JP5888462B2 - POS system, registration device, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a POS (Point Of Sales) system , a registration device , and a program suitable for use when a customer performs an operation at the time of payment.

  A POS system that performs operations at the time of payment when a customer purchases a product includes a registration device that registers data relating to a transaction for the product that the customer intends to purchase, and the customer himself / herself based on the registered data. Some of them are constituted by a settlement apparatus that operates to perform a settlement process. Patent Document 1 describes a POS system including such a registration device and a settlement device.

  In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, a payment receipt is first issued by a registration device and handed over to a customer. On the payment receipt, information necessary for payment regarding the purchase target product (for example, information indicating the total purchase amount) is printed in, for example, a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code. Next, the customer operates the settlement apparatus by himself using the settlement receipt and performs the settlement process. For example, a customer performs a payment operation such as cash insertion or credit card insertion after a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code is read by a reader of the checkout apparatus. The settlement apparatus executes a settlement process according to the read two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code and the customer's payment operation.

JP2011-158993A

  In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, the settlement apparatus can perform settlement processing using data registered by the registration apparatus, such as causing a reader of the settlement apparatus to read a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code. For this reason, there is a problem that the customer needs to perform a predetermined operation, and the customer sometimes takes time for the operation. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time to settle.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a POS system , a registration device , and a program that can shorten the time required for customer settlement.

  One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of payment devices that perform a payment process based on registration data of the product, wherein the registration device includes: Display means for displaying a plurality of buttons indicating each of the plurality of payment devices on a display section for a store clerk, and selection means for selecting a payment device for performing payment processing based on registration data of the registered product from the buttons And transmitting means for transmitting the registration data so that the customer's checkout process can be performed by the selected checkout apparatus; and acquisition means for acquiring status information of the checkout apparatus; and the display means The acquired status information is displayed on the button of the settlement apparatus, and the button of the settlement apparatus to which the transmission means has transmitted the registration data is displayed on the button of another settlement apparatus. A POS system and displaying at different display modes and.

  According to the above configuration, since the state of the payment apparatus can be grasped on the registration apparatus side, a payment apparatus with as little waiting time as possible can be selected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for customer checkout. Moreover, according to the said structure, since registration data is transmitted from the registration apparatus with respect to the selected payment apparatus and it is in the standby state which can start adjustment immediately, a customer's operation is reduced as much as possible. be able to. In addition, according to the above configuration, since the button of the settlement apparatus to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of other settlement apparatuses, the clerk determines to which settlement apparatus the registration data has been transmitted to the customer. You can communicate correctly orally.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the POS system, the display means indicates the status information indicating that the payment apparatus is in use, and an empty state in which the payment apparatus is not in use. The status information is displayed in a different form.

  According to the above configuration, since the settlement apparatus in use and the vacant settlement apparatus are displayed in different forms, it is possible to assist the judgment when the clerk selects the vacant settlement apparatus.

  One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the POS system, the display means displays the status information as character information.

  According to the said structure, the state of a payment apparatus can be grasped | ascertained by the registration apparatus side.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the POS system, the status information is status information related to a change ticket machine included in the settlement apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce transmission of registration data to the settlement POS register 30 that is likely to cause problems such as troubles. Therefore, it is possible to avoid in advance troubles such as a change of cash during the settlement with cash or a change of the bill change machine due to the denomination deposited at the time of settlement and the inability to operate. .

Another aspect of the present invention is the registration device in a POS system including a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that perform a settlement process based on registration data of the product. A display means for displaying a plurality of buttons indicating each of the plurality of payment devices on a display section for a store clerk, and a selection for selecting a payment device for performing a payment processing based on registration data of the registered product from the buttons Means for transmitting the registration data so that the customer's checkout process can be performed by the selected checkout apparatus, and an acquisition means for acquiring status information of the checkout apparatus, wherein the display means comprises: The acquired status information is displayed on the button of the settlement apparatus, and the settlement unit button to which the transmission means has transmitted the registration data is displayed on the settlement apparatus. It is a registered device and displaying at different buttons and display mode of location.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer as a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of payment devices that perform a payment process based on registration data of the product. A procedure for displaying a plurality of buttons indicating each of the plurality of payment devices on a display unit for a store clerk, and a procedure for selecting a payment device for performing payment processing based on registration data of the registered product from the buttons. A procedure for transmitting the registration data so that the customer's settlement process can be performed by the selected settlement apparatus; a procedure for obtaining status information of the settlement apparatus; and the acquired status information on the button of the settlement apparatus. And the button of the settlement apparatus that transmitted the registration data is displayed in a different display form from the buttons of other settlement apparatuses. When a program for execution.

