JP2016071523A - Commodity registration device and control program therefor, and checkout system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable efficient processing for purchasing registration and settlement.SOLUTION: A commodity registration device of an embodiment comprises a creation unit, a generation unit, a determination unit, a settlement unit and a notification unit. The creation unit acquires a commodity code of a purchased commodity and creates a list of purchased commodities. The generation unit generates settlement information for settlement of the purchased commodities on the basis of the list created during a registration period before instruction of registration end. During a predetermined acceptance period after starting the registration period, the determination unit determines that settlement processing for settlement is executed by a settlement device according to an instruction from an operator. The settlement unit executes, in accordance with instruction of registration end, settlement processing on the basis of the settlement information in the case where it is not determined that the settlement processing for settlement is executed by the settlement device. The notification unit notifies, in accordance with instruction of registration end, the settlement device of the settlement information in the case where it is determined that the settlement processing is executed by the settlement device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a commodity registration apparatus, a control program thereof, and a checkout system.

  The purchase registration and settlement processes in supermarkets and the like are to be performed by different product registration devices and payment devices, and the employee operates the product registration device and the shopper operates the payment device. Semi-self type checkout systems are known.

  In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from the merchandise registration device to a payment device in an empty state. For this reason, when all of the payment apparatuses are executing the payment process, the payment information cannot be transferred to the payment terminal, and the purchase registration process in the merchandise registration apparatus is also delayed. .

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired that processing for purchase registration and settlement can be performed efficiently.

JP 2006-344123 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a commodity registration apparatus, a control program thereof, and a checkout system capable of efficiently performing purchase registration and settlement processing.

  The product registration device according to the embodiment is a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and includes a creation unit, a generation unit, a determination unit, a payment unit, and a notification unit. The creation unit acquires the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased product. The generation unit generates settlement information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creation unit during the registration period until registration is instructed. The determining unit determines in accordance with an instruction from the operator that a payment process for payment is performed by the payment apparatus in a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period. The payment unit performs payment based on the payment information generated by the generation unit when it is not determined by the determination unit to perform payment processing for payment in the payment device in response to an instruction to end registration. Process. The notifying unit sends the settlement information generated by the generating unit to the settlement apparatus when the determination unit determines to perform settlement processing for settlement in the settlement apparatus in response to an instruction to end registration. To notify.

The perspective view of the checkout system concerning one embodiment. The block diagram of the goods registration apparatus and payment apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the goods registration apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the goods registration apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the alerting | reporting screen as an example. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the settlement apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided.

  Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one settlement device 12. In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 is shown. The number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is also arbitrary.

  The merchandise registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is an operator of the store employee 21 who has a role called a checker. In the settlement apparatus 12, a shopper 22 who purchases a product for sale at the store is the operator. However, the payment apparatus 12 may be operated by an employee.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is attached to a work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. The plurality of work tables 31 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, thereby forming a passage for the shopper 22.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 has functions of purchase registration, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment apparatus 12. The purchase registration is a process for registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of purchased products. The payment information is information necessary for the payment process.

  When the payment information is notified from the merchandise registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13. Instead of the LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used. Or it is good also as a structure which transfers information between the goods registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 via a server.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read-only memory (ROM) 11b, a random-access memory (RAM) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. A card reader / writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

  The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. CPU11a controls each part in order to implement | achieve various operation | movement as the merchandise registration apparatus 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program which were memorize | stored in ROM11b and RAM11c.

  The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the above computer. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the above computer. The RAM 11c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes, or data generated by processes performed by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The product registration apparatus 11 is generally transferred in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transfers the control program without being stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and records it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately-registered product registration apparatus 11.

  The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

  The scanner 11f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may correspond to only one of various known types or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may include a scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device uses an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen as its display screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on a receipt sheet.

  The card reader / writer 11i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. The card may include various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as a member's card or a point card, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 11i may be any of a magnetic type, a contact type, and a non-contact type device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 11j performs communication via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

  As the hardware of the commodity registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, communication unit 12j, and transmission system 12k.

  The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to realize various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

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

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

  The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used when the CPU 12a performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 is transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the settlement apparatus 12 that is separately transferred.

  The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and bills that are input. Moreover, the automatic change machine 12e discharge | releases the coin and banknote as change.

  The scanner 12f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy type two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The printer 12h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on a receipt sheet.

