JP7760404B2 - Checkout system, registration machine, and program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a checkout system, a registration machine for the system, and a program for causing a computer to function as the registration machine .

In recent years, supermarkets and other mass retailers have introduced semi-self-service checkout systems. These checkout systems separate a registration machine that registers the items purchased by the customer from a cashier that receives payment for the purchased items and settles the transaction with the customer. The store clerk operates the registration machine, while the customer operates the cashier. In recent years, an increasing number of customers wish to pay for their transactions with electronic money. As a result, semi-self-service checkout systems that support electronic money payments are already in practical use.

Electronic money users generally charge their electronic money using an electronic money medium such as an IC card or smartphone. When paying, the user has the accounting machine read the information on the electronic money medium. The accounting machine then deducts the amount equivalent to the payment from the amount charged to the electronic money, completing the electronic money payment. For this reason, users must charge electronic money in advance with an amount equal to or greater than the payment.

There are two ways for users to charge electronic money in a store: using a dedicated charging machine, or using a checkout system's registration or accounting machine. However, using a dedicated charging machine poses problems for the store, such as the space required for the charging machine and the equipment costs. Charging at a registration machine places a burden on store staff and reduces customer handling at the registration machine, thereby reducing the benefits of introducing a semi-self-service system. Charging at an accounting machine means that not only customers who have finished registering their purchases at the registration machine, but also customers who simply want to charge their electronic money, can use the machine. This can lead to the inconvenience of customers who have finished registering their purchases at the registration machine being unable to proceed to checkout because the accounting machines are all occupied with customers charging electronic money. In light of these circumstances, there is a need for a mechanism that allows for efficient charging of electronic money in semi-self-service checkout systems.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-051782

The problem that embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide technology that allows for efficient charging of electronic money in semi-self-service checkout systems.

In one embodiment, the checkout system separates the registration machine from the checkout machine. The registration machine comprises a declaration receiving means, a reading means, an inquiry means, a waiting means, and an output means. The declaration receiving means accepts a declaration to charge electronic money. The reading means reads identification information of the electronic money medium in response to accepting the charge declaration . The inquiry means inquires about the balance of the electronic money medium identified by the identification information read by the reading means. The waiting means displays the balance inquired by the inquiry means and then waits for a selection input as to whether or not to charge. The output means outputs the identification information of the electronic money medium to the checkout machine in response to receiving a selection input to charge . The checkout machine comprises a designation means, a detection means, and a control means. The designation means inputs the identification information output from the registration machine and specifies the charge amount. The detection means detects the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount. The control means controls the electronic money medium so that, in response to the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount, the charge amount is added to the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium identified by the identification information.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a checkout system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of an electronic money record. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor of the registration machine in accordance with the registration program. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the charge acceptance process in the first information processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second information processing executed by the processor of the accounting machine in accordance with the accounting program. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of the registration screen. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a balance inquiry screen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the payment machine transmission screen. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of a destination notification screen. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first payment method selection screen. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second payment method selection screen. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge amount designation screen. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display of the charge amount receiving screen. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the input completion screen. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of issuing a charge receipt.

An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is a semi-self-service checkout system in which the registration machine and the accounting machine are separated, and the registration machine and accounting machine are configured to allow electronic money users to efficiently charge their electronic money at the store.

[Checkout system explanation]
1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a registration machine 11, a checkout machine 12, a server 13, and a network 14 connecting these. There are no particular restrictions on the type of network 14, but a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) is generally used.

The registration machine 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The checkout machine 12 is operated by a customer 22 who purchases goods at the store. The customer 22 who operates the checkout machine 12 to settle a sales transaction can be called the settler. Note that sales transactions are not limited to payments for purchased goods. For example, payment for services is also a form of sales transaction.

In Figure 1, the registration device 11 is attached to a work table 23. The work table 23 has a rectangular top. By arranging multiple work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the tops are approximately parallel, an aisle for customers 22, known as a checkout lane, is formed.

A registration machine 11 and a payment machine 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. One registration machine 11 and multiple payment machines 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. Various data signals are exchanged between the registration machines 11 and payment machines 12 arranged in the same checkout lane via the network 14. Data signals may be exchanged via the server 13, or may be exchanged without going through the server 13. Incidentally, Figure 1 shows an example in which one registration machine 11 and two payment machines 12 are arranged for each of two checkout lanes. Three or more payment machines 12 may be arranged for one registration machine 11.

The server 13 has an electronic money file 15. The electronic money file 15 is a collection of electronic money records 150 (see Figure 2) created for each electronic money user. The electronic money file 15 may be stored in a storage device built into the server 13, or in a storage device externally connected to the server 13.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of an electronic money record 150. The electronic money record 150 includes items such as a user ID, balance, expiration date, and update history data. The user ID is a unique ID assigned to each electronic money user. The user owns an electronic money card that records information linked to their user ID. Alternatively, the user has installed an electronic money app (application software) on a mobile device such as a smartphone that can display a barcode or two-dimensional code linked to their user ID.

The balance is the amount of electronic money held by the user. The user can increase the balance up to the upper limit by charging electronic money as needed.

The expiration date is the last day that the electronic money can be used. Most electronic money has an expiration date, for example, 5 or 10 years from the date of its last use. The expiration date is updated each time the electronic money is used to pay for something, starting from the date of use. Note that if no expiration date is set for the electronic money, the expiration date data is omitted.

The update history data consists of usage history data, which shows when electronic money is used to pay for purchases and sales transactions, and charge history data, which shows when electronic money is charged. The usage history data includes the date the payment was made and the amount paid. The charge history data includes the date the electronic money was charged and the amount charged.

[Configuration of the registration machine]
3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine 11. The registration machine 11 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication unit 35, a keyboard 36, a scanner 37, a touch panel 38, a customer display 39, a printer 40, a reader 41, and a system transmission path 42. The system transmission path 42 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 42 connects the processor 31 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input/output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

The registration device 11 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, and communication unit 35 via a system transmission path 42. The registration device 11 then connects devices such as a keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, printer 40, and reader 41 to the computer via the system transmission path 42.

The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize the various functions of the registration device 11 in accordance with an operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. Main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. Main memory 32 may also store data required for processor 31 to execute processes to control each component in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by processor 31 as appropriate. An example of a non-volatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). An example of a volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 33 can be an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data created by the processes performed by the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

The clock 34 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time kept by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

The communication unit 35 performs data communication between the server 13 and the accounting machine 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 35 can also perform data communication between other registration machines 11 connected via the network 14.

