JP7041237B2 - Checkout system, registration device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a registration device included in this system, and a control program for operating a computer as a registration device.

As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type that separates a registration device that registers products to be bought and sold in each transaction and a payment device that processes transaction settlement based on the registered product data. ..

The registration device generally includes a scanner and generates registration data of products scanned (registered) by the scanner. Then, the registration device transfers the generated registration data to the payment device. The payment device generally includes an input device for payment data related to cash transactions, credit transactions, and the like. Then, the payment device processes the settlement of the transaction with the payment data input via the input device based on the registration data. The checkout system consisting of such a registration device and a payment device includes a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by separate clerk, and a shopper operates the registration device by the clerk and the shopper operates the payment device. There is a sharing system, the so-called semi-self system.

In the case of the semi-self method, if the shopper takes time to operate the payment device, the subsequent shoppers will wait for the payment. In order to avoid such a situation, usually, a plurality of payment devices are connected to one registration device. Then, the registration device that has completed the registration of the goods to be bought and sold in the transaction transfers the registration data to any of the vacant payment devices.

By the way, after the registration data has been transferred from the registration device to the payment device, the shopper may purchase additional products or cancel the purchase of the products. In such a case, conventionally, the registration data transferred to the payment device is recalled to the registration device. Then, in the registration device, after adding the data of the product to be additionally purchased to the registration data or deleting the data of the product whose purchase is canceled from the registration data, the registration data is transmitted again to one of the payment devices. .. Therefore, in the registration device, it is necessary to perform an operation for recalling the registered data and an operation for transmitting the recalled registration data to the payment device again.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-220019

The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is a checkout system capable of additional purchase of products or cancellation of purchase of products without recalling the registration data transferred to the payment device to the registration device, and used in this system. It is intended to provide a registration device that can be used.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes a registration device that generates product registration data for each transaction and a plurality of payment devices that process transaction settlements based on the registration data.
The registration device includes a display unit , a first display control means , a registration data transmission means , a second display control means , an update data generation means , and an update data transmission means. The first display control means causes the display unit to display a destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to be the destination of the registration data. The registration data transmission means transmits the registration data to the payment device selected on the destination selection screen. After transmitting the registration data to the payment device, the second display control means notifies the payment device to which the registration data is sent and instructs additional purchase or cancellation of the purchase until the next transaction is started. Display the notification screen with the button on the display. The update data generation means generates additional update data to be added to the registration data when the button instructing the additional purchase is input, and the registration data when the button instructing the purchase cancellation is input. Generate delete update data to be deleted from. The update data transmission means transmits the additional update data or the deleted update data to the payment device to which the registration data is transmitted.
The payment device includes a storage means , a start standby means , and an update means. The storage means stores the registration data transmitted from the registration device in the storage unit. The start standby means waits for a transaction settlement start instruction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit. When the update means receives the additional update data or the deleted update data from the registration device in the standby state of the payment start instruction, the update means updates the registered data stored in the storage unit with the additional update data or the deleted update data.

The perspective view of the checkout system in one Embodiment. A block diagram showing the main circuit configurations of the registration device and the payment device included in the checkout system. The schematic diagram which shows the main data memory area formed in each RAM of a registration apparatus and a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows the main data memory area formed in the RAM of a registration apparatus. In the first embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the first embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the first embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the first embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of receive interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the first embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a CPU of a payment device according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the additional screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the cancellation screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the completion screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. In the second embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the second embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the second embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program. In the second embodiment, a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the interrupt screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration apparatus. In a third embodiment, a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to a control program.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system capable of additionally purchasing a product or canceling the purchase of a product without recalling the registration data transferred to the payment device to the registration device will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a semi-self-type checkout system constructed in a store such as a mass retailer, in which a store clerk operates a registration device and a shopper operates a payment device, is exemplified.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12. The number of the checkout system 10 including the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the registration device 11 to the payment device 12 is also arbitrary. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The clerk 21 of the above-mentioned store, which plays a role called a checker, is the operator of the registration device 11. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product sold at the above-mentioned store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by the clerk 21.

The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage (checkout lane) for shoppers 22 is formed.

The registration device 11 has functions of registering purchased products, generating registration data, transferring the registration data to the payment device 12, and processing payment. The registration is to register the product purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 as a purchased product. For example, by scanning the barcode attached to the product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a purchased product. The registration data is data related to purchased products registered as one transaction. The registration data includes the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, amount, etc., which are the identification codes of the purchased products. The settlement process is to process the settlement of a transaction, which is an act of buying and selling goods, based on the registered data. Cash, credit cards, electronic money, etc. are used for payment.

The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when the registration data is transferred from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes the settlement of the transaction based on the registration data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12. Both the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is a network. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server has a product database in which product information such as a product name and a unit price is set in association with the product code of each product.

The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 exchange information via the LAN 13. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13. Further, information may be exchanged between the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

The registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, and two touch panels 11g1, 11g2. , A printer 11h, a card reader / writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to realize various functions as the registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may store data referred to by the CPU 11a in performing various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to by the CPU 11a in performing various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a to perform various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or the like can be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for information processing executed by the registration device 11. The transfer of the registration device 11 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the registration device 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for accommodating money.
The scanner 11f reads the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type of scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a clerk and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. The touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 both include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The touch panel 11g1 for the clerk is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space side of the clerk 21. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22.

The printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As the printer 11h of this type, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. The card may include a membership card called a member's card, a point card, or the like, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 11i reads and rewrites the electronic money data (balance, etc.) stored in the electronic money card. The card reader / writer 11i may be a magnetic device, a contact device, or a non-contact device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of payment devices 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g1, 11g2, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. .. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

As the hardware of such a registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader / writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

The automatic change machine 12e collects coins and banknotes to be inserted. Further, the automatic change machine 12e discharges coins and banknotes as change.

