JP7803579B2 - Product sales data processing system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system and program.

Currently, there are POS (Point of Sales) systems that consist of a product registration device that registers products and multiple settlement devices that settle the registered products. In such POS systems, the product registration device and the settlement device are located in different locations. The settlement device settles the transaction based on data about the transaction sent from the registration device. The settlement device also uses an automatic change dispenser to deposit and dispense coins and banknotes. Patent Document 1 describes an automatic change dispenser that can detect the denomination and number of coins in the change replenishment, whether they are in excess or shortage.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-148073

However, in payment devices that use an automatic change dispenser to deposit and dispense coins and banknotes, if the number of coins or banknotes stored is insufficient, the change cannot be dispensed. This creates a problem in that customers are unable to settle their bills smoothly.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a product registration device, system, and program that allows customers to smoothly settle their payments in a POS system in which the registration device and the settlement device are located in different locations.

(1) The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. It is a product registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer and transmits transaction data for the registered products to one of multiple payment devices so that the customer can settle the payment themselves. The product registration device comprises: a transmission means for transmitting the transaction data so that the payment device can settle the payment; an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a fault that has occurred in the payment device; a prohibition means for prohibiting the transmission of the transaction data to the payment device in which the fault has occurred when the acquisition means acquires information regarding the fault; and a release means for lifting the prohibition on the transmission of the transaction data to the payment device in which the fault has been resolved when the acquisition means acquires information indicating that the fault has been resolved.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product registration device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A schematic diagram showing the data structure and example data of a threshold data file stored in the RAM of the settlement device in this embodiment. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure and example data of a change information file stored in a RAM of the product registration device according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed by the product registration device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a surplus/deficiency information screen displayed by the product registration device according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the excess/deficiency determination process in the settlement device in this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a selection prohibition process in the product registration device according to the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail 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.
1, in this embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, two product registration devices 20, and four payment devices 30. The store controller 10, the two product registration devices 20, and the four payment devices 30 are interconnected via a wired or wireless local area network (LAN) 11.

The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and for example, the number of product registration devices 20 and payment devices 30 can be increased or decreased. Furthermore, the store controller 10 does not necessarily have to be connected to the product registration devices 20 and payment devices 30 via LAN 11. In this case, data can be exchanged using power line communication, which utilizes electrical wiring to achieve high-speed communication. It is also possible to omit the store controller 10 by having the product registration devices 20 perform 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 product master data. The store controller 10 also transmits the latest product master data to the product registration device 20 and each checkout device 30 as needed. Here, the product master data is a file that stores product information such as product identification information, product name, and sales price for each product, and is updated as needed.

The product registration device 20 performs a process to register data on products that customers intend to purchase. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading the barcode attached to the product. For this reason, the product registration device 20 is equipped with, for example, a scanner that can be operated by a store clerk to read the barcode attached to the product that the customer intends to purchase.

Furthermore, the product registration device 20 selects a settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction for which product data has been registered. The product registration device 20 then transmits data related to the transaction to the selected settlement device 30. The data related to the transaction includes a transaction number that identifies the transaction, the total amount (i.e., the price) of all products registered in the transaction, and the product codes of the registered products. The product code is identification information that identifies the products. The customer of the transaction can operate the settlement device 30 to which the data related to the transaction has been transmitted and perform the settlement process themselves. The settlement process is the process of paying and settling the price of the products to be purchased using cash, electronic money, a credit card, or other means, selectively.

Furthermore, when the product registration device 20 transmits data related to a transaction, it displays to which settlement device 30 the data related to the transaction has been transmitted so that the store clerk or customer can see. For example, if the display is displayed to the store clerk, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer. In this case, the display method is arbitrary. For example, this can be done by highlighting the settlement device 30 that transmitted the data on a touch panel installed on the product registration device 20 facing the store clerk. Also, a display unit on the product registration device 20 facing the customer may display information indicating the settlement device 30 to which the data was transmitted. Furthermore, a receipt indicating the relevant settlement device 30 (for example, a numbered receipt with the settlement device 30 number printed on it) may be issued and handed to the customer.

The product registration device 20 may also print out the details of all purchases made by the customer. In this case, the customer can check the details registered using the product registration device 20 by looking at the printout before operating the payment device 30 to complete the payment process.

