JP7515215B2 - Registration Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a registration device.

A POS system in which customers themselves perform operations at checkout when purchasing products includes a registration device that registers data related to the transaction for the product the customer wishes to purchase, and a checkout device that the customer operates to process the checkout based on the registered data. Patent Document 1 describes a POS system equipped with such a registration device and checkout device.

In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, first, a registration device issues a settlement receipt, which is then handed to the customer. This settlement receipt has information necessary for settlement regarding the products being purchased (e.g., information indicating the total purchase amount) printed, for example, in a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code. Next, the customer uses the settlement receipt to operate the settlement device themselves and perform the settlement process. For example, the customer has the two-dimensional or one-dimensional code read by a reader on the settlement device, and then performs payment operations such as inserting cash or a credit card. The settlement device executes the settlement process according to the read two-dimensional or one-dimensional code and the customer's payment operation.

JP 2011-158993 A

In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, the customer must carry out a specific operation, such as having the reader of the settlement device read a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code, so that the settlement process can be carried out at the settlement device using the data registered in the registration device, and there is an issue that the customer may have difficulty deciding which settlement device to use. There are also cases where the settlement device that the customer goes to is in use. This causes an issue that settlement takes a long time.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a POS system, registration device, program, and registration data transmission method that can shorten the checkout time for customers.

One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the registration device has a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use among the plurality of settlement devices, and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can perform the payment processing at one available settlement device selected as the destination of the registration data.

According to the above aspect, the registration data is sent to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process, so that when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device. In addition, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which the registration data is to be sent, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is in use. This reduces the amount of customer operation required in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device is provided with a display means for informing the user of the settlement device selected as the destination.

According to the above aspect, the registration device can display to which settlement device the registration data has been sent so that the store clerk or customer can understand.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above POS system, the registration device displays on a display unit that a near-full or near-end state has occurred for any of the currency types stored in the change dispenser connected to the settlement device.

According to the above aspect, when a store clerk selects a settlement device to which registration data is to be sent in the registration device, the clerk can avoid selecting a settlement device that is near full or near end for the type of currency stored in the change dispenser and can select another settlement device. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as running out of change during a cash payment or the change dispenser becoming full and unable to operate due to the type of currency deposited during payment.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device is provided with a recall means for holding the registration data received by the settlement device and recalling it to the registration device.

According to the above embodiment, the registration data of customers waiting to make a payment at the checkout device can be recalled to the registration device regardless of the order of their payment, allowing for quick registration of additional products that the customers forgot to buy.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device is provided with a display means for displaying that the settlement device is free when the settlement device is not in use.

According to the above aspect, the registration device can display which payment devices are available so that the store clerk or customer can see them.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device includes a holding means for holding a payment process based on the registration data or for holding unsettled registration data, and the settlement device includes a transmission means for returning the registration data to the registration device that transmitted it when the payment process or unsettled registration data in the settlement device is held.

According to the above aspect, the settlement process for the registered data that has already been registered can be suspended, and the forgotten item can be smoothly added and registered in the registration device, and the settlement can be carried out together.

In one aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned POS system, the settlement device is characterized by having a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmitting means, and a display means for displaying at least payment amount information used in the settlement process based on the registration data.

According to the above aspect, the settlement device can display payment amount information used in the payment process.

Another aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products that a customer wishes to purchase based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the registration device is equipped with a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use among the plurality of settlement devices, and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at one available settlement device selected as the destination of the registration data.
According to the above aspect, the registration data is sent to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process, so that when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device. In addition, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which the registration data is to be sent, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is in use. This reduces the amount of operation by the customer in the settlement process, and thereby shortens the settlement time.
Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program for a POS system that causes a first computer to function as a registration device that registers products that a customer wishes to purchase based on the operation of a store clerk, and causes a second computer to function as a number of settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, the program causing the first computer to function as a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use among the multiple settlement devices, and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at an available settlement device selected as the destination of the registration data.

According to the above aspect, the registration data is sent to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process, so that when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device. In addition, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which the registration data is to be sent, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is in use. This reduces the amount of customer operation required in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer as a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that customers themselves operate to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, to function as a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use among the plurality of settlement devices and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can perform payment processing at one available settlement device selected as the destination of the registration data. According to the above aspect, the registration data is transmitted to the settlement device selected in the registration device so that the customer can perform payment processing, so that when the customer tries to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device. In addition, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which the registration data is to be transmitted, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is in use. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer in the payment processing, thereby shortening the payment time.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method for transmitting registration data in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the method includes a transmission step in the registration device that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use among the plurality of settlement devices, and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the payment processing for the customer can be performed at one available settlement device selected as the destination of the registration data.

According to the above aspect, the registration data is sent to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process, so that when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device. In addition, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which the registration data is to be sent, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is in use. This reduces the amount of customer operation required in the settlement process, thereby shortening the settlement time.