Other functions of the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, communication unit 12j, and transmission system 12k are the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage of the registration device 11. It is equivalent to the unit 11d, the touch panel 11g1, 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader / writer 11i, the communication unit 11j, and the transmission system 11k.

That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to form a computer. Then, the CPU 12a controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the payment device 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described for information processing executed by the payment device 12. The transfer of the payment device 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement device 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred payment device 12 described above.

As the hardware of such a payment device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal corresponding to the self-method can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 having such a configuration forms the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 3 in the RAMs 11c and 12c of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12, respectively.

The data memory area 31 is an area for storing registration data for one transaction. The registration data is a collection of records including each item of product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and amount. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. For example, a product code represented by a barcode is attached to each product, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11f. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per item. The quantity is the registered quantity of the same product, and the amount is the amount corresponding to the registered quantity. Hereinafter, the data memory area 31 is referred to as a transaction memory. The registration device 11 is represented by the transaction memory 31a, and the payment device 12 is represented by the transaction memory 31b.

The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount of money. The total number is the total number of products included in the registration data. The total amount is the total amount of the goods included in the registration data. Hereinafter, the data memory area 32 is referred to as a total memory. Then, the one of the registration device 11 is represented by the total memory 32a, and the one of the payment device 12 is represented by the total memory 32b.

Further, the checkout system 10 forms the data memory areas 41 and 42 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11.

The data memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and amount of one registered product. Hereinafter, the data memory area 41 is referred to as a temporary buffer 41.

The data memory area 42 stores counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 in association with codes "1", "2", "3", and "4" that individually identify each payment device 12. Hereinafter, the data memory area 42 is referred to as a counter table 42.

5 to 8 are flow charts showing the main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 according to a control program. 10 to 14 are schematic views showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the registration device 11. 15 to 18 are schematic views showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these figures. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the registration device 11 will be described.
The registration device 11 has a registration mode as one of the operation modes. When the registration device 11 is started in this registration mode, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a initializes the RAM 11c (Act 1). This initialization clears the transaction memory 31a, the total memory 32a, and the temporary buffer 41. Further, the counters C1 to C4 associated with the codes "1" to "4" of the counter table 42 are reset to "0".

Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 10) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 2).

The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of the temporary buffer 41, the transaction memory 31a, and the total memory 32a, and causes the clerk 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. In the display area R1, a display column r11 for displaying the product name and unit price of the most recently registered product, a display column r12 for displaying the quantity, a display column r13 for displaying the amount, and one transaction. A display column r14 is formed in which the total number and total amount of each product registered for purchase are displayed. In the display area R2, a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts of products for which purchase registration has been made prior to the products shown in the display area R1 is formed.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a also displays various function buttons such as a product button for the clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the area of the touch panel 11g screen as the registration screen SC1. Let me.

After confirming that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the clerk 21 recognizes that the product purchased by the shopper 22 can be registered. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the clerk 21 operates, for example, the scanner 11f or the product button to sequentially input the product code of the purchased product. Then, when the product codes of all the purchased products are input, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. By the above operation, the registration of the product purchased by one shopper (purchase registration of one transaction) is completed.

In response to such a registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a displaying the registration screen SC1 waits for the input of the product code (Act3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a acquires the product information such as the product name and the unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. .. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies this unit price by the number of pieces to calculate the amount of money for the number of pieces. The number is a numerical value when the number is placed by the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and is "1" when the number is not placed. In this way, the CPU 11a generates product sales data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and an amount of money, and stores the product sales data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 4). At this time, if the product sales data has already been stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the product sales data as one record to the transaction memory 31.

The CPU 11a adds the number and the amount of money stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so that the contents of the temporary buffer 41 and the total memory 32a are displayed in the display area R1 and the contents of the transaction memory 31a are displayed in the display area R2 (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the next product code has been input (Act 6). If the product code has not been entered (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act7), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code has been input again (Act6). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched as Act 6 and Act 7. When the CPU 11a confirms the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, the CPU 11a shifts to the process corresponding to the occurrence event. Such an operation is the same in other standby states.

When the product code is input (YES in Act6) in the standby state of Act6 and Act7, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a executes the processing of Act8 and Act9. The processing procedure of Act 8 and Act 9 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 8, the CPU 11a moves the product sales data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the transaction memory 31 as one record. Then, the CPU 11a generates registration data based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a. In Act9, the CPU 11a causes the transfer destination selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen SC2. The transfer destination selection screen SC2 includes display areas R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7.

The display area R3 displays the total number of the total memory 32a, the total amount, and the like. The display area R4 displays various messages. Buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the clerk 21 to specify that a discount or a discount is applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the clerk 21 to specify that a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g is returned to the registration screen SC1.

The display areas R5 to R8 display whether or not the registration data can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12. The buttons B4 to B7 are transfer buttons B4 to B7 for the clerk 21 to specify the transfer of the registration data to each of the four payment devices 12. The payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of the registration data during the execution of the payment process. "Transfer not possible" is displayed in the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. On the contrary, "transferable" is displayed in the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the payment device 12 that accepts the transfer of the registered data. The transfer buttons B4 to B7 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of the registered data. Further, instead of hiding the transfer buttons B4 to B7, the display form may be different depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of the registered data.

