carry out settlement processing, and is equipped with payment equipment such as an automatic change machine, a card reader (e.g., for credit cards and point cards), and an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (e.g., for electronic money).

When the settlement device 30 receives the data on the transaction from the product registration device 20, it notifies the customer (i.e., guides the customer) so that the customer knows that they should come to the settlement device 30. An example of such a notification is, for example, displaying text information such as a predetermined number on the entire screen of the display unit of the settlement device 30. This text information such as a number is information that the product registration device 20 (or the store clerk operating the product registration device 20) has separately notified the customer. The customer can then go to the settlement device 30 that displays the number that they have been notified of, for example. Another example of such a notification is to guide the customer by turning on a predetermined lamp on the settlement device 30. For example, the lamp may be lit in a specific color, and the customer may go to the settlement device 30 of the specified color. It may also be blinking. Another example of such a notification is to display the member card number on the screen of the settlement device 30. This member card number is read by the product registration device 20, for example. The customer will go to the settlement device 30 that displays their membership card number.

After the notification, the settlement device 30 goes into a standby state. That is, after the notification, the settlement device 30 goes into a standby state for an instruction to start the settlement process corresponding to the received transaction data. As an example of releasing the standby state, for example, when a customer touches the display screen of the settlement device 30 (or presses a button), the settlement process may start automatically. Until the customer touches the screen, nothing is displayed on the screen, or, for example, only a number is displayed as in the above notification example. Alternatively, the settlement device 30 may use a human detection sensor to detect whether a customer is approaching and then start the settlement process. In this case, too, the screen may be blank or display a number until detection. The settlement device 30 starts the settlement process when the human detection sensor detects the approach of a person. Alternatively, a camera may be used instead of the human detection sensor. For example, a camera may be installed in the settlement device 30 and the product registration device 20, and the settlement process may start only when the same person approaches by face recognition.

The flow of the settlement process for the settlement device 30 in standby mode can be carried out, for example, as follows: (1) First, the settlement method is selected. Either cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. or a combination of these is selected in response to the customer's operation. (2) Next, the settlement is executed. The settlement is executed by inserting cash into the bill and coin insertion/removal slot of the settlement device 30, paying the change, reading the card with a card reader, etc. (3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the settlement device 30. For example, a list of purchased items, the total purchase amount, the amount received, the change, etc. are printed on the receipt. (4) Then, the settlement device 30 finishes the settlement process and enters an idle state.

The payment method at the settlement device 30 may be declared at the product registration device 20. In this case, the product registration device 20 sends information on the payment method to the settlement device 30, and the settlement device 30 starts processing from the operation (2) above.

Next, referring to Figures 2 and 3, an example of the configuration of the product registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration device 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the product registration device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit (for store clerks) 205, a display unit (for customers) 205a, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, and a buzzer 208. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

ROM 202 is a read-only memory and stores programs in advance. CPU 201 is a central processing unit and controls the operation of product registration device 20 by reading and executing the programs stored in ROM 202. For example, CPU (designation means) 201 displays a registration screen on display unit (for store clerk) 205 for designating a settlement device 30 that settles a transaction in which a product has been registered. In addition, CPU (transmission means) transmits data regarding the transaction to settlement device 30 designated on the registration screen via communication unit 207. In addition, CPU (acquisition means) acquires data indicating transactions that have been completed from each settlement device 30 via communication unit 207, and stores the acquired data in RAM 203. In addition, CPU 201 displays an unsettled transaction screen on display unit (for store clerk) (display means) 205 that selectably displays transactions in which settlement device 30 has been designated and settlement has not been completed in settlement device 30. In addition, the CPU (selection means) 201 displays a change screen on the display unit (for store clerk) 205, which allows the user to select whether to cancel the transaction selected on the unsettled transaction screen or to change the settlement device 30 for the transaction. When changing the settlement device 30 is selected on the change screen, the CPU (change means) 201 changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction.

The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The RAM 203 is a read/write memory that can be read and written at any time, and stores various information. For example, the RAM (storage means) 203 stores a product master, a registration data file that is data related to transactions in which the device itself has registered products, settlement status data that indicates the settlement status of transactions in which other product registration devices 20 have registered products, the product registration device number of the device itself, and the like. The product registration device number is a number that identifies each product registration device 20. For example, the RAM 203 may also store a history of operation of the operation buttons.

