JP7148583B2 - Checkout system, product registration device and its program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a product registration device, and programs thereof.

As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a product data input unit and a transaction settlement unit are separated. The input unit waits for input of data relating to product sales. When data is input, the input unit generates transaction data to be settled based on the data and transfers the transaction data to the settlement unit. The settlement unit waits for receipt of the payment amount for the transaction amount calculated based on the transaction data. When a payment amount equal to or greater than the transaction amount is credited, the clearing unit processes the settlement of the transaction in which the transaction amount occurred.

Electronic money settlement is one of settlement methods for the payment amount. Electronic money settlement uses a storage medium (IC card, mobile phone, smart phone, etc.) in which electronic money is stored in advance. If the electronic money balance is greater than the transaction amount, the settlement unit deducts the transaction amount from the electronic money balance. The transaction is thus settled.

If the electronic money balance is less than the transaction amount, the settlement unit cannot deduct the transaction amount from the electronic money balance. In this case, as one method, the settlement unit does not allow electronic money settlement. The settlement unit waits for receipt of money other than electronic money. Alternatively, the settlement unit sets the electronic money balance to "0". Then, the settlement unit waits for deposit of money other than electronic money for the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the electronic money balance from the transaction amount.

Electronic money stored in a storage medium can be charged (deposited) using a dedicated deposit device. Recently, it is also possible to charge electronic money using a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that constitutes a checkout system. However, conventional POS terminals cannot be charged with electronic money after the data relating to the product to be sold is input until the transaction relating to the sale of the product is settled.

JP-A-2006-344123

The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are a checkout system, a product registration device, and a checkout system that can charge electronic money before the transaction related to the sale of the product is settled even after the data related to the product for sale is entered. I am trying to provide that program.

In one embodiment, the checkout system comprises an input unit and a payment unit. The input unit comprises a customer display device, display means, and output means. The display means causes the display device to display a screen for receiving an input of the charge amount for the electronic money. When the input of the charge amount is received through the screen, the output means outputs the transaction amount including the charge amount to the settlement unit. The settlement unit includes a reader/writer , charge means , subtraction means, and processing means . The reader/writer reads the electronic money balance stored in the storage medium and rewrites the balance . When the transaction amount output by the output means includes the charge amount, the charging means outputs the electronic money via the reader/writer on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received by a settlement method other than electronic money. Add the charge amount to the balance of The subtraction means subtracts the charge amount from the transaction amount output by the output means to obtain a new transaction amount when the charge amount is added to the electronic money balance by the charge means. The processing means processes settlement of the transaction amount obtained by the subtraction means when the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money by the charge means, and when the charge amount is not added to the balance of the electronic money by the charge means. processes the settlement of the transaction amount output by the output means.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a product registration device and payment device that make up the checkout system; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing data memory areas formed in RAMs of a product registration device and a payment device; 4 is a flowchart showing main steps of control processing executed by a CPU of the product registration device according to a control program; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the charging process shown in FIG. 4; FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a charge screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an amount input screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; 4 is a flow chart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU of the settlement apparatus according to the control program; 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a charge request screen displayed on the touch panel of the settlement device; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU of the payment apparatus according to the control program in the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device in the second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a settlement screen when the balance of electronic money is insufficient for the transaction amount; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a settlement screen when the balance of electronic money is sufficient for the transaction amount;

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system capable of charging electronic money before settlement of a transaction related to sales of a product even after data related to the product to be sold is entered will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the input unit and the settlement unit are separated, and the input unit is operated by the store clerk, and the settlement unit is operated by the shopper. is applied.

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

The product 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 purchases the merchandise sold at the store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by the store clerk 21 in some cases.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A passageway 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 product registration device 11 has functions of registration processing of purchased products, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12 . The registration process is a process of registering the product purchased by the shopper 22 as a purchased product. Settlement processing is processing for settling transactions related to sales of purchased products. Payment information is information necessary for payment processing. That is, the product registration device 11 functions as an input unit for data related to product sales. The product registration device may also function as a settlement unit for transactions related to product sales.

When payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs payment processing based on the payment information. That is, the settlement device 12 functions as a settlement unit for transactions related to product sales.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG. Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is a network. The network can also use another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN instead of the LAN 13 . Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

The product 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, two touch panels 11g1, 11g2, printer 11h, card reader/writer 11i, communication unit 11j and transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k 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 product 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. Furthermore, the RAM 11c is 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 generated by the processes performed by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD (solid state drive) can be used.

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11 separately transferred.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, scanner 11f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for store employees and the other touch panel 11g2 is for customers. Each of touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has a display screen of any screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position 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 clerk's touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the clerk's 21 work space side. 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.例文帳に追加

The printer 11h issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. For example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used as this type of printer 11h.

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

The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement devices 12 connected via the LAN13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another product registration device 11 via the LAN 13. FIG.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, the auxiliary storage unit 11d, the drawer opening unit 11e, the scanner 11f, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader/writer 11i, and the communication unit 11j. . As the transmission system 11k, 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 product registration device 11 .

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory unit 12d, an automatic change dispenser 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 CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. Based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c, the CPU 12a controls each section to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG.

The ROM 12b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware or application programs. The ROM 12b may also store data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The auxiliary memory unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a in performing various processes or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 12a. An EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, for example, can be used as the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in ROM 12b or auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

The automatic change dispenser 12e receives inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, scanner 12f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The screen of the display device is an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. A thermal printer or a dot impact printer, for example, can be used as this type of printer.