The keyboard 36 is an input device equipped with various keys necessary for entering data related to the products purchased by the customer.

Scanner 37 is an input device for reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Scanner 37 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

The touch panel 38 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 38 displays information to the store clerk 21, who operates the registration device 11, and accepts operational inputs from the store clerk 21.

The customer display 39 displays information to customers 22 whose purchased product data has been registered in the registration machine 11.

The printer 40 issues receipts by printing various text strings or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 40 can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

Reader 41 is an input device for reading the user ID of a user who uses electronic money. For example, if information linked to the user ID is recorded on an IC card, an IC card reader can serve as reader 41. For example, if information linked to the user ID is recorded on an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) medium, an RFID reader or RFID reader/writer can serve as reader 41. If a barcode or two-dimensional code linked to the user ID is displayed on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a scanner can serve as reader 41. In this case, scanner 37 may also function as reader 41.

For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as hardware for such a registration device 11. It should be noted that the devices connected to the registration device 11 are not limited to the keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, printer 40, and reader 41 shown in Figure 3. Devices necessary for the intended use of the registration device 11 may be added, or some devices may be omitted.

In a registration device 11 configured as described above, the processor 31 has the functions of a declaration acceptance means 311, a reading means 312, an output means 313, a query means 314, a standby means 315, and a notification means 316 to enable electronic money users to efficiently charge their electronic money at stores.

The declaration receiving means 311 is a function that receives an electronic money charge declaration. The reading means 312 is a function that reads the identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration. The electronic money medium is, for example, an IC card, RFID medium, or an information terminal such as a smartphone. The identification information is a user ID. The output means 313 is a function that outputs the identification information of the electronic money medium to the accounting machine 12.

The query means 314 has a function of querying the server 13 equipped with the electronic money file 15 about the balance of the electronic money medium identified by the identification information read by the reading means 312. The waiting means 315 has a function of displaying the balance obtained by the query by the query means 314 on the display device, and then waiting for a selection input as to whether or not to charge. The display device may be both the touch panel 38 and the customer display 39, or either one of them.

The notification means 316 has a function of notifying the payment machine 12 that has output the identification information of the electronic money medium using the output means 313. Each payment machine 12 is assigned a payment machine number as its own unique identification information. The notification means 316, for example, displays the payment machine number of the payment machine 12 that has output the identification information of the electronic money medium on a display device, thereby notifying the store clerk 21 or customer 22 of the payment machine 12 to which the identification information was output.

The functions of the declaration receiving means 311, reading means 312, output means 313, query means 314, standby means 315, and notification means 316 are all realized by a first information processing executed by the processor 31 in accordance with a registration program. The first information processing will be described later. The registration program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the registration program in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The registration program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via communication via the network 14 and installed in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[Explanation of the accounting machine configuration]
4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 12. The accounting machine 12 includes a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication unit 65, change dispenser interface 66, scanner 67, touch panel 68, printer 69, reader/writer 70, and system transmission path 71. The system transmission path 71 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 71 connects the processor 61 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input/output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

The accounting machine 12 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, and a communication unit 65 via a system transmission path 71. The accounting machine 12 also connects device interfaces or devices, such as a change dispenser interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, and a reader/writer 70, to the computer via the system transmission path 71.

The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize the various functions of the accounting machine 12 in accordance with the operating system or application programs. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

Main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 62 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. Main memory 62 may also store data required for processor 61 to execute processes to control each component in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by processor 61 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 63 can be an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 when performing various processes, data created by the processes performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

The clock 64 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time kept by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

The communication unit 65 communicates data with the server 13 or registration machine 11 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 can also communicate data with other accounting machines 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 functions as an input unit for inputting the transaction file output by the transaction output means of the registration machine 11, that is, data related to the purchase and sale transaction with the settler.

The change machine interface 66 constitutes an interface with an automatic change machine (not shown). The change machine interface 66 inputs amount data of coins inserted into the automatic change machine from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 66 outputs change data from the accounting machine 12 to the automatic change machine. Having input the change data, the automatic change machine automatically dispenses coins equivalent to the change data as change.

Scanner 67 is an input device for reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Scanner 67 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

The touch panel 68 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 68 displays information to the customer 22, who is the operator of the accounting machine 12, and accepts operational input from the customer 22. The touch panel 68 functions as a display unit that displays a screen related to the settlement of a sales transaction. The screen related to the settlement of a sales transaction will be described later.

The printer 69 issues receipts by printing various text strings or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 69 can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

The reader/writer 70 has the function of reading data recorded on media such as cards and smartphones, and the function of writing data to the above media. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as membership cards such as member's cards and point cards. The reader/writer 70 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, or may include multiple types of devices.

The hardware for such a payment machine 12 can be, for example, a POS terminal in an existing self-service checkout system, a so-called self-service POS terminal. Note that the devices connected to the payment machine 12 are not limited to the scanner 67, touch panel 68, printer 69, and reader/writer 70 shown in Figure 4. Devices required for the purpose of the payment machine 12 may be added, or some devices may be omitted.

In a payment machine 12 configured as described above, the processor 61 has the functions of a designation means 611, a detection means 612, a control means 613, and an issuance means 614 to enable electronic money users to efficiently charge electronic money at stores.

The designation means 611 has the function of inputting the identification information output from the registration machine 11 and designating the charge amount. In this way, in the checkout system 10 of this embodiment, the charge amount is designated at the accounting machine 12. The charge amount is not designated at the registration machine 11.

The detection means 612 has the function of detecting the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount. The cash is deposited into an automatic change dispenser connected to the change dispenser interface 66.

The control means 613 has a function to control the addition of the charge amount to the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium identified by the identification information in response to the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount. Specifically, the control means 613 instructs the server 13 to update the balance of the electronic money record 150 stored in the electronic money file that includes the electronic money ID, which is the identification information output from the registration device 11, to the amount including the charge amount. The issuing means 614 has a function to use the printer 69 to issue a charge receipt indicating that the charge amount has been added to the electronic money balance.