The display unit (for store clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customer) 205a display various information. For example, the display unit (for store clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customer) 205a display information obtained from the product master (e.g., product name, price, etc.). The display unit (for store clerk) 205 is a touch panel (e.g., a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information for the store clerk. Furthermore, the display unit (for store clerk) 205 accepts operational input for pre-registered product information (product code, etc.) by operating operation buttons (preset buttons) displayed in an area within the screen.

The operation unit 206 has various operation buttons (subtotal key, current total key, number entry key, correction key, preset key, etc.) for operating the product registration device 20. For example, when an operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 accepts operation input regarding product information (product code, etc.) that is previously set and registered in that preset key.

The communication unit 207 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. The buzzer 208 generates a buzzer sound when, for example, it is necessary for the store clerk to confirm an operation.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement device 30. As shown in this figure, the settlement device 30 comprises a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a sign pole 311, and a human detection sensor 312. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

ROM 302 is a read-only memory that stores programs. CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of settlement device 30 by reading and executing the programs stored in ROM 302.

RAM 303 is a memory that can be read and written at any time and stores various information. For example, RAM 303 stores product master data acquired from the store controller 10, a transaction data file that is data related to transactions settled by the device itself, the settlement device number of the device itself, and the like. The settlement device number is a number that identifies each settlement device 30.

The scanner unit 304 optically reads a barcode (membership code) attached to, for example, a membership card.

The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen in response to control from the CPU 301. The display unit 305 also stores in the RAM 303 a history of the operation of the operation buttons displayed on the screen (e.g., the number of operations, the order of operations, etc.) for each operation button.

The operation unit 306 has various operation buttons (such as a correction key and a preset key) for operating the settlement device 30. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts corrections to operation inputs by operating an operation button (correction key).

The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. For example, it connects to the store controller 10 and obtains the latest product master data from the store controller 10.

The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound to notify the user of an error if an error occurs. The printing unit 309 prints and issues a payment receipt for the customer to take home when the payment process (i.e., the payment of the product purchase amount) is completed.

The settlement unit 310 is configured with a change dispenser, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc., and their respective control units, and settlement processing is performed using the settlement unit 310 with cash, credit, and electronic money. The settlement unit 310 executes settlement with cash using the change dispenser, and outputs the result of the settlement (for example, information indicating whether the settlement has been established) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change dispenser is equipped with a bill slot for inserting and ejecting bills, a coin slot for inserting coins, and a change outlet for ejecting change. The settlement unit 310 also executes settlement with credit, and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the port and the bus. The settlement unit 310 also executes settlement with electronic money, and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the bus.

The sign pole 311 has indicator lights of multiple colors, and by turning on or blinking these indicator lights, it notifies the user that the settlement device 30 is the selected device or that it can be operated. The human detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person (customer) within a specified range in front of the settlement device 30.

Next, the registration data table stored by the product registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data example of the registration data table stored in the RAM 203 of the product registration device 20. As shown in the figure, the registration data table has the following items: transaction number, product code, date and time, amount, settlement status information, and settlement device number. The transaction number is identification information for identifying each transaction. The product code is identification information for the product registered in the transaction. The date and time is the date and time when the registration of the product in the transaction was completed. The amount is the amount of all the products to be purchased in the transaction, i.e., the total amount. The settlement status information is a flag that indicates the settlement status of the transaction. For example, settlement status information "0" indicates a state in which settlement has not been made (hereinafter referred to as unsettled), settlement status information "1" indicates a state in which settlement has been made (hereinafter referred to as settlement in progress), and settlement status information "2" indicates a state in which settlement has been completed (hereinafter referred to as settled). The settlement device number is the identification information of the settlement device that settles the transaction.