The present invention can reduce the checkout time for customers.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a registration POS register 20 in FIG. 1. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement POS register 30 in FIG. 1. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a registration POS register 20 and a settlement POS register 30 shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the POS system 1 of FIG. 1. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a selection process of a destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display of a destination settlement POS register in step S25 of FIG. 5. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt on which a guide indicating a POS register for settlement is printed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a settlement POS register that has transitioned to a standby state in step S26 of FIG. 5. 10 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow in the POS system 1 of FIG. 1. 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for suspending a settlement process in the process in the POS system 1 of FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a button for suspending a settlement process displayed on a settlement POS register. FIG. 12 shows an example of a reserved receipt issued in step S29c of FIG. 11.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, a registration POS register 20, and three settlement POS registers 30. The store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, and the three settlement POS registers 30 are interconnected by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

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

The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1 and manages various information such as the product master. The store controller 10 transmits the latest product master to the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30 as appropriate. Here, the product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information, product name, and sales price for each product, and is updated as appropriate.

The registration POS register 20 performs a process of registering data of products that a customer is going to purchase. The data is registered, for example, by reading a barcode attached to the product. For this reason, the registration POS register 20 is provided with a scanner that, by the operation of a store clerk, reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product that the customer is going to purchase. In this application, the data related to the products that is registered by the registration POS register 20 and used in the settlement process is called registration data. The registration data includes the amount of all the products to be purchased, i.e., the total amount, and information on the unit price and number of each product. The registration data may be identification information (code information, etc.) that calls up the amount of all the products to be purchased, i.e., the total amount, and information on the unit price and number of each product. In this case, the settlement POS register 30 may make a request to the store controller 10 or the registration POS register 20 having the function of the store controller 10 based on the above-mentioned identification information (code information, etc.) to receive the registration data.
In addition, the registration POS register 20 receives and manages status information from each settlement POS register 30 .

Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be sent, according to the status information. At that time, the registration POS register 20 determines, based on the status information, which settlement POS register 30 the customer currently registering the product should use to settle the payment, so as to minimize waiting time. That is, the registration POS register 20 selects the most suitable one from the multiple settlement POS registers 30. The registration POS register 20 selects, for example, an available settlement POS register 30. Alternatively, if all settlement POS registers 30 are occupied by customers, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement device that is likely to become available first. Then, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the selected settlement POS register 30. A customer who wishes to purchase the product indicated by the registration data can operate the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data was sent, and perform the settlement process himself. The checkout process is the process of paying for the product you wish to purchase by selectively using cash, electronic money, credit card, etc.

The status information indicates the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30. The progress is divided into statuses such as waiting, settlement, issuing a receipt, available, pending accounting, and trouble. Based on this progress, the registration POS register 20 performs a determination process to determine which settlement POS register 30 to select. For example, the registration POS register 20 preferentially selects an available settlement POS register 30. If there is no available settlement POS register 30, it selects one that is issuing a receipt. The above three progress statuses, waiting, settlement, and issuing a receipt, indicate the stage of settlement processing, and the progress status changes from waiting to settlement, and from settlement to issuing a receipt. Therefore, the status issuing a receipt is more advanced than the status issuing a settlement, and if there is no available POS register 30, the settlement POS register 30 that is likely to become available the soonest can be selected by selecting one that is issuing a receipt.

When the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data currently being registered to the settlement POS register 30 selected as described above, the following display process is performed. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information received from each settlement POS register 30 on a display screen such as a touch panel of the registration POS register 20. This display may be performed not only when transmitting the registration data, but also during the registration process or during free time, constantly or as needed, while updating. Furthermore, when the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data, it displays the information so that the clerk or customer can understand which settlement POS register 30 the registration data was transmitted to. For example, when the information is displayed to the clerk, the clerk can verbally inform the customer. In this case, the display method is arbitrary. For example, the status information of each settlement POS register 30 can be displayed on a touch panel or the like installed toward the clerk in the registration POS register 20, and the status information corresponding to the settlement POS register 30 that transmitted the information can be highlighted. Also, a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 may be displayed on a display unit of the registration POS register 20 facing the customer. Also, a receipt indicating the corresponding settlement POS register 30 (for example, a numbered receipt with the number of the settlement POS register 30 printed on it) may be issued and handed to the customer.

The selection of the checkout POS register 30 may be performed manually by a store clerk. For example, the store clerk may look at the status information, make a judgment, and select the checkout POS register 30 by pressing the checkout POS register 30 button selected on the touch panel. Also, to help the store clerk make a judgment, the status information may be displayed with emphasis on checkout POS registers 30 that are available (or look likely to be available).

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

The settlement POS register 30, on the other hand, is a device that customers operate to carry out settlement processing, and is equipped with payment devices such as an automatic change dispenser, a card reader (e.g., for credit cards and point cards), and an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (e.g., for electronic money). The settlement POS register 30 also transmits status information to the registration POS register 20 at any time.

In addition, when the checkout POS register 30 receives the above registration data from the registration POS register 20, it notifies (i.e., guides) the customer so that the customer knows that they should come to the checkout POS register 30. An example of such a notification is, for example, displaying text information such as a specified number on the entire screen of the display unit of the checkout POS register 30. This text information such as a number is information that the registration POS register 20 (or the store clerk operating the registration POS register 20) has separately notified to the customer. The customer then simply goes to the checkout POS register 30 that displays the number that the customer has been notified of. Another example of a notification is to guide the customer by lighting up a specified lamp on the checkout POS register 30. For example, the lamp may be lit in a specific color, and the customer may go to the checkout POS register 30 of the specified color. It may also be blinking. Another example of notification is to display the member card number on the screen of the settlement POS register 30. This member card number is read, for example, by the registration POS register 20. The customer goes to the settlement POS register 30 that is displaying their member card number.