The product registration device 20 can also change the settlement device 30 that settles a transaction. The selection of the settlement device 30 is performed manually by a store clerk. For example, the clerk determines the status of the settlement device 30 and changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction on the touch panel. This allows the transaction to be settled at another settlement device 30, for example, if there is a queue of customers waiting at the selected settlement device 30 or if the automatic change dispenser of the settlement device 30 malfunctions.

On the other hand, the settlement device 30 is a device that customers operate themselves to carry out settlement processing, and is equipped with payment equipment such as an automatic change dispenser, a card reader (for example, for credit cards or point cards), and an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (for example, for electronic money).

Furthermore, when the settlement device 30 receives the transaction data from the product registration device 20, it notifies the customer (i.e., guides the customer) so that the customer knows to come to that settlement device 30. One example of such a notification is to display text information such as a predetermined number on the entire screen of the settlement device 30's display. This text information such as a number is information that the product registration device 20 (or the store clerk operating the product registration device 20) has separately notified the customer. The customer then simply goes to the settlement device 30 that displays their number, for example. Another example of such a notification is to light up a predetermined lamp on the settlement device 30. For example, the lamp may light up in a specific color, so that the customer goes to the settlement device 30 of the specified color. Alternatively, the lamp may flash. Another example of such a notification is to display the member's card number on the settlement device 30's screen. This member's card number is read by the product registration device 20, for example. The customer will go to the payment device 30 that displays their membership card number.

Furthermore, after the notification, the settlement device 30 enters a standby state. That is, after issuing the notification, the settlement device 30 enters a state in which it waits for an instruction to start settlement processing corresponding to the received transaction-related data. An example of canceling the standby state is when a customer touches the display screen of the settlement device 30 (or presses a button), which automatically starts settlement processing.
The screen may remain blank until touched, or may only display a number, as in the example notification above. Alternatively, the settlement device 30 may use a human detection sensor to detect whether a customer is approaching and then start the settlement process. In this case, the screen may remain blank or display a number until detection occurs. The settlement device 30 starts the settlement process when the human detection sensor detects the approach of a person. Alternatively, a camera may be used instead of a human detection sensor. For example, cameras may be installed in the settlement device 30 and the product registration device 20, and the settlement process may start only when facial recognition is used to detect that the same person is approaching.

The flow of payment processing for a waiting payment device 30 can be carried out, for example, as follows: (1) First, a payment method is selected. The customer selects cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., or a combination of both, in response to an operation. (2) Next, payment is executed. Payment is executed by inserting cash into the payment device 30's bill and coin slot, paying change, or reading a card with a card reader. (3) Next, a receipt is issued using the payment device 30's printing unit. The receipt may include, for example, a list of purchased items, the total purchase amount, the amount received, and the amount of change. (4) The payment device 30 then finishes payment processing and enters an idle state.

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

Next, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, an example configuration of the product registration device 20 and settlement device 30 in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration device 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, the product registration device 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, and a buzzer 208. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores programs in advance.
The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the product registration device 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202. For example, the CPU (acquisition means) 201 receives and acquires information about a fault that has occurred in the settlement device 30 from the settlement device 30 via the communication unit 207. In this embodiment, the information about the fault is deposit/withdrawal impossibility information indicating that the automatic change dispenser of the settlement device 30 is unable to deposit or withdraw banknotes or coins. Furthermore, upon receiving the fault information, the CPU (prohibition means) 201 prohibits the transmission of transaction-related data to the settlement device 30 in which the fault has occurred. Furthermore, upon receiving a signal from the settlement device 30 in which the fault has occurred indicating that the fault has been resolved, the CPU (release means) 201 releases the prohibition on the transmission of transaction-related data to the settlement device 30. In addition, the CPU (display means) 201 displays on the display unit (for store clerk) 205 the denominations of banknotes or coins that are in excess or shortage at the settlement device 30 where the failure occurred, and information regarding the number of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser of each settlement device 30.

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 read and written at any time, and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores a product master, a change information file that indicates the number of banknotes and coins stored by denomination in the automatic change dispenser of each settlement device 30, a registration data file that is data related to transactions in which the device has registered products, and the product registration device number of the device. The product registration device number is a number that identifies each product registration device 20. For example, the RAM 203 may also store a history of operation of the operation buttons.