Next, the screens displayed by the product registration device 20 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is an image diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed by the product registration device 20. The registration screen shown in this figure is a screen displayed when the product registration device 20 registers a product. In this example, along with an icon for product selection (in this example, vegetables), information indicating the amount, quantity, etc., a settlement device key 501 for specifying the settlement device 30, and an unsettled transaction display button 506 for displaying unsettled transactions are displayed. For ease of explanation, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with the settlement device number "1" (hereinafter referred to as the first settlement device 30) will be referred to as the settlement device key 501a, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with the settlement device number "2" (hereinafter referred to as the second settlement device 30) will be referred to as the settlement device key 501b, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with the settlement device number "3" (hereinafter referred to as the third settlement device 30) will be referred to as the settlement device key 501c, and the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with the settlement device number "4" (hereinafter referred to as the fourth settlement device 30) will be referred to as the settlement device key 501d. The settlement device key 501 displays the transaction number of a transaction that is settled by the corresponding settlement device 30 and is unsettled or being settled. It should be noted that a settlement device 30 with no transaction number displayed on the settlement device key 501 is in an empty state (not being used by a customer). In other words, a settlement device 30 with a settlement device key 501 with a transaction number displayed is in use, and a settlement device 30 with a settlement device key 501 with no transaction number displayed is not in use. The store clerk selects a settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction being registered by pressing one of the settlement device keys 501. The settlement device key 501 also doubles as a button that declares that the registration of the product is complete. Therefore, when the settlement device key 501 is pressed, the product registration device 20 ends the registration of the product for that transaction.

Figure 6 is an image diagram showing an example of an unsettled transaction screen displayed by the product registration device 20. The unsettled transaction screen shown in this figure is a screen that is displayed when the unsettled transaction display button 506 is pressed on the registration screen shown in Figure 5. The unsettled transaction screen is a screen that displays a list of unsettled transactions for which products have been registered on the device itself, and in this example, the transaction number, amount, and date and time of the unsettled transaction are displayed. In the example shown, the transaction number "100002", amount "1000", and date and time of the transaction whose settlement status information is "0" from the data example of the registration data table shown in Figure 4 are displayed. Each transaction displayed in the list can be selected. The clerk selects a transaction by pressing the transaction number of the desired transaction from the list.

7 is an image diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the product registration device 20. The change screen shown in this figure is a screen displayed when a transaction is selected from the unsettled transaction screen shown in FIG. 6. The change screen is a screen for changing the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction selected on the unsettled transaction screen. In this example, the transaction number of the selected transaction, a change button 701 for changing the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction, a cancel button 704 for canceling the transaction, an add button 705 for adding and registering a product to the transaction, and a cancel button 706 for returning to the registration screen are displayed. The change buttons 701 are displayed corresponding to settlement devices 30 other than the settlement device 30 specified on the registration screen shown in FIG. 5. In this example, since the first settlement device 30 is specified on the registration screen, a change button 701a corresponding to the second settlement device 30, a change button 701b corresponding to the third settlement device 30, and a change button 701c corresponding to the fourth settlement device 30 are displayed. The store clerk selects and presses one of the change buttons 701 to change the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction.

Next, the transaction data table stored by the settlement device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and example data of the transaction data table stored in the RAM 303 of the settlement device 30. As shown in the figure, the transaction data table has data for each item of amount and settlement status information for each transaction number. The transaction number is the transaction number of the transaction to be settled by the settlement device. The amount is the total amount of the transaction. The settlement status information is a flag that indicates the settlement status of the transaction.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the settlement status data table stored by the store controller 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data example of the settlement status data table stored by the store controller 10. The settlement status data table shows the settlement status of each transaction. As shown in the figure, the settlement status data table has data for each item of settlement status information and settlement device number for each transaction number. In addition, the settlement status table is stored separately for each product registration device 20. For example, the settlement status table shown in FIG. 9(a) shows the settlement status of a transaction registered in the product registration device 20 with the product registration device number "10", and the settlement status table shown in FIG. 9(b) shows the settlement status of a transaction registered in the product registration device 20 with the product registration device number "11". Here, the first two digits of the transaction number indicate the registration device number. The store controller 10 determines which product registration device 20 the transaction was registered in based on the first two digits of the transaction number.

Next, the operation of the POS system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 13. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing operation in the POS system. The processing shown in this figure is performed when product registration is completed in the product registration device 20. First, the product registration device 20 transmits the transaction number of the transaction for which product registration has been completed to the settlement device 30, which settles the transaction (step S101). At this time, the product registration device 20 also transmits the amount of the transaction along with the transaction number. The settlement device 30 adds and stores a set of the received transaction number, the received amount, and the settlement status information "0" in the transaction data table.

