JP7124161B2 - Checkout system, registration device, payment device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system and a payment device used in this system.

As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of each transaction for each transaction and a settlement device that executes settlement processing for the transaction based on the accounting data are separated. The registration device waits for input of data relating to product sales. Then, when the operator inputs data relating to product sales, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data, and transmits this accounting data to the settlement device. The settlement device waits for input of payment data for accounting data. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the settlement device executes settlement processing for the transaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. Such a checkout system in which the registration device and the payment device are separated includes a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by separate staff, and a checkout system in which the registration device is operated by the staff and the payment device is operated by the shopper. There is a so-called semi-self system, a division system operated by

In the case of the semi-self system, if a shopper takes time to operate the payment device, the following shoppers will have to wait for the payment. In order to avoid such a situation, a plurality of settlement devices are connected to one registration device. Then, the registration device selects one of the settlement devices for each transaction and transmits accounting data to that settlement device.

JP 2013-242839 A

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system in which a registration device does not select a settlement device to which accounting data is to be sent, and a settlement device used in this system.

In one embodiment, a checkout system includes a registration device having a product sales registration function, and a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing based on product data registered for sale by the registration device, A data transfer order is set among the plurality of settlement devices.
The registration device comprises generating means and transmitting means. The generating means generates accounting data necessary for settlement processing. The transmitting means transmits the accounting data to the highest transfer order settlement device with information indicating that no settlement device has been determined to preferentially execute settlement processing.
The plurality of payment devices includes receiving means, first transfer means, determination means, second transfer means, and third transfer means. The receiving means receives accounting data. When the information attached to the accounting data received by the receiving means indicates that a settlement device that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined, the first transfer means rewrites the information to its own identification information for the accounting data. are transferred according to the transfer order. If the information attached to the accounting data received by the receiving means is identification information of another payment device, the determination means executes payment processing with the other payment device identified by the identification information, determines whether to execute payment processing. The second transfer means transfers the accounting data in which the information is rewritten to the identification information of the self-payment apparatus in accordance with the order of transfer when the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the self-payment apparatus. The third transfer means transfers the accounting data according to the order of transfer without rewriting the information when the determination means determines that the settlement process is to be executed by another settlement device.

1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of a registration device and a settlement device; 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a priority list memory; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of accounting data and accounting machine response commands; 4 is a flowchart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU of the settlement device; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU of the settlement device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a registration screen; The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of accounting data in the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing main procedures of accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU of the settlement apparatus according to the second embodiment; FIG.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes multiple registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 . The number of settlement devices 12 is larger than that of the registration devices 11 .
The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged for each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration devices 11 and settlement devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane is arbitrary. FIG. 1 shows a case where one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes, respectively. Specifically, one registration device 11 and three settlement devices 12 (12-A, 12-B, 12-C) are arranged for one checkout lane. The settlement device 12-A is the closest to the registration device 11, the settlement device 12-B is the second closest to the registration device 11, and the settlement device 12-C is the closest to the registration device 11. furthest.

The checkout system 10 is a semi-self system. That is, the registration device 11 is operated by the store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by the shopper 22 who has registered the sale of the purchased product in the registration device 11 .

The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A passage (checkout lane) for shoppers 22 is formed by arranging a plurality of work tables 23 such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel.
The registration device 11 has the functions of product sales registration, accounting data creation, and accounting data transfer to the settlement device 12 . Product sales registration is to register data of products purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 . For example, by scanning a bar code attached to a product with a scanner, data such as the sales number and sales amount of the product are registered in the registration device 11 . Accounting data is data relating to accounting for products registered for sale as one transaction. Accounting data includes the product code, product name, unit price, number of sales, sales price, total number of sales, total price, etc. of the products registered for sale.
The registration device 11 sets one of the three payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the transmission destination of the accounting data. Which payment device 12 is the destination is arbitrary. The registration device 11 transmits accounting data to one settlement device 12 set as a transmission destination.

The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when the settlement device 12 receives the accounting data from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes settlement of transactions based on the accounting data. Settlement processing is to process the settlement of transactions, which are commodity trading actions, based on accounting data. Cash, credit cards, electronic money, etc. are used for settlement.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 of each checkout lane are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is an in-store network. A server (not shown) is connected to the LAN 13 . The server stores a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The server may also store other databases.

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

The registration device 11 includes a CPU 11a, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a scanner 11e, a touch panel 11f, a printer 11g, a communication unit 11h and a transmission system 11i.
The CPU 11a is connected to a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c and an auxiliary storage unit 11d via a transmission system 11i to form a computer. The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various functions of the registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware or application programs. The ROM 11b may also store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.
The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.
The auxiliary memory unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a in performing various processes, or data created by the processes performed by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or the like can be used. The application programs stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary storage unit 11 d include control programs describing information processing executed by the registration device 11 .