The functions of the designation means 611, detection means 612, control means 613, and issuance means 614 are all realized by second information processing executed by the processor 61 in accordance with the accounting program. The second information processing will be described later. The accounting program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the accounting program into the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The accounting program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via communication over the network 14 and installed in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[Explanation of the first and second information processing]
Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the steps of the first information processing executed by the processor 31 of the registration machine 11 in accordance with the registration program. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the steps of the second information processing executed by the processor 61 of the payment machine 12 in accordance with the payment program. Figures 8 to 11 are examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 38, which is the display device of the registration machine 11. Figures 12 to 16 are examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 68, which is the display device of the payment machine 12. Figure 17 is an example of a charge receipt issued by the function of the issuing means 614. The first information processing and the second information processing will be described in detail below using the figures. Note that the processing steps described below are merely examples. The procedures or content of the processing can be modified as appropriate as long as similar effects can be achieved.

First, in the checkout system 10 of this embodiment, not only customers 22 who pay for purchased items but also customers 22 who simply charge their electronic money line up in the checkout lane. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, customers who pay for purchased items will be referred to as customers 221, and customers 22 who simply charge their electronic money will be referred to as customers 222.

When customer 221 or 222 approaches the checkout lane, store clerk 21, acting as a checker, declares the start of registration to registration device 11. In response to this declaration, processor 31 begins the first information processing, the steps of which are shown in the flowcharts of Figures 5 and 6.

The processor 31 resets the registration in progress flag F to "0" in ACT 1 of Figure 5. The registration in progress flag F is one-bit data used to identify whether registration of the product purchased by the customer 221 has begun. In this embodiment, the registration in progress flag F is set to "0" before registration begins, and the registration in progress flag F is set to "1" after registration begins. The registration in progress flag F is stored, for example, in a register inside the processor 31. The registration in progress flag F may also be stored in a volatile area in the main memory 32.

After completing the processing in ACT 1, the processor 31 displays the registration screen SCa (see Figure 8) on the touch panel 38 in ACT 2.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the registration screen SCa. As shown, the registration screen SCa has a details area ARa and a total area ARb. The registration screen SCa also has a subtotal key BTa and a charge key BTb.

The details area ARa is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, unit price, and amount of purchased items in list format in sequential numerical order. Note that the items displayed in the details area are not limited to the product name, quantity, unit price, and amount. Other items may be added, or any item, such as the amount, may be omitted.

The total area ARb is an area for displaying the total number of items (dots) and the total amount (yen) displayed in the details area ARa. Note that the items displayed in the total area are not limited to the total number of items and the total amount. Other items may be added, or one of the items, such as the total number of items, may be omitted.

The subtotal key BTa is an operator entered by the store clerk 21 to instruct the output of the subtotal for the registered purchased items. The charge key BTb is an operator entered by the store clerk 21 when a customer 22 requests an electronic money charge. Incidentally, a customer 22 making an electronic money charge request is not limited to a customer 222 simply charging electronic money. A customer 221 making a payment for purchased items can also request an electronic money charge during the payment process. The subtotal key BTa and the charge key BTb are both soft keys located on the registration screen SCa. Either or both of the subtotal key BTa and the charge key BTb may be hard keys located on the keyboard 36.

After controlling the display of the registration screen, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 3. In ACT 3, processor 31 determines whether the product has been registered. Many products are affixed with a barcode that represents the product code, which is the product's identification information. Therefore, store clerk 21 operates scanner 37 to read the barcode affixed to the product purchased by customer 221. When scanner 37 reads the barcode, the product code of the purchased product is entered into registration machine 11. On the other hand, some products, such as fresh food, may not have a barcode affixed. If the purchased product does not have a barcode affixed, store clerk 21 touches a product key corresponding to the purchased product from the group of product keys displayed on touch panel 38. When a product key is touched, the product code of the purchased product corresponding to that product key is entered into registration machine 11. When the product code of the purchased product is entered into registration machine 11, processor 31 determines that the product has been registered.

If it cannot be determined in ACT 3 that the product has been registered, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 4. In ACT 4, the processor 31 checks whether the charge key BTb has been entered. If the charge key BTb has not been entered, the processor 31 returns to ACT 3. In this way, in ACT 3 and ACT 4, the processor 31 waits for product registration to be performed or for the charge key BTb to be entered.

When the charge key BTb is input during the standby state of ACT 3 and ACT 4, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 5. The processor 31 executes the charge acceptance process. The charge acceptance process will be described later. After the charge acceptance process is completed, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 6. In ACT 6, the processor 31 checks the registration in progress flag F. If the registration in progress flag is "0", that is, if the charge key BTb was input and the charge acceptance process was executed before product registration started, the processor 31 ends the first information processing.

In contrast, if the registration in progress flag is "1," that is, if the charge key BTb is entered after product registration has started and the charge acceptance process is executed, the processor 31 returns to ACT 3. That is, the processor 31 again enters a standby state for ACT 3 and ACT 4.

If it is determined in ACT 3 that the product has been registered, i.e., if product registration is detected, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 7. In ACT 7, processor 31 checks the registration in progress flag F. If the registration in progress flag F is reset to "0", processor 31 proceeds to ACT 8. In ACT 8, processor 31 sets the registration in progress flag F to "1". On the other hand, if the registration in progress flag F has already been set to "1", processor 31 skips the processing of ACT 7. Therefore, the registration in progress flag F remains at "1".

After completing or skipping the processing of ACT 8, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 9. In ACT 9, processor 31 executes product sales data processing. Specifically, processor 31 searches the product file to obtain product data such as the product name and unit price of the product identified by the product code input via scanner 37 or touch panel 38. Processor 31 then registers the product sales data, including items such as the product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity, and sales amount, in transaction memory. Transaction memory is part of the volatile memory area in main memory 32. Processor 31 updates the data in the details area ARa and total area ARb of registration screen SCa based on the data in the transaction memory.

After completing the product sales data processing, processor 31 checks in ACT 10 whether a command to output a subtotal has been issued. Subtotal output is issued by pressing the subtotal key BTa. If a command to output a subtotal has not been issued, processor 31 returns to ACT 3. Processor 31 again enters a standby state for ACT 3 and ACT 4. In this standby state, when a product is registered, processor 31 executes product sales data processing.

When the store clerk 21 has finished registering all of the items purchased by the customer 221, he/she presses the subtotal key BTa. When the subtotal output is instructed by the subtotal key BTa being pressed, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 11. In ACT 11, the processor 31 displays the subtotal screen on the touch panel 38.