The CPU 11a displaying the transfer destination selection screen SC2 confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the registered data has been designated (Act 10). When the payment device 12 is not specified (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the back button B3 has been input (Act 11). When the back button B3 is not input (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the payment device 12 is specified (Act 10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 to be designated as Act 10 and Act 11 or for the return button B3 to be input.

When it is confirmed that the back button B3 has been input in the standby state of Act 10 and Act 11 (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a returns a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act 12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 6 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

The clerk 21 who confirms the transfer destination selection screen SC2 determines the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the registered data. Then, the clerk 21 touches the transfer buttons B4 to B7 for the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination. At this time, the clerk 21 determines the transfer destination of the registered data from the transferable payment devices 12. When there is no transferable payment device 12, the clerk 21 determines the payment device 12 that is likely to be vacant earliest and uses it as the transfer destination of the registered data.

When any of the transfer buttons B4 to B7 is touched in the standby state of Act 10 and Act 11 (YES in Act 10), the CPU 11a is a payment device corresponding to the touched transfer button (hereinafter referred to as a payment device 12x). Is assumed to be specified as the transfer destination of the registered data. Then, the CPU 11a executes each process of Act13, Act14, and Act15. The processing procedures of Act13, Act14 and Act15 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 13, the CPU 11a transmits the registration data to the payment device 12x (Act 13). Specifically, the CPU 11a commands the communication unit 11j to transmit the registration data to the LAN 13 using the communication address set in the payment device 12x as the destination address and the communication address set by itself as the source address. do. In response to this command, the communication unit 11j transmits the registration data in which the destination address and the source address are set on the LAN 13. This registration data is received by the payment device 12x whose destination address matches the communication address.
Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a registration data transmission means for transmitting registration data to any of the payment devices 12 in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a counts up the counter associated with the code of the payment device 12x in the counter table 42 (hereinafter referred to as the counter Cx) by “1” (Act 14). In Act 15, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 (see FIG. 12) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 15).

An example of the notification screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The notification screen SC3 includes a display area R9 and buttons B8, B9, and B10.

The display area R9 displays the total number of the total memory 32a and the total amount of money, and displays a message indicating the payment device 12x to which the registration data is transferred. The button B8 is a close button B8 instructed by the clerk 21 to close the notification screen SC3. The button B9 is an additional button B9 for the clerk 21 to instruct the additional purchase of the product. The button B10 is a cancellation button B10 for the clerk 21 to instruct the cancellation of the purchase of the product.

The clerk 21 who has confirmed the notification screen SC3 notifies the shopper 22 that the payment device 12x displayed in the display area R9 should be used for payment among the payment devices 12. Upon receiving this notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated payment device 12x and performs an operation for payment.

By the way, at the stage when the registration data is transferred to the payment device 12x, the shopper 22 may offer to purchase additional products. Alternatively, the shopper 22 may receive an offer to cancel the purchase of the product. If such an offer is not received, the clerk 21 touches the close button B9. When receiving an offer for additional purchase, the clerk 21 touches the additional button B10. When receiving an offer to cancel the purchase, the clerk 21 touches the cancellation button B11.

The CPU 11a displaying the notification screen SC3 confirms whether or not the close button B8 is touched (Act 16). When the close button B8 is not touched (NO in Act16), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the add button B9 is touched (Act17). When the add button B9 is not touched (NO in Act17), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the cancel button B10 is touched (Act18). When the cancel button B10 is not touched (NO in Act18), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B8 is touched again (Act16). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B8, the add button B9, or the cancel button B10 to be touched as Act16 to Act18.

When the close button B8 is touched in the standby state of Act 16 to Act 18 (YES in Act 16), the CPU 11a erases the notification screen SC3 and ends the information processing according to this control program. After that, the CPU 11a again starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5 to prepare for the purchase registration of the product to be purchased by the next shopper.

When the additional button B9 is touched in the standby state of Act 16 to Act 18 (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a executes information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. That is, the CPU 11a causes the additional screen SC4 (see FIG. 13) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 21).

An example of the additional screen SC4 is shown in FIG. The additional screen SC4 includes a display area R10. In the display area R10, a display column r101 in which the product name and unit price of the additionally registered product are displayed, a display column r102 in which the number of the additionally registered products is displayed, and the number of the additionally registered products are displayed. A display field r103 on which the amount of money is displayed is formed.

The CPU 11a displaying the additional screen SC4 waits for the product code of the product to be additionally registered to be input (Act 22). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act22), the CPU 11a is associated with the product code and the product such as the product name and the unit price set in the product database. Get information. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies this unit price by the number of pieces to calculate the amount of money for the number of pieces. The number is a numerical value when the number is placed by the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and is "1" when the number is not placed. The CPU 11a generates additional update data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and an amount of money, and stores the additional update data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 23). Then, the CPU 11a updates the additional screen SC4 so that the product name, unit price, quantity, and amount of the additional update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 are displayed on the additional screen SC4 (Act 24).

After updating the additional screen SC4, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched (Act 25). If the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act25), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act26 and Act27. The processing procedure of Act 26 and Act 27 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 26, the CPU 11a transfers the additional update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the payment device 12x designated as the transfer destination of the registered data in the process of Act 10. Specifically, the CPU 11a sets the communication address set in the payment device 12x as the destination address, sets the communication address set by itself as the source address, and sends the additional update data to the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the additional update data to the LAN 13. Command. In response to this command, the communication unit 11j transmits additional update data in which the destination address and the source address are set on the LAN 13. This additional update data is received by the payment device 12x whose destination address matches the communication address.

In Act27, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 to be displayed again on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.
When the processing of Act 26 and Act 27 is completed, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act 16 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

When the cancel button B10 is touched in the standby state of Act 16 to Act 18 (YES in Act 18), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. That is, the CPU 11a causes the cancellation screen SC5 (see FIG. 14) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 31).

