JPH06101078B2 - Sales registration device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION “Industrial field of application” The present invention relates to a plurality of registration processing terminal devices that perform registration processing of products to be sold to each customer, and data generated in these plurality of registration processing terminal devices. And a central management device that manages communication between each registration processing terminal device.

“Conventional technology” Conventionally, in retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, there are many registration processing terminal devices such as electronic cash registers (hereinafter referred to as ECR) or electronic scales for face-to-face sales (hereinafter simply referred to as electronic scales). It is used.

Usually, a plurality of these registration processing terminal devices are arranged at each sales floor in a store, and the data generated in these registration processing terminal devices are aggregated and communication between the registration processing terminal devices is performed. It is electrically connected by a communication line to a centralized management device that manages or a device (hereinafter, referred to as a master) that has both the functions of the centralized management device and the function of the registration processing terminal device.

Then, each registration processing terminal device calls and uses the product data (hereinafter referred to as PLU data) stored in the central management device or the master, and the central management device or master sells the data processed by each registration processing terminal device. Various data such as achievements are collected online in real time.

However, in the system described above, if the centralized management device or the master fails for some reason, all the registration processing terminal devices connected to these devices become unusable. Therefore, in order to improve the reliability of this system, it is necessary to consider measures for the failure of the central control device or the master.

Therefore, the same PLU data as that stored in the centralized management device or master is stored in each registration processing terminal device, and when the centralized management device or master fails,
It is conceivable that each registration processing terminal device continues to process the sales data independently by using the PLU data stored therein.

However, in this method, each registration processing terminal device
Since it is necessary to provide a memory with the same capacity as the central management unit or the memory of the master for storing data, the memory capacity required for the entire system increases, leading to cost increase, which is a practical problem.

Therefore, the present applicant has previously proposed an electronic weighing device that solves the above-mentioned drawbacks (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-159118).

This electronic scale device is made by paying attention to the fact that the products handled by each electronic scale are different because each electronic scale is installed and used in the sales floor where different products are displayed. The product corresponding to each sales floor is selected in advance by each electronic scale, and only the PLU data of the selected product is received from the data totaling unit and stored in the internal memory.

Then, the above-described selection of products is performed by setting the range of product numbers. For example, the first electronic scale sets the range of product numbers 1000 to 1999, the second electronic scale sets the range of product numbers 2000 to 2999, and so on.
Hereinafter, this range of product numbers will be referred to as a window.

According to this electronic scale device, the memory capacity required for each electronic scale for PLU data is reduced, and the intended effect can be obtained.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, the above-described conventional electronic scale device has the following drawbacks.

Prior to use, it is necessary to set a window corresponding to the sales floor where the electronic scales are arranged for each electronic scale, which makes preparation difficult.

When the location (sales floor) of each electronic scale is changed, it is necessary to reset the window each time, which is troublesome.

The products displayed in the same department must be given consecutive product numbers, and it is necessary to devise a method for giving the product numbers, and it is troublesome to give the product numbers when handling a new product. In addition, a product number must be assigned to each product in consideration of handling a new product.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and does not need to increase the required memory capacity, and does not need to set a window even when preparations or sales floors are changed, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a sales registration device that does not limit the numbering.

[Means for Solving the Problem] The invention according to claim 1 provides a plurality of registration processing terminal devices for performing registration processing of products to be sold to each customer, and data generated in the plurality of registration processing terminal devices. And a centralized management device that manages the communication between each registration processing terminal device, wherein the plurality of registration processing terminal devices calls the product data regarding the products stored in the centralized management device, In the sales registration device that performs the registration process using product data, the plurality of registration processing terminal devices include storage means that stores a plurality of product data arranged in an order in which the product data is input; Determining means for determining whether or not the same product data as the latest product data is already stored in the storage means when the latest product data is called; When it is determined that the same product data is already stored in the storage means, the same product data is deleted, and the determination means determines that the same product data is not stored in the storage means. In that case, an erasing means for erasing the oldest product data stored in the storage means, and a writing means for writing the latest product data in the storage means,
While the centralized management device is operating normally, the registration processing is performed using the product data called from the centralized management device, and is stored in the storage means only when the centralized management device fails. And a control unit that performs the registration process using product data.