The card reader/writer 12i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards may include membership cards called membership cards, point cards, etc., in addition to settlement cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. The card reader/writer 11i reads and rewrites electronic money data (balance, etc.) stored in the electronic money card. The card reader/writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

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

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change dispenser 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader/writer 12i and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

As the hardware of such a settlement device 12, for example, an existing self-service POS terminal can be used.

As described above, the checkout system 10 in which the product registration device 11 as an input unit and the settlement device 12 as a settlement unit are separated, stores the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG. are formed in the RAMs 11c and 12c, respectively.

The data memory area 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records RC1, RC2, RC3, . A product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product has a product code represented by, for example, a bar code. The product name and unit price are the product name and price per item determined by the product code of the same record. The quantity and price are the sales data of the product determined by the product code of the same record, that is, the number of products sold and the sales price for that quantity.

The checkout system 10 is connected to a database server via a LAN 13 (not shown). This database server has a product database for setting product information such as product name and unit price in association with the product code of each product. When a product code is entered in the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a use the product code to inquire of the database server about product information. The database server that receives this inquiry accesses the product database and reads product information associated with the product code from the product database. The database server notifies the product information to the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 via the LAN 13 . The CPUs 11 a and 12 a of the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 generate records related to product sales based on the product information notified from the database server, and store the records in the data memory area 31 .

The product registration device 11 accepts input of the charge amount for the electronic money. When the charge amount is input, the CPU 11 a creates a record of the charge amount and stores it in the data memory area 31 . The record related to the charge amount uses preset data (for example, "999999999" and "charge") as the product code and product name. In the record related to the charge amount, the charge amount is set as the unit price, and "1" is set as the number. Therefore, the sales amount of the record related to the charge amount is equal to the charge amount.

The attribute identifies whether the records RC1, RC2, RC3, . In the present embodiment, the attribute of the record related to product sales is set to "0", and the attribute of the record related to the charge amount is set to "1". Needless to say, the attribute values are not limited to the above examples. Incidentally, in FIG. 3, records RC1 and RC3 indicate records relating to product sales, and record RC2 indicates a record relating to charge amounts.

Such a data memory area 31 is called transaction memory. Hereinafter, the transaction memory 31a for the product registration device 11 and the transaction memory 31b for the settlement device 12 will be used.

The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number of items and the total amount of money. The total number is the sum of the numbers stored in each record RC1, RC2, RC3, . . . The total amount is the total amount of each record RC1, RC2, RC3, . . .

Such a data memory area 32 is called total memory. Hereinafter, the total memory 32a for the product registration device 11 and the total memory 32b for the settlement device 12 will be used.

4 and 5 are flowcharts showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 6 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the product registration device 11 by the control process. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12 by the control process. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. 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 product registration device 11 will be described.
When the product registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a (Act 1). Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen to be displayed on part of the screens of the clerk's touch panel 11g1 and the customer's touch panel 11g2 (Act 2).

The registration screen displays the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a, and allows the store clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to confirm the execution status of the registration process. Note that the CPU 11a displays various button images such as a product button, a subtotal button, and a charge button outside the registration screen area of the screen of the sales clerk touch panel 11g1. Also, the CPU 11a displays the charge button on a part of the screen of the customer touch panel 11g2. The merchandise button is operated when the store clerk 21 designates merchandise. The subtotal button is operated when the store clerk commands the output of the subtotal amount. The charge button is operated by a store clerk when instructing charge (deposit) to electronic money.

While the registration screen is displayed, the store clerk 21 sequentially inputs the product codes of the products that the shopper 22 purchases by, for example, operating the scanner 11f or product buttons. When the product codes of all purchased products have been entered, the store clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

Also, if a request to charge electronic money is received from the shopper 22 before touching the subtotal button, the store clerk touches the charge button. The shopper 22 may touch the charge button displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2 instead of the store clerk touching the charge button.

The CPU 11a displaying the registration screen confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been input (Act 3). If the product code has not been input (NO in Act 3), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the charge button has been touched (Act 4). The charge button includes not only those displayed on the clerk touch panel 11g1 but also those displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2. If the charge button has not been touched (NO in Act 4), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been input (Act 3). Therefore, in the processing of Act3 and Act4, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the charge button to be touched.

When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a detects product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. . The CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of sales to calculate the sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including the product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity, sales amount, and attribute "0" in the transaction memory 31a. Also, the CPU 11a adds the number of sales and the sales amount to the total memory 32a (Act 5). After registering the record related to the product sales in the transaction memory 31a in this way, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen according to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a (Act 6).

Here, the CPU 11a receives input of data relating to product sales, and based on the input data, stores transaction data to be settled (=records with attribute "0") in a transaction memory 31a, which is a storage unit. configure.

When the charge button is touched (YES in Act 4), the CPU 11a executes charge processing (Act 7).
FIG. 5 is a flow chart specifically showing the procedure of charge processing. That is, when entering the charging process, the CPU 11a displays the charging screen SC1 (see FIG. 6) on the screen of the customer touch panel 11g2 (Act21).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge screen SC1. As illustrated, the charge screen SC1 includes a display area R1 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, and B8.