The subtotal screen is a screen that has a total area and also has soft keys for a subtotal discount key, a subtotal discount key, a back key, and a payment key. The total area is the same as the total area ARb of the registration screen SCa. The subtotal discount key and the subtotal discount key are operators that the clerk 21 inputs to instruct a discount or reduction on the total amount. The back key is an operator that the clerk 21 inputs to instruct returning to the previous registration screen SCa. The payment key is an operator that the clerk 21 inputs to instruct payment of the price. Note that at least one of the subtotal discount key, the subtotal discount key, the back key, and the payment key may be a hard key assigned to the keyboard 36.

After checking the subtotal screen, the sales clerk 21 registers all of the customer's 221 purchases, and if no subtotal discount is required, enters the payment key. If a subtotal discount is required, the sales clerk 21 enters the subtotal discount key or subtotal discount key. If there are any unregistered purchased items remaining, the sales clerk 21 enters the back key.

Processor 31, which has controlled the display of the subtotal screen, checks in ACT 12 whether the back key has been pressed. If the back key has not been pressed, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 13. Processor 31 checks in ACT 13 whether the payment key has been pressed. If the payment key has not been pressed, processor 31 returns to ACT 12. In this way, processor 31 waits in ACT 12 and ACT 13 for the back key to be pressed or the payment key to be pressed. Note that if the subtotal discount key or subtotal discount key is pressed in this standby state, although not shown, processor 31 performs the subtotal discount process or the subtotal discount process. Thereafter, processor 31 returns to the standby state in ACT 12 and ACT 13.

If the store clerk 21 presses the back key during the standby state of ACT 12 and ACT 13, the processor 31 returns to ACT 2. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 38 to the registration screen SCa. The processor 31 then executes the processing from ACT 3 onwards in the same manner as described above.

If the clerk 21 enters a payment key during the standby state of ACT 12 and ACT 13, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 14. In ACT 14, the processor 31 creates a transaction file. That is, the processor 31 creates a data file that describes the product sales data for each purchased item registered in the transaction memory, the total number of items, the total amount, and transaction identification data such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registration machine ID.

The processor 31 controls the communication unit 35 to send the transaction file to the accounting machine 12 in ACT 15. This control causes the transaction file to be sent to the accounting machine 12 via the network 14. The transaction file may be sent to the accounting machine 12 via the server 13, or may be sent to the accounting machine 12 without going through the server 13.

The transaction file is transmitted to the accounting machine 12 according to the following rules, for example:
<Rule 1>
Priorities are set in advance among the multiple payment machines 12, and the registration machine 11 sends the transaction file to the payment machine 12 with the highest priority. At this time, payment machines 12 that are capable of processing payments receive the transaction file. For example, a payment machine 12 that is not capable of processing payments because it is busy transfers the transaction file to a payment machine 12 with a lower priority.
<Rule 2>
Each payment machine 12 notifies the register 11 whether it is in a state where payment processing is possible or not. The register 11 selects a payment machine 12 that is capable of payment processing using a predetermined algorithm and transmits a transaction file to that payment machine 12.
<Rule 3>
Each payment machine 12 notifies the registration machine 11 whether it is in a state where payment processing is possible or impossible. The registration machine 11 displays a list of payment machines 12 that are capable of payment processing on the touch panel 38. When a payment machine 12 is designated from the list by the store clerk 21, the transaction file is sent to the designated payment machine 12.
The rules for determining the destination of the transaction file are not limited to the above-mentioned rules 1, 2, and 3. The destination of the transaction file may be determined according to other rules.

After completing transmission of the transaction file, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 16. In ACT 16, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 38 to display a destination notification screen. The destination notification screen is a screen that displays information indicating the accounting machine 12 to which the transaction file has been transmitted, such as the accounting machine number. With this, the processor 31 ends the first information processing.

When the clerk 21 has finished registering the purchased items and enters the payment key, a transaction file containing product sales data and other information for the registered purchased items is sent to the payment machine 12. The touch panel 38 also displays information indicating the payment machine 12 to which the transaction file will be sent. The clerk 21 then instructs the customer 221 to pay for the purchase at that payment machine 12. The customer 221 then goes to the location of the payment machine 12 instructed by the clerk 21 and operates that payment machine 12 to pay for the purchased items.

Next, the charge acceptance process will be described in detail.
6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the charge acceptance process executed by processor 31. Upon receiving an electronic money charge request from customer 221 or 222 and inputting charge key BTb, a store clerk causes reader 41 to read information on the electronic money medium presented by customer 221 or 222. Processor 31 enters the charge acceptance process upon input of charge key BTb, and acquires the user ID from the information on the electronic money medium read by reader 41 in ACT 21.

Once the user ID is obtained, the processor 31 controls the communication unit 35 to send a balance inquiry command to the server 13 in ACT 22. This control causes the balance inquiry command to be sent via the communication unit 35. The balance inquiry command is sent to the server 13 via the network 14. The balance inquiry command includes the user ID obtained in ACT 21.

When the server 13 receives the balance inquiry command, it searches the electronic money file 15 to obtain the electronic money record 150 that records the user ID included in the balance inquiry command. The server 13 then transmits a balance response command containing the obtained electronic money record 150 to the registration device 11 that sent the balance inquiry command via the network 14.

Processor 31, which controlled the transmission of the balance inquiry command, waits for a balance response command in ACT 23. When the balance response command is received via communication unit 35, processor 31 checks whether or not recharging is possible based on the data in electronic money record 150 included in the balance response command in ACT 24. For example, if the expiration date recorded in electronic money record 150 is a date that precedes the current date measured by clock 34, processor 31 determines that recharging is not possible. If the expiration date is a date that follows the current date, processor 31 determines that recharging is possible.

If charging is not possible in ACT 24, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 25. Processor 31 notifies the user that charging is not possible in ACT 25. For example, processor 31 notifies the user by displaying a message on touch panel 38 and customer display 39 stating, for example, "Charging is not possible because the electronic money has expired." This notification lets customer 221 or customer 222 who requested charging electronic money know that charging is not possible because the electronic money has expired.