The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the centralized management device is configured integrally with at least one of the plurality of registration processing terminal devices.

[Operation] According to the invention of claim 1, in each registration processing terminal device, when the latest product data is called from the central management device, the determination means stores the same product as the latest product data in the storage means. Determine if the data is already stored. Then, when the deciding means determines that the same product data is already stored in the storage means, the erasing means,
If the same merchandise data is erased and the judging means judges that the same merchandise data is not stored in the storage means, the oldest merchandise data stored in the storage means is erased. Next, the writing means writes the latest product data in the storage means.

As a result, the latest plural pieces of merchandise data among the merchandise data called from the centralized management device are always stored in the storage means without being double-stored.

The control means performs registration processing using the product data called from the centralized management device while the centralized management device is operating normally, and is stored in the storage means only when the centralized management device fails. Registration processing is performed using the product data.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, in the invention described in claim 1, the registration processing terminal device integrated with the centralized management device can be arranged in a narrow place.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a master / slave type point-of-sales (POS) system to which a sales registration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In this figure, 1a is a master, 1b is a backup master, has a function for backing up the data of the master 1a, when the function of the master 1a is stopped, this backup master 1b instead of the master 1a Operate. Further, the master 1a and the backup master 1b is composed of the online real time data aggregation unit 2 ₀ and 2 _1, and an electronic balance 3 ₀ and 3n to aggregate data from the system each section, respectively.

Further, 3 _{1 to} 3n _-1 are electronic scales of the slave unit, respectively, 4 are loops in the form of a master 1a, a backup master 1b, and an electronic scale 3 ₁
This is a communication line that connects ~ 3n _-1 . Then, the data transmitted by the communication line 4 is managed by the data totaling unit 20 by the bowling / selecting method.

The electronic balance 3 ₀ 3n, the registration payment processing for the straight-line products other than metering products are possible, it has the function of a normal ECR.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the electrical configuration of the master 1a, and FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the same external configuration. In these figures, the same reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 1, and the description thereof will be omitted. The backup master 1b
Has the same configuration as the master 1a, and the electronic scales 3 _{1 to} n of the slave unit.
_-1, since it is an electronic scale 3 ₀ the same configuration, the description thereof is omitted. The master 1a, the backup master b, and the electronic scales 3 _{1 to} 3n ₋₁ all have the same appearance.

In the data tabulation unit 2 ₀ of FIG. 2, 5 Data aggregation unit 2 ₀
CPU for controlling various units of the inner (central processing unit), 6 denotes a communication interface polls through CPU5 this communication interface 6, the exchange of data between the data aggregation unit 21 and the electronic balance 3 ₀ 3n And so on.

Further, 7 is a ROM storing a control program used in the CPU 5, 8 is a RAM, and as shown in FIG. 4, PLU data such as a product name and a unit price (price) corresponding to a product number is stored. It comprises a PLU data file 8a and, as shown in FIG. 5, an aggregate data file 8b in which daily and cumulative integrated data regarding weight (number) and amount of money for each product number are stored.

The PLU data file 8a and the total data file 8b
The maximum N is 5000 items. Further, in the PLU data file 8a, the unit price is for a metered product, and the price is for a flat-rate product. Further, in the aggregated data file 8b, the weight is the case of a weighted commodity, and the number is the fixed-rate commodity.

Further, in the electronic balance 3 ₀ and the third view of FIG. 2, 9 CPU for controlling various units of the electronic balance 3 in _0, 10 display unit for displaying goods product name, price, total price and various messages, etc. And a display section 10a for a clerk such as a liquid crystal display
And a customer display unit 10b such as a plasma display. Reference numeral 11 denotes an operation unit, which includes a touch panel 11a provided on the store clerk display unit 10a and a key input unit 11b such as a numeric keypad and a function key.

A printing unit 12 prints a receipt, a journal, and a slip (slip), and includes a receipt printer 12a, a journal printer 12b, and a slip printer 12c (not shown). In FIG. 3, 12d is a receipt issuing port and 12e is a slip insertion port. A magnetic card reader 13 reads data stored in a magnetic card such as a credit card.