The button B1 is for the shopper 22 to specify the charging amount of 1000 yen. The button B2 is for the shopper 22 to specify the charging amount of 2000 yen. The button B3 is for the shopper 22 to specify the charging amount of 3000 yen. The button B4 is for the shopper 22 to specify the charge amount of 5000 yen. The button B5 is for the shopper 22 to specify the charging amount of 10,000 yen. The button B6 is for the shopper 22 to specify the input of any charge amount other than the amounts set on the buttons B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5.

The shopper 22 who requested the charging of electronic money confirms the presence or absence of buttons B1 to B5 on which the amount of money to be charged is displayed. And if there is a button, the shopper 22 touches the button. If there is no button, the shopper touches button B6.

When any one of the buttons B1 to B5 is touched, the charge amount set for that button B1 to B5 is displayed in the display area R1. When charging the amount displayed in the display area R1, the shopper 22 touches the button B7. When canceling charging, the shopper 22 touches the button B8.

When the button B6 is touched, the CPU 11a switches the screen of the customer touch panel 11g2 from the charge screen SC1 to the amount input screen SC2 (see FIG. 7).
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the amount input screen SC2. As shown, the amount input screen SC2 includes a display area R2, numeric keypad buttons B11 from "0" to "9", and other buttons B12, B13, and B14.

The numeric keypad B11 is used by the shopper 22 to input an arbitrary charge amount. In this embodiment, the charging amount is set in units of 1,000 yen. Also, the upper limit of the charge amount is set to 20000 yen. That is, if the charge amount is 4,000 yen, 6,000 to 9,000 yen, or 11,000 to 20,000 yen, the shopper 22 inputs the numerical value of the fourth digit or more using the numeric keypad B11. For example, if the charge amount is 8000 yen, the shopper 22 should touch the number "8" on the ten-key button B11. The CPU 11a displays the charge amount input via the numeric keypad B11 in the display area R2.

When correcting the amount displayed in the display area R2, the shopper 22 touches the button B12. When the button B12 is touched, the CPU 11a clears the display area R2. When charging the amount displayed in the display area R2, the shopper 22 touches the button B13. When returning the screen of the customer touch panel 11g2 to the charge screen SC1, the shopper 22 touches the button B14.

The CPU 11a, which displays the charge screen SC1 on the customer touch panel 11g2, waits for input of the charge amount (Act 22). When the charge amount nn, nnn is input via the buttons B1 to B5 of the charge screen SC1 or the numeric keypad B11 of the amount input screen SC2 (YES in Act22), the CPU 11a displays the charge amount nn, nnn in the display area R1. Or display on R2 (Act 23). The CPU 11a confirms whether or not to execute charging (Act 24). When the OK button B7 or B13 of the charge screen SC1 or the amount input screen SC2 is touched, the CPU 11a considers that the charge is executed. When the stop button B8 on the charge screen SC1 is touched, the CPU 11a considers that the charge is stopped.

When executing charge (YES in Act 24), the CPU 11a sets the product code "999999999", product name "charge", unit price "nn, nnn", quantity "1", amount "nn, nnn", and attribute "1". is registered in the transaction memory 31a. Also, the CPU 11a adds the number and amount of money to the total memory 32a (Act 25). After registering the charge amount record in the transaction memory 31a, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen according to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a (Act 26).

If charging is not to be executed (NO in Act24), the CPU 11a does not execute the processes of Act25 and Act26. With this, the charging process is completed.

Here, the CPU 11a constitutes additional means for receiving an input of the charge amount for the electronic money and adding the input charge amount data to the transaction memory 31. FIG.

Returning to FIG.
After updating the registration screen in Act 6 or Act 26, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 8). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act8), the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input again or the charge button to be touched (Act3, Act4).

In the standby state of Act3 and Act4, when the product code is input (YES in Act3), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act5 and Act6. When the charge button is touched (YES in Act4), the CPU 11a executes the charge process in Act7.

If the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act8), the CPU 11a generates settlement information based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a at this time (Act9). Then, the CPU 11a displays a forwarding destination selection screen SC3 (see FIG. 8) on a part of the screen of the clerk touch panel 11g1 (Act10).

An example of the forwarding destination selection screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The transfer destination selection screen SC3 includes display areas R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 and buttons B21, B22, B23, B24, B25, B6 and B7.

The display area R3 displays the total number of items in the total memory 32a and the total amount. Display area R4 displays various messages. Buttons B21 and B22 are for the store clerk 21 to specify that a discount should be applied to the total amount. The button B23 is for the store clerk 21 to specify to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 for store clerk to the registration screen.

The display areas R5 to R8 display whether or not the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12 is possible. The buttons B24 to B27 are used by the store clerk 21 to designate transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. FIG. The settlement device 12 does not accept transfer of settlement information while the settlement process is being executed. In the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the settlement device 12 in such a state, "transfer not possible" is displayed. Conversely, in the display areas R5 to R8 associated with the settlement device 12 that accepts the transfer of settlement information, "transferable" is displayed. It should be noted that the buttons B24 to B27 may be displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 is accepting transfer of payment information. Alternatively, the buttons B24 to B27 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 has not accepted transfer of payment information.

When the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is displayed, the CPU 11a waits for designation of the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred (Act 11). Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, and shift to a process corresponding to the occurrence event. For example, when one of the buttons B21 and B22 is touched by the store clerk 21, the CPU 11a changes the total amount included in the payment information in accordance with the subsequent instruction by the store clerk 21. FIG.

After confirming the transfer destination selection screen SC3, the store clerk 21 decides which settlement device 12 to transfer the transaction data to based on the information in the display areas R5 to R8. Then, the store clerk touches the buttons B24 to B27 corresponding to the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination.