An example of the cancellation screen SC5 is shown in FIG. The cancellation screen SC5 includes the display area R11. In the display area R11, a display column r111 displaying the product name and unit price of the product whose purchase is canceled, a display column r112 displaying the number of products whose purchase is canceled, and a product whose purchase is canceled A display field r113 on which the amount of money is displayed is formed.

The CPU 11a displaying the cancellation screen SC5 waits for the product code of the product whose purchase should be canceled to be input (Act 32). When the entry product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 32), the CPU 11a determines the product name, unit price, etc. associated with the product code and set in the product database as described above. Get product information. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies this unit price by the number of pieces to calculate the amount of money for the number of pieces. The number is a numerical value when the number is placed by the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and is "1" when the number is not placed. The CPU 11a assigns a minus sign to the number to be canceled. Further, the CPU 11a assigns a minus sign to the amount of money to obtain a cancellation amount. The CPU 11a generates cancellation update data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a number of cancellations, and a cancellation amount, and stores the cancellation update data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 33). Then, the CPU 11a updates the cancellation screen SC5 so that the product name, unit price, number of cancellations, and cancellation amount of the cancellation update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 are displayed on the cancellation screen SC5 (Act 34).

After updating the cancel screen SC5, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched (Act 35). If the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act35), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act36 and Act37. The processing procedure of Act 36 and Act 37 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 36, the CPU 11a transfers the cancellation update data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the payment device 12x designated as the transfer destination of the registered data in the process of Act 10. Specifically, the CPU 11a uses the communication address set in the payment device 12x as the destination address, the communication address set in itself as the transmission source address, and sends the cancellation update data to the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the cancellation update data to the LAN 13. Command. In response to this command, the communication unit 11j transmits the cancellation update data in which the destination address and the source address are set on the LAN 13. This cancellation update data is received by the payment device 12x whose destination address matches the communication address.

In Act37, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC3 to be displayed again on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.
When the processing of Act 36 and Act 37 is completed, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act 16 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

Here, the CPU 11a provides an update standby means for displaying the notification screen SC3 on the touch panel 11g to wait for the input of the update data after the registration data is transferred to the payment device 12x until the next transaction is started. Configure.

Further, the CPU 11a constitutes an update data transmission means for transmitting update data for the registration data transferred to the payment device 12x to the payment device 12x to which the registration data is transferred in cooperation with the touch panel 11g and the communication unit 11j. .. Specifically, the update data transmission means transmits the update data input in the standby state for the input of the update data to the payment device 12x to which the registration data has been transferred immediately before.

Next, the operation of the payment device 12 will be described.
When the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 51). The standby screen indicates that the payment process is not being performed, and what kind of information may be displayed may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen represents a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After the screen of the touch panel 12g is set as the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits for the registration data to be received (Act 52).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 transmits the registration data from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act 13 of FIG. This registration data is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 which is the destination. The payment device 12 that has received the registration data can identify the registration device 11 that is the transmission source of the registration data by storing the transmission source address of the registration data.

Upon receiving the registration data (YES in Act 52), the CPU 12a expands the registration data in the transaction memory 31b (Act 53). That is, the CPU 12a extracts a record of a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and an amount from the registered data, and stores the record in the transaction memory 31b. Further, the CPU 12a totals the points and amounts of the records stored in the transaction memory 31b, and stores the total number and the total amount in the total memory 32b.

Here, the CPU 12a, in cooperation with the RAM 12c, constitutes a storage means for storing the registration data transferred from the registration device 11 in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b).

Next, the CPU 12a causes the payment method selection screen SC6 (see FIG. 15) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 54).
FIG. 15 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SC6. The payment method selection screen SC6 includes display areas R12, R13 and buttons B11, B12. The display area R12 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12. The display area R13 displays the total number and the total amount of money stored in the total memory 32b. The button B11 is a payment method button B11 for the shopper to specify one of the payment methods from the plurality of payment methods. The button B12 is a clerk call button B13 for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21.

In the present embodiment, cash, credit card, and electronic money are exemplified as payment methods, but the payment methods are not limited to these. Other payment methods may be added. Moreover, any payment method may be omitted.

The shopper 22 who confirms the payment method selection screen SC6 determines the payment method of the price and touches the payment method button. However, if there is a product that you want to purchase additionally, or if there is a product that you want to cancel the purchase, the shopper will tell the clerk before touching the payment method button. Then, after waiting for the registration device 11 to perform additional registration of the product forgotten to be purchased or cancellation registration of the product to be canceled, the payment method button is touched.

The CPU 12a displaying the payment method selection screen SC6 confirms whether or not the payment method button B11 has been touched (Act 55). When the payment method button B11 is not touched (NO in Act55), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the additional update data or the cancellation update data has been received (Act56). When the additional update data or the cancellation update data has not been received (NO in Act56), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment method button B11 has been touched again (Act55). Thus, as Act 55 and Act 56, the CPU 12a waits for the payment method button B11 to be touched or for receiving additional update data or cancellation update data.

Here, the CPU 12a, in cooperation with the touch panel 12g, constitutes a start standby means for waiting for a transaction settlement start instruction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b), that is, a touch input of the payment method button B11. do.