The scanner 11e reads the bar code attached to the product to obtain the product code of the product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f has a clerk's use and a customer's use. The clerk touch panel 11f is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space of the clerk 21 . The touch panel 11f for customers is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shoppers 22.例文帳に追加The printer 11g issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. The communication unit 11 h performs data communication with a plurality of settlement devices 12 connected via the LAN 13 . The communication unit 11 h can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13 .

The transmission system 11i transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, scanner 11e, touch panel 11f, printer 11g and communication unit 11h. As the transmission system 11i, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and various units can be used. For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as hardware for such a registration device 11 .

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, a scanner 12e, a touch panel 12f, a printer 12g, a communication unit 12h, a card reader/writer 12j, an automatic change dispenser 12k, a clock section 12m, and a transmission system 12i.
The card reader/writer 12j has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. The automatic change dispenser 12k receives inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change machine 12k discharges coins and banknotes as change. The clock unit 12m keeps track of the current date and time. Other CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12e, touch panel 12f, printer 12g, communication unit 12h and transmission system 12i have the same functions as those of the registration device 11. FIG. That is, the CPU 12a is connected to a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c and an auxiliary storage unit 12d via a transmission system 12i to form a computer. The CPU 12a controls each part to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c. The application programs stored in the ROM 12 b or the auxiliary storage unit 12 d include control programs describing information processing executed by the settlement device 12 . As the hardware of such a settlement device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-service system can be used.

The checkout system 10 having such a configuration forms data memory areas M1 and M2 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11. FIG. The data memory area M1 is an area for storing the product code, product name, unit price, number of sales points, and sales amount of each product registered for sale as one transaction. A product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product has a product code represented by a barcode, for example, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11e. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per item. The data memory area M1 is hereinafter referred to as a registration memory M1.

The data memory area M2 stores destination information. The destination information is information for identifying the settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be transmitted. In this embodiment, the transfer order of accounting data is set in advance among the three settlement devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the registration device 11 . Then, information that can identify the payment apparatus 12 having the first transfer order is stored in the data memory area M2 as destination information. For example, a default value of the destination information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and the CPU 11a writes this default value to the data memory area M2 at startup. A unique ID is set in advance for each settlement device 12 . This ID can be used as destination information. Alternatively, a number, symbol, code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each settlement device 12 and used as destination information. The data memory area M2 is hereinafter referred to as a destination memory M2.

The checkout system 10 creates data memory areas M3, M4 and M5 in the RAM 12c of the payment device 12. FIG. The data memory area M3 is an area for storing accounting data. The data memory area M3 is hereinafter referred to as accounting buffer M3.

The data memory area M4 stores transfer destination information. The transfer destination information is information for identifying the other settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be transferred, that is, the settlement device 12 whose transfer order is next to itself. Note that the transfer destination information is not set in the settlement device 12 that is the last in the transfer order. For example, a default value of transfer destination information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and the CPU 12a writes this default value to the data memory area M4 at startup. A unique ID is set in advance for each settlement device 12 . This ID can be used as transfer destination information. Alternatively, a number, symbol, code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each settlement device 12 as forwarding destination information. The data memory area M4 is hereinafter referred to as a transfer destination memory M4.

Data memory area M5 stores a priority list table. The priority list table indicates the order of priority of payment processing set for each time zone for a plurality of payment devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane.
FIG. 3 is an example of the priority list table T when three settlement devices 12 are arranged in one checkout lane as shown in FIG. The priority list table T stores information for identifying each settlement apparatus 12 having the first, second, and third priorities for each time period of one hour. The information is, for example, an ID unique to each payment device. Incidentally, in FIG. 3, the ID of the settlement device 12-A is "A", the ID of the settlement device 12-B is "B", and the ID of the settlement device 12-C is "C". Needless to say, the time period is not limited to one hour.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. 6 and 7 are flow charts showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program when accounting data is received. 8 to 10 are plan views showing examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration device 11. FIG. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. FIG. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

First, the operation of the registration device 11 will be described.
When the registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act1.
The registration screen SC1 displays the contents of the registration memory M1 and allows the store clerk 21 to confirm the progress 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. A display area R1 displays the product name, unit price, number of sales points (number) and sales amount of the most recently registered merchandise, and the total points and total amount of the purchased merchandise after the registration of the merchandise. The display area R2 displays a list of product names, unit prices, number of sales (number), and sales amounts of products registered for purchase prior to the product displayed in the display area R1.
Although illustration is omitted, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the store clerk 21 to specify a product, a subtotal button, etc. outside the registration screen SC1 area of the screen of the touch panel 11f. do.