When any of the buttons B24 to B27 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched in the standby state of Act11, the CPU 11a considers that the settlement device 12 has been specified. When the payment device 12 is specified (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a outputs payment information to the specified payment device 12 (Act12).

Specifically, the CPU 11a outputs the payment information to the LAN 13 using the communication address set to the specified payment device 12 as the destination address and the communication address set to itself as the transmission source address. 11j. As a result, payment information in which the destination address and the source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13 . This payment information is received by the payment device 12 whose transmission destination address matches the communication address. The payment apparatus 12 that has received the payment information can determine the product registration apparatus that is the transmission source of the payment information by storing the transmission source address of the payment information.

Here, the CPU 11a constitutes selection means for selecting one settlement device from among the plurality of settlement devices 12. FIG. Further, the CPU 11a and the communication unit 11j constitute output means for outputting the data in the transaction memory 31a to the selected settlement device 12 upon receiving a command to finish inputting data relating to product sales.

After outputting the payment information, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC4 (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on part of the screens of the clerk touch panel 11g1 and the customer touch panel 11g2 (Act 13). An example of the notification screen SC4 is shown in FIG. The notification screen SC4 includes display areas R9 and R10 and a button B31. Note that the button B31 is displayed only on the clerk touch panel 11g1. The button B31 is not displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2.

The display area R9 displays an image for making the store clerk 21 and the shopper 22 recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. It should be noted that semi-self-payment is a form of payment in which payment processing is executed by the payment device 12 according to an operation by the shopper 22 . The display area R10 displays the total number of pieces and the total amount of money included in the payment information, as well as to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred. The button B31 is for the store clerk 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4. When the button B31 is touched, the CPU 11a ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act1 again in the same manner as described above.

Note that when the buttons B24 to B27 associated with the payment apparatus 12 that has not accepted transfer of payment information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information. Therefore, if all of the settlement devices 12 are in an inoperative state or in an operating state that does not accept transfer of settlement information, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the settlement device 12 .

After confirming the notification screen SC4, the store clerk 21 notifies the shopper 22 that the payment should be made with the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R10. At this time, the printer 11h of the product registration device 11 may output a paper on which the number of the settlement device displayed in the display area R10 is printed, and the paper may be handed over to the shopper 22. FIG. The shopper 22 who has received the notification moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment.

Therefore, next, the operation of the settlement device 12 will be described.
When the settlement device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 31). The standby screen indicates that the settlement process is not in progress, and any information may be displayed. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that settlement processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g to the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act 32).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits payment information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act12 in FIG. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 that is the destination.

When the settlement information is received (YES in Act 32), the CPU 12a develops the settlement information in the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b (Act 33). That is, the CPU 12a stores in the transaction memory 31b records of the product name, unit price, number of sales, sales amount, and attributes included in the payment information. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number of purchased products and the total amount of money included in the payment information in the total memory 32b.

After the settlement information has been developed in the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the records developed in the transaction memory 31b include a record relating to the charge amount (Act 34). That is, the CPU 12a examines the attributes of the records developed in the transaction memory 31b. Then, when detecting a record whose attribute is "1", the CPU 12a considers that the record related to the charge amount is included. When all the attributes of the records developed in the transaction memory 31b are "0", the CPU 12a considers that the record related to the charge amount is not included.

If the record related to the charge amount is not included (NO in Act34), the CPU 12a causes the settlement screen SC5 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act35).

An example of the settlement screen SC5 is shown in FIG. The settlement screen SC5 includes display areas R11 and R12 and buttons B41, B42 and B43. The display area R11 displays operation guidance prompting the shopper 22 who operates the settlement device 12 to select a settlement method. The display area R12 displays the total number and total price stored in the total memory 32b as the transaction number and transaction price with the shopper 22. FIG. The button B11 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the payment method is cash. The button B12 is for the shopper to specify that the settlement method is electronic money. The button B13 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the store clerk 21 .

After confirming the settlement screen SC5, the shopper 22 decides whether to settle with cash or with electronic money. When paying with cash, the shopper 22 touches the button B41 and inserts cash equal to or greater than the total amount into the automatic change machine 12e. When paying with electronic money, the shopper 22 touches the button B42 to cause the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the electronic money card.

In the settlement screen SC5, cash settlement and electronic money settlement are exemplified as settlement methods, but the settlement method is not limited to cash settlement and electronic money settlement. The payment device 12 may settle transactions by other payment methods such as credit cards, gift certificates, and the like.

The CPU 12a displaying the settlement screen SC5 waits for the button B41 corresponding to cash settlement or the button B42 corresponding to electronic money settlement to be touched (Act36). Then, when the button B41 or B42 is touched (YES in Act36), the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by the settlement method selected by the touched button (Act37). That is, when the button B41 is touched, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for the transaction for which the total amount has been generated on condition that cash equal to or greater than the total amount has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e. When the button B42 is touched, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for the transaction for which the total amount is generated on condition that the balance of the electronic money read from the electronic money card by the card reader/writer 12i is equal to or greater than the total amount. do. These settlement processes are well known in the existing self-POS terminals, so descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

Here, the CPU 12a constitutes processing means for accepting payment of the payment amount and processing the settlement of the transaction in which the transaction amount is generated on condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the transaction amount (total amount) is received.