Then, the product registration device 20 transmits the settlement status data of the transaction in which the product registration has been completed to the store controller 10 (step S102). The settlement status data includes the transaction number of the transaction in which the product has been registered, the settlement status information of the transaction "0", and the settlement device number of the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction. When the store controller 10 receives the settlement status data, it adds the received settlement status data to the settlement status data table and stores it (step S111). Next, the store controller 10 determines the product registration device 20 of the settlement status data based on the first two digits of the transaction number included in the received settlement status data. Then, the store controller 10 transmits the received settlement status data to the product registration device 20 other than the determined product registration device 20 (step S112). When the product registration device 20 receives the settlement status data of the other product registration device 20, it stores the received settlement status data.

When the settlement device 30 receives the transaction number from the product registration device 20, if settlement is not in progress, it transmits a product data request signal to the product registration device 20 requesting product data (step S103). This product data request signal includes the transaction number received in step S101. If settlement is in progress, the settlement device 30 transmits a product data request signal to the product registration device 20 when settlement is completed. When the product data request signal is received, the product registration device 20 transmits product data to the settlement device 30 (step S104). The product data includes a product code corresponding to the transaction number received in step S103. When the settlement device 30 receives the product data, it transmits a settlement in progress signal to the store controller 10 notifying that the transaction is in settlement (step S105). The settlement in progress signal includes the transaction number of the transaction to be settled and the settlement status information "1". When the store controller 10 receives the settlement signal, it updates the settlement status data table by rewriting the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement signal to "1" (step S113). The settlement device 30 then executes the settlement process for the transaction (step S106).

When the settlement process is completed, the settlement device 30 transmits settlement completion information to the product registration device 20 notifying that settlement of the transaction has been completed (step S107). The settlement completion signal includes the transaction number of the transaction for which settlement has been completed and settlement status information "2". When the product registration device 20 receives the settlement completion signal, it rewrites the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal to "2" and updates the registration data table. Next, the settlement device 30 transmits a settlement completion signal to the store controller 10 (step S108).

When the store controller 10 receives a settlement completion signal, it rewrites the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal to "2" and updates the settlement status data table (step S114). Next, the store controller 10 determines the product registration device 20 of the settlement completion signal based on the first two digits of the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal. The store controller 10 then transmits the received settlement completion signal to product registration devices 20 other than the determined product registration device 20 (step S115). When the product registration device 20 receives a settlement completion signal for a transaction registered by another product registration device 20, it rewrites the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal to "2" and updates the settlement status data of the other product registration device 20.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the registration process in the product registration device 20. First, the CPU 201 registers a product (step S201). Specifically, the CPU 201 displays the registration screen shown in Figure 5 on the display unit (for store clerk) 205, and starts reading the barcode with the scanner unit 204. The store clerk uses the scanner unit 204 to read the barcode of the product. The scanner unit 204 reads the product code indicated by the barcode. The CPU 201 writes the read product code into the RAM 203 and registers the product. In addition, when the CPU 201 displays the registration screen, it displays a transaction number on the settlement device key 501 based on the registration data file stored in the RAM 203 and the settlement status data of other product registration devices 20. For example, in the case of the settlement device key 501a, the CPU 201 displays the transaction number "100001" of the transaction with the most recent date and time among those transactions for which the settlement device number is "1" and the settlement status information is "0" or "1" on the settlement device key 501a.

Then, the CPU 201 determines whether the settlement device key 501 on the registration screen has been pressed and the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction has been specified (step S202). If the settlement device key 501 has not been pressed (step S202: No), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the settlement device key 501 has been pressed (step S202: Yes), the CPU 201 transmits the transaction number of the transaction in which the product was registered in step S201 to the store controller 10 and the settlement device 30 that corresponds to the settlement device key 501 pressed (specified) in step S202 (step S203 (corresponding to S101 and S102 described above)). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether a product data request signal has been received from the settlement device 30 (step S204). If the product data request signal has not been received (step S204: No), the process returns to step S204.

On the other hand, if the CPU 201 receives a product data request signal (step S204: Yes), it reads out the product data corresponding to the transaction number included in the received product data request signal from the registration data table, and transmits the read product data to the settlement device 30 that sent the signal (step S205 (corresponding to step 104 described above)). The CPU 201 then displays the transaction number of the transaction for which the product was registered in step S201 on the settlement device key 501 pressed in step S202 on the registration screen displayed on the display unit (for store clerk) 205 (step S206), and returns to step S201.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of accounting processing in the settlement device 30. First, the CPU 301 receives the transaction number and the amount of the transaction number from the product registration device 20 (step S301). Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the device itself is in the process of settlement (step S302). If the CPU 301 is in the process of settlement (step S302: Yes), it writes and stores the received transaction number and amount in the transaction data table (step S303) and returns to step S302.