Upon confirming that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11f, the store clerk 21 recognizes that the sales registration of the purchased product is possible. When the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the store clerk 21 operates, for example, the scanner 11e or the product buttons to sequentially input the product code of the purchased product. When the product codes of all purchased products have been entered, the store clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. Through the above operations, the sales registration of the product to be purchased by one shopper is completed.

In response to such sales registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a waits for product registration as Act2. When the product code is input via the scanner 11e or the product button (YES in Act2), the CPU 11a executes a product sales data registration process as Act3. That is, the CPU 11a acquires product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of sales points to calculate the amount corresponding to the number of sales points, that is, the so-called sales amount. The number of sales points is the numerical value when the number is entered with a numeric keypad or the like before the product code is entered, and is "1" when the number is not entered. Thus, the CPU 11a creates merchandise sales data including the merchandise code, merchandise name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a stores the product sales data in the registration memory M1. At this time, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 based on the data in the registration memory M1.

In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the end of registration of the merchandise for sale has been declared. For example, when the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines that the end of registration has been declared. If the end of registration has not been declared (NO in Act4), the CPU 11a returns to Act2 and waits for product registration. When the end of registration is declared (YES in Act4), the CPU 11a generates accounting data in Act5 based on the data in the registration memory M1. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data (data relating to product sales) through the processing of Act2 to Act5.

After generating the accounting data, the CPU 11a causes the accounting confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 as Act6.
An example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The payment confirmation screen SC2 includes display areas R3 and R4 and buttons B1, B2, B3 and B4. The display area R3 displays the total number of items, the total price, etc. of the products stored in the registration memory M1. The buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the store clerk 21 to specify that a discount or discount should be applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the store clerk 21 to specify to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is a checkout button B4 for the store clerk 21 to instruct the transition to checkout after the product registration for one transaction is completed. The display area R4 displays the status of each settlement device 12. FIG. The status of the settlement device 12 includes "accounting", "with warning", "standby", and the like. “Accounting” is a state in which payment processing is being performed by the payment device 12 . The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 that is executing settlement processing has a function of generating a processing-in-progress signal. This processing-in-progress signal is output to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13 from the communication unit 12h. “Warning present” means that the settlement device 12 is in a state where, for example, the change amount is insufficient or the receipt paper is insufficient. The automatic change dispenser 12k has a function of generating a warning signal indicating insufficient amount of change when the remaining amount of money stored as change is less than a threshold value. The printer 12g has a function of generating a receipt paper shortage warning signal when the remaining amount of receipt paper is less than a threshold value. These warning signals are output to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13 from the communication unit 12h. “Standby” means that the settlement apparatus 12 is waiting for settlement processing. The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12, which is not performing settlement processing and has no warning such as insufficient receipts or insufficient change, has a function of generating a standby signal. This waiting signal is output to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13 from the communication unit 12h.
When the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 receives a processing-in-progress signal, a warning signal, or a waiting signal from each payment device 12, it updates the status information in the display area R4.

After confirming the checkout confirmation screen SC2, the store clerk 21 touches the checkout button B4 if the shopper 22 is allowed to proceed to checkout.
When the checkout button B4 is touched (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a acquires the destination information stored in the destination memory M2 in Act8. In addition, the CPU 11a sets the accounting machine information to the initial value "0" in Act9. The checkout machine information is information that identifies the settlement device 12 that preferentially executes checkout processing. A unique ID is set in advance for each settlement device 12 . This ID can be used as accounting machine information. At present, the settlement device 12 that preferentially executes the accounting process has not been decided. Therefore, the accounting machine information has an initial value of "0".

As Act10, the CPU 11a outputs the accounting data generated in the process of Act5, the destination information acquired in the process of Act8, and the accounting machine information set in the process of Act9 to the communication unit 11h. Then, the CPU 11a commands the communication unit 11h to transmit a data message including accounting data and accounting machine information to the settlement apparatus 12 identified by the destination information. In response to this command, the communication unit 11h creates an accounting data message containing the destination address, the source address, the accounting data, and the accounting machine information, as shown in FIG. sent. The destination address is the communication address of the payment device 12 identified by the destination information. The source address is the communication address of the registration device 11 concerned. The accounting data message is received by one of the plurality of settlement devices 12 connected to the LAN 13, the destination address of which is set as the communication address. That is, the communication unit 12h of the settlement apparatus 12 receives the accounting data message transmitted over the LAN 13 whose destination address is its own communication address. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 cooperates with the communication unit 11h to perform the accounting for one settlement device 12 set as the transmission destination among the plurality of settlement devices 12 through the processing of Act8 to Act10. It constitutes a transmitting means for transmitting data together with the accounting machine information of initial value "0". On the other hand, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 cooperates with the communication unit 12h to constitute receiving means.