Display unit (for clerk) 205 and display unit (for customer) 205a display various information. For example, display unit (for clerk) 205 and display unit (for customer) 205a display information obtained from the product master (e.g., product name, price, etc.). Display unit (for clerk) 205 is a touch panel (e.g., LCD touch panel) that displays various information for the clerk. Furthermore, display unit (for 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 product registration device 20. For example, when an operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 accepts operation input regarding product information (product code, etc.) that has been previously registered on 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.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement device 30. As shown in this figure, the settlement device 30 comprises a CPU 301, ROM 302, 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 device 30 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 302 .

RAM 303 is a memory that can be read and written as needed and stores various information. For example, RAM 303 stores product master data obtained from the store controller 10, a transaction data file containing data related to transactions settled by the device itself, a threshold data file indicating the threshold number of banknotes and coins to be accommodated in the automatic change dispenser, and the settlement device number of the device itself. The settlement device number is a number that identifies each settlement device 30.

The scanner unit 304 optically reads a barcode (membership code) attached to, for example, a membership card.
The display unit 305 is a display having a touch panel on its surface, and displays various information on the screen in accordance with control from the CPU 301. The display unit 305 also stores in the RAM 303 a history of operation of the operation buttons displayed on the screen (for example, the number of operations, the order of operations, etc.) for each operation button.

The operation unit 306 includes various operation buttons (such as a correction key and a preset key) for operating the settlement device 30. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts corrections to operation inputs when an operation button (correction key) is operated.
The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. For example, the communication unit 307 connects to the store controller 10 and obtains the latest product master data from the store controller 10.

When an error or the like occurs, the buzzer 308 generates a buzzer sound to notify the user of the error.
When the payment process (i.e., payment of the purchase amount of the merchandise) is completed, the printing unit 309 prints and issues a payment receipt for the customer to take home.

The settlement unit 310 is configured with an automatic change dispenser (change dispenser), a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc., and their respective control units. Payment processing is performed using the settlement unit 310 with cash, credit card, and electronic money. The settlement unit 310 executes cash payments using the change dispenser, and outputs the results of the payment (e.g., information indicating whether the payment was successful) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The automatic change dispenser is equipped with a banknote slot for inserting and ejecting banknotes, a coin slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection slot for ejecting change. The settlement unit 310 also executes credit payments and outputs the results of the payment to the CPU 301 via the port and the bus. The settlement unit 310 also executes electronic money payments and outputs the results of the payment to the CPU 301 via the bus.

The sign pole 311 has indicator lights of multiple colors, and by turning on or flashing these indicator lights, it notifies the user that the settlement device 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 predetermined range in front of the settlement device 30.

Next, the threshold data file stored in the settlement device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and example data of the threshold data file stored in the RAM 303 of the settlement device 30.
As shown in the figure, the threshold data file has fields for near-end and near-full. Near-end is a threshold for determining whether there is a shortage of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser. Near-full is a threshold for determining whether there is an excess of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser. The threshold data file stores the near-end and near-full numbers for each denomination of banknotes and coins.

Next, the change information file stored in the merchandise registration device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and example data of the change information file stored in the RAM 203 of the merchandise registration device 20.
As shown in the figure, the change information file stores the number of banknotes or coins stored in each automatic change dispenser of the settlement device 30 corresponding to each settlement device number, for each denomination.

Next, the screens displayed by the product registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed by the product registration device 20. As shown in FIG.
The registration screen shown in this figure is the screen displayed when registering a product using the product registration device 20. In this example, along with an icon for selecting a product (in this example, a vegetable), information indicating the amount, quantity, etc., a settlement device key 501 for specifying a settlement device 30 and an excess/deficiency information key 505 for displaying the surplus or deficiency (excess or shortage) of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser of each settlement device 30 are displayed. For ease of explanation, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with settlement device number "1" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 no. 1) will be referred to as settlement device key 501a, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with settlement device number "2" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 no. 2) will be referred to as settlement device key 501b, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with settlement device number "3" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 no. 3) will be referred to as settlement device key 501c, and the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 with settlement device number "4" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 no. 4) will be referred to as settlement device key 501d. The settlement device number of the corresponding settlement device 30 will be displayed on the settlement device key 501. The store clerk selects (designates) the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction being registered by pressing one of the settlement device keys 501. The settlement device key 501 also serves as a button to declare that product registration is complete. Therefore, when a settlement device key 501 is pressed, the product registration device 20 ends the registration of the product for that transaction and transmits information about the transaction of the registered product to the settlement device 30 corresponding to the pressed settlement device key 501.