On the other hand, if the transaction is not being settled (step S302: No), the CPU 301 transmits a product data request signal including the transaction number received in step S301 to the product registration device 20 that transmitted the transaction number (step S304 (corresponding to step S103 described above)). The CPU 301 then receives product data from the product registration device 20 that transmitted the product data request signal (step S305 (corresponding to step S104 described above)). The CPU 301 then executes a settlement process (step S306 (corresponding to step S106 described above)). At this time, the CPU 301 transmits a settlement signal to the store controller 10 (step S307 (corresponding to step S105 described above)). The settlement signal includes the transaction number of the transaction being settled and the settlement status information "1". Then, when the payment process is completed, the CPU 301 sends a payment completion signal to the product registration device 20 and the store controller 10 (step S308 (corresponding to steps S107 and S108 described above)) and returns to step S301.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the change process in the product registration device 20. The change process shown in this figure is executed when the unsettled transaction display button 506 is pressed on the registration screen shown in Figure 5 (step S401). First, the CPU 201 displays the unsettled transaction screen shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 205 (step S402). Specifically, the CPU 201 reads the transaction number, date and time, and amount of the transaction whose settlement status information is "0" from the registration data table stored in the RAM 203, and displays a list of the read transaction number, date and time, and amount on the display unit (for store clerk) 205. Next, the CPU 201 accepts the selection input of the transaction number in the displayed list (step S403). The store clerk selects the transaction number of the transaction for which the settlement device 30 is to be changed from the list displayed on the display unit (for store clerk) 205.

When a transaction number is selected from the list on the unsettled transaction screen, the CPU 201 displays the change screen shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit (for store clerk) 205 (step S404). Specifically, the CPU 201 reads out the settlement device number corresponding to the selected transaction number from the registration data table stored in the RAM 203, and displays the change buttons 701 corresponding to the settlement device numbers other than the read out settlement device numbers, the selected transaction number, the cancel button 704, the add button 705, and the cancel button 706 on the display unit (for store clerk) 205. Next, the CPU 201 determines whether a settlement device number has been selected (step S405). Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether any of the change buttons 701 on the change screen have been pressed.

When a settlement device number is selected (step S405: Yes), the CPU 201 sends a confirmation request signal to the store controller 10 inquiring whether the settlement status information for the selected transaction number is "0" (step S406). The confirmation request signal includes the selected transaction number. When the store controller 10 receives the confirmation request signal, it reads out the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received confirmation request signal from the settlement status data table and returns the read settlement status information.

Next, when the CPU 201 receives settlement status information from the store controller 10, it determines whether the received settlement status information is "0" (step S407). If the received settlement status information is "0" (step S407: Yes), the CPU 201 transmits the selected transaction number and the amount corresponding to the transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number (step S408), and ends this process. On the other hand, if the received settlement status information is not "0" (step S407: No), the CPU 201 displays on the display unit (for store clerk) 205 that the selected transaction number is being settled and therefore settlement cannot be made at another settlement device 30 (settlement device 30 cannot be changed) (step S409), and ends this process.

On the other hand, if a settlement device number has not been selected in step S405 (step S405: No), the CPU 201 determines whether the Cancel button 704 has been pressed (step S410). If the Cancel button 704 has been pressed (step S410: Yes), the CPU 201 executes a cancellation process to cancel the transaction of the selected transaction number (step S411), and ends this process. Specifically, the CPU 201 transmits a cancellation signal to cancel the transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the settlement device number corresponding to the transaction number and to the store controller 10. The CPU 201 also deletes the record of the transaction number from the registration data table stored in the RAM 203.

On the other hand, if the Cancel button 704 has not been pressed (step S410: No), the CPU 201 determines whether the Add button 705 has been pressed (step S412). If the Add button 705 has been pressed (step S412: Yes), the CPU 201 executes an addition process to add and register an additional product for the transaction number (step S413), and ends this process. Specifically, the CPU 201 displays a registration screen on the display unit (for store clerk) 205 and accepts the additional registration of the product.