  The card reader / writer 12i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the card. The card may include various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as a member's card or a point card, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. The card reader / writer 12i may be any one of a magnetic type, a contact type, and a non-contact type device, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 12j performs communication via the LAN 13.

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

  As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self POS terminal can be used.

  Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as described above will be described. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

  When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts control processing according to a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

  3 and 4 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 11a.

  In Act1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information related to products for which purchase registration has been completed.

  In Act 2, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen represents the contents of the registered product table, and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC1 as an example.

  Registration screen SC1 includes regions R1 and R2.

  The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, the number and the unit price of the product for which purchase registration has been made most recently, and the total number and total price of the purchased product after the product is registered. The region R2 is a region for displaying a list of product names, numbers, unit prices, and amounts regarding products for which purchase registration has been made before the products shown on the registration screen SC1.

  The registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various types of information related to the product for which purchase registration has been made is displayed. However, the registration screen in Act2 does not represent various types of information about the product, and has a predetermined basic form. Represents only.

  Further, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button other than the region as the registration screen in the screen of the touch panel 11g. Is omitted.

  In Act 3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g is touched. If the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g does not detect that the subtotal button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act4.

  In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act3.

  Thus, in Act3 and Act4, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched or the product code to be acquired. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  The CPU 11a acquires a product code based on an operation by the employee 21 by a known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. If the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4 and proceeds to Act5.

  In Act 5, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen in accordance with the contents of the updated registered product table. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state for Act3 and Act4. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a creation unit.

  If the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act3, and proceeds to Act6 in FIG.

  In Act 6, the CPU 11a generates settlement information for settlement related to the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The settlement information includes information such as a list of registered products and the total number and total amount of purchased products. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a generation unit.

  In Act 7, the CPU 11a confirms whether the semi-self mode is on. The CPU 11a sets the semi-self mode on or off based on an operation by the employee 21 by a process different from the control process shown in FIGS. If the determination is No because the semi-self mode is off, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 8.

  In Act 8, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first selection screen.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first selection screen SC2 as an example.

  The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  The CPU 11a represents the total number and total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment apparatuses 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of settlement information during the execution of the settlement process, and the CPU 11a indicates “transfer impossible” in the display area associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state. That is, when the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is the first selection screen SC2, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment processing. The buttons B4 to B7 are displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated settlement apparatus 12 accepts transfer of settlement information, or the associated settlement apparatus 12 accepts transfer of settlement information. If not, it may be hidden.

  Buttons B1 and B2 are used by the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify that the process proceeds to selection of a payment method for the price of the purchased product. Buttons B <b> 4 to B <b> 7 are used by the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. The button B8 is used by the employee 21 to specify that a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g returns to the registration screen.

  If the determination is Yes in Act 7 because the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 9.

  In Act 9, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the second selection screen.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC3 as an example. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Second selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  That is, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen in which the button B3 is omitted from the first selection screen SC3. Accordingly, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen on which the designation by the employee 21 to shift to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product price cannot be input.

  The CPU 11a proceeds to Act 10 after setting a partial region of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second selection screen in Act 8 or Act 9.

  In Act 10, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 11.

  In Act 11, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus 12 that is the transfer destination of the settlement information is designated. If the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not designated, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 12.

  In Act 12, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a tightening operation has been performed. If the CPU 11a determines No because the tightening operation is not performed, the CPU 11a returns to Act 10.

  Thus, in Act 10 to Act 12, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be acquired, one of the payment apparatuses 12 to be designated, or a closing operation to be performed. However, the tightening operation is, for example, a touch of the button B3. For this reason, when the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is the second selection screen, the button B3 does not exist and the tightening operation is not performed, so the CPU 11a always determines No in Act12. It will be. That is, in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, if the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be acquired or to specify one of the settlement apparatuses 12.

  Although not shown, in this standby state, the CPU 11a also waits for the buttons B1 and B2 to be touched. Then, for example, if any one of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and this is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a determines the total amount included in the settlement information according to an instruction from the employee 21 thereafter. To change.

  If the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 10, and proceeds to Act 13.

  In Act 13, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen, and then proceeds to Act 5 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, for example, the payment device 12 is designated when one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screen SC2 or SC3 is touched by the employee 21, for example. If it has been made, it is determined Yes in Act11, and the process proceeds to Act14. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 11, even if the button B4 to B7 that is associated with the payment device 12 that has not accepted the transfer of payment information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information. Note that the CPU 11a specifies the settlement device 12 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12 if all of the settlement devices 12 are in an operation stop state or in an operation state in which transfer of settlement information is not accepted. I will not wait. The CPU 11a may set the cashier mode on or off based on an operation by the employee 21, and may not accept the designation of all the settlement apparatuses 12 when the cashier mode is on.