After completing the settlement process, the CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the contents of the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b. The CPU 12a then operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 38). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 31 in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the record developed in the transaction memory 31b includes a record related to the charge amount (YES in Act34), the CPU 12a displays the charge request screen SC6 (see FIG. 12) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g. ) is displayed (Act 39).

An example of the charge request screen SC6 is shown in FIG. The charge request screen SC6 includes display areas R21, R22, R23 and a button B51. The display area R21 displays an operation guidance prompting the shopper 22 operating the payment device 12 to deposit the charge amount. The display area R22 displays the charge amount included in the record related to the charge amount. If the records developed in the transaction memory 31b include a plurality of records related to the charge amount, the total charge amount of each record is displayed in the display area R22. The display area R23 displays the amount of money inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e. The button B51 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the store clerk 21 .

After confirming the charge request screen SC6, the shopper 22 causes the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the electronic money card and inserts cash equal to or more than the charge amount into the automatic change machine 12e.

The CPU 12a that displays the charge request screen SC6 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 40). When cash is inserted (deposited) (YES in Act 40), the CPU 12a displays the amount of money inserted in the display area R23. Then, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the inserted amount displayed in the display area R23 is greater than or equal to the charged amount displayed in the display area R22 (Act 41). If the inserted amount is less than the charged amount (NO in Act 41), the CPU 12a waits for the insertion of cash into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 40).

When the inserted amount is greater than or equal to the charge amount (YES in Act 41), the CPU 12a waits for the data of the electronic money card to be read by the card reader/writer 12i (Act 42). If the electronic money card data is read (YES in Act 42), the CPU 12a adds the charge amount to the electronic money balance included in the electronic money card data (Act 43). The CPU 12a also subtracts the charge amount from the total amount stored in the total memory 32b. Also, the CPU 12a subtracts the number of records related to the charge amount from the total points stored in the total memory 32b (Act 44).

Here, when the data of the transaction memory 31a output from the product registration device 11 includes the data of the charge amount, the CPU 12a performs the processing on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received by a settlement method other than electronic money. , constitute charging means for adding the charging amount to the electronic money balance via the card reader/writer 12i. Specifically, when the data of the transaction memory 31a output from the product registration device 11 includes the data of the charge amount, the CPU 12a sets the charge amount on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received by a settlement method other than electronic money. , the charge amount is added to the electronic money balance via the card reader/writer 12i, and the transaction amount is updated to the amount obtained by subtracting the charge amount.

When the charging of the electronic money is completed, the CPU 12a checks whether or not there is change in the charging amount (Act 45). When the inserted amount is larger than the charged amount, the CPU 12a considers that change has been made. If the charged amount and the inserted amount are equal, the CPU 12a considers that there is no change.

When change is generated (YES in Act 45), the CPU 12a commands the automatic change machine 12e to pay out the difference between the inserted amount and the charged amount as change (Act 46). According to this command, change is dispensed from the automatic change machine 12e.

After instructing the automatic change machine 12e to pay out or when no change has been generated (NO in Act 45), the CPU 12a causes the settlement screen SC5 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 35). ). Thereafter, the CPU 12a repeats the processing of Act35 to Act38 in the same manner as described above.

In a store where the checkout system 10 operating as described above is introduced, a shopper 22 who wants to charge the electronic money card with electronic money requests the charge to the store clerk 21 at the time of payment for the purchased product. The store clerk 21 who has received the charge request touches the charge button before finishing registering the product purchased by the shopper 22 in the product registration device 11 .

When the charge button is touched, a charge screen SC1 is displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11. FIG. After confirming the charge screen SC1, the shopper 22 inputs the charge amount. When the charge amount is input, the product registration device 11 stores a record of the charge amount in the transaction memory 31a. Records related to purchased products are also registered in the transaction memory 31a.

In the transaction memory 31a shown in FIG. 3, the shopper 22 who purchases one product A with a unit price of 600 yen and two products B with a unit price of 1000 yen inputs a charge amount of 5000 yen. RC1, RC2 and RC3 are stored. In this state, when the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button, the transfer destination selection screen SC3 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the clerk touch panel 11g1. Here, the store clerk 21 selects the "C" payment apparatus 12 among the four payment apparatus 12 identified by "A", "B", "C", and "D" as the transfer destination, and presses button B26. is touched, the settlement information generated based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a is transferred to the settlement device 12 of "C". In addition, the notification screen SC4 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the clerk touch panel 11g1 and the customer touch panel 11g2. Then, the shopper 22 moves to the settlement device 12 of "C" and performs an operation for settlement.

At this time, since the payment information transferred to the settlement device 12 of "C" includes the record RC2 related to the charge amount, the charge request screen SC6 shown in FIG. to be displayed. Therefore, the shopper 22 first inserts 5,000 yen into the automatic change machine 12e and holds the electronic money card over the card reader/writer 12i. At this time, if the shopper 22 puts in, for example, 10,000 yen, the change amount of 5,000 yen is dispensed from the automatic change machine 12e. When the charge amount of 5000 yen is inserted, 5000 yen is added to the electronic money balance stored in the electronic money card. For example, if the balance before charging was 600 yen, the balance is increased to 5600 yen by this charging.