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

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

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

Next, referring to Figures 2 to 4, an example of the configuration of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration POS register 20. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement POS register 30. And Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the registration POS register 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit (for store clerks) 205, a display unit (for customers) 205a, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, a buzzer 208, and a printing unit 209. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

The ROM 202 is a read-only memory and stores programs in advance.
The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the registration POS register 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 .

The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product.
The RAM 203 is a read/write memory that can be used at any time and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores product information based on barcodes read by the scanner unit 204, status information received from the checkout POS register 30, etc. The RAM 203 may also store a history of which operation buttons have been operated.

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

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

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

The printing unit 209 prints information indicating the registration data, etc., as necessary. However, in this embodiment, printing of the registration data can be omitted. As described above, the printing unit 209 may print information on the receipt (printing medium) indicating the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data (accounting data) selected according to the status information is to be sent.

The external configuration of the scanner unit 204, display unit (for store clerk) 205, operation unit 206, and printing unit 209 are shown in Figure 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the settlement POS register 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a sign pole 311, and a human detection sensor 312. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

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

RAM 303 is a read/write memory that stores various information. For example, RAM 303 stores product master data acquired from store controller 10, and product purchase details indicated by a two-dimensional code or barcode read by scanner unit 304. An example of a case where a two-dimensional code or barcode is read by scanner unit 304 is when registration POS register 20 is unable to acquire status information of settlement POS register 30 for some reason (e.g., a problem is occurring), and therefore registration POS register 20 prints a two-dimensional code or barcode used for accounting on an accounting slip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The external configuration of the scanner unit 304, display unit 305, operation unit 306, printing unit 309, payment unit 310, and sign pole 311 is shown in Figure 4.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, an example of the operation of the POS system 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described. In the example of operation shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that transmission and reception of predetermined data has been completed between the store controller 10 and the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30. Therefore, only the processing in the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30 and the exchange of data between them are shown. Also, in FIG. 5, the three settlement POS registers 30 shown in FIG. 1 are shown as settlement POS registers 30a to 30c. Also, in the example of operation in FIG. 5, it is assumed that all three settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are empty at the start.

Now, assuming that in steps S11, S14 and S17, status information indicating that each of the three settlement POS registers 30a-30c is empty is sent to the registration POS register 20, the registration POS register 20 receives the status information (steps S12, S15 and S18). The registration POS register 20 then stores the status information of each of the settlement POS registers 30a-30c in a specified memory area of the RAM 203 (steps S13, S16 and S19).

Next, in step S20, a customer visits the registration POS register 20, and the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206 to start the product registration process. Thereafter, the scanner unit 204, display unit 205, and operation unit 206 are used to register the product data that the customer wishes to purchase. Then, in step S21, the product registration process ends, and the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206 to end the product registration process. In step S21, registration data (accounting data) to be sent to one of the payment POS registers 30 is generated.

The registration POS register 20 then performs a process of selecting the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data will be sent (step S22). In step S22, the registration POS register 20 references the status information of each settlement POS register 30a-30c stored in a specified memory area of the RAM 203, and selects the settlement POS register that has progressed the most in the settlement process (i.e., is free or is most likely to become free soon) based on the status information. In this example, it is assumed that the settlement POS register 30a was selected in step S22.

Next, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the settlement POS register 30a, which is the destination of the registration data set in step S22 (step S23). In response, the settlement POS register 30a receives the registration data (step S24). The registration POS register 20 that transmitted the registration data in step S23 displays an indication that the settlement POS register that transmitted the registration data is the settlement POS register 30a (step S25). Meanwhile, the settlement POS register 30a that received the registration data in step S24 notifies the reception of the registration data and transitions to a standby state for settlement processing (step S26).

Next, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating that it is in a standby state (step S27). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S28). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a specified memory area of the RAM 203 is updated from an idle state to a standby state (step S29).

When a customer arrives at the checkout POS register 30a and performs a specific operation on the operation unit 306, etc., or when the human approach is detected by the human detection sensor 312, the payment process is started (step S30). In the payment process started in step S30, the operation method is displayed on the display unit 305, and the customer selects a payment method and makes a payment using the selected payment method according to their operation. When the checkout POS register 30a starts the payment process in step S30, it transmits status information indicating that a payment is being made (step S31). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the checkout POS register 30a (step S32). The status information of the checkout POS register 30a stored in a specific memory area of the RAM 203 is updated from a standby state to a state of payment being made (step S33).

Next, when the settlement POS register 30a finishes the payment process using the specified payment method (step S34), the settlement POS register 30a starts the receipt issuing process (step S35). When the settlement POS register 30a starts the receipt issuing process in step S35, it sends status information indicating that a receipt is being issued (step S36). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S37). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a specified memory area of the RAM 203 is updated from settlement in progress to receipt issuing (step S38).

Next, when the settlement POS register 30a finishes issuing receipts (step S39), it transitions to an idle state and transmits status information indicating that it is idle (step S40). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S41). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a specified memory area of the RAM 203 is updated from issuing receipts to idle (step S42).