  According to the above configuration, since the registration device can grasp the state of the payment device, it is possible to select a payment device with as little waiting time as possible. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time required for customer checkout. Moreover, according to the said structure, since registration data is transmitted from the registration apparatus with respect to the selected payment apparatus and it is in the standby state which can start adjustment immediately, a customer's operation is reduced as much as possible. be able to. In addition, according to the above configuration, since the button of the settlement apparatus to which the registration data has been transmitted is displayed in a display mode different from the buttons of other settlement apparatuses, the clerk determines to which settlement apparatus the registration data has been transmitted to the customer. You can communicate correctly orally.

  According to the present invention, since the registration apparatus displays the status information of each of the settlement apparatuses, it is possible to reduce the time required for the customer settlement by selecting a settlement apparatus with as little waiting time as possible.

It is a block diagram of the POS system as one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a registration POS register 20 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a settlement POS register 30 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of a registration POS register 20 and a settlement POS register 30 in FIG. 1. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of a process in the POS system 1 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting a destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the POS register | resistor for transmission destination adjustment in step S25 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the receipt on which the guidance which shows the POS register | resistor for payment was printed. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the adjustment POS register which shifted to the standby state in FIG.5 S26. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other example of the flow of a process in the POS system 1 of FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the flow of a process which puts a payment process in a process in the process in the POS system 1 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the button which suspends the adjustment process displayed on the POS register for adjustment. It is a figure which shows an example of the pending | holding receipt issued in step S29c of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, a registration POS register 20, and three settlement POS registers 30. The store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, and the three settlement POS registers 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

  The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, a plurality of registration POS registers 20 are provided, the number of settlement POS registers 30 is further increased, or the number of settlement POS registers 30 is increased. Can be reduced to two. The store controller 10 and the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 are not necessarily connected via the LAN 11. In this case, data exchange can be performed using power line communication that realizes high-speed communication using electric wiring. It is also possible to omit the store controller 10 by making the registration POS register 20 have the function of the store controller 10.

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

The registration POS register 20 performs a process of registering data of a product to be purchased by a customer. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading a barcode attached to a product.
Therefore, the registration POS register 20 is provided with a scanner that reads, for example, a bar code (product code) attached to a product purchased by a customer by a store clerk. In the present application, data relating to a product registered by the registration POS register 20 and used in the settlement process is referred to as registration data. The registration data includes information on the price of all the products to be purchased, that is, the total price, and the unit price and number of each product. Note that the registration data may be identification information (code information or the like) for calling up information on the total amount of products to be purchased, that is, the total amount, or the unit price or number of individual products. In this case, the settlement POS register 30 makes a request to the store controller 10 or the registration POS register 20 having the function of the store controller 10 based on the above-described identification information (code information or the like) to receive the registration data. It may be.
The registration POS register 20 receives and manages status information from each settlement POS register 30.

  Further, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 as a registration data transmission destination according to the status information. At that time, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 should be used by the customer who is currently registering the merchandise to reduce the waiting time as much as possible based on the status information. That is, the registration POS register 20 selects an optimum one from the plurality of settlement POS registers 30. The registration POS register 20 selects, for example, a free adjustment POS register 30. Alternatively, when all the settlement POS registers 30 are filled by the customer, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement apparatus that seems to be freed earliest. Then, the registration POS register 20 transmits registration data to the selected settlement POS register 30. A customer who wants to purchase the product indicated by the registration data can perform the settlement process by operating the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is transmitted. The checkout process is a process of paying and paying for a product to be purchased by selectively using cash, electronic money, a credit card, or the like.