  In Act 14, the CPU 11a transfers the settlement information generated in Act 6 to the designated settlement apparatus 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so that the payment information is transmitted to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as a destination. As a result, the transfer information is notified to the settlement apparatus 12. Thus, the CPU 11a determines that the settlement apparatus 12 performs the settlement process in response to any of the buttons B4 to B7 being touched. That is, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a determination unit. In addition, the CPU 11a accepts that any of the buttons B4 to B7 is touched as an instruction to end registration, and notifies the settlement apparatus 12 of settlement information accordingly. That is, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, a function as a notification unit is realized by cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the communication unit 11j.

  In Act 15, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC4 as an example.

  The notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11.

  The CPU 11a represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that semi-self payment is selected in the display area AR11. The semi-self-settlement is a settlement form in which settlement processing is executed in the settlement apparatus 12 in response to an operation by the shopper 22.

  In the display area AR12, the CPU 11a indicates the total number and total amount indicated in the payment information, and also indicates to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred.

  The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4.

  Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 in response to the touch of the button B11, and repeats the subsequent processing as described above.

  When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10 to Act12 and, for example, a closing operation such as the button B3 being touched by the employee 21 is performed, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act12 and proceeds to Act16.

  In Act 16, the CPU 11a executes a settlement process. The settlement process here is a process for the employee 21 to settle the total amount shown in the settlement information generated in Act 6 while interacting with the shopper 22. For example, the processing performed in an existing interactive POS terminal can be applied as it is to the settlement processing here. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part functions as a settlement unit and a first settlement unit.

  In Act 17, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the settlement information generated in Act 6 and the result of the settlement process. Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts a control process according to a control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control process of the CPU 12a.

  In Act 21, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen represents that there is no payment processing status, and what information is represented may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver.

  In Act 22, the CPU 12a confirms whether payment information has been received. If the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a determines No and repeats Act22. Thus, in Act 22, the CPU 12a waits for payment information to be received.

  As described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 that is the destination of the settlement information sent from the communication unit 11j of the commodity registration apparatus 11 to the LAN 13 receives the settlement information, and receives the RAM 12c or Save in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response to this, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 22, and proceeds to Act 23.

  In Act 23, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.

  The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a payment based on the received payment information. The payment screen represents at least the total amount shown in the payment information, for example. The settlement screen may include a total number and a list of purchased products. Further, if payment by a plurality of payment methods is permitted, the payment screen includes a button for the shopper 22 to select a payment method.

  In Act 24, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. If the CPU 12a determines No because the corresponding operation is not performed, Act 24 is repeated. Thus, in Act 24, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement.

  By the way, when the employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 touches any of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screens SC2 and SC3 and transfers the payment information to any of the payment devices 12. Then, the shopper 22 is notified that the settlement apparatus 12 at the transfer destination should perform the settlement. Upon receiving this notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated settlement apparatus 12 and performs an operation for settlement on the settlement screen described above. Then, the CPU 12a performs an operation for settlement in this way, and if this is detected by the touch panel 12g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 24, and proceeds to Act 25.

  In Act 25, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process. The payment process here is a process for paying the total amount indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in accordance with an operation by the shopper 22. For example, the processing performed at an existing self-POS terminal can be applied as it is to the settlement processing here. Thus, when the CPU 12a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as the central part functions as the second settlement unit.

  In Act 26, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h, and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the payment processing. The CPU 12a then returns to Act 21, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10, after the registration of the purchased product in the product registration device 11 is completed, the employee 21 determines whether the payment processing is performed by the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12. Can be selected. Thereby, the employee 21 takes into account the waiting process of the shopper 22 in the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the congestion status of the settlement apparatus 12 at the timing when the settlement process is to be started. It is possible to properly use the settlement process in the settlement apparatus 12 as appropriate. For example, when the number of customers 22 waiting in the product registration device 11 is small, the employee 21 waits while providing an advanced shopper service by applying settlement processing while interacting with the shopper 22. When the number of people increases, the payment processing by the payment device 12 can be used alone or in combination so that the waiting time of the shopper 22 can be minimized.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10, by setting the semi-self mode on, the payment processing can be performed only by the payment device 12.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10, as described above, the CPU 11 a does not wait for the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 in the standby state of Act 10 to Act 12 so that the settlement process is performed only by the commodity registration apparatus 11. be able to.