If charging is possible in ACT 24, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT 26, the processor 31 displays the balance inquiry screen SCb (see Figure 9) on the touch panel 38.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the balance inquiry screen SCb. As shown, the balance inquiry screen SCb displays the balance and expiration date of the electronic money recorded in the electronic money record 150. The balance inquiry screen SCb also has a close key BTc. In this way, the store clerk 21 who inputs the charge key BTb can confirm the balance and expiration date of the electronic money of the customer 221 or 222 who wishes to charge from the information displayed on the balance inquiry screen SCb. After confirming the balance and expiration date, the store clerk 21 inputs the close key BTc. At this time, the balance and expiration date of the electronic money may also be displayed on the customer display 39. This allows the customer 221 or 222 to visually confirm the balance and expiration date of the electronic money. However, the information displayed on the customer display 39 may be visible to other customers. Therefore, from the perspective of protecting personal information, the balance and expiration date of the electronic money may not be displayed on the customer display 39.

After controlling the display of the balance inquiry screen SCb, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, the processor 31 waits for the close key BTc to be input. If the close key BTc is input, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 28. In ACT 28, the processor 31 displays the accounting machine transmission screen SCc (see FIG. 10) on the touch panel 38.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the accounting machine send screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the accounting machine send screen SCc has a send key BTd and a cancel key BTe. The accounting machine send screen SCc also has a total display area ARc. The processor 31 then displays 0 yen in the total display area ARc.

After checking the payment machine sending screen SCc, the clerk confirms with customer 221 or 222 whether they really want to charge. If they want to charge, the clerk presses the send key BTd. If they want to cancel the charge, the clerk presses the cancel key BTe. Note that on the payment machine sending screen SCc, the shape of the send key BTd is larger than the cancel key BTe, making it easier for clerk 21 to operate.

After controlling the display of the accounting machine transmission screen SCc, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 29. In ACT 29, processor 31 waits for the transmission key BTd to be entered or the cancel key BTe to be entered. If the cancel key BTe is entered, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT 30, processor 31 notifies the customer that the charge has been canceled. For example, processor 31 notifies the customer by displaying a message stating, "The electronic money charge has been canceled," on either or both of the touch panel 38 and the customer display 39.

If the send key BTd is entered in ACT 29, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 31. In ACT 31, the processor 31 controls the communication unit 35 to send a charge command to the payment machine 12. This control causes the charge command to be sent to the payment machine 12 via the network 14. The charge command includes identification information linked to the information on the electronic money medium read by the reader 41, in other words, the user ID obtained in the processing of ACT 21. The charge command may be sent to the payment machine 12 via the server 13, or may be sent to the payment machine 12 without going through the server 13. In this case, the charge command is also sent to the payment machine 12 according to the rules described above.

After transmitting the charge command, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 32. In ACT 32, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 38 to display the destination notification screen SCd (see FIG. 11).

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the destination notification screen SCd. As shown, the destination notification screen SCd displays information indicating the payment device 12 to which the charge command was sent, such as the payment device number.

When processor 31 completes the processing of ACT 25, ACT 30, or ACT 33, it exits the charge acceptance process. After exiting the charge acceptance process, processor 31 proceeds to ACT 6 in FIG. 6, as described above. That is, if the registration in progress flag F is set to "0", the first information processing ends. Therefore, the first information processing for a customer 222 who is only charging electronic money ends after the charge acceptance process.

In contrast, if the registration in progress flag F is set to "1", the system will wait for ACT3 and ACT4. Therefore, for a customer 221 who requests electronic money charging while registering purchased items, the system can continue registering the remaining purchased items after the charging acceptance process. In this case, if the subtotal key BTa is pressed without registering any purchased items, the system will proceed to ACT11. By doing so, if there are no remaining purchased items, the system can transition to outputting the subtotal screen.

Here, the processor 31 realizes the function of declaration receiving means 311 by executing the processing of ACT 4 in FIG. 5. The processor 31 realizes the function of reading means 312 by working with the reader 41 to execute the processing of ACT 21 in FIG. 6. The processor 31 realizes the function of output means 313 by working with the communication unit 35 to execute the processing of ACT 31 in FIG. 6. The processor 31 realizes the function of query means 314 by working with the communication unit 35 to execute the processing of ACT 22 in FIG. 6. The processor 31 realizes the function of standby means 315 by working with the touch panel 38 to execute the processing of ACT 26 to ACT 29 in FIG. 6. The processor 31 realizes the function of notification means 316 by working with the touch panel 38 to execute the processing of ACT 32 in FIG. 6.

In this way, when the store clerk 21 presses the send key BTd on the payment machine sending screen SCc, a charge command is sent to the payment machine 12, and the destination notification screen SCd is displayed on the touch panel 38. The store clerk 21 then instructs the customer 221 or 222 to charge electronic money at the payment machine 12 indicated on the destination notification screen SCd. The customer 221 or 222 then moves to the location of the payment machine 12 instructed by the store clerk 21, operates that payment machine 12 to specify the amount to charge electronic money, and charges the electronic money.

When the processor 61 of the payment machine 12 has completed the payment process for the previous customer, or has completed the electronic money charging process and is ready to process a new payment, it begins the second information processing whose steps are shown in the flowchart of Figure 7.

In ACT 41, processor 61 checks whether a transaction file has been received. If a transaction file has not been received, processor 61 proceeds to ACT 42. In ACT 42, processor 61 checks whether a charge command has been received. If a charge command has not been received, processor 61 returns to ACT 41. In this way, processor 61 waits in ACT 41 and ACT 42 to receive a transaction file or a charge command. Note that if data other than a transaction file or a charge command is received in this standby state, processor 61 executes information processing according to that data.

When a transaction file is received via the communication unit 65 during the standby state of ACT 41 and ACT 42, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 43. In ACT 43, the processor 61 displays the first payment method selection screen SCe (see FIG. 12) on the touch panel 68. In other words, the first payment method selection screen SCe is the top screen displayed on the payment device 12 to which the customer 221, who is paying for the purchased items, has moved.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example display of the first payment method selection screen SCe. In this embodiment, the first payment method selection screen SCe is a screen that arranges a cash button BTg, a credit button BTh, an electronic money button BTi, a charge button BTj, and a store clerk call button BTk. The first payment method selection screen SCe also includes a display area ARd for the total points and total amount. The cash button BTg is an operator input by the customer 221 to instruct the customer 221 to pay for the purchased items with cash. The credit button BTh is an operator input by the customer 221 to instruct the customer 221 to pay for the purchased items with a credit card. The electronic money button BTi is an operator input by the customer 221 to instruct the customer 221 to pay for the purchased items with electronic money. The charge button BTj is an operator input by the customer 221 to instruct the customer 221 to charge electronic money. The store clerk call button BTk is an operator input by the customer 221 to call a store clerk. However, the charge button BTj is disabled by being erased or grayed out, making it inoperable.