In this manner, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, one of the settlement POS registers 30 is automatically selected by the registration POS register 20, and settlement processing is performed according to the customer's operation using the settlement POS register 30.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, an example of the selection process of the destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. 5 will be described. Here, the progress status represented by the status information is assumed to be one of five statuses: waiting, settlement in progress, receipt issuing, empty, and trouble occurring. As shown in FIG. 6, the registration POS register 20 first determines whether or not there is an empty settlement POS register 30 by referring to the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a specified memory area of the RAM 203 (step S101). If there is an empty settlement POS register 30 (Yes in step S101), one of the empty settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S102). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if there are no free settlement POS registers 30 (No in step S101), it is determined whether there are any settlement POS registers 30 currently printing receipts (step S104). If there are settlement POS registers 30 currently printing receipts (Yes in step S104), one of the settlement POS registers 30 currently printing receipts is selected (step S105). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S104 is that there is no settlement POS register 30 currently printing a receipt (No in step S104), it is determined whether there is a settlement POS register 30 currently in settlement (step S106). If there is a settlement POS register 30 currently in settlement (Yes in step S106), one of the settlement POS registers 30 currently in settlement is selected (step S107). Then, the settlement POS register 30 selected in step S103 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S106 is that there is no settlement POS register 30 in the middle of a settlement (No in step S106), it is determined whether or not there is a settlement POS register 30 in a standby state (step S108). If there is a settlement POS register 30 in a standby state (Yes in step S108), one of the standby settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S109). Then, the settlement POS register 30 selected in step S103 is set as the transmission destination, and the selection process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S108 is that there is no checkout POS register 30 in a standby state (No in step S108), in this example, all checkout POS registers 30 are in a troubled state, so information indicating the selection result that the destination checkout POS register could not be determined is set (step S110).

When two or more settlement POS registers 30 are selected in steps S102, S105, S107, or S109, one of them is selected by any method. For example, when the distance between the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 varies, the settlement POS register 30 with the smaller distance can be selected. In addition, when some of multiple customers in the settlement process have a membership card or the like and the other do not, for example, a device used by a customer with a membership card or the like can be selected. This is because it is considered that there is a relatively high probability that a customer with a membership card is relatively familiar with the operation. In addition, when information regarding age can be registered in the registration POS register 20, it is possible to select a device other than the one used by the customer (i.e., avoiding that device) depending on the age, for example, when only a child is using the device.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, a display example in the display process of the destination settlement POS register in step S25 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a display example of the display unit (for store clerk) 205 of the registration POS register 20. In the display example of FIG. 7, buttons 2051 to 2053 representing the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed along with an icon for selecting a product (vegetables in this example), information indicating the amount, quantity, etc. However, the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed as devices 1 to 3, respectively. Furthermore, the settlement POS register 30a, whose status information is empty and which was selected in the process of step S22, is displayed in a different form from the other buttons (for example, by flashing or displaying in a different color), as shown by the shading. In the example of FIG. 7, by changing this form, it is shown that the settlement POS register 30a has been selected as the destination.

As mentioned above, the registration POS register 20 may display information indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 on the display unit (for customers) 205a. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display buttons 2051 to 2053 indicating the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit (for customers) 205a.

As mentioned above, the information indicating the destination POS register 30 may be printed on the receipt handed to the customer. FIG. 8 shows an example of a receipt (a numbered receipt with the number of the POS register 30 printed on it, a bill, or a POS register information receipt) on which information indicating the destination POS register 30 is printed. In FIG. 8, the text "Please check out at register number 1" (see reference number 3051) is printed on the receipt as information indicating the destination POS register 30. Here, this "register number 1" corresponds to, for example, device 1 (POS register 30a) in the display example of FIG. 7.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, an example of the display on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 that has transitioned to a waiting state for settlement processing in step S26 of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example of the display on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. In the example of the display in FIG. 9, in addition to information indicating that it is a "settlement machine" and information indicating that it is in a waiting state ("waiting"), information that can identify the customer making the settlement based on the registration data received by this settlement POS register 30 (e.g., a number, "waiting number") is displayed in order of the transaction (in the order of receipt of the registration data). Note that the information that can identify the customer (e.g., a number) may be notified to the customer by being displayed on the display unit (for customer) 205a of the registration POS register 20, for example, or may be notified to the customer by being printed on a receipt handed to the customer.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, another operation example of the POS system 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 will be described. In the operation example shown in FIG. 10, the status information of each settlement POS register 30 is different from the operation example described with reference to FIG. 5. That is, in the operation example of FIG. 10, settlement POS register 30a is in the process of settlement, settlement POS register 30b is in the process of issuing a receipt, and settlement POS register 30c is in the process of settlement.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, in steps S51-S59, the status information of each settlement POS register 30a-30c is updated in the same manner as in steps S11-S19 in FIG. 5. Then, in steps S60-S61, the product registration process is performed in the same manner as in steps S20-S21 in FIG. 5, and then in step S62, the settlement POS register 30b that is issuing a receipt is selected as the destination device. In this example, because the settlement POS registers 30a and 30c are in the process of settlement, it is determined that the settlement POS register 30b that is issuing a receipt is the most advanced in the process. Thereafter, in steps S63-S82, the registration data transmission process and settlement process are performed using the settlement POS register 30b in the same manner as in steps S23-S42 in FIG. 5. However, the notification and transition to standby state process in step S66 is performed after the receipt that was being issued when the status information was sent in step S54 has been issued.