On the other hand, if the Add button 705 has not been pressed (step S412: No), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the Cancel button 706 has been pressed (step S414). If the Cancel button 706 has been pressed (step S414: Yes), the CPU 201 ends this process. On the other hand, if the Cancel button 706 has not been pressed (step S414: No), the CPU 201 returns to step S405.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the product registration device 20 specifies the settlement device 30 and transmits data related to the transaction, and the settlement device settles using the transmitted data related to the transaction, so there is no need to transfer data related to the transaction between the product registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 via an intermediary. Furthermore, depending on the settlement situation, for example, when the settlement of the previous customer at the specified settlement device 30 is taking a long time, the specified settlement device 30 can be changed to another settlement device 30 out of the multiple settlement devices 30, allowing for quick settlement. Also, in this embodiment, the settlement device 30 to be settled can be changed on the product registration device 20 operated by the store clerk, so the store clerk can quickly change the settlement device 30 to be settled depending on the situation of each settlement device 30.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the product registration device 20 changes the settlement device 30 that settles a transaction, but in this embodiment, the settlement device 30 changes the settlement device 30 that settles a transaction. The configuration of the POS system 1 in this embodiment is the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 3. However, the CPU 301 of the settlement device 30 in this embodiment displays on the display unit (display means) 305 an unsettled transaction screen that displays a selectable transaction to be settled by the settlement device 30. In addition, the CPU (changing means) 301 cancels the settlement of the transaction selected on the unsettled transaction screen in the settlement device 30, and changes the settlement device 30 for the transaction by specifying another settlement device 30 and instructing the other settlement device 30 to settle the transaction.

Next, the screens displayed by the settlement device 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Fig. 14 is an image diagram showing an example of an unsettled transaction screen displayed by the settlement device 30. The unsettled transaction screen shown in this figure is a screen that is displayed when the unsettled transaction display button, which is always displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement device 30, is pressed. The unsettled transaction screen is a screen that displays a list of unsettled transactions among those settled by the settlement device itself, and in this example, the transaction numbers and amounts of unsettled transactions are displayed. In the example shown, the transaction number "100002" and amount "1000" of the transaction whose settlement status information is "0" from the data example of the transaction data table shown in Fig. 8 are displayed. Each transaction displayed in the list can be selected. The clerk or customer selects a transaction by pressing the desired transaction from the list.

Figure 15 is an image diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the settlement device 30. The change screen shown in this figure is a screen displayed when a transaction is selected from the unsettled transaction screen shown in Figure 14. The change screen is a screen for changing the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction selected on the unsettled transaction screen, and in this example, the transaction number of the selected transaction, a change button 901 for changing the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction, a cancel button 904 for canceling the transaction, and a cancel button 905 for returning to the screen for settlement are displayed. The change buttons 901 that correspond to settlement devices 30 other than the own device are displayed. In this example, since the own device is the first settlement device 30, a change button 901a corresponding to the second settlement device 30, a change button 901b corresponding to the third settlement device 30, and a change button 901c corresponding to the fourth settlement device 30 are displayed. The store clerk selects and presses one of the change buttons 901 to change the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction.

Next, the operation of the POS system in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the change process in the settlement device 30. The change process shown in this figure is executed when the unsettled transaction display button displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement device 30 is pressed (step S501). First, the CPU 301 displays the unsettled transaction screen shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit 305 (step S502). Specifically, the CPU 301 reads the transaction number and amount of the transaction whose settlement status information is "0" from the transaction data table stored in the RAM 303, and displays a list of pairs of the read transaction number and amount on the display unit 305. Next, the CPU 301 accepts the selection input of the transaction number in the displayed list (step S503). The store clerk or customer selects the transaction number of the transaction for which the settlement device 30 is to be changed from the list displayed on the display unit 305.

When a transaction number is selected from the list on the unsettled transaction screen, the CPU 301 displays the change screen shown in FIG. 15 (step S504). Specifically, the CPU 301 displays on the display unit 305 a change button 901 corresponding to a settlement device 30 other than the own device, the selected transaction number, a cancel button 904, and a cancel button 905. Next, the CPU 301 determines whether a settlement device number has been selected (step S505). Specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether any of the change buttons 901 have been pressed on the change screen.