When the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 receives the accounting data message via the communication unit 12h, it starts information processing according to the procedures shown in the flow charts of FIGS. First, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an error has occurred in Act21. An error is, for example, a case where there is no money for change in the automatic change machine 12k (no change error). Alternatively, for example, in the printer 12g, there is no receipt paper (out of paper error). It should be noted that errors are not limited to those described above. For example, it may be determined that an error has occurred when the amount of money for change is less than a predetermined amount (change near end) or when the remaining amount of receipt paper is less than a predetermined amount (paper near end). . If an error has occurred (YES in Act21), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30.

If no error has occurred (NO in Act21), the CPU 12a determines in Act22 whether or not the busy flag F has been reset to "0". The busy flag is 1-bit information that is reset to "0" while the settlement device 12 is not executing settlement processing, and is set to "1" until settlement processing is completed once settlement processing is started. The busy flag F is stored in the RAM 12c, for example. If the busy flag F is set to "1" (NO in Act 22), the payment processing of other accounting data is being executed in the relevant payment device 12, so the payment processing of the accounting data included in the accounting data message cannot be done. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act30.

If the busy flag F is reset to "0" (YES in Act22), the CPU 12a determines in Act23 whether or not the accounting machine information in the accounting data message is "0". If the accounting machine information is "0" (YES in Act23), the CPU 12a proceeds to Act27.
If the accounting machine information is other than "0", that is, if it is the identification information of another settlement apparatus 12, the CPU 12a acquires the current time clocked by the clock unit 12m as Act24. Then, in Act 25, the CPU 12a searches the priority list table T and recognizes the priority of each settlement apparatus in the time zone including the current time. In Act 26, the CPU 12a compares with other payment devices identified by the accounting machine information and determines whether or not it has a higher priority.

As a result of this determination, if the payment apparatus itself has a higher priority (YES in Act 26), the payment apparatus is transferred to another payment apparatus identified by the accounting machine information, that is, another payment apparatus whose transfer order is earlier. Settlement processing is preferentially executed for the device. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act27. On the other hand, if the device itself is lower in priority (NO in Act 26), the other settlement device, which is earlier in the transfer order, preferentially executes settlement processing. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act30. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes determination means by the processing of Act23 to Act26. Specifically, when the accounting machine information included in the accounting data message is the initial value "0", it is determined that the accounting data settlement processing is to be executed preferentially by itself. If the accounting machine information is the identification information of another payment device, it is compared with the other payment device based on the current time information clocked by the clock section 12m and the data set in the priority list table T. and determines whether or not it should be executed preferentially.

In Act 27, the CPU 12a rewrites the accounting machine information in the accounting data message to its own identification information (ID). The CPU 12a also stores the accounting data included in the accounting data message in the accounting buffer M3 as Act28. Further, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to transmit a clear command in Act29. Upon receiving this command, the communication unit 12h creates a clear command and transmits it over the LAN 13. FIG. The clear command can be received by the settlement device connected to LAN13. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes storage means in cooperation with the RAM 12c through the processing of Act27. In addition, the CPU 12a cooperates with the communication unit 12h through the processing of Act 29 to constitute command means. The order of each process from Act27 to Act29 is not limited to the order described above. The order of processing may be changed as appropriate. After completing the processing of Act27 to Act29, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act30.

In Act30, the CPU 12a acquires the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M4. Then, the CPU 12a determines whether or not there is a transfer destination in Act31. If the forwarding destination information is the identification information of another settlement apparatus, the CPU 12a determines that there is a forwarding destination. When the transfer destination information is not set, the CPU 12a determines that there is no transfer destination.

If there is a transfer destination (YES in Act31), the CPU 12a outputs transfer destination information to the communication unit 12h in Act32. The CPU 12a then commands the communication unit 12h to transfer the accounting data message. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates an accounting data message containing the destination address, source address, accounting data, and accounting machine information as shown in FIG. sent. The destination address is the communication address of another settlement device identified by the forwarding destination information. The source address is the communication address of the settlement device 12 . As the accounting data, the accounting data of the received accounting data message is used as it is. If the accounting machine information has been updated in the processing of Act 27, the accounting machine information becomes the updated accounting machine information, that is, the identification information of the settlement apparatus 12 concerned. If it has not been updated, the accounting machine information in the received accounting data message is used as is. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes transfer means in cooperation with the communication unit 12h through the processing of Act30 to Act32.