If additional update data or cancellation update data is received in the standby state of Act 55 and Act 56 (YES in Act 56), the CPU 12a updates the registration data expanded in the transaction memory 31b (Act 57). That is, when the additional update data is received, the CPU 12a adds the product code, the product name, the unit price, the quantity, and the amount of money included in the additional update data to the transaction memory 31b as one record. However, if a record containing the same product code is already stored in the transaction memory 31b, the CPU 12a adds the number and amount included in the additional update data to the number and amount of the record, and the record is added. Not performed. When the cancellation update data is received, the CPU 12a searches the transaction memory 31b for a record containing the same product code. Then, the CPU 12a subtracts the number and the amount of money included in the cancellation update data from the number and amount of the records. As a result, when the number and the amount become "0", the CPU 12a deletes this record from the transaction memory 31b.

When the registration data expanded in the transaction memory 31 is updated by the additional update data or the cancellation update data, the CPU 12a recalculates the total number and the total amount based on the data in the transaction memory 31. Then, the CPU 12a updates the data in the total memory 32b, and also updates the total points and the total amount displayed in the display area R13 of the payment method selection screen SC6 (Act 58). After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 55, and the subsequent processes are repeated in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 16 is a payment method selection screen when the update data of the transaction memory 31b is updated by the additional registration data relating to one product having an amount of 500 yen while the payment method selection screen SC6 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. SC6 is illustrated.

Here, when the CPU 12a receives the update data from the registration device 11 in the standby state of the payment start instruction in cooperation with the RAM 12c and the communication unit 12j, the CPU 12a updates the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b). Configure the update means to update with.

When the payment method button B11 is touched in the standby state of Act55 and Act56 (YES in Act55), the CPU 12a pays the payment method selected by the payment method button B11 on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g. Display the screen SC7 (see FIG. 17) (Act 58).

An example of the payment screen SC7 is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a payment screen SC7 when cash is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SC7 includes display areas R13, R14 and button B13. The display area R13 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12. The display area R14 displays the total amount, the input amount, and the remaining amount. The button B13 is a settlement button B13 for the shopper who has finished inserting cash to specify the execution of the settlement. A shopper who selects cash as a payment method inserts cash into the automatic change machine 12e. Then, when the total amount of cash or more is inserted, the settlement button B13 is touched.

The CPU 12a displaying the payment screen SC7 waits for the settlement button B13 to be touched (Act 59). If the settlement button B13 is touched (YES in Act 59), the CPU 12a executes the payment process by the selected payment method (Act 60). For example, when cash is selected as the payment method, the CPU 12a executes a payment process for the cash payment. Then, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt and controls the automatic change machine 12e to pay out the change. If a credit card is selected, the CPU 12a executes a payment process for the credit payment. Then, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a credit slip. When the electronic money is selected, the CPU 12a executes a payment process for the electronic money payment. Then, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt and controls the card reader / writer 12i to update the balance of electronic money. Since such payment processing is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a displays the completion screen SC8 (see FIG. 18) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act61).

FIG. 18 shows an example of the completion screen SC8 for cash payment. The completion screen SC8 includes display areas R15, R16, and R17. The display area R15 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12. The display area R16 displays a guide image. The guide image is an image that guides the shopper 22 to the receipt issuing port and the change payout port. Therefore, the shopper can easily know the place where the receipt is issued and the place where the change is paid out from this guide image. The display area R16 displays the amount of change. Therefore, the shopper can know the change amount from the data of the display area R16.

The CPU 12a displaying the completion screen SC8 notifies the registration device 11 of the registration data transmission source of the completion of the transaction (Act62). Specifically, the CPU 12a transmits a transaction completion notification command to the LAN 13 using the source address stored at the time of receiving the registration data as the destination address and the communication address set by itself as the source address. The communication unit 12j is controlled in such a manner. As a result, the transaction completion notification command in which the destination address and the source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. Then, this command is received by the registration device 11 whose destination address matches the communication address.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the transaction completion notification command executes the reception interrupt processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. That is, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the received command is a transaction completion notification (Act 41). If the command is other than the transaction completion notification (NO in Act41), the CPU 11a executes the process according to the command.

If the received command is a transaction completion notification (YES in Act 41), the CPU 11a resets the counter Cx associated with the code identifying the payment device 12x of the command transmission source in the counter table 42 to "0". (Act 42). With the above, the CPU 11a ends the reception interrupt processing.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when the shopper purchases additional products or cancels the purchase of the products after the registration data has been transferred from the registration device 11 to the payment device 12. It is possible to deal with the registration data transferred to the payment device 12 without recalling it to the registration device 11.

Therefore, in the registration device 11, the operation for recalling the registered data and the operation for transmitting the recalled registration data to the payment device 12 again are unnecessary, so that the operation can be simplified.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the shopper 22 related to the registration data is within the period from the transfer of the registration data from the registration device 11 to the payment device 12 until the close button B8 of the notification screen SC3 is operated. Can purchase additional products or cancel purchases. On the contrary, if the close button B8 of the notification screen SC3 is operated by the clerk 21, the shopper 22 cannot purchase additional products or cancel the purchase.

Then, next, even after the close button B8 is operated in the registration device 11 and the registration of the product to be purchased by the next shopper is started, if the payment method is not selected in the payment device 12, the additional purchase of the product or the product is performed. A second embodiment that enables purchase cancellation will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings common to the first embodiment are incorporated, and the description thereof will be omitted. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4, 8, 8, 9 and 11 to 18 are referred to.

19 to 21 are flow charts showing the main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program in the second embodiment, and FIG. 22 is a schematic showing an example of the registration screen SC11. It is a figure. In these FIGS. 19 to 22, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the corresponding figures (FIGS. 5 to 7, 10) of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the second embodiment, the interrupt button B21 is added to the registration screen SC11. The interrupt button B21 closes the notification screen SC3, starts registration of the product to be purchased by the next shopper (hereinafter referred to as shopper 22b), and then represents the previous shopper (hereinafter referred to as shopper 22a). ), The clerk 21 touches when an offer to additionally purchase or cancel the purchase is received.

As shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 waits for the interrupt button B21 to be further touched in the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7 (Act 71). Then, when the interrupt button B21 is touched (YES in Act71), the CPU 11a executes the processing of Act72, Act73, and Act74. The processing procedure of Act72, Act73 and Act74 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act72, the CPU 11a sets the interrupt flag. The interrupt flag is, for example, 1-bit data stored in the RAM 11c. In Act73, the CPU 11a moves the data in the temporary buffer 41 to the save buffer. The save buffer has the same area structure as the temporary buffer 41, and is formed in the RAM 11c. In Act74, the CPU 11a causes the interrupt screen SC12 (see FIG. 23) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

FIG. 23 shows an example of the interrupt screen SC12. The interrupt screen SC12 includes buttons B22, B23, and B24. The button B22 is a close button B22 instructed by the clerk 21 to close the interrupt screen SC12. The button B23 is an additional button B23 for the clerk 21 to instruct the additional purchase of the product. The button B10 is a cancellation button B24 for the clerk 21 to instruct the cancellation of the purchase of the product.

The clerk 21 who confirmed the interrupt screen SC12 touches the additional button B23 when the offer from the shopper 22a is an additional purchase, and touches the cancel button B11 when the purchase is canceled. If the offer for additional purchase or cancellation of purchase is canceled, touch the close button B22.

The CPU 11a displaying the interrupt screen SC12 confirms whether or not the close button B22 is touched (Act75). When the close button B22 is not touched (NO in Act75), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the add button B23 is touched (Act76). When the add button B23 is not touched (NO in Act76), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the cancel button B24 is touched (Act77). When the cancel button B24 is not touched (NO in Act77), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B22 is touched again (Act75). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B22, the add button B23, or the cancel button B24 to be touched as Act75 to Act77.

When the close button B22 is touched in the standby state of Act75 to Act77 (YES in Act75), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act78, Act79, and Act80. The processing procedures of Act78, Act79 and Act80 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act78, the CPU 11a resets the interrupt flag. In Act 79, the CPU 11a restores the data saved in the save buffer to the temporary buffer 41. In Act80, the CPU 11a erases the interrupt screen SC12 and causes the registration screen SC11 to be displayed again on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

When the processing of Act78, Act79 and Act80 is completed in this way, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act6 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

When the additional button B23 is touched in the standby state of Act75 to Act77 (YES in Act76), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. This process is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. The difference is the processing after the subtotal button is touched in Act25.

That is, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act 25), the CPU 11a determines the transfer destination of the additional update data (Act 81). Specifically, the CPU 11a searches the counter table 42 and certifies the payment device 12x whose counter C is set to "1" as the transfer destination of the additional update data. Then, the CPU 11a transmits the additional update data generated from the data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the payment device 12x (Act 82). After transmitting the additional update data, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 78, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the cancel button B24 is touched in the standby state of Act75 to Act77 (YES in Act77), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. This process is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. The difference is the processing after the subtotal button is touched in Act35.

That is, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act35), the CPU 11a determines the transfer destination of the cancellation update data (Act83). Specifically, the CPU 11a searches the counter table 42 and certifies the payment device 12x whose counter C is set to "1" as the transfer destination of the cancellation update data. Then, the CPU 11a transmits the cancellation update data generated from the data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the payment device 12x (Act 84). After transmitting the cancellation update data, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 78, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, the payment device 12 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, when the payment method selection screen SC6 is displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g and the additional update data or the cancellation update data is received, the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 57 and Act 58.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, even after the registration of the product to be purchased by the next shopper 22b is started in the registration device 11, before the previous shopper 22a selects the payment method in the payment device 12. If so, the shopper 22a can additionally purchase or cancel the purchase of the product. At that time, as in the first embodiment, the registration data transferred to the payment device 12 is not recalled to the registration device 11, so that the operation can be simplified.

(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when the shopper 22a offers to purchase additional goods or cancel the purchase, the case where the subsequent shopper 22b suspends the registration of the goods to be purchased and deals with the offer is illustrated. However, if the registration is interrupted, it does not mean that the shopper 22b will not complain.

Therefore, next, a third embodiment for dealing with the additional purchase or cancellation of the product for the shopper 22a after waiting for the registration of the product to be purchased by the shopper 22b will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings common to the first and second embodiments are incorporated, and the description thereof will be omitted. Specifically, FIGS. 1 to 4, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIGS. 11 to 18, and FIGS. 20 to 23 are incorporated.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program in the third embodiment. In FIG. 24, the parts common to the corresponding figure (FIG. 5) of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 24, after the CPU 11a displays the registration screen SC11 (see FIG. 22) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g in Act2, is the interrupt button B21 touched in the immediately preceding purchase registration? Confirm whether or not (Act91). As described in the second embodiment, when the interrupt button B21 is touched during the purchase registration, the CPU 11a sets the interrupt flag. Therefore, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the interrupt flag is set.

If the interrupt flag is not set (NO in Act91), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act3. That is, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the product code. When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a generates the product sales data and stores it in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 4). Further, the CPU 11a adds the number and the amount of money stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a, and updates the registration screen SC1 (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input (Act 6) or the subtotal button to be touched (Act 7). Further, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the interrupt flag is set (Act92). When the interrupt flag is not set (NO in Act92), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the interrupt button B21 has been touched (Act93). If the interrupt button B21 is not touched (NO in Act93), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act6, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above. On the other hand, when the interrupt flag is set (YES in Act92), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act6 without executing the process of Act93, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

Therefore, in the state where the interrupt flag is not set, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input, the subtotal button to be touched, or the interrupt button B21 to be touched. When the interrupt flag is set, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched.