When a settlement device number is selected (step S505: Yes), the CPU 301 transmits the selected transaction number and the amount corresponding to the transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number (step S506), and instructs the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number to settle the transaction of that transaction number. As a result, the CPU 301 changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction of that transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number. The CPU 301 then deletes the record of the transaction from the transaction data file stored in RAM 303, cancels the settlement of the transaction at its own device (step S507), and ends this process.

On the other hand, if a settlement device number has not been selected in step S505 (step S505: No), the CPU 301 determines whether the Cancel button 904 has been pressed (step S508). If the Cancel button 904 has been pressed (step S508: Yes), the CPU 301 executes a cancellation process to cancel the transaction of the selected transaction number (step S509), and ends this process. Specifically, the CPU 301 transmits a cancellation signal to cancel the transaction number to all product registration devices 20 and the store controller 10. The CPU 301 also deletes the record of the transaction number from the transaction data table stored in the RAM 303.

On the other hand, if the cancel button 904 has not been pressed (step S508: No), the CPU 301 determines whether the cancel button 905 has been pressed (step S510). If the cancel button 905 has been pressed (step S510: Yes), the CPU 301 ends this process. On the other hand, if the cancel button 905 has not been pressed (step S510: No), the CPU 301 returns to step S505.

In this way, according to this embodiment, since the settlement device 30 that settles a transaction can be changed at the settlement device 30, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, a store clerk or customer can quickly change the settlement device 30 that should be used for settlement depending on the status of each settlement device 30.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the store controller 10 is a single device, but the store controller 10 may be divided into a management device and a backup server. In this case, the management device stores only the checkout status data table, and the backup server stores all data related to the transaction other than the checkout status data. For example, the backup server receives and stores the total amount of the transaction, the product code, quantity, unit price, etc. of the product purchased in the transaction from each product registration device 20.

In the above-described embodiment, unsettled transactions are displayed in a selectable list, but rather than selecting from a list, each time the button is pressed the transaction number, amount, and date and time of the unsettled transactions may be displayed one by one in reverse chronological order, either newest or oldest. In the above-described embodiment, the settlement device key 501 displays the transaction number of the transaction being settled (or unsettled) by each settlement device 30, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the settlement device key 501 may display "In Use" or "Unused" so that it can be determined whether each settlement device 30 is being used by a customer. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the settlement device to be used for settlement was changed by the product registration device 20 or the settlement device 30, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the LAN 11 shown in FIG. 1 may be provided with an attendant terminal that can communicate with the product registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 and that can be operated by a store clerk and that monitors the settlement status at the settlement device 30, or a mobile terminal carried by the store clerk that has a function similar to the function of changing the settlement device at the product registration device 20 or the settlement device 30, so that the settlement device to be used for settlement can be changed by the attendant terminal or mobile terminal.

The program for implementing the POS system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the execution process. Note that the "computer system" referred to here may include hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices.

In addition, if a WWW system is used, the term "computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to storage devices such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, writable non-volatile memories such as flash memory, portable media such as CD-ROMs, and hard disks built into computer systems.

Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)) inside a computer system that is a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

10... store controller 11... LAN
20... Product registration device 30... Settlement device 201... CPU
202...ROM
203...RAM
204: Scanner unit 205: Display unit (for store clerk)
205a...Display section (for customers)
206: Operation unit 207: Communication unit 208: Buzzer 301: CPU
302...ROM
303...RAM
304: Scanner unit 305: Display unit 306: Operation unit 307: Communication unit 308: Buzzer 309: Printing unit 310: Settlement unit 311: Sign pole 312: Human detection sensor

Claims (2)

A payment device in a POS system having a registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices which are operated by the customer to carry out payment processing based on transaction data of the registered products,
The settlement device includes at least a first settlement device and a second settlement device,
The registration device transmits the transaction data to the first settlement device;
A settlement device, characterized in that a store clerk changes the settlement device to be used for settlement from the first settlement device to the second settlement device by operating a display operation unit provided in the settlement device . A program for causing a computer to function as a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices which are operated by the customer themselves to carry out settlement processing based on transaction data of the registered products, comprising:
The settlement device includes at least a first settlement device and a second settlement device,
The registration device transmits the transaction data to the first settlement device;
A program for enabling a store clerk to realize a function of changing the settlement device to be used for settlement from the first settlement device to the second settlement device by operating a display operation unit provided on the settlement device .

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