On the other hand, if there is no forwarding destination (NO in Act 31), the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to transmit the accounting machine response command in Act 33. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates an accounting machine response command containing the destination address, the transmission source address, and the accounting machine information as shown in FIG. . The destination address is a communication address that can be received by both the registration device 11 and other settlement devices. The source address is the communication address of the settlement device 12 . If the accounting machine information has been updated in the processing of Act 27, the accounting machine information becomes the updated accounting machine information, that is, the identification information of the settlement apparatus 12 concerned. If it has not been updated, the accounting machine information in the received accounting data message is used as is. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes notification means in cooperation with the communication unit 12h through the processing of Act33.

The CPU 12a that has transferred the accounting data in Act32 waits to receive a command in Act41. When a command is received via the LAN 13 (YES in Act 41), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the command is a counter response command. If it is a cashier response command (YES in Act42), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act45.

If the received command is not the accounting machine response command (NO in Act 42), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the command is a clear command. If it is a clear command (YES in Act42), the CPU 12a clears the accounting data in the accounting buffer M3 in Act44. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting data reception process. The clear command is transmitted from the settlement device 12 that has determined that it will preferentially execute the accounting process. Therefore, the transaction data is cleared from the transaction buffer M3 in the payment device 12 that precedes the payment device 12 in the transfer order. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes clearing means by the processing of Act44. Note that when the clear command is received in a state in which the accounting data is not stored in the accounting buffer M3, the CPU 12a does not substantially perform any processing.

When the accounting machine response command is transmitted in Act 33 or the accounting machine response command is received in Act 42, the CPU 12a determines in Act 45 whether the accounting machine information included in the accounting machine response command matches its own identification information. Check whether If they do not match (NO in Act 45), the CPU 12a terminates the accounting data reception process.

If the accounting machine information included in the accounting machine response command matches its own identification information (YES at Act 45), the settlement apparatus 12 is determined as the accounting machine. In this case, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1" in Act46. Further, the CPU 12a causes the touch panel 12f to display a payment screen as Act 47. FIG. Then, the CPU 12a executes transaction settlement processing based on the accounting data stored in the accounting buffer M3 in Act48. The settlement screen is a screen for supporting the settlement operation by the shopper 22 . The settlement screen displays, for example, the total amount of purchased products. Buttons for selecting payment methods such as cash, credit card, and electronic money are also displayed. The settlement process is a process for settlement of transactions indicated in the accounting data according to the operation by the shopper 22, and since it is the same as the process performed by existing self-service POS terminals and the like, detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to "0" in Act 49. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting data reception process.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the accounting data in Act10 waits for the accounting machine response command in Act11. When the accounting machine response command is received (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a checks in Act12 whether or not the accounting machine information included in the response command is the initial value "0". If the accounting machine information is not the initial value "0", that is, if it is the identification information of any settlement device, the CPU 11a performs Act 13 to display guidance on the accounting confirmation screen SC2.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 with guidance display. This example is the case where the settlement device 12-C has sent a response command indicating that the transaction is possible. The guidance display is a display that guides the customer to the payment device 12-C that has notified that payment processing is possible. Guidance display is performed in the display area R4. The store clerk 21 confirming this guidance display guides the shopper 22 to pay with the settlement device 12-C notified by the guidance display. For example, the shopper 22 guided to the settlement device 12-C moves to the place where the settlement device 12-C is installed. Here, the CPU 11a configures notification means in cooperation with the touch panel 11f through the processing of Act11 to Act13.

On the other hand, if the accounting machine information is the initial value "0", the CPU 11a indicates in Act 14 that the accounting data cannot be sent to a part of the accounting confirmation screen SC2, for example, the display area R4. Display a transmission error message. After that, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disabling process. In the transmission prohibition processing, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and transmitted to the server, and the printer 11g is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a bar code indicating the identification code is printed. The accounting ticket is handed over to the shopper. The shopper has the scanner 12e of the settlement device 12 prepared at a place other than the checkout lane, for example, to read the barcode of the checkout ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 acquires the accounting data attached with the identification code obtained from the bar code from the server. Then, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing based on this accounting data.

For example, for the three settlement devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C connected to the registration device 11, the order of transfer is the settlement device 12-A, the settlement device 12-B, and the settlement device 12-C. was set. Also, it is assumed that the priority list table T of data shown in FIG. In this example, when all of the payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C are capable of processing payments, the payment device 12-A to the payment device 12-B can , the accounting data message in which the identification information "A" of the settlement device 12-A is set is transferred. The accounting data message in which the identification information "A" of the settlement device 12-A is set is also transferred from the settlement device 12-B to the settlement device 12-C. Then, from the settlement device 12-C, a checkout machine response command in which the identification information "A" of the settlement device 12-A is set is transmitted to the registration device 11 and the other settlement devices 12-A and 12-B. . As a result, the registration device 11 displays guidance to the settlement device 12-A. A payment screen is displayed on the payment device 12-A, and payment processing becomes possible.