  This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

  In the embodiment, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as both designation of performing the settlement process with the settlement apparatus 12 and designation of the end of registration. The reception period is a period from when the subtotal button is touched to when any of the buttons B3 to B7 is touched. However, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as a designation for performing the settlement process in the settlement apparatus 12, and accepts a touch on a separately prepared end button as a designation for the end of registration. In response to touching the end button after touching any of the buttons B4 to B7, the settlement information is transferred to the settlement apparatus 12 associated with the touched button B4 to B7. Also good. Alternatively, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on a semi-self button prepared separately for specifying that the payment process is to be performed by the payment apparatus 12 as an instruction to perform the payment process by the payment apparatus 12, and any of the buttons B4 to B7. The touch on the button B4 is accepted as an instruction to end registration, and is associated with the touched one of the buttons B4 to B7 in response to touching any of the buttons B4 to B7 after touching the semi-self button. The settlement information may be transferred to the settlement apparatus 12 provided. In these cases, the acceptance period for accepting the designation of performing the settlement process at the settlement apparatus 12 is the period from the start of purchase registration until the end of registration is designated, or a part of the period. It can be a period.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Product registration apparatus, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer release unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... communication unit, 11k ... transmission system, 12 ... settlement device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... automatic change machine, 12f ... scanner, 12g ... touch panel , 12h ... printer, 12i ... card reader / writer, 12j ... communication unit, 12k ... transmission system.

Claims (6)

A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
A creation unit that obtains the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased product,
A generating unit that generates settlement information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creating unit during a registration period until registration is instructed;
A determination unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the settlement apparatus performs the settlement process for the settlement in a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period;
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit when it is not determined by the determination unit to perform the payment process for the payment in the payment device in response to an instruction to end the registration A settlement unit for performing the settlement process,
In response to an instruction to end the registration, the payment information generated by the generation unit is converted to the payment information when the payment unit for the payment is determined by the determination unit. A notification unit for notifying the payment apparatus;
A product registration device comprising: The determination unit receives a designation operation by the operator for designating the settlement apparatus in the acceptance period as designation to perform the settlement process on the settlement apparatus,
The notification unit receives the designation operation as an instruction to end registration.
The merchandise registration apparatus according to claim 1. When semi-self mode is set,
The settlement unit does not perform the settlement process regardless of the determination result in the determination unit,
The notification unit notifies the payment information to the payment device regardless of the determination result in the determination unit.
The product registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the product registration apparatus is a product registration apparatus. When all of the payment devices do not accept notification of the payment information, or when the cashier mode is set,
The settlement unit performs the settlement process regardless of the determination result in the determination unit,
The notifying unit does not notify the settlement apparatus of the settlement information regardless of the determination result in the determination unit;
The product registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A checkout system including at least one product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device
A creation unit that obtains the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased product,
A generating unit that generates settlement information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creating unit during a registration period until registration is instructed;
A determination unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the settlement apparatus performs the settlement process for the settlement in a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period;
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit when it is not determined by the determination unit to perform the payment process for the payment in the payment device in response to an instruction to end the registration A first settlement unit that performs the settlement process;
In response to an instruction to end the registration, the payment information generated by the generation unit is converted to the payment information when the payment unit for the payment is determined by the determination unit. A notification unit for notifying the payment apparatus;
Comprising
The settlement device
A second settlement unit that performs the settlement process based on the settlement information notified by the notification unit;
A checkout system characterized by comprising. A computer that controls the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the payment device,
A creation unit that obtains the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased product,
A generating unit that generates settlement information for settlement of the purchased product based on the list created by the creating unit during a registration period until registration is instructed;
A determination unit that determines, in accordance with an instruction from an operator, that the settlement apparatus performs the settlement process for the settlement in a predetermined reception period after the start of the registration period;
Based on the payment information generated by the generation unit when it is not determined by the determination unit to perform the payment process for the payment in the payment device in response to an instruction to end the registration A settlement unit for performing the settlement process,
In response to an instruction to end the registration, the payment information generated by the generation unit is converted to the payment information when the payment unit for the payment is determined by the determination unit. A notification unit for notifying the payment apparatus;
Control program to function.

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