  The status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30. The progress status is divided into statuses such as standby status, settlement, receipt issuance, vacancy status, accounting suspension, and trouble occurrence. Based on this progress, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 is to be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 preferentially selects the checkout POS register 30 in an empty state. Further, if there is no vacant settlement POS register 30, a receipt issuance is selected. The above three progress states of the standby state, during settlement, and during receipt issuance indicate the stage during the settlement process, and the progress state shifts from the standby state during settlement and from settlement to receipt issuance. Therefore, the progress is progressing when the receipt is issued than when the payment is being made. If there is no vacant item, the receipt POS register that seems to be available first is selected by selecting the receipt issue. 30 can be selected.

  Further, the registration POS register 20 performs the following display processing when transmitting the registration data that is currently being registered to the settlement POS register 30 selected as described above. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information received from each settlement POS register 30 on a display screen such as a touch panel of the registration POS register 20. This display is not limited to when the registration data is transmitted, but may be performed constantly or at any time during the registration process or during free time. Further, when the registration data is transmitted, the registration POS register 20 displays to which clerk or customer knows which settlement POS register 30 the registration data is transmitted to. For example, when displayed to the store clerk, the store clerk can verbally tell the customer. The display method in this case is arbitrary. For example, the status information of each settlement POS register 30 is displayed on the touch panel or the like installed for the store clerk in the registration POS register 20, and the status information corresponding to the transmitted settlement POS register 30 is highlighted. Can be done. Alternatively, guidance indicating the settlement POS register 30 of the transmission destination may be displayed on the display unit of the registration POS register 20 facing the customer. Alternatively, a receipt for guiding the corresponding settlement POS register 30 (for example, a number tag receipt on which the number of the settlement POS register 30 is printed) may be issued and handed to the customer.

  The payment POS register 30 may be manually selected by a store clerk. For example, the store clerk may judge from the status information, and the settlement POS register 30 may be selected by pressing a settlement POS register 30 button selected on the touch panel. Further, in order to help the store clerk to judge, the POS register 30 for adjustment which is vacant (or seems to be vacant) may be highlighted in the display of status information.

  Further, the registration POS register 20 may print all purchase contents of the products purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can confirm the registration contents using the registration POS register 20 by looking at the print result before operating the settlement POS register 30 and performing the settlement process.

  On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30 is a device for a customer to perform settlement processing by himself / herself, and includes an automatic change machine, a card reader (for example, for a credit card or a point card), an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (for example, for example). (For electronic money) and other payment devices. The settlement POS register 30 also transmits status information to the registration POS register 20 as needed.

  Further, when the settlement POS register 30 receives the registration data from the registration POS register 20, the settlement POS register 30 notifies the customer (that is, guidance to the customer) so that the customer can come to the settlement POS register 30. ) As an example of notification, for example, character information such as a predetermined number is displayed on the entire screen of the display unit included in the settlement POS register 30. The character information such as the number is information that the registration POS register 20 (or the store clerk operating the registration POS register 20) separately notifies the customer. For example, the customer may go to the POS register 30 for checkout which displays his / her number notified. As another notification example, there is guidance by turning on a predetermined lamp of the POS register 30 for settlement. For example, the lighting is performed in a specific color, and the customer goes to the POS register 30 for checkout of the designated color. Further, it may be flashing. As another notification example, the member card No may be displayed on the screen of the settlement POS register 30. This membership card No. is read by the registration POS register 20, for example. The customer goes to the POS register 30 for payment which is reporting his / her membership card number.

Further, the settlement POS register 30 enters a standby state after notification. That is, the settlement POS register 30 is in a state of waiting for an instruction to start the settlement process corresponding to the received registration data after performing the notification. As an example of canceling the standby state, for example, when the customer touches the display screen of the settlement POS register 30 (or presses any button), the settlement process is automatically started. Until the screen is touched, nothing is displayed on the screen, or for example, only the number is displayed as in the above notification example. Alternatively, the settlement POS register 30 may detect whether or not the customer has approached using a human sensor and start the settlement process. Also in this case, the screen can be made non-displayed or number-displayed until it is detected.
The settlement POS register 30 starts the settlement process when the human sensor detects the approach of a person. Alternatively, a camera can be used instead of the human sensor. For example, cameras may be installed in the settlement POS register 30 and the registration POS register 20, and the settlement process may be started only when the same person approaches in face recognition.