The cash button BTg, credit button BTh, and electronic money button BTi function as selection means for selecting each payment method. Note that payment methods are not limited to cash payment, credit card payment, and electronic money payment. Any two types may be selected, or a different payment method may be selectable.

After checking the first payment method selection screen SCe, the customer 221 presses the button corresponding to the desired payment method. That is, a customer 221 who wishes to pay in cash presses the cash button BTg. A customer 221 who wishes to pay by credit card presses the credit button BTh. A customer 221 who wishes to pay by electronic money presses the electronic money button BTi.

With the screen of the touch panel 68 set to the first payment method selection screen SCe, the processor 61 waits in ACT 44 for a payment method to be selected from among multiple payment methods. Then, when the cash button BTg, credit button BTh, or electronic money button BTi is pressed to select a payment method, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 45. The processor 61 executes the settlement process using the selected payment method in ACT 45.

For example, if the cash button BTg is pressed, i.e., if cash payment is selected, processor 61 executes cash payment processing. Cash payment processing is processing in which the total amount is subtracted from the payment amount, which is the total amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine. For example, if the credit button BTh is pressed, i.e., if credit card payment is selected, processor 61 executes credit card payment processing. Credit card payment processing is processing in which the credit card read by the reader/writer 70 is authenticated and, if approved, the total amount is subtracted from the amount to be paid by credit card. For example, if the electronic money button BTi is pressed, i.e., if electronic money payment is selected, processor 61 executes electronic money payment processing. Electronic money payment processing is processing in which the total amount is subtracted from the payment amount, which is the balance of the electronic money medium read by the reader/writer 70.

After completing the payment process in ACT 45, processor 61 proceeds to ACT 46. In ACT 46, processor 61 checks whether there is a remaining balance in the total amount due to an insufficient payment amount. If there is a remaining balance, processor 61 returns to ACT 43. That is, processor 61 displays the first payment method selection screen SCe again on touch panel 68 and waits for a payment method to be selected. At this time, the total amount in display area ARd becomes the remaining balance.

If there is no remaining balance in the total amount in ACT 46, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 47. In ACT 47, the processor 61 controls the printer 69 to print and issue a transaction receipt. The transaction receipt prints the transaction number, transaction date and time, registered machine ID, product sales data, total number of items, total amount, etc. written in the transaction file. Once the transaction receipt is issued, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 48. In ACT 48, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 68 to a transaction completion screen. The transaction completion screen is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it is a screen that displays guidance required at the end of the transaction, such as "Please be careful not to forget to take the receipt." With this, the processor 61 ends the second information processing for the customer 221 who is paying for the purchased items.

In this way, when a customer 221 who is paying for a purchased item moves to the payment machine 12, the first payment method selection screen SCe is displayed as the top screen on the touch panel 68. This allows the customer 221 to smoothly select the desired payment method. The customer 221 can then pay for the purchased item according to that payment method, thereby settling the sales transaction themselves.

If a charge command is received via the communication unit 65 during the standby state of ACT 41 and ACT 42, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 49. In ACT 49, the processor 61 displays the second payment method selection screen SCf (see FIG. 13) on the touch panel 68. In other words, the second payment method selection screen SCf is the top screen displayed on the payment machine 12 to which the customer 221 or 222 moving to charge electronic money has moved.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display of the second payment method selection screen SCf. In this embodiment, the second payment method selection screen SCf, like the first payment method selection screen SCe, has a cash button BTg, a credit button BTh, an electronic money button BTi, a charge button BTj, and a store clerk call button BTk. The second payment method selection screen SCf also includes a display area ARd for the total points and total amount. However, the cash button BTg, credit button BTh, and electronic money button BTi, which are used to select the payment method, are disabled by being erased or grayed out, and cannot be selected by customer 221 or customer 222. The total points displayed in the display area ARd are 0 points, and the total amount is 0 yen.

After controlling the display of the second payment method selection screen SCf, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 50. In ACT 50, the processor 61 waits for the charge button BTj to be pressed. When the processor 61 confirms that the charge button BTj has been pressed by a signal from the touch panel 68, in ACT 51, the processor 61 displays the charge amount designation screen SCg (see FIG. 14) on the touch panel 68.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge amount specification screen SCg. As shown in the figure, the charge amount specification screen SCg has a charge amount specification button BTm, a confirmation button BTn, and a store clerk call button BTk. The charge amount specification button BTm is an operator that allows the customer 221 or 222 to specify a charge amount of "1,000 yen," "2,000 yen," "3,000 yen," "4,000 yen," "5,000 yen," or "10,000 yen." Note that the charge amount is not limited to the above amounts. It is also possible to specify an arbitrary charge amount by operating the numeric keypad, for example.

The Confirm button BTn is an operator that allows customer 221 or customer 222 to confirm the charge amount specified with the charge amount specification button BTm. After checking the charge amount specification screen SCg, customer 221 or customer 222 selects the desired charge amount from the charge amount specification buttons BTm and then presses the Confirm button BTn.

After controlling the display of the charge amount designation screen SCg, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 52. In ACT 52, the processor 61 waits for the charge amount to be designated. As described above, when the Confirm button BTn is pressed after the charge amount designation button BTm, the processor 61 detects the amount assigned to the charge amount designation button BTm as the amount designated as the charge amount. The processor 61 proceeds to ACT 53. In ACT 53, the processor 61 displays the charge amount acceptance screen SCh (see FIG. 15) on the touch panel 68.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the charge amount acceptance screen SCh. As shown in the figure, the charge amount acceptance screen SCh is a screen for instructing the automatic change machine to insert cash equivalent to the charge amount, and includes a display area ARe for the total amount, inserted amount, and remaining amount, a cancel button BTo, and a store clerk call button BTk. The display area ARe displays the charge amount specified by customer 221 or 222 as the total amount. The inserted amount is the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine, and the remaining amount is the charge amount minus the inserted amount. The cancel button BTo is an operator for customer 221 or 222 to instruct the customer to cancel the electronic money charge.

After checking the charge amount acceptance screen SCh, customer 221 or customer 222 inserts cash equivalent to the charge amount into the automatic change machine. Customer 221 or customer 222 who wishes to cancel the electronic money charge presses the cancel button BTo.