The registration data transmission process in step S63 may be temporarily suspended depending on the status information of the settlement POS register 30. For example, the registration data may be transmitted only to a settlement POS register 30 that is idle or issuing a receipt, and transmission of the registration data may be suspended for a settlement POS register 30 that is in the process of settlement or in standby until the status information indicates that a receipt is being issued. In this case, the customer may temporarily wait near the registration POS register 20, for example. This prevents the customer from being guided toward the settlement POS register 30 when the settlement POS register 30 has not notified that it is a non-selected device. In this case, the registration POS register 20 may issue a numbered receipt to the customer temporarily waiting at the standby position and hand it to the customer. Then, the customer's registration data can be sent to the checkout POS register 30 whose status information indicates that the register is empty or issuing a receipt, and the number printed on the numbered receipt can be displayed on the display unit of the checkout POS register 30 that receives the data to guide the customer.

In the above-mentioned POS system 1, which is composed of the registration POS register 20 for registering products purchased by a customer and the settlement POS register 30 for the customer to operate and settle the price of the products registered in the registration POS register 20, if a customer remembers (realizes) an item that he or she forgot to buy at the time of payment (settlement), the customer is in the settlement POS register 30 in a state in which the registration in the registration POS register 20 has been completed. Therefore, the customer may have to first settle the payment at the settlement POS register 30, and then line up again in the registration queue at the registration POS register 20 in order to purchase the item that he or she forgot to buy.
In this case, the same procedure must be repeated until the customer can purchase the forgotten item, which is troublesome and bothersome for the customer. In addition, the customer may give up on purchasing the forgotten item, which may have a negative impact on the store's sales and may leave a bad impression on the store.

Therefore, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suspend the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30, and to additionally register product registration data to the suspended registration data.

Next, referring to FIG. 11, an example of the process of suspending the settlement process based on the registration data in the settlement POS register 30 that has received the registration data and is in a standby state, and registering additional product registration data to the suspended registration data, will be described. Note that, as described above, a case in which a customer suspends the settlement process is when, for example, when the registration data of a product to be purchased registered in the registration POS register 20 is sent to the settlement POS register 30 and is in a standby state, the customer realizes that there is a product that they forgot to buy and suspends the settlement process. By suspending the settlement process, the customer can add (register) the product as a product to be purchased before carrying out the settlement process.

For example, a button such as "Settlement Hold" is provided on the screen display of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. When this "Settlement Hold" button is pressed, the settlement POS register 30 places the customer's registered data (settlement processing based on the registered data) on hold.

The operation example shown in FIG. 11 differs from the operation example shown in FIG. 5 in that a process of suspending the settlement process has been added after the settlement POS register 30a transitions to a standby state in step S26 in FIG. 5. Note that in FIG. 11, processes corresponding to the processes in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. Also, the operations following "Start settlement process" in step S30 are the same as those explained with reference to FIG. 5, and are not illustrated.

The checkout POS register 30a goes into a standby state for checkout (step S26), transmits status information (step S27), and then displays payment information for checkout, including payment amount information, on the display unit 305, for example, in response to a customer's operation, and displays a button that allows the user to input "checkout pending" to hold the checkout process. The checkout POS register 30a then determines whether the checkout process has started (step S29a). If it is determined in step S29a that the checkout process has started, the checkout POS register 30a proceeds to step S30 and starts the checkout process as described with reference to FIG. 5. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29a that the checkout process has not started, the checkout POS register 30a determines whether the "checkout pending" button has been pressed (step S29b).

If it is determined in step S29b that the "Settlement Hold" button has not been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a returns to step S29a and repeats steps S29a and S29b until it is determined that the settlement process has started or that the "Settlement Hold" button has been pressed.

If it is determined in step S29b that the "settlement hold" button has been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a issues a hold receipt including information that identifies (specifies) the registered data for which the settlement process has been held (step S29c). For example, this hold receipt has a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code printed thereon for recalling the registered data for which the settlement process has been held.
It should be noted that if the registration POS register 20 or the settlement POS register 30 is unable to communicate due to some kind of trouble and a transaction receipt has already been issued, there is no need to issue a receipt.

The settlement POS register 30a also performs a process of returning the registration data for which the settlement process has been put on hold to the registration POS register 20 that registered (sent) that registration data. For example, the settlement POS register 30a sends the registration data that has been put on hold (pending registration data) to the registration POS register 20 that registered (sent) that registration data (step S29d). The registration POS register 20 receives the pending registration data sent from the settlement POS register 30a (step S29e).

The registration data that has been put on hold will remain on hold until it is recalled. For example, a customer who has forgotten to buy something will hand their shopping basket over to a store clerk, then take the forgotten item to the registration POS register 20, where the forgotten item will be added and registered. In response to the customer's request to add an item to the registration (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 returns to step S12, re-recalls the registration data for which the payment process has been put on hold (the on-hold registration data), and adds the registration data of the item to be added (the item that was forgotten to be purchased) to that registration data. As a result, the "forgotten item" that was added and registered by the registration POS register 20 is added to the on-hold registration data that is on hold.