Furthermore, on the registration screen, a settlement device key 501 corresponding to a settlement device 30 that is unable to process payments due to a malfunction or the like (hereinafter referred to as a settlement device 30 that is unable to process payments) is displayed distinctly from the other settlement device keys 501. For example, the product registration device 20 displays the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 that is unable to process payments in a different color from the other settlement device keys 501. In the example shown in this figure, the product registration device 20 displays the settlement device key 501c corresponding to the settlement device 30 number 3 that is unable to process payments in gray. Furthermore, on the registration screen, a settlement device key 501 corresponding to a settlement device 30 that is unable to process payments cannot be selected (designated) (selection is prohibited). In other words, only settlement devices 30 other than the settlement device 30 that is unable to process payments can be selected (designated) on the registration screen.

Here, when the product registration device 20 receives deposit/withdrawal impossibility information from a settlement device 30, it determines that the settlement device 30 that sent the information is unable to perform settlement. When the number of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser falls below the near-end for that denomination, the settlement device 30 determines that there is a shortage of that denomination and transmits deposit/withdrawal impossibility information to the product registration device 20 indicating that there is a shortage of that denomination. Furthermore, when the number of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser exceeds the near-full level for that denomination, the settlement device 30 determines that there is an excess of that denomination and transmits deposit/withdrawal impossibility information to the product registration device 20 indicating that there is an excess of that denomination. For example, in the data example shown in Figures 4 and 5, settlement device 30 No. 3 transmits deposit/withdrawal impossibility information indicating a shortage of 1-yen coins to all product registration devices 20 because the number of 1-yen coins it stores (9 coins) is below the near-end level (10 coins). Based on the received money non-acceptance information, the product registration device 20 prohibits the selection (designation) of settlement device 30 No. 3 on the registration screen.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a surplus/deficiency information screen displayed by the product registration device 20. As shown in FIG.
The surplus/deficit information screen shown in this figure is displayed when the surplus/deficit information key 505 is pressed on the registration screen shown in FIG. 6 . The surplus/deficit information screen displays the surplus or deficiency of banknotes or coins in the automatic change dispenser of each settlement device 30. The surplus/deficit information screen displays a display 701 notifying the surplus or deficiency of banknotes or coins, and a display 702 notifying the number of banknotes or coins stored in each settlement device 30 by denomination. In the example shown in this figure, the surplus/deficit information screen displays a display 701 indicating a shortage of 1-yen coins in settlement device 30 No. 3, and a display 702 indicating the number of 1-yen coins in settlement device 30 No. 4, "1-yen: 80 coins." By checking the surplus/deficit information screen, a store clerk can confirm which denominations are in excess or shortage at which settlement devices 30. In this example, the store clerk can see that there is a shortage of 1 yen coins at settlement device 30 No. 3, and can therefore decide that it is appropriate to move 1 yen coins from settlement device 30 No. 4, which contains a large number of 1 yen coins, to settlement device 30 No. 3.

The product registration device 20 displays the surplus or shortage of banknotes or coins at each settlement device 30 on a surplus/shortage information screen based on the deposit/withdrawal impossibility information received from the settlement device 30. The product registration device 20 also acquires the number of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser of each settlement device 30 by denomination from each settlement device 30 at predetermined time intervals. The product registration device 20 then displays the acquired numbers on the surplus/shortage information screen.

Next, the operation of the POS system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the excess/shortage determination process for determining whether there is an excess or shortage of banknotes or coins in the settlement device 30. The excess/shortage determination process shown in this figure is executed at predetermined times, such as every predetermined time period or after the settlement process for one group of customers has been completed.
First, the CPU 301 acquires the number of banknotes and coins stored in the automatic change dispenser of the settlement unit 310 for each denomination from the settlement unit 310 (step S101).
Next, the CPU 301 transmits change information indicating the number of notes acquired in step S101 to the commodity registration device 20 via the communication unit 307 (step S102). The change information includes the settlement device number of the device itself and the number of banknotes or coins of each denomination.