14 is a ROM in which the control program used in the CPU 9 is stored, 15 is a RAM for temporary data storage, and is a master
The PLU data file 15a stores PLU data transmitted from the backup master 1b or 1a, a working area, and the like.

Here, in the PLU data file 15a, as shown in FIG. 6, every time the PLU data transmitted from the master 1a or the backup master 1b is received, only the latest M data, that is, the first-in / first-out method is used. Remembered in.

Incidentally, in general, when one PLU data is received, the data previously stored in the PLU data area 15ak, as shown by the arrow in FIG.
The key code stored in the LU data area 15ak _-1 is overwritten and erased. Also, PLU
The data area 15al stores the PLU data that has just been received. In addition, the maximum M of the PLU data file 15a is 1000.
It is an item.

16, as shown in FIG. 3, the weighing unit for weighing the weight of the electronic balance 3 ₀ the objects to be weighed which have been placed on the scale pan 16a provided on the upper surface of the, 17 are communication interface, CPU 9 is the Data aggregation unit 2 ₀ or 2 ₁ via the communication interface 17
Exchange data with.

In such a configuration, first, the processing of the CPU 9 and the clerk when a customer purchases a product on the electronic scale 31 will be described based on the processing diagram of FIG. 7.

When the customer wishes to purchase the item, the clerk takes the step SA1.
Then, the customer inputs the product number of the product desired to be purchased. That is, the clerk confirms the customer's desired product to purchase at the position facing the customer, and the product key on the touch panel 11a,
Alternatively, the product number of the product is input using the product number key which is one of the numeric keys and function keys of the key input unit 11b. From this, the CPU 9 proceeds to step SA2.

In step SA2, the CPU 9 causes the data totaling unit 20 of the master 1a to
To request the PLU data (product name, unit price, etc.) of the product number, that is, to output the communication request signal of the communication line 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SA3.

In step SA3, it is determined whether PLU data has been received. If the result of this determination is "NO", the flow returns to step SA2 and waits for the PLU data to be transmitted. When the PLU data transmitted from the master 1a is received, step S
The determination result of A3 is "YES", and the CPU 9 proceeds to step SA4.

At step SA4, the CPU 9 stores the received PLU data in the RAM 15
Stored in the PLU data file 15a. In this case, the sixth
Erase old PLU data as shown in the figure and always keep the latest 1
Store PLU data for 000 items. Then, the process proceeds to step SA5.

In step SA5, the store clerk determines whether or not the received PLU data is a weighing product. This determination is based on the fact that the PLU data of the PLU data file 8a stores a flag indicating whether the product is a metered product or a flat-rate product, and the CPU 9 uses the PLU data.
When data is received, it is displayed. If it is a weighing product now, the judgment result in step SA5 is "YES".
Then, the clerk places the product on the weighing pan 16a. As a result, the CPU 9 proceeds to step SA7.

In step SA7, the CPU 9 calculates the price of the product from the weight signal output from the weighing unit 16 and the unit price stored in the PLU data file 15a, and then proceeds to step SA10.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step SA5 is “NO”, that is, if the product is a flat-rate product, the clerk proceeds to step SA8.

In step SA8, when the customer purchases a plurality of the same products, the number of them is input. In the case of one, it is not necessary to input the number. As a result, the CPU9 causes the step SA
Go to 9.

In step SA9, the CPU 9 calculates the price of the number of purchased products from the input number and the price stored in the PLU data file 15a, and then proceeds to step SA10.

In step SA10, the clerk presses the function key "+" of the key input unit 11b. As a result, the CPU 9 ends the series of operations after transmitting the sales record data to the master 1a via the communication interface 17. This sales record data is the product number, weight, and price for a metered product, and the product number, number, and price for a fixed-price product.

The processing described above is performed when the master 1a is operating normally. If the master 1a fails for some reason, the backup master 1b manages the electronic scales 3 _{1 to} 3n ₋₁ of the slaves instead of the master 1a, and performs the same process as described above.

However, when the backup master 1b operates in place of the master 1a and the backup master 1b fails for some reason, the electronic balances 3 _{1 to} 3n _-1 of the respective slave units perform the following processing. It is done independently.

Here, if the master 1a and the backup master 1b fails both a customer it will be described based on the processing diagram of Figure 8 for CPU9 and clerk processing when purchasing goods in electronic balance 3 _1.