Then, the registration POS register 20 sends the additional registration data to the settlement POS register selected based on each status information. The customer can either call up the registration data using the reserved receipt, or go back to the settlement POS register 30 instructed by the registration POS register 20 and make the payment themselves.

In this way, the checkout POS register 30 executes the processes (holding means) of steps S29c and S29d to hold the checkout process based on the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state. The registration POS register 20 also executes the process of step S29e to receive the held registration data for which the checkout process has been held, and, in response to a request from the customer to register additional items (step S29j), executes the process of additionally registering the registration data of the "forgotten item" to the received held registration data. In this way, in a POS system 1 that uses a checkout POS register 30 that the customer operates to perform the checkout, even if the customer has forgotten to purchase an item, it is possible to add the item that the customer forgot to purchase to the registration data that is used to perform the checkout process at the checkout POS register 30.

In addition, when registration data is stored in the registration POS register 20, instead of the process of transmitting the pending registration data described above, the settlement POS register 30 may notify the registration POS register 20 that the registration data is on hold (processing based on the registration data is on hold). For example, the settlement POS register 30a may display on the display unit 305 a display indicating that pending registration data exists in the registration POS register 20, and may transmit status information indicating the on hold state to the registration POS register 20. Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 may update the status information from a standby state to a on hold state in response to receiving status information indicating the on hold state.

The pending registration data can be stored in a variety of ways, including storing it in the settlement POS register 30, sending the pending registration data to the registration POS register 20 where the registration data was registered (or sending identification information that can identify the pending registration data and status information indicating that the pending registration data is in a pending state) (storing it in the registration POS register 20), or sending it to the store controller 10 (storing it in the store controller 10).

In the case of a method in which the pending registration data is stored in the checkout POS register 30, the registration POS register 20 may perform a process of transmitting only the additionally registered "forgotten item" to the checkout POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data. In this way, the checkout POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data may additionally register the received "forgotten item" within the pending registration data that is being treated as pending.

In the case of a method in which the store controller 10 stores the pending registration data, the registration POS register 20 may perform a process of transmitting the additionally registered "forgotten item" to the store controller 10. As a result, the store controller 10 may additionally register the received "forgotten item" in the stored pending registration data.

Next, referring to FIG. 12, an example of the display of a button for suspending the settlement process displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 will be described. In FIG. 12, the settlement POS register 30 displays payment information such as the receipt number and payment amount information for performing the settlement process, and also displays a "Forgot to Buy button" (see reference symbol 3061) for suspending the settlement process on the display unit 305. For example, the settlement POS register 30a that transitioned to a standby state in step S26 of FIG. 11 displays information including the "Forgot to Buy button" on the display unit 305 as shown in FIG. 12. Then, in step S29b of FIG. 11, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether the "Forgot to Buy button" has been pressed by determining whether the "Suspend settlement" button has been pressed.

Next, referring to FIG. 13, the pending receipt issued in step S29c in FIG. 11 will be described. The pending receipt shown in FIG. 13 is printed with a guide (see reference number 3051) indicating the issuing POS register 30 for settlement, as well as a two-dimensional code (see reference number 3052) for recalling the registered data for which settlement processing has been put on hold. Note that instead of the two-dimensional code using a QR code (registered trademark) shown in this figure, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode may be used. Furthermore, instead of this two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code, information indicated by numbers, letters, symbols, pictures, etc. associated with each registered data may be used.

As described above, the POS system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a registration POS register 20 (registration device) that registers products to be purchased, and multiple settlement POS registers 30 (settlement devices) that perform settlement based on the product registration data. The registration POS register 20 executes steps S12, S15, S18, etc. (acquisition means) to acquire status information related to the settlement process from each settlement POS register 30, step S22 (selection means) to select the settlement POS register 30 that should perform the settlement for the registered products based on the status information, and step S23 (transmission means) to transmit the registration data of the registered products to the selected settlement POS register 30. In this way, the registration data is transmitted from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30 according to the status of the settlement POS register 30, so that the necessary registration data has already arrived at the settlement POS register 30, reducing the customer's operations and thereby shortening the settlement time.

In addition, when the settlement POS register 30 receives registration data from the registration POS register 20, the process (control means) executes step S26 to control the settlement POS register 30 to enter a standby state for settlement processing. This allows the settlement POS register 30 to enter a standby state in which settlement can be started immediately, minimizing customer operations.

In addition, when the settlement POS register 30 receives registration data from the registration POS register 20, it executes the process of step S26 (notification means) of notifying the customer that this is the settlement POS register 30 that should settle the registered product, so that the customer can immediately tell which settlement device they should go to.

In addition, the registration POS register 20 executes the process (display means) of step S25 to display status information, so that the status of the settlement POS register 30 can be grasped from the registration POS register 20 side.

The status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process, and in the process (selection means) of step S22, the settlement POS register 30 in which the settlement process has progressed the most is selected as the settlement POS register 30 that should settle the registered products. With this configuration, the most suitable settlement POS register 30 is selected according to the status information indicating the progress of the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30, so that, for example, customers will not be concentrated at one settlement POS register 30, and settlement can be made efficiently.