On the other hand, in the time slot of 11:00 am, the accounting data message in which the identification information "A" of the settlement device 12-A is set is transferred from the settlement device 12-A to the settlement device 12-B. However, the accounting data message in which the identification information "B" of the settlement device 12-B is set is transferred from the settlement device 12-B to the settlement device 12-C. Then, from the settlement device 12-C, the accounting machine response command in which the identification information "B" of the settlement device 12-B is set is transmitted to the registration device 11 and the other settlement devices 12-A and 12-B. . As a result, the registration device 11 displays guidance to the settlement device 12-B. A payment screen is displayed on the payment device 12-B, and payment processing becomes possible.

Even in the time zone of 10:00 a.m., as shown in FIG. 9, if an error occurs in the settlement device 12-A and the settlement device 12-B is busy, the accounting The accounting data message with the initial value of "0" for the machine information is transferred to the settlement apparatus 12-C. Then, the settlement device 12-C transmits a checkout machine response command in which its own identification information "C" is set to the registration device 11 and the other settlement devices 12-A and 12-B. As a result, in the registration device 11, as shown in FIG. 10, guidance display to the settlement device 12-C is performed. A payment screen is displayed on the payment device 12-C, and payment processing becomes possible.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10, the registration device 11 only needs to transmit accounting data to the settlement device 12 identified by the destination information stored in the destination memory M2. There is no need to select a payment device to which accounting data will be sent. Therefore, the work load on the salesclerk 21 can be reduced compared to the case where the salesclerk 21 who operates the registration device 11 selects the settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be sent for each transaction, for example. In addition, the processing load on the registration device 11 can be reduced compared to a scheme in which the registration device 11 selects the destination of accounting data for each transaction based on the status of each settlement device 12 . Moreover, since the store clerk can guide the shopper 22 according to the guidance display, there is no need to visually check which settlement device 12 is available for settlement processing.

In addition, each payment apparatus 12 changes its priority, which is a criterion for judging whether or not it preferentially executes payment processing compared to other payment apparatuses, for each time slot. Therefore, payment devices that execute payment processing are not concentrated on models with high priority, so that the frequency of occurrence of errors such as no change errors or out-of-paper errors can be reduced.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This second embodiment is also applied to the checkout system 10 shown in FIG. Therefore, only parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of an accounting data message. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, the item "comparison value" is added to the accounting data message. A comparison value is a value of a comparison object that causes an error that occurs in the settlement device 12 . For example, in the payment device 12, when the printer 12g runs out of receipt paper, a paper-out error occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the remaining amount of receipt paper is used as the value of the object to be compared.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the main procedure of accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12, and processing blocks common to those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 12, in Act 23, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the accounting machine information in the accounting data message is "0". If the accounting machine information is "0" (YES in Act23), the CPU 12a detects the measured value of the comparison object in Act51. That is, the CPU 12a detects the remaining amount of receipt paper from a remaining amount sensor mounted on the printer 12g. After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act27.

If the accounting machine information is other than "0", that is, if it is the identification information of another settlement apparatus 12, the CPU 12a acquires a comparison value from the accounting data message in Act52. Further, the CPU 12a detects the measured value of the comparison object as Act53. Then, in Act 54, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the measured value is greater than the comparison value. If the actual measurement value is greater than the comparison value (YES in Act 54), that is, if the settlement device itself has more receipt paper left than the other settlement device that is earlier in the transfer order, the settlement device will Settlement processing is preferentially executed with respect to other settlement devices. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act27. On the other hand, if the measured value is equal to or less than the comparison value (NO in Act 54), that is, if the remaining amount of receipt paper is less or the same as that of the other settlement apparatus that is earlier in the transfer order, the transfer order is earlier. The other settlement device executes settlement processing preferentially. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act30.

The CPU 12a determines whether or not there is a transfer destination in Act31. If there is a forwarding destination (YES in Act31), the CPU 12a rewrites the comparison value in the accounting data message in Act55 with the actual measurement value acquired in Act51 or Act53. After that, the CPU 12a executes the processing after Act32 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, regardless of the transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices 12, the payment device with the largest remaining amount of receipt paper among the payment devices capable of executing payment processing is given priority. determined as an accounting machine. Therefore, it is not necessary for the registration device 11 to select a settlement device to which accounting data is to be sent for each transaction, and the frequency of out-of-paper errors can be reduced.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, each settlement device 12 stores the priority list table T. FIG. As another embodiment, the priority list table T is stored in a server on LAN13. Each settlement device 12 accesses the server and acquires the data of the priority list table T. FIG. By adopting such a configuration, the priority list table T can be easily changed.