After controlling the display of the charge amount acceptance screen SCh, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 54. In ACT 54, the processor 61 waits for cash equivalent to the charge amount to be inserted into the automatic change machine. When the processor 61 detects from the data signal input to the change machine interface 66 that cash equivalent to the charge amount has been inserted into the automatic change machine, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 55. In ACT 55, the processor 61 displays the insertion completion screen SCi (see FIG. 16) on the touch panel 68.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the deposit completion screen SCi. As shown, the deposit completion screen SCi has a display area ARe equivalent to the charge amount acceptance screen SCh, a settlement button BTp, and a cancel button BTq. At this point, cash equivalent to the charge amount has been inserted into the automatic change machine, so the amount inserted in the display area ARe is equal to the charge amount displayed as the total amount, and the remaining balance is 0 yen. The settlement button BTp is an operator that allows the customer 221 or 222 to instruct the customer 221 or 222 to charge the specified charge amount, and the cancel button BTq is an operator that allows the customer 221 or 222 to instruct the customer 221 or 222 to cancel the charge.

After controlling the display of the insertion completion screen SCi, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 56. In ACT 56, the processor 61 executes the charge process. That is, the processor 61 sends charge data to the server 13, including the user ID included in the charge command and the charge amount specified on the charge amount specification screen SCg. The server 13, having received the charge data, executes a process of adding the charge amount included in the charge data to the balance of the electronic money record, including the user ID included in the charge data. Then, upon completing this process, charge completion data including the balance after charge is sent from the server 13 to the accounting device 12. Upon receiving the charge completion data, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 58. In ACT 58, the processor 61 outputs print data for a charge receipt RE (see FIG. 17) to the printer 69. The printer 69 prints and issues the charge receipt RE.

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of issuing a charge receipt RE. As shown in the figure, the charge receipt RE is printed with the date the charge was performed, the balance before the charge, the charge amount, and the balance after the charge. The charge receipt RE also prints the registration machine number, which is the identification information of the registration machine 11 that output the charge command, and the accounting machine number, which is the identification information of the accounting machine 12 that issued the charge receipt RE. Therefore, the charge receipt RE not only provides the amount related to the electronic money charge, but also information that can identify the registration machine 11 that made the charge request and the accounting machine 12 that performed the charge by specifying the charge amount.

After controlling the issuance of the charge receipt RE, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 59. In ACT 59, the processor 61 displays a charge completion screen on the touch panel 68. The charge completion screen is not particularly limited, but is preferably a screen that displays guidance required when charging is completed, such as "Please be careful not to forget to take the receipt." With this, the processor 61 ends the second information processing.

In addition, if the cancel button BTo on the charge amount acceptance screen SCh is pressed in ACT 54, or if the cancel button BTq on the insertion completion screen SCi is pressed in ACT 56, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 59, displays a charge completion screen on the touch panel 68, and ends the second information processing. The guidance on the charge completion screen at this time is expected to be, for example, "Charge has been canceled."

[Effects of the checkout system]
As described above, the semi-self-service checkout system 10 of this embodiment allows electronic money from an electronic money medium to be loaded at the payment machine 12 only when the registration machine 11 has read the information on the electronic money medium. Therefore, a customer who has not read the information on the electronic money medium at the registration machine 11 will not occupy the payment machine 12 and load electronic money, preventing the inconvenience of a customer 221 who has completed registering their purchases at the registration machine 11 being unable to proceed to checkout. Furthermore, because the electronic money loading amount is specified by the customer 221 or 222 operating the payment machine 12, this does not burden store staff and does not affect customer handling at the registration machine 11. Thus, a mechanism for efficiently loading electronic money can be provided in the semi-self-service checkout system 10. As a result, dedicated loading machines are no longer necessary or can be reduced, thereby saving on equipment costs.

In this embodiment, the layout of the first payment method selection screen SCe, which is displayed as the top screen on the payment machine 12 to which the customer 221 who is paying for the purchased goods has moved, and the layout of the second payment method selection screen SCf, which is displayed as the top screen on the payment machine 12 to which the customer 221 or customer 222 who is charging electronic money has moved, are the same. Therefore, whether the customer 22 operates the payment machine 12 to pay for the purchased goods or to charge electronic money, the layout of the key buttons displayed on the top screen of the payment machine 12 is the same, so the customer will not be confused.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the electronic money file 15 is provided on the server 13 connected to the network 14. The electronic money file 15 may be provided on a cloud server accessible via the Internet, and the registration machine 11 or the accounting machine 12 may access the cloud server to use the electronic money file 15.