In addition, if the status information is the same when the registration POS register 20 sends registration data to the settlement POS register 30, the destination may be determined based on the customer's age and the distance to the settlement POS register 30. For example, if the customer is elderly, the settlement POS register 30 closest to the registration POS register 20 may be selected, making it easier to provide support and further improving customer satisfaction.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the registration data of the products to be purchased by the customer registered to the settlement device selected during the registration process in the registration device is transmitted, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the settlement device identification information of the settlement POS register 30 selected during the registration process in the registration POS register 20 may be linked to the registration data of the products and transmitted to the store controller 10, and the store controller 10 may transmit the registration data of the products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device according to the settlement processing status of the settlement POS register 30 targeted by the store controller 10. Alternatively, the settlement POS register 30 itself may request and receive the registration data of the products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device from the store controller 10 based on the settlement device identification information of its own device according to the settlement processing status of the settlement POS register 30.

The registration POS register 20 may also execute a process (printing means) to print on a print medium information guiding the payment POS register 30 selected in the process (selection means) of step S22. This allows the customer to immediately tell which payment device to go to by checking the printed content.

The registration POS register 20 also performs selection prohibition control so that a settlement POS register 30 with status information of "in use" cannot be selected as the settlement POS register 30 to settle the registered product. Here, the status information being "in use" refers to a case where the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30 is, for example, "waiting", "settling", or "issuing a receipt" (i.e., not "empty"). Note that a case where the status information is "in use" may also include a case where "trouble is occurring".

For example, as described above, the clerk may view the status information of each settlement POS register 30 displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 and select the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 is to be transmitted. As a specific example, the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 may display buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30 so that the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be transmitted can be selected, and the clerk may select the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be transmitted by selecting and pressing one of the buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30. In such a case, the registration POS register 20 may be controlled so that the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" cannot be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display the buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30 so that the buttons corresponding to the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" cannot be selected. Also, if the customer currently being registered has put their registration data (accounting data) on hold at the checkout POS register 30, the button corresponding to the checkout POS register 30 that the customer has put on hold will display "hold," and when the store clerk presses the button displaying "hold," the registration data (accounting data) that the customer has put on hold will be called up. After that, when the customer completes the additional registration of the items they forgot to buy and presses the button displaying "hold" that corresponds to the checkout POS register 30, the registration data (accounting data) may be sent to the checkout POS register 30 that corresponds to the "hold" button.

This prevents the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 from being sent disproportionately to only one particular one of the multiple settlement POS registers 30, making it possible to allocate customers evenly to each of the multiple registration POS registers 20.

The checkout POS register 30 also executes the process (holding means) of steps S29c and S29d to hold the checkout process based on the registration data received and in a standby state. The registration POS register 20 also executes the process of step S29e to receive the reserved registration data for which the checkout process has been held, and executes the process of additionally registering the registration data of the "forgotten item" to the received reserved registration data in response to a request from the customer to register an additional item (step S29j). This allows the checkout process of the already registered registration data to be held, and the forgotten item to be smoothly added and registered in the registration POS register 20 for checkout together. For example, in a POS system 1 using a checkout POS register 30 operated by the customer to perform checkout, even if the customer has forgotten to buy an item, the checkout process based on the standby registration data can be held, and the item that the customer has forgotten to buy can be added to the held registration data in the registration POS register 20. Therefore, customers can have the products they forgot to buy registered at the registration POS register 20 and pay for them without having to go through tedious and troublesome procedures.

In addition, when the settlement POS register 30 puts on hold the registration data that it has received and is in a waiting state, it executes the process of step S29d in which it transmits (returns) the registration data to the registration POS register 20 that transmitted the registration data, so that the pending registration data can be updated on the registration POS register 20 side.

Furthermore, when the settlement process based on the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state is put on hold, the settlement POS register 30 may execute a process to notify the registration POS register 20 that sent the registration data that the registration data has been put on hold. This allows the registration POS register 20 to know at any time that the registration data has been put on hold, and to always know that there is pending registration data on the display screen. Also, the store clerk can call up the pending registration data (accounting data) by touching the display on the display screen indicating that there is pending registration data. This allows for smooth support for customers and the process of registering additional items that were forgotten to be purchased.

In addition, when the above-mentioned holding means holds the settlement process based on the registration data that is in a standby state, it issues a held receipt on which information associated with the registration data is printed, so that the customer can smoothly register the forgotten item by handing the forgotten item and the held receipt to the store clerk at the registration POS register 20.

In addition, when the above-mentioned holding means holds the settlement process based on the registered data that is in a waiting state, it issues a held receipt printed with a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code that can be used to call up the registered data. This allows the clerk at the registration POS register 20 to easily call up the accounting data of the customer who forgot to buy something using the code information on the held receipt, and allows for smooth additional registration of the products that the customer forgot to buy.

In addition, when the registration data is put on hold by the holding means, the settlement POS register 30 executes a process (notification means) to notify the customer by the buzzer 308 that the registration data has been put on hold, so that the store clerk can quickly recognize that the data has been put on hold, and can provide support to the customer while also preventing fraud.