If the customer wishes to purchase the product, the clerk takes steps SB1.
Proceed to the process of and input the product number. That is, the product number of the product is input using the product key on the touch panel 11a or the product number key which is one of the ten keys and the function keys of the key input unit 11b. From this, CPU9
Proceeds to step SB2.

At step SB2, the CPU 9 causes the PLU data file 1 in the RAM 15
After searching 5a for PLU data (product name, unit price, etc.) of the input product number, the process proceeds to step SB3.

In step SB3, it is determined whether or not the PLU data file 15a of the RAM 15 stores the PLU data of the product number. If the result of this determination is "NO", the flow proceeds to step SB4.

In step SB4, a warning to that effect is issued by the clerk's display unit 10a and an alarm sound, and then the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result of step SB3 is "YES", that is,
If the PLU data file 15a contains the PLU data for the product number, the process proceeds to step SB5.

In step SB5, the PLU data is read from the PLU data file 15a, set in each register of the working area of the RAM 15, and then the process proceeds to step SB6.

In step SB6, the store clerk determines whether or not the read PLU data is a weighing product. In this determination, the PLU data of the PLU data file 15a stores a flag indicating whether the product is a metered product or a flat-rate product, and the CPU 9 uses the PL
When the U data is read, a distinction between the weighing product and the flat-rate product is displayed on the salesclerk display unit 10a, and the display is performed. Assuming that the product is a weighing product, the determination result in step SB6 is "YES", and the clerk proceeds to step SB7.

In step SB7, the store clerk places the product on the weighing pan 16a. As a result, the CPU 9 proceeds to step SB8.

In step SB8, the CPU 9 calculates the price of the product from the weight signal output from the weighing unit 16 and the unit price stored in the PLU data file 15a, and then proceeds to step SB11.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step SB6 is "NO", that is, if the product is a flat-rate product, the clerk proceeds to step SB9.

In step SB9, when the customer purchases a plurality of the same products, the number of them is input. In the case of one, it is not necessary to input the number. As a result, the CPU9 causes the step SB10
Go to.

In step SB10, the CPU 9 calculates the price for the number of purchased products from the input number and the price stored in the PLU data file 15a, and then proceeds to step SB11.

In step SB11, the clerk presses the function key "+" of the key input unit 11b. Thereby, the CPU 9 stores the sales result data in the result data file of the RAM 15,
Return to main routine. This sales record data is the product number, weight, and price for a metered product, and the product number, number, and price for a fixed-price product.

In the actual data file of RAM15, the master 1a and the backup master 1b both failed and each electronic scale 3 _{1 to} 3n _-1
It can be used only when processing is performed using the PLU data file 15a of RAM15. This is to collect accurate actual data even if both the master 1a and the backup master 1b have failed, and the stored contents of this actual data file is the master 1a when the master 1a or the backup master 1b is restored. Or it is sent to the backup master 1b and then deleted.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in each of the electronic scales 3 _{1 to} 3n _{−1 of} each child machine, the PLU data of the product actually sold and registered in the electronic scale 3 of the child machine is displayed. Since it is stored in the PLU data file 15a, the master 1a
And even if the backup master 1b fails, the PLU
The registration process can be continued using the PLU data stored in the data file 15a.

In this case, the old PLU data (overflowed amount) is erased, and the PLU data of a product that has not been registered for a long time is not stored in the PLU data file 15a, but normally,
Even if the master 1a or the backup master 1b fails, the recovery action is immediately performed and the time of failure is short, so the above-mentioned products are stochastically mentioned (PLU data products deleted due to overflow and most of the registered records). Not P
LU data products are rarely purchased within this short time, and no problems occur.

Also, it was used in the electronic scale 3 where the product was actually registered.
Since the PLU data is stored in the PLU data file 15a,
Unlike the conventional method, it is not necessary to set the window as a preparation.

Furthermore, even if the location of the electronic scale 3 is changed, it is not necessary to change the window or the like each time.

In addition, unlike the conventional window, products are not selected within the range of product numbers, but are registered based on actual usage, so products that are sold at the same sales floor must have consecutive product numbers. There are no restrictions that must be attached.