In the above embodiment, the designation means 611 was described as having a function of inputting identification information output from the registration machine 11 and specifying the charge amount. The designation means 611 may also have a function of inputting identification information output from the registration machine 11 and specifying the charge amount if the identification information matches the identification information input at the payment machine 12. That is, a customer who moves from the registration machine 11 to the payment machine 12 to charge electronic money has the reader/writer 70 read the information on the electronic money medium. In this case, the identification information output from the registration machine 11 matches the identification information linked to the information on the electronic money medium input at the payment machine 12, so the processor 61 of the payment machine 12 displays the charge amount designation screen SCg on the touch panel 68. In contrast, if a third party other than the customer whose information on the electronic money medium was read at the registration machine 11 has the reader/writer 70 of the payment machine 12 read the information on the electronic money medium, the identification information does not match, and the charge amount designation screen SCg is not displayed. As a result, the third party cannot charge electronic money. In other words, only customers who move from the registration machine 11 to the payment machine 12 can use the payment machine 12 to charge electronic money.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where the registration device 11 is instructed to continue or cancel the electronic money charge when the accounting machine transmission screen SCc, which is displayed after the balance inquiry screen SCb, is displayed. In another embodiment, an affirmative key and a negative key are provided on the balance inquiry screen SCb. If the affirmative key is entered, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 28. If the negative key is entered, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 30. With this configuration, it is possible to instruct the registration device 11 to continue or cancel the electronic money charge when the balance on the balance inquiry screen SCb is confirmed. Of course, in this case, it is also possible to again instruct the registration device 11 to continue or cancel the electronic money charge when the accounting machine transmission screen SCc is displayed.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims.
The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below.
[Appendix 1] In a checkout system in which the registration machine and the accounting machine are separated,
The registration machine is
A declaration receiving means for receiving a declaration of charging electronic money;
reading means for reading identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration;
an output means for outputting the identification information of the electronic money medium to the accounting machine;
Equipped with
The accounting machine is
a designation means for inputting the identification information output from the registration machine and designating a charge amount;
a detection means for detecting a deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
a control means for controlling the electronic money medium identified by the identification information so that the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money managed by the electronic money medium in response to the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
A checkout system comprising:
[Supplementary Note 2] The registration device is
an inquiry means for inquiring about the balance of the electronic money medium identified by the identification information read by said reading means;
a standby means for waiting for a selection input as to whether or not to charge the card after displaying the balance;
Further comprising:
2. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the identification information of the electronic money medium to the cash register in response to receiving a selection input indicating that the charge is to be performed.
[Supplementary Note 3] The accounting machine is
issuing means for issuing a receipt indicating that the charge amount has been added to the balance of the electronic money;
2. The checkout system of claim 1, further comprising:
[Note 4] Multiple registered devices are linked to one registered device,
the registering machine includes a notifying means for notifying the accounting machine that has output the identification information of the electronic money medium by the output means;
4. The checkout system of claim 1, further comprising:
[Supplementary Note 5] A registration machine constituting a separate accounting machine and checkout system,
A declaration receiving means for receiving a declaration of charging electronic money;
reading means for reading identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration;
an output means for outputting identification information of the electronic money medium to the accounting machine, which controls the electronic money medium to be identified by the identification information so that the charge amount is added to the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium identified by the identification information when cash equivalent to the charge amount is deposited by designating the charge amount;
A registration machine equipped with the above.
[Supplementary Note 6] A cashier machine constituting a separate registration machine and checkout system,
a designation means for inputting the identification information of the electronic money read by the registration machine from the registration machine and designating the charge amount;
a detection means for detecting a deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
a control means for controlling the electronic money medium identified by the identification information to add the charge amount to a balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium in response to the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
An accounting machine equipped with the above.
[Appendix 7] The computer of the register machine that constitutes the separate accounting machine and checkout system,
A declaration acceptance means for accepting a declaration of charging electronic money;
reading means for reading identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration; and
an output means for outputting the identification information of the electronic money medium to the accounting machine, which controls the cashier so that, when a charge amount is designated and cash equivalent to the charge amount is deposited, the charge amount is added to the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium identified by the identification information;
A program to function as a
[Appendix 8] The computer of the separate registration machine and the accounting machine that constitute the checkout system,
a designation means for inputting the identification information of the electronic money read by the registration machine from the registration machine and designating the charge amount;
A detection means for detecting the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount; and
a control means for controlling the electronic money medium identified by the identification information to add the charge amount to the balance of the electronic money managed by the electronic money medium in response to the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
A program to function as a

10...Checkout system, 11...Registration machine, 12...Accounting machine, 13...Server, 14...Network, 15...Electronic money file, 21...Store clerk, 22...Customer, 31, 61...Processor, 32, 62...Main memory, 33, 63...Auxiliary storage device, 34, 64...Clock, 35, 65...Communication unit, 36...Keyboard, 37, 67...Scanner, 38, 68...Touch panel, 39...Customer display, 40, 69...Printer, 41...Reader, 42, 71...System transmission path, 66...Change machine interface, 70...Re reader/writer, 311...declaration acceptance means, 312...reading means, 313...output means, 314...inquiry means, 315...standby means, 316...notification means, 611...designation means, 612...detection means, 613...control means, 614...issuing means, SCa...registration screen, SCb...balance inquiry screen, SCc...accounting machine transmission screen, SCd...destination notification screen, SCe...first payment method selection screen, SCf...second payment method selection screen, SCg...charge amount designation screen, SCh...charge amount acceptance screen, SCi...insertion completion screen, RE...charge receipt.

Claims (5)

In a checkout system where the registration machine and the accounting machine are separated,
The registration machine is
A declaration receiving means for receiving a declaration of charging electronic money;
reading means for reading identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration;
an inquiry means for inquiring about the balance of the electronic money medium identified by the identification information read by said reading means;
a standby means for displaying the balance inquired by the inquiring means and then waiting for a selection input as to whether or not to charge;
an output means for outputting identification information of the electronic money medium to the accounting machine in response to receiving a selection input indicating that the charging is to be performed;
Equipped with
The accounting machine is
a designation means for inputting the identification information output from the registration machine and designating the charge amount;
a detection means for detecting a deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
a control means for controlling the electronic money medium identified by the identification information so that the charge amount is added to the balance of the electronic money managed by the electronic money medium in response to the deposit of cash equivalent to the charge amount;
A checkout system comprising: The accounting machine is
issuing means for issuing a receipt indicating that the charge amount has been added to the balance of the electronic money;
The checkout system of claim 1 further comprising: Multiple accounting machines are linked to one registration machine,
the registering machine includes a notification means for displaying on a display device information indicating the accounting machine that has output the identification information of the electronic money medium by the output means;
3. The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising: A registration machine that constitutes a separate accounting machine and checkout system,
A declaration receiving means for receiving a declaration of charging electronic money;
reading means for reading identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration;
an inquiry means for inquiring about the balance of the electronic money medium identified by the identification information read by said reading means;
a standby means for displaying the balance inquired by the inquiry means and then waiting for a selection input as to whether or not to charge;
an output means for outputting identification information of the electronic money medium in response to a selection input for performing the charging to the accounting machine, which controls the accounting machine so that a charging amount is designated and, in response to depositing cash equivalent to the charging amount, the charging amount is added to the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium identified by the identification information; and
A registration machine equipped with the above. The computers of the separate cashier and register that make up the checkout system are
A declaration acceptance means for accepting a declaration of charging electronic money;
reading means for reading identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving the charge declaration;
an inquiry means for inquiring about the balance of the electronic money medium identified by the identification information read by said reading means;
a waiting means for waiting for a selection input of whether or not to charge after displaying the balance inquired by the inquiring means; and
an output means for outputting the identification information of the electronic money medium in response to receiving a selection input indicating that the charging will be performed to the accounting machine, which controls the accounting machine so that the charging amount is specified and, in response to depositing cash equivalent to the charging amount, the charging amount is added to the balance of electronic money managed by the electronic money medium identified by the identification information;
A program to function as a