In the POS system 1 of this embodiment, the settlement process can be put on hold by pressing a "settlement hold" button on the settlement POS register 30, and the held registration data is sent to the registration POS register 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the POS system 1, a "call back unsettled registered data" button may be provided on the registration POS register 20, and when this button is pressed, the registration data of unsettled customers in the settlement POS register 30 (settlement process based on the registered data) may be displayed as an unsettled list on the screen of the registration POS register 20, and when the registration data of a target customer is touched from the unsettled list (for example, by a touch operation by a store clerk), the registration data of that customer may be put on hold and recalled to the registration POS register 20.
This allows the POS system 1 to recall the registration data of customers waiting to make a payment to the registration POS register 20 regardless of the order of the payment, and quickly register additional products that the customers forgot to buy.

In this embodiment, the payment means (payment method) in the settlement process (clearance process) based on the reserved registered data may be changed. As a change of the payment means, the payment means in the settlement process based on the registered data of the customer who is about to settle at the settlement POS register 30 may be changed. Alternatively, the payment means in the settlement process based on the reserved registered data in the unsettled list displayed by pressing the "Recall unsettled registered data" button on the registration POS register 20 may be changed.
The change of the payment method is not limited to a payment method that is selectively paid using cash, electronic money, credit card, etc., but may be, for example, a change to a payment method that is paid using a gift certificate or the like (for example, a gift certificate or shopping voucher that can be used as the payment amount with a predetermined face value). For example, in a payment process, if the face value paid using a gift certificate or the like is part of the payment amount, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the face value of the gift certificate or the like from the payment amount based on the reserved registered data may be set as the payment amount of the reserved registered data. In addition, in a payment process, if the face value paid using a gift certificate or the like exceeds the payment amount, the amount obtained by subtracting the face value paid using the gift certificate or the like from the payment amount based on the reserved registered data may be set as the amount to be withdrawn from the payment POS register 30 as a refund for the remaining amount of the gift certificate that was not used.
The registration POS register 20 may transmit the registration data that has had the payment process changed and is now on hold to the settlement POS register 30, as shown in the above embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the status information, which is information showing the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30, includes standby, settlement in progress, receipt issuing, vacant, accounting pending, and trouble, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of a change machine that deposits and dispenses cash in the settlement unit 310, the status of the change machine may be the status information, and the status of the change machine may be transmitted as the status information. In this case, information on the currency type stored in the change machine, such as near full (a state in which the change machine will soon be full of a certain currency type) or near end (a state in which the change machine will soon be depleted of a particular currency type), may be transmitted as status information to the registration POS register 20. Based on this status information, the registration POS register 20 may perform a process of determining which settlement POS register 30 to select. For example, the registration POS register 20 may avoid selecting a settlement POS register 30 that is near full or near end in terms of the currency type stored in the change machine, and may instead select another settlement POS register 30. This has the effect of preventing problems such as running out of change during a cash settlement, or the change machine becoming full and unable to operate due to the currency type deposited at the time of settlement.
In the display example of Figure 7, along with an icon for selecting a product (in this example, a vegetable), and information indicating the amount, quantity, etc., buttons 2051-2053 showing status information of the settlement POS registers 30a-30c are displayed to indicate "empty status" etc., but this is not limited to the above. For example, the status of the change dispenser provided in the settlement POS registers 30a-30c (for example, near full, near end, or coin jam status) may also be displayed.
If the status information is displayed on a settlement POS register 30 equipped with a change dispenser that is in a near-full or near-end state, there is a high possibility that this will cause problems or other issues during settlement, so the status information may be displayed in a form that draws attention differently from other buttons (for example, by flashing faster than normal to draw the operator's attention, or by using a different display color than is normally used (for example, red if red is not a normally used color) to indicate that caution is required). In this form, it is indicated that a settlement POS register 30 that displays status information in a form different from other buttons should not be selected as a destination, which has the effect of reducing the transmission of registration data to a settlement POS register 30 that is likely to cause problems or other issues.

The above-described POS register (a POS register for registration or a POS register for settlement) and a program for implementing the POS system may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes storage devices that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be one that realizes some of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be one that realizes the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file (differential program).

10...store controller, 11...LAN, 20...POS register for registration, 30...POS register for settlement, 201...CPU, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...scanner unit, 205...display unit (for store clerk), 205a...display unit (for customers), 206...operation unit, 207...communication unit, 208...buzzer, 209...printing unit, 301...CPU, 302...ROM, 303...RAM, 304...scanner unit, 305...display unit, 306...operation unit, 307...communication unit, 308...buzzer, 309...printing unit, 310...payment unit, 311...sign pole, 312...human detection sensor

Claims (1)

A registration device that registers products purchased by a customer through an operation by a store clerk and transmits registration data relating to the transaction of the registered products to one of a plurality of payment devices so that the customer can make a payment by his/her own operation,
A display means;
A receiving means for receiving status information of the plurality of settlement devices;
a designation means for designating, by the registration device itself, an available settlement device that will carry out settlement processing for the customer from among the plurality of settlement devices;
a transmission means for transmitting the registration data to the settlement device designated by the designation means,
When all of the plurality of settlement devices are in use, if one of the settlement devices in use is using a membership card, the settlement device designated by the designation means is the settlement device using the membership card.
A registration device comprising:

Images