When charging of the electronic money is completed, the settlement screen SC5 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12 of "C". At this time, the transaction amount displayed in the display area R12 is 2,600 yen excluding the charge amount of 5,000 yen. The shopper 22 then selects a settlement method. In the case of cash settlement, the shopper 22 touches the button B41 and inserts cash of 2,600 yen or more in the transaction amount into the automatic change machine 12e. In the case of electronic money settlement, the shopper 22 touches the button B42 and holds the electronic money card over the card reader/writer 12i. When the shopper 22 selects the electronic money settlement, the balance of the electronic money card becomes 3000 yen by paying the transaction amount of 2600 yen.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10 of the first embodiment, even after the data related to the product to be sold is input in the product registration device 11, before the transaction related to the sale of the product is settled in the settlement device 12, Alternatively, the shopper 22 can charge electronic money.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, when the payment information includes a record related to the charge amount, the settlement device 12 first charges the electronic money with the charge amount, and then the charge amount is calculated based on the record related to the sale of the product. Processed the settlement of the transaction amount. In the second embodiment, when the payment information includes a record related to the charge amount, the payment device 12 charges the electronic money and settles the transaction amount calculated based on the record related to the sale of the product. are processed collectively.

That is, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the information processing procedure of the payment device 12 . The remainder of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, FIGS. 1 to 9 will be used as they are in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program in the second embodiment. 14 to 16 are schematic diagrams showing various examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12 by the control processing. The operation of the checkout system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below using these figures. 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.

When the settlement device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 51). After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g to the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act 52). When the payment information is received (YES in Act 52), the CPU 12a develops the payment information in the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b (Act 53). After loading the settlement information into the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the record loaded into the transaction memory 31b includes a record related to the charge amount (Act 54). If the record related to the charge amount is not included (NO in Act54), the CPU 12a causes the settlement screen SC5 to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act35 in FIG. 10). Thereafter, the CPU 12a repeats the processing of Act35 to Act38 of FIG. 10 in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the record developed in the transaction memory 31b includes a record related to the charge amount (YES in Act54), the CPU 12a displays the electronic money settlement screen SC7 (FIG. 14) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g. ) is displayed (Act 55).

An example of the settlement screen SC7 is shown in FIG. The payment screen SC7 includes display areas R31, R32, R33 and a button B61. The display area R31 notifies the shopper 22 who operates the payment device 12 that the payment is made with electronic money. The display area R32 displays operation guidance for electronic money settlement for the shopper 22 . The display area R33 displays the total number of items and the total amount in the total memory 32b as the transaction number and transaction amount with the shopper 22. FIG. The button B61 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the store clerk 21 .

The shopper 22 confirming the payment screen SC7 of FIG. 14 causes the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the electronic money card.

The CPU 12a displaying the payment screen SC7 waits for the data of the electronic money card to be read by the card reader/writer 12i (Act 56). If the electronic money card data has been read (YES in Act 56), the CPU 12a compares the electronic money balance included in the electronic money card data with the total amount in the total memory 32b to determine if the balance is Check if the amount is insufficient for the total amount (Act 57).

If the balance is insufficient for the total amount (YES in Act57), the CPU 12a displays the insufficient amount in the display area R32 of the settlement screen SC7 (Act58). The shortfall amount is calculated by subtracting the balance from the total amount.

FIG. 15 shows the payment screen SC7 when the transaction amount is 7,600 yen and the electronic money balance is 600 yen, so 7,000 yen is insufficient. In this case, the balance of the electronic money and the guidance prompting the payment of the shortfall are displayed in the display area R32 of the payment screen SC7.

After confirming the payment screen SC7 of FIG. 15, the shopper 22 inserts more than the shortfall in cash into the automatic change dispenser 12e.

The CPU 12a displaying the shortfall waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 59). When cash is inserted (YES in Act 59), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the amount of money inserted is equal to or greater than the deficit (Act 60). If the inserted amount is less than the deficit (NO in Act 60), the CPU 12a waits for the cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 59).

When the input amount is equal to or greater than the deficit amount (YES in Act60), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act64.

On the other hand, if the balance is not short of the total amount (NO in Act 57), the CPU 12a displays the charge amount included in the record related to the charge amount among the records expanded in the transaction memory 31b to the settlement screen SC7. is displayed in the display area R32 (Act 61). If the records developed in the transaction memory 31b include a plurality of records related to the charge amount, the total charge amount of each record is displayed in the display area R32.

FIG. 16 shows the settlement screen SC7 when the transaction amount is 7,600 yen and the electronic money balance is 8,600 yen, so there is no shortage. In this case, the balance of the electronic money and the guidance prompting the payment of the charge amount are displayed in the display area R32 of the payment screen SC7.

After confirming the settlement screen SC7 of FIG. 16, the shopper 22 inserts cash equal to or more than the charging amount into the automatic change machine 12e.

The CPU 12a displaying the charge amount waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 62). When cash is inserted (YES in Act 62), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the amount of money inserted is greater than or equal to the charge amount (Act 63). If the inserted amount is less than the charged amount (NO in Act 63), the CPU 12a waits for further cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 62).

When the inserted amount becomes equal to or greater than the charged amount (YES in Act63), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act64.

In Act 64, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not there is change. If the inserted amount is larger than the deficit amount, or if the inserted amount is larger than the charge amount, the CPU 12a considers that change has been made. If the inserted amount is equal to the insufficient amount or the charged amount, the CPU 12a considers that there is no change.

If there is change (YES in Act 65), the CPU 12a commands the automatic change machine 12e to pay out the difference between the amount of money inserted and the amount of shortage or charge (Act 65). According to this command, change is dispensed from the automatic change machine 12e.