In the second embodiment, the remaining amount of receipt paper is used as the value of the comparison object. As another embodiment, the amount of change remaining in the automatic change machine 12k is used as the value of the object for comparison. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence frequency of the no-change error. Needless to say, the value of the object to be compared is not limited to the remaining amount of receipt paper and the remaining amount of change.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the transmission destination address of the accounting machine response command is a communication address that can be received by both the registration device 11 and the other settlement device 12 . In another embodiment, the communication address of the registration device 11 is used as the destination address of the accounting machine response command. In this case, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the accounting machine response command transmits a transaction execution command to the settlement device 12 that has transmitted the accounting machine response command. The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 that has received this transaction execution command executes the processing of Act46 to Act49 in FIG.

Note that the transfer of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 is generally performed in a state in which programs such as control programs are stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to the user's operation. Transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be of any form, such as CD-ROM, memory card, etc., as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. Also, the functions obtained by installing or downloading a program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (Operating System) or the like inside the apparatus.
Additionally, while several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended below.
[1] A registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on input data, and a plurality of settlement devices that execute settlement processing based on the accounting data, are connected by a network, A checkout system for sequentially transmitting the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, wherein the plurality of payment devices are: receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted via the network; and comparing the settlement processing of the accounting data received by the receiving means with other settlement devices whose transfer order is earlier, and giving priority to itself. determination means for determining whether or not to execute based on a predetermined determination condition; transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other settlement device together with the accounting data when it is determined that the other settlement device with the earlier transfer order preferentially executes the identification information; If the transfer order is the last, if the determination means determines that it will be executed preferentially, the identification information of itself, if the transfer order is determined to be preferentially executed by another settlement device that is earlier in the transfer order and notification means for notifying the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device, and the registration device sends the customer to the payment device identified by the identification information notified by the notification means. A checkout system characterized by comprising: notification means for performing guidance notification.
[2] The determining means refers to information on priorities for each time period assigned among the plurality of payment devices, and preferentially executes the payment processing for those with higher priorities for each time period. The checkout system according to appendix [1], which determines.
[3] The plurality of payment devices further includes detection means for detecting the actual measurement value of the comparison object possessed by the payment device, and the determination means determines the Comparing actual measured values of the comparative object detected by the detecting means with actual measured values of the comparative object detected by the own detecting means, and determining to preferentially execute the one with the larger actual measured value. [1] The checkout system described.
[4] The settlement device has storage means for storing the accounting data received by the reception means, and when the determination means determines that the transaction data is to be executed preferentially, the other settlement device whose transfer order is earlier. and clearing means for clearing the accounting data stored in the storage means when clearing the accounting data is instructed by another settlement device. The checkout system according to any one of appendices [1] to [3], characterized by:
[5] A registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on input data, and a plurality of settlement devices that execute settlement processing based on the accounting data, are connected by a network, A settlement device of a checkout system that sequentially transmits the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of settlement devices, wherein and a receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted by said receiving means, and whether or not it preferentially executes the settlement processing of the accounting data received by said receiving means compared with other settlement devices whose transfer order is earlier. based on a predetermined determination condition, and if the transfer order set to itself is not the last, if the determination means determines that the transfer order is preferentially executed, the identification information of the transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device together with the accounting data when it is determined that the other payment device with the earlier transfer order is to be executed preferentially; In the case of , if the determining means determines that it will preferentially execute its own identification information, and if it determines that the other payment device with the earlier transfer order will preferentially execute, the other payment and notification means for notifying the registration device of identification information of the device.

11 registration device 12 payment device 11a, 12a CPU 11b, 12b ROM 11c, 12c RAM 11d, 12d auxiliary storage unit 11e scanner 11f, 12f touch panel 11g, 12g Printer 11h, 12h Communication unit 11i, 12i Transmission system 12j Card reader/writer 12k Automatic change dispenser 12m Clock unit M1 Registration memory M2 Destination memory M3 Accounting buffer M4: transfer destination memory, T: priority list table.