Next, the CPU 301 determines whether there is a surplus or shortage (excess or shortage) of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser (step S103) based on the number acquired in step S101 and the threshold data file stored in the RAM 303. Specifically, the CPU 301 compares the acquired number with the near-end stored in the threshold data file for each denomination, and determines that there is a shortage for any denomination for which the acquired number is equal to or less than the near-end.
Furthermore, the CPU 301 compares the acquired number of bills for each denomination with the near-full number stored in the threshold data file, and determines that the denomination for which the acquired number is equal to or greater than the near-full number is in excess. If there is no excess or shortage of any banknotes or coins (step S103: No), the CPU 301 ends this excess/shortage determination process.
On the other hand, if there is an excess or shortage of any banknotes or coins (step S103: Yes), the CPU 301 transmits deposit/withdrawal disable information to the commodity registration device 20 via the communication unit 307 (step S104). The deposit/withdrawal disable information includes the settlement device number of the device itself, information indicating which denomination has an excess or shortage, and the number of coins of that denomination that can be accommodated.
Then, the CPU 301 stops the settlement process at its own device (step S105).
For example, the CPU 301 displays a message on the display unit 305 indicating whether there are excess or shortage of banknotes or coins (for example, "There are not enough 1 yen coins."), and does not start the settlement process for the next customer.

A clerk can eliminate a shortage of bills or coins by depositing bills or coins into the automatic change machine, and can also eliminate an excess of bills or coins by dispensing bills or coins from the automatic change machine.
Next, the CPU 301 determines whether the surplus or shortage of banknotes or coins in the automatic change dispenser has been resolved (step S106). Specifically, first, the CPU 301 obtains the number of banknotes or coins stored in the automatic change dispenser for each denomination. Next, the CPU 301 determines that the surplus or shortage of banknotes or coins has been resolved if the obtained number for each denomination is more than the near end and less than the near full. If the surplus or shortage of banknotes or coins has not been resolved (step S106: No), the CPU 301 returns to the processing of step S106.
On the other hand, if the excess or shortage of banknotes or coins has been resolved (step S106: Yes), the CPU 301 transmits deposit/withdrawal disablement cancellation information indicating that the excess or shortage of banknotes or coins has been resolved to the commodity registration device 20 via the communication unit 307 (step S107). The deposit/withdrawal disablement cancellation information includes the settlement device number of the device itself.
The CPU 301 then resumes the suspended settlement process of its own device (step S108). For example, the CPU 301 erases the display indicating the excess or shortage of bills or coins from the display unit 305 and starts the settlement process for the next customer. Then, the excess or shortage determination process ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a selection prohibition process in the merchandise registration device 20 that prohibits the selection (designation) of the settlement device 30.
First, the CPU 201 determines whether or not change information has been received from the settlement device 30 (step S201). If change information has not been received (step S201: No), the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step S203.
On the other hand, if the CPU 201 has received change information (step S201: Yes), the CPU 201 stores the received change information in a change information file stored in the RAM 203 (step S202). Specifically, the CPU 201 overwrites the received change information in the change information file with the record corresponding to the settlement device 30 that sent the received change information.

Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not deposit/withdrawal disabled information has been received from the settlement device 30 (step S203). If the CPU 201 has not received deposit/withdrawal disabled information (step S203: No), the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of step S205.
On the other hand, if the CPU 201 has received deposit/withdrawal impossible information (step S203: Yes), it prohibits the selection (designation) of the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal impossible information on the registration screen (see FIG. 6) (step S204). In other words, the CPU 201 prohibits the transmission of data related to transactions to the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal impossible information. Specifically, the CPU 201 grays out the settlement device key 501 on the registration screen that corresponds to the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal impossible information, and makes the settlement device key 501 unselectable. This makes it possible to prevent the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal impossible information (where a failure has occurred) from being selected as the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction on the registration screen.

Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not deposit/withdrawal disablement cancellation information has been received from the settlement device 30 (step S205). If the CPU 201 has not received deposit/withdrawal disablement cancellation information (step S205: No), the CPU 201 returns to the processing of step S201.
On the other hand, if the CPU 201 has received the deposit/withdrawal disablement lifting information (step S205: Yes), it lifts the prohibition on selection of the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal disablement lifting information on the registration screen (see FIG. 6) (step S206), and returns to step S201. That is, the CPU 201 lifts the prohibition on transmission of transaction-related data to the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal disablement lifting information (enables transmission). Specifically, the CPU 201 normally displays the settlement device key 501 corresponding to the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal disablement lifting information on the registration screen, and enables selection of that settlement device key 501. This makes it possible to select the settlement device 30 that transmitted the deposit/withdrawal disablement lifting information (that has recovered from the failure) as the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the transmission of transaction-related data to a settlement device that cannot perform settlement due to the inability to deposit or withdraw funds is prohibited, thereby preventing a settlement device that cannot perform settlement from being selected as the settlement device for settling a transaction. In other words, the transmission of transaction-related data to a settlement device that cannot perform settlement is prevented, allowing customers to quickly settle their bills.