When the shopper 22b receives an offer to purchase an additional product or cancel the purchase while the shopper 22b is registering the product to be purchased, the clerk 21 touches the interrupt button B21. However, the registration work of the product purchased by the shopper 22b is not interrupted.

When the interrupt button B21 is touched (YES in Act93), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act94 and Act95. The processing procedures of Act94 and Act95 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act94, the CPU 11a sets the interrupt flag. In Act95, the CPU 11a further counts up the counter Cx whose count value is “1” among the counters in the counter table 42 by “1”.

When the processing of Act94 and Act95 is completed, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act6, and the subsequent processing is repeated in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in this case, since the interrupt flag is set, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched. In this standby state, the operation when the product code is input or when the subtotal button is touched is the same as that of the first or second embodiment.

On the other hand, in Act3, when the interrupt flag is set (YES in Act91), the interrupt button B21 is touched while the shopper 22b is registering the product to be purchased. In this case, the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act 96 and Act 97. The processing procedures of Act 96 and Act 97 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act96, the CPU 11a resets the interrupt flag. In Act97, the CPU 11a causes the interrupt screen SC12 (see FIG. 23) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

The clerk 21 who has confirmed the interrupt screen SC12 touches the additional button B23 when the offer from the shopper 22a is an additional purchase, and touches the cancel button B11 when the purchase is canceled. If the offer for additional purchase or cancellation of purchase is canceled, touch the close button B22.

The CPU 11a displaying the interrupt screen SC12 confirms whether or not the close button B22 is touched (Act98). When the close button B22 is not touched (NO in Act98), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the add button B23 is touched (Act99). When the add button B23 is not touched (NO in Act99), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the cancel button B24 is touched (Act100). When the cancel button B24 is not touched (NO in Act100), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B22 is touched again (Act98). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B22, the add button B23, or the cancel button B24 to be touched as Act98 to Act100.

When the close button B22 is touched in the standby state of Act98 to Act100 (YES in Act98), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act2 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in this case, after a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is set as the registration screen SC11 (Act2), the product code is waited to be input (Act3).

When the additional button B23 is touched in the standby state of Act98 to Act100 (YES in Act99), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 20 described in the second embodiment. Then, if the additional update data is transmitted to the payment device 12x (Act82), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act2, and the subsequent processing is repeated in the same manner as described above.

When the cancel button B24 is touched in the standby state of Act98 to Act100 (YES in Act100), the CPU 11a executes the process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 21 described in the second embodiment. Then, if the cancellation update data is transmitted to the payment device 12x (Act84), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act2, and the subsequent processing is repeated in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, the payment device 12 operates in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment. That is, when the payment method selection screen SC6 is displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g and the additional update data or the cancellation update data is received, the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 57 and Act 58.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, after the registration of the product to be purchased by the next shopper 22b is started in the registration device 11, the previous shopper 22a offers to additionally purchase or cancel the purchase of the product. In this case, it can be dealt with after the shopper 22b has completed the registration of the product to be purchased. At that time, as in the first or second embodiment, the registration data transferred to the payment device 12 is not recalled to the registration device 11, so that the operation can be simplified.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, the payment method selection screen SC6 is displayed on the payment device 12 that has received the registration data transferred from the registration device. Then, by waiting for the touch input of the payment method button B11 on the payment method selection screen SC6, the payment start instruction of the transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b) is awaited. When there is only one type of payment method, the payment method selection screen SC6 is not displayed on the payment device 12 that has received the registration data. In that case, the payment device 12 is provided with a declaration button for the shopper to declare the start of payment. For example, the CPU 12a may display a declaration button on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g in response to receiving the registration data. By waiting for the declaration button to be input, the CPU 12a waits for a transaction settlement start instruction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit (transaction memory 31b).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the semi-self-type checkout system is exemplified, but it is possible to apply the function of the present embodiment to the two-person checkout system.

In addition, although some 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the original claims of the present application are described below.
[1] In a checkout system including a registration device that generates product registration data for each transaction and a plurality of payment devices that process transaction settlement based on the registration data, the registration device is the registration data. The transfer means for transferring the data to the payment device, and the transmission means for transmitting the update data for the registration data transferred to the payment device to the payment device to which the registration data is transferred. The settlement device includes a storage means for storing the registration data transferred from the registration device in a storage unit, a start standby means for awaiting a settlement start instruction for a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and a start standby means. Checkout is provided with an update means for updating the registration data stored in the storage unit with the update data when the update data is received from the registration device in the standby state of the payment start instruction. system.
[2] The registration device further includes an update standby unit that waits for input of the update data after the registration data is transferred to the payment device until the next transaction is started, and the transmission unit. The checkout system according to the appendix [1] is characterized in that the update data input in the input standby state of the update data is transmitted to the payment device to which the registration data has been transferred immediately before.
[3] The registration device further includes a transfer destination storage means for storing information identifying the payment device to which the registration data has been transferred, and an update reception means for receiving an input instruction for the update data, and the transmission. The check according to the appendix [1], wherein the means receives the input instruction of the update data, and then sends the input update data to the payment device identified from the information. Out system.
[4] When the input instruction of the update data is received during the generation of the registration data, the transmission means further provided with an update standby means for interrupting the generation of the registration data and waiting for the input of the update data. The checkout system according to the appendix [3] is characterized in that the update data input in the input standby state of the update data is transmitted to the payment device identified from the information.
[5] When the input instruction of the update data is received during the generation of the registration data, the registration data is generated, waits for the transfer means to be transferred to any of the payment devices, and then the update data is generated. The transmission means further comprises an update standby means for waiting for input of the update data, and the transmission means transmits the update data input in the input standby state of the update data to the payment device identified from the information. The checkout system described in Appendix [3].
[6] In a payment device that processes transaction settlement based on the registration data transferred from the registration device that generates product registration data for each transaction, the registration data transferred from the registration device is stored in the storage unit. In the storage means stored in the storage unit, the start standby means for waiting for the settlement start instruction of the transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and the update data for the registration data from the registration device in the standby state of the settlement start instruction. The payment device is provided with an update means for updating the registered data stored in the storage unit with the update data upon receiving the data.
[7] The registration data transferred from the registration device is transferred to the computer of the payment device that processes the settlement of the transaction based on the registration data transferred from the registration device that generates the registration data of the product for each transaction. The function of storing in the storage unit, the function of waiting for the settlement start instruction of the transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and the update data for the registration data from the registration device in the standby state of the settlement start instruction. A control program for realizing a function of updating registered data stored in the storage unit with the updated data when received.