Claims (9)

a registration device having a product sales registration function; In a checkout system that sets the transfer order of
The registration device
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for the settlement process;
transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data to the payment device having the highest transfer order with information indicating that a payment device that preferentially executes the payment processing has not been determined;
and
The plurality of payment devices are
receiving means for receiving the accounting data;
if the information attached to the accounting data received by the receiving means indicates that a payment device that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined, the accounting data rewritten with its own identification information is transferred in the transfer order; a first transfer means for transferring according to
When the information attached to the accounting data received by the receiving means is identification information of another settlement device, the other settlement device identified by the identification information executes settlement processing, or settlement is made by the own settlement device. determination means for determining whether to execute processing;
a second transfer means for transferring the accounting data in which the information is rewritten to the identification information of the self-payment device according to the transfer order when the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the self-payment device;
a third transfer means for transferring the accounting data in accordance with the transfer order without rewriting the information when the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by another payment device;
A checkout system with The payment device
If the transfer order of the self-payment device is the last, and if the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the self-payment device, the identification information of the self-payment device is determined by the determination means, and the payment processing is performed by another payment device. notification means for notifying the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device when it is determined to execute;
further comprising
The registration device
notification means for performing notification to guide the customer to the payment device identified by the identification information notified by the notification means;
The checkout system of Claim 1, further comprising: The payment device
When the information attached to the accounting data received by the receiving means indicates that a payment device that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined, or the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the self-payment device a processing means for storing the accounting data received by the receiving means in a storage unit and transmitting a clear command to another settlement device when the accounting data is received by the receiving means;
clearing means for clearing the accounting data stored in the storage unit when the clear command is received from another settlement device after the accounting data is transferred by the first transferring means, the second transferring means, or the third transferring means; When,
3. The checkout system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A payment device that configures a checkout system with a registration device having a product sales registration function and another payment device, and sets the order of data transfer between the other payment device,
Receiving means for receiving accounting data necessary for payment processing;
If the accounting data received by the receiving means is accompanied by information indicating that a settlement device that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined, the accounting data rewritten with its own identification information is transferred in the transfer order. a first transfer means for transferring according to
When the accounting data received by the receiving means is accompanied by identification information of another payment device, the payment processing is executed by the other payment device identified by the identification information, or the payment processing is executed by the self-payment device. a determination means for determining whether to execute;
a second transfer means for transferring accounting data in which the identification information of the other payment apparatus is rewritten to the identification information of the payment apparatus in accordance with the transfer order when the determining means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the own payment apparatus;
a third transfer means for transferring the accounting data in accordance with the transfer order without rewriting the identification information of the other payment apparatus when the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by another payment apparatus;
A payment device comprising If the transfer order of the self-payment device is the last, and if the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the self-payment device, the identification information of the self-payment device is determined by the determination means, and the payment processing is performed by another payment device. notification means for notifying the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device when it is determined to execute;
5. The payment device of claim 4, further comprising: When the information attached to the accounting data received by the receiving means indicates that a payment device that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined, or the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the self-payment device a processing means for storing the accounting data received by the receiving means in a storage unit and transmitting a clear command to another settlement device when the accounting data is received by the receiving means;
clearing means for clearing the accounting data stored in the storage unit when the clear command is received from another settlement device after the accounting data is transferred by the first transferring means, the second transferring means, or the third transferring means; When,
6. The settlement device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: A registration device constituting a checkout system together with a plurality of settlement devices according to claim 4, wherein the order of data transfer is set among other settlement devices,
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for payment processing in the payment device;
transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data to the payment device having the highest transfer order with information indicating that a payment device that preferentially executes the payment processing has not been determined;
a registration device. A registration device constituting a checkout system together with a plurality of settlement devices according to claim 5, wherein the order of data transfer is set among other settlement devices,
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for payment processing in the payment device;
transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data to the payment device having the highest transfer order with information indicating that a payment device that preferentially executes the payment processing has not been determined;
an informing means for informing the customer to guide the customer to the payment device identified by the identification information notified from the payment device;
a registration device. A computer of a payment device that constitutes a checkout system together with a registration device having a product sales registration function and another payment device, and that sets the order of data transfer between the other payment devices;
Receiving means for receiving accounting data necessary for payment processing;
If the accounting data received by the receiving means is accompanied by information indicating that a settlement device that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined, the accounting data rewritten with its own identification information is transferred in the transfer order. a first transfer means for transferring according to
When the accounting data received by the receiving means is accompanied by identification information of another payment device, the payment processing is executed by the other payment device identified by the identification information, or the payment processing is executed by the self-payment device. Determination means for determining whether to execute
a second transfer means for transferring accounting data in which the identification information of the other payment apparatus is rewritten to the identification information of the payment apparatus according to the transfer order when the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by the payment apparatus; ,
third transfer means for transferring the accounting data according to the transfer order without rewriting the identification information of the other payment apparatus when the determination means determines that the payment processing is to be executed by another payment apparatus;
A control program for functioning as

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