After instructing the automatic change dispenser 12e to pay out or when no change has been generated (NO in Act 64), the CPU 12a causes the card reader/writer 12i to cause the balance of the electronic money included in the data of the electronic money card to be depleted or charged. Add the amount (Act 66). As described above, the charge amount is the charge amount included in the record related to the charge amount among the records developed in the transaction memory 31b. If the records developed in the transaction memory 31b include a plurality of records related to the charge amount, the total charge amount of each record is added to the balance.

When charging of the electronic money is completed, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing with the electronic money (Act 67). In other words, the CPU 12a reads the balance of the electronic money from the electronic money card with the card reader/writer 12i and adds the amount of shortage or charge amount to the total amount in the total memory 32b. payment processing. This payment processing is a well-known matter in the existing self-POS terminal, so the explanation here is omitted.

After completing the settlement process, the CPU 12a edits the print data of the receipt based on the contents of the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b. The CPU 12a then operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 68). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a completes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 51 in the same manner as described above.

The CPU 21a waits for the balance of the electronic money to be read by the card reader/writer 12i when the payment information includes a record relating to the charge amount. Then, when the balance is less than the transaction amount calculated from the settlement information, the CPU 21a waits for the payment of the shortfall, and on the condition that the amount equal to or greater than the shortfall is paid, the balance of the electronic money is calculated via the card reader/writer 12i. A charge means for adding the amount of the shortage to is provided. In this case, the CPU 21a processes the settlement of the transaction with the electronic money balance after the addition of the shortfall amount.

In addition, the CPU 21a waits for the payment of the charge amount when the balance is equal to or greater than the transaction amount, and on the condition that the amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received, adds the charge amount to the balance of the electronic money via the card reader/writer 12i. Have the means. Also in this case, the CPU 21a processes settlement of the transaction with the balance of the electronic money after the charge amount is added.

Even at a store where the checkout system 10 that operates as described above is introduced, the shopper 22 who wants to charge the electronic money of the electronic money card can enter the charge amount from the charge screen SC1 displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11. is the same as in the first embodiment.

Here, it is assumed that the shopper 22 who purchases one product A with a unit price of 600 yen and two products B with a unit price of 1000 yen inputs the charge amount of 5000 yen. It is also assumed that the clerk 21 selects the "C" payment apparatus 12 as the transfer destination among the four payment apparatus 12 identified by "A", "B", "C", and "D". Then, the shopper 22 moves to the "C" payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment.

At this time, the payment information transferred to the payment device 12 of “C” includes the record RC2 related to the charge amount, so the electronic money payment screen SC7 shown in FIG. It is displayed on the touch panel 12g. That is, the total amount of 7,600 yen, which is the total amount of purchased products of 2,600 yen and the charge amount of 5,000 yen, is displayed as the transaction amount.

The shopper 22 holds the electronic money card over the card reader/writer 12i. At this time, assuming that the balance of the electronic money is 600 yen, the balance is insufficient for the transaction amount. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

Therefore, the shopper puts more than the shortfall in cash, for example, 10,000 yen into the automatic change machine 12e. Then, at the settlement device 12 of "C", 3,000 yen is dispensed as change from the automatic change machine 12e. Also, the balance of electronic money of 7,600 yen charged with the shortfall of 7,000 yen is reduced by the total amount of 2,600 yen of purchased products, and the balance of electronic money is rewritten to 5,000 yen.

Thus, the shopper 22 pays part of the purchase amount of 2,600 yen with the electronic money balance of 600 yen, and pays the remainder in cash (the amount once charged to the electronic money), and charges the electronic money with 5,000 yen. be equivalent.

On the other hand, assuming that the electronic money balance is 8,600 yen, the balance is sufficient for the transaction amount, so as shown in FIG. be.

Then, the shopper puts cash more than the charge amount, for example, 10,000 yen into the automatic change machine 12e. Then, at the settlement device 12 of "C", 5,000 yen is dispensed as change from the automatic change machine 12e. In addition, the total amount of purchased products of 2600 yen is subtracted from the electronic money balance of 13600 yen charged with the charge amount of 5000 yen, and the electronic money balance is rewritten to 11000 yen.

Thus, the shopper 22 pays the purchase amount of 2600 yen with the electronic money balance of 8600 yen, and charges the electronic money with 5000 yen.

As described above, the checkout system 10 of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, the charging screen SC1 is displayed on the screen of the customer touch panel 11g2, but the charging screen SC1 may be displayed on the screen of the clerk touch panel 11g1. In this case, the store clerk may input the charge amount requested by the shopper 22 from the charge screen SC1.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case of depositing the charge amount in cash was shown, but the amount is not necessarily limited to cash. The charge amount may be deposited by a method other than electronic money such as a gift certificate or credit card.

Also, in the above embodiment, a semi-self checkout system was exemplified, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to a semi-self checkout system. For example, even in a checkout system in which a settlement unit is operated by a store clerk, the electronic money charge function can be applied in the same manner as in each embodiment. The electronic money charge function can also be applied to a checkout system in which an input unit and a payment unit are not separated but integrated, that is, a so-called face-to-face POS terminal or a self-service POS terminal.

In addition, although the above-described embodiment has exemplified a checkout system for transactions related to the sale of goods, for example, a checkout system for transactions related to the provision of services such as parking lots, usage fees for sports facilities, admission fees for amusement parks, etc. can be applied in the same way.