In addition, since the PLU data is stored in the PLU data file 15a of the RAM 15 when the PLU data is called and used by the electronic scale 3, the master 1a or the backup master 1b can be used in advance.
No special processing such as receiving the PLU data and writing the PLU data to the PLU data file 15a of the internal RAM 15 is required.

Although the sales registration device according to the present invention is applied to the master / slave POS system in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the store controller type in which the data totaling unit 2 is provided separately. It may be applied to POS system.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in order to improve the reliability of the system, it normally operates as the electronic scale 3 of the slave unit, and when the master 1a fails, it serves as a master instead of the master 1a. With backup master 1b
An example of a POS system is shown, but a POS with only master 1a
Of course, it may be applied to the system.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the sales registration device according to the present invention is applied to an electronic scale, but the present invention may be applied to an ECR or POS system terminal that does not include a weighing unit.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the electronic scale 3 _{1 of the} child device is used.
In the PLU data file 15a of ~ 3n _-1, the PLU data recently called from the master 1a is simply stored for 1000 items, so if the same PLU data is called many times,
The number of times is stored in the PLU data file 15a.
Therefore, even if there is a memory capacity of 1000 items, the number of products will be 200 to 400.

Therefore, when storing PLU data in the PLU data file 15a, instead of deleting the oldest PLU data, when storing the PLU data called this time, the PLU data of the product is already stored in the PLU data file 15a. In such a case, it is possible to delete the PLU data of the product so that a plurality of PLU data of the same product is not stored in the PLU data file 15a. With this configuration, if there is a memory capacity for 1000 items, the PLU data of 1000 types of products can be stored, and the capacity of the memory used for the PLU data file 15a can be further reduced.

Further, the memory capacity of the PLU data file and the contents of the PLU data file of the master 1a and the electronic scales 3 _{1 to} 3n ₋₁ of the slave unit used in the above-described embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this example.

[Advantages of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to increase the required memory capacity, and it is not necessary to set a window even when preparations or sales floors are changed, and
This has the effect of not limiting the numbering of products.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a master / slave POS system to which a sales registration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a master 1a. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the same external configuration, and Fig. 4 is
The figure which shows an example of the structure of the PLU data file 8a of RAM8, FIG. 5 is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the total data file 8b of RAM8, FIG. 6 is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the PLU data file 15a of RAM15, process diagram showing the CPU9 and clerk of processing when the seventh FIG some customers to purchase goods in electronic balance 3 _1,
Figure 8 is if the master 1a and the backup master 1b fails together is a process diagram showing the CPU9 and clerk of processing when a customer is purchasing goods in electronic balance 3 _1. 1a …… master, 1b …… backup master, 2 ₀ , 2 ₁ ……
Data aggregation unit, 3 ₀ ~3n ...... electronic scale, 4 ...... communication line,
5,9 …… CPU, 6,17 …… Communication interface, 7,14 ……
ROM, 8,15 …… RAM, 8a, 15a …… PLU data file, 8b
…… Total data file, 10 …… Display, 11 …… Operating, 12 …… Printing, 13 …… Magnetic card reader, 16 …… Weighing.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of registration processing terminal devices that perform registration processing of products to be sold to each customer, data generated in the plurality of registration processing terminal devices, and communication between the registration processing terminal devices. And a plurality of registration processing terminal devices call up product data relating to products stored in the central management device, and perform registration processing using the product data. In the device, the plurality of registration processing terminal devices include a storage unit that stores a plurality of product data arranged in an order in which the product data is input; and when the latest product data is called from the central management device, Determination means for determining whether or not the same product data as the latest product data is already stored in the storage means; and the determination means for storing the same product data in the storage means. If it is determined that the same product data is stored, the same product data is deleted, and if the determination device determines that the same product data is not stored in the storage device, the storage device stores the most Erasing means for erasing oldly stored product data, writing means for writing the latest product data in the storage means, and calling from the centralized management device while the centralized management device is operating normally. The registration process is performed by using the product data stored in the storage device, and the registration process is performed by using the product data stored in the storage device only when the centralized management device is out of order. Sales registration device to do. 2. The sales registration device according to claim 1, wherein the centralized management device is configured integrally with at least one of the plurality of registration processing terminal devices.