11 ... Registration device, 12 ... Payment device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 11f, 12f ... Scanner, 11g1, 11g2, 12g ... Touch panel, 11h, 12h ... Printer, 11i, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 11j, 12j ... Communication unit, 11k, 12k ... Transmission system, 13 ... LAN, 31 (31a, 31b) ... Transaction memory, 32 (32a, 32b) ... Total memory, 41 ... Temporary buffer, 42 ... Counter table, SC1, SC11 ... Registration screen, SC2 ... Transfer destination selection screen, SC3 ... Notification screen, SC4 ... Additional screen, SC5 ... Cancellation screen, SC6 ... Payment method selection screen, SC7 ... Payment screen, SC8 ... Completion screen, SC12 ... Interruption screen.

Claims (7)

In a checkout system including a registration device that generates product registration data for each transaction and a plurality of payment devices that process transaction settlements based on the registration data.
The registration device is
Display and
A first display control means for displaying a destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to be the destination of the registration data on the display unit, and
A registration data transmission means for transmitting the registration data to the payment device selected on the destination selection screen, and
After the registration data is transmitted to the payment device, until the next transaction is started, the payment device to which the registration data is transmitted is notified and a button for instructing additional purchase or purchase cancellation is displayed. A second display control means for displaying the screen on the display unit,
When the button for instructing the additional purchase is input, additional update data to be added to the registration data is generated, and when the button for instructing the cancellation of the purchase is input, the data is deleted from the registration data. Delete update data generation means to generate update data, and
An update data transmission means for transmitting the additional update data or the deletion update data to a payment device to which the registration data is transmitted , and
Equipped with
The payment device is
A storage means for storing the registration data transmitted from the registration device in the storage unit, and
A start waiting means for waiting for a settlement start instruction for a transaction based on the registration data stored in the storage unit, and a start waiting means.
When the additional update data or the deletion update data is received from the registration device in the standby state of the payment start instruction, the update means for updating the registration data stored in the storage unit with the additional update data or the deletion update data. When,
Check-out system equipped with. The registration device is
When the button for instructing the additional purchase is input, an additional screen for displaying the product information of the product to be additionally purchased is displayed on the display unit, and when the button for instructing the cancellation of the purchase is input. Is a third display control means for displaying a cancellation screen for displaying the product information of the product for which the purchase is canceled on the display unit.
The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising . The notification screen further displays a close button, which instructs the notification screen to be closed.
The registration device is an erasing means for erasing the notification screen when the close button is input.
The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising.
The checkout system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification screen further displays the total number of products included in the registration data. It is a registration device that constitutes a checkout system and a plurality of payment devices that generate product registration data for each transaction and process transaction settlement based on the registration data.
Display and
A first display control means for displaying a destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to be the destination of the registration data on the display unit, and
A registration data transmission means for transmitting the registration data to the payment device selected on the destination selection screen, and
After the registration data is transmitted to the payment device, until the next transaction is started, the payment device to which the registration data is transmitted is notified and a button for instructing additional purchase or purchase cancellation is displayed. A second display control means for displaying the screen on the display unit,
When the button for instructing the additional purchase is input, additional update data to be added to the registration data is generated, and when the button for instructing the cancellation of the purchase is input, the data is deleted from the registration data. Delete update data generation means to generate update data, and
An update data transmission means for transmitting the additional update data or the deletion update data to a payment device to which the registration data is transmitted , and
A registration device comprising. When the button for instructing the additional purchase is input, an additional screen for displaying the product information of the product to be additionally purchased is displayed on the display unit, and when the button for instructing the cancellation of the purchase is input. Is a third display control means for displaying a cancellation screen for displaying the product information of the product for which the purchase is canceled on the display unit.
5. The registration device according to claim 5. A computer of a registration device that configures a checkout system and a plurality of payment devices that generate product registration data for each transaction and process transaction settlement based on the registration data.
A first display control means for displaying a destination selection screen for selecting one of the payment devices to be the destination of registration data on the display unit of the registration device.
A registration data transmission means for transmitting the registration data to the payment device selected on the destination selection screen.
After the registration data is transmitted to the payment device, until the next transaction is started, the payment device to which the registration data is transmitted is notified and a button for instructing additional purchase or purchase cancellation is displayed. A second display control means for displaying the screen on the display unit,
When the button for instructing the additional purchase is input, additional update data to be added to the registration data is generated, and when the button for instructing the cancellation of the purchase is input, the data is deleted from the registration data. Delete update data generation means to generate update data, and
An update data transmission means for transmitting the additional update data or the deletion update data to a payment device to which the registration data is transmitted .
A control program to function as.

Images