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 memory comprising an input unit and a settlement unit, wherein the input unit receives input of data relating to the sale of goods or the provision of services, and stores transaction data to be settled in a storage unit based on the input data. means, additional means for receiving an input of a charge amount for electronic money and adding data of the input charge amount to the storage unit, and receiving an input termination command for the data relating to the sale of the product or the provision of the service, output means for outputting the data in the storage unit to the payment unit, the payment unit reading the balance of the electronic money stored in the storage medium and rewriting the balance; A process of accepting a deposit and processing settlement of a transaction in which the transaction amount is generated on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the transaction amount calculated based on the data in the storage unit output from the input unit is received. means, when the data of the storage unit output from the input unit includes the data of the charge amount, on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received by a settlement method other than the electronic money, and charging means for adding the charge amount to the balance of the electronic money via the reader/writer.
[2] When the data of the storage unit output from the input unit includes the data of the charge amount, the charge means waits for the charge amount to be received, and an amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received. Supplementary note [1] 1, wherein the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money via the reader/writer, and the transaction amount is updated to the amount obtained by subtracting the charge amount. checkout system.
[3] The charging means waits for the balance of the electronic money to be read by the reader/writer when the data of the storage unit output from the input unit includes the data of the charging amount, and When the transaction amount is less than the transaction amount, waiting for the deposit of the shortage amount obtained by subtracting the balance from the transaction amount, and on the condition that the amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount is deposited, the balance of the electronic money through the reader/writer. and the processing means processes settlement of the transaction with the balance of the electronic money after the charge amount is added by the charging means. checkout system.
[4] The charging means waits for the balance of the electronic money to be read by the reader/writer when the data of the storage unit output from the input unit includes the data of the charging amount, and When the transaction amount is equal to or greater than the transaction amount, waiting for receipt of the charge amount, and on condition that an amount equal to or greater than the charge amount is received, adding the charge amount to the balance of the electronic money via the reader/writer, The checkout system according to appendix [1], wherein the processing means processes settlement of the transaction with the balance of the electronic money after the charging amount is added by the charging means.
[5] There are a plurality of settlement units for the input unit, the input unit further comprises selection means for selecting one settlement unit from among the plurality of settlement units, and the output means comprises: The checkout system according to any one of appendices [1] to [4], wherein the data in the storage unit is output to the settlement unit selected by the selection means.

10 Checkout system 11 Product registration device 12 Settlement device 11a, 12a CPU 11b, 12b ROM 11c, 12c RAM 11d, 12d Auxiliary storage unit 11e Drawer opening unit 12e Automatic change dispenser 11f, 12f Scanner 11g1, 11g2, 12g Touch panel 11h, 12h Printer 11i, 12i Card reader/writer 11j, 12j Communication unit 13 LAN 21 Clerk 22 Shopper, 31a, 31b... transaction memory, 32a, 32b... total memory.

Claims (5)

comprising an input unit and a settlement unit,
The input unit is
a customer display device;
display means for causing the display device to display a screen for accepting input of a charging amount for electronic money;
output means for outputting a transaction amount including the charge amount to the settlement unit when the input of the charge amount is received through the screen;
and
The settlement unit
a reader/writer that reads the balance of the electronic money stored in a storage medium and rewrites the balance;
When the transaction amount output by the output means includes the charge amount, the electronic charging means for adding the charge amount to the money balance;
subtraction means, when the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money by the charge means, subtracting the charge amount from the transaction amount output by the output means to obtain a new transaction amount;
When the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money by the charge means, settlement of the transaction amount obtained by the subtraction means is processed, and the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money by the charge means. if not, a processing means for processing settlement of the transaction amount output by the output means;
A checkout system with The display means causes the display device to display a screen on which a plurality of predetermined amounts can be input as a charge amount.
The checkout system of Claim 1. The display means causes the display device to display a screen that allows an arbitrary amount to be entered as a charge amount.
3. The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2. A reader/writer for reading the balance of electronic money stored in a storage medium and rewriting the balance, and when the transaction amount includes the charge amount for the electronic money, the charge is made by a settlement method other than electronic money. adding the charge amount to the balance of the electronic money via the reader/writer on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the amount is received , and subtracting the charge amount from the transaction amount to obtain a new transaction amount; A product registration device that processes settlement of the new transaction amount and that constitutes a checkout system with a settlement unit that processes settlement of the transaction amount when the charge amount is not added to the balance of the electronic money. ,
a customer display device;
display means for causing the display device to display a screen for accepting input of a charging amount for electronic money;
output means for outputting the transaction amount as an amount including the charge amount and the amount of the registered product to the settlement unit when the input of the charge amount is received through the screen;
A product registration device comprising: A reader/writer for reading the balance of electronic money stored in a storage medium and rewriting the balance, and when the transaction amount includes the charge amount for the electronic money, the charge is made by a settlement method other than electronic money. adding the charge amount to the balance of the electronic money via the reader/writer on the condition that the payment amount equal to or greater than the amount is received , and subtracting the charge amount from the transaction amount to obtain a new transaction amount; to the computer of the product registration device that processes the settlement of the new transaction amount and that constitutes the settlement unit that processes the settlement of the transaction amount and the checkout system when the charge amount is not added to the balance of the electronic money. ,
A function of displaying a screen for accepting the input of the charge amount for electronic money on the display device for the customer, and
A function of outputting the transaction amount as an amount including the charge amount and the registered product amount to the settlement unit when the input of the charge amount is accepted through the screen;
program to make it happen.

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