The above describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the information regarding the failure was information regarding the inability to deposit or withdraw money, but this is not limited to this, and the information may also be information regarding malfunctions of the automatic change machine, credit card reader, electronic money reader, printer, scanner, touch panel, etc. equipped in the settlement device 30.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the surplus/deficit information screen (see FIG. 7) displays only the number of 1-yen coins in settlement device 30 No. 4, but this is not limiting, and for example, the surplus/deficit information screen may display the number of coins of each denomination in all settlement devices 30. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the surplus/deficit information screen displays only the shortage of 1-yen coins in settlement device 30 No. 3, but it may also display the number of coins of the denomination that is in short supply (1-yen coins in this example) together with the shortage.

The program for implementing the POS system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the execution process. Note that the term "computer system" may also include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

In addition, if a WWW system is used, "computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to storage devices such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, writable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, portable media such as CD-ROMs, and hard disks built into computer systems.

Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that serves as 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 program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "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 for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.
Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

(Appendix 1) A POS system having a product registration device that registers products to be purchased and transmits transaction-related data for the registered products to one of multiple settlement devices, and multiple settlement devices that perform settlement based on the transaction-related data, wherein the product registration device is equipped with an acquisition means that acquires information regarding a failure that has occurred in the settlement device, and a prohibition means that, when the acquisition means acquires information regarding the failure, prohibits the transmission of the transaction-related data to the settlement device where the failure has occurred.

(Appendix 2) The POS system described in Appendix 1 is characterized in that the product registration device is equipped with a cancellation means that cancels the prohibition of the prohibition means when it receives a signal from the failed settlement device indicating that the failure has been resolved.

(Appendix 3) The POS system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the information related to the failure is deposit/withdrawal disabled information indicating that deposits or withdrawals are disabled at the automatic change dispenser of the settlement device.

(Appendix 4) The POS system described in Appendix 3 is characterized in that the product registration device is equipped with a display means for displaying information regarding the denominations in excess or shortage at the settlement device where the failure occurred and the number of coins stored in the automatic change dispenser.

10...Store controller, 11...LAN, 20...Product registration device, 30...Payment device, 301...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, 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 (2)

A POS system having a registration device in which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by customers, and a plurality of payment devices that are operated by customers themselves to perform payment processing based on transaction data of the registered products,
The plurality of settlement devices include at least a first settlement device and a second settlement device,
After the registration device transmits the transaction data to the first settlement device,
The settlement device that settles the transaction data can be changed from the first settlement device to the second settlement device,
The registration device
an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a failure that has occurred in the settlement device;
a prohibition means for prohibiting transmission of the transaction data to the settlement device in which the failure has occurred when the acquisition means acquires information about the failure;
A POS system characterized by comprising a release means that, when the acquisition means acquires information indicating that the failure has been resolved, releases the prohibition on sending the transaction data to the settlement device where the failure has been resolved. A program that causes a computer to function as a POS system having a plurality of computers, the first computer functioning as a registration device where a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, and the second computer functioning as a payment device that is operated by the customer himself/herself to perform payment processing based on transaction data of the registered products,
The plurality of second computers functioning as the settlement devices include at least a third computer functioning as a first settlement device and a fourth computer functioning as a second settlement device ,
After the registration device transmits the transaction data to the first settlement device,
a settlement device that settles the transaction data can be changed from the first settlement device to the second settlement device;
The first computer that functions as the registration device,
an acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a failure that has occurred in the settlement device;
a prohibition means for prohibiting transmission of the transaction data to the settlement device in which the failure has occurred when the acquisition means acquires information about the failure;
A program for causing the acquisition means to function as a release means for lifting the prohibition on sending the transaction data to the settlement device where the failure has been resolved when the acquisition means acquires information indicating that the failure has been resolved.