The flow of the settlement process for the settlement POS register 30 in the standby state can be performed, for example, as follows. (1) First, a payment method is selected. Either cash, credit card, electronic money or the like is used according to the operation of the customer. (2) Next, settlement is executed. Settlement is executed by inserting cash into a bill / coin insertion / exit port of the settlement POS register 30, paying change, reading a card with a card reader, or the like.
(3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the settlement POS register 30.
On the receipt, for example, a list of purchased products, a total purchase amount, a received amount, a fishing amount, and the like are printed. (4) Then, the settlement POS register 30 finishes the settlement process and enters an empty state.

  The settlement method in the settlement POS register 30 may be reported in the registration POS register 20. In this case, payment method information is sent from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30, and the settlement POS register 30 starts processing from the operation (2).

  Next, configuration examples of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration POS register 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement POS register 30. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30.

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

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

The scanner unit 204 optically reads a barcode (product code) attached to a product.
The RAM 203 is a read / write memory as needed, and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores product information based on the barcode read by the scanner unit 204, status information received from the settlement POS register 30, and the like. For example, the RAM 203 may store a history of operating the operation buttons.

  The display unit (for clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customer) 205a display various information. For example, the display unit (for store clerk) 205 and the display unit (for customer) 205a display information acquired from the product master (for example, product name, price, etc.). The display unit (for a store clerk) 205 is a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel), and displays various information for the store clerk. Further, the display unit (for a store clerk) 205 accepts an operation input for product information (product code or the like) set and registered in advance by operating an operation button (preset button) displayed in an area in the screen. .

  The operation unit 206 includes various operation buttons (such as a subtotal key, a current total key, a numeric key, a correction key, and a preset key) for operating the registration POS register 20. For example, when the operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 receives an operation input for product information (product code or the like) preset and registered in the preset key.

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

  The printing unit 209 prints information indicating registration data or the like as necessary. However, printing of registration data can be omitted in this embodiment. Note that, as described above, the printing unit 209 may print the information for guiding the settlement POS register 30 serving as the transmission destination of the registration data (accounting data) selected according to the status information on the receipt (print medium). Good.

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

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

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

  The RAM 303 is a read / write memory that stores various information as needed. For example, the RAM 303 stores the product master acquired from the store controller 10 and the purchase contents of the product indicated by the two-dimensional code or barcode read by the scanner unit 304. As an example of reading a two-dimensional code or barcode by the scanner unit 304, for example, in the registration POS register 20, the status information of the settlement POS register 30 cannot be acquired for some reason (for example, a trouble is occurring). For example, the registration POS register 20 may print a two-dimensional code or barcode used for accounting on an accounting slip.

  The scanner unit 304 optically reads, for example, a barcode (member code) attached to a member card or the like.

  The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen in accordance with control from the CPU 301. Further, the display unit 305 stores a history of operating the operation buttons displayed on the screen (for example, the number of operations, the operation order, etc.) in the RAM 303 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 POS register 30. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts correction of an operation input by operating an operation button (correction key).

  The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. For example, the latest product master is acquired from the store controller 10 by connecting to the store controller 10.

When an error or the like occurs, the buzzer 308 generates a buzzer sound that notifies the error.
When the settlement process (that is, the settlement of the purchase price of the product) is completed, the printing unit 309 prints and issues a settlement receipt that the customer brings back.

  The settlement unit 310 includes a change bill machine, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, and the like, and a control unit thereof. The settlement unit 310 is used to perform settlement processing using cash, credit, and electronic money. Done. The settlement unit 310 performs settlement with cash using a change bill machine, and outputs a result of the settlement (for example, information indicating whether or not settlement has been established) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change bill machine includes a bill insertion slot for inserting and discharging banknotes, a coin insertion slot for inserting coins, and a change discharge outlet for discharging change. Further, the settlement unit 310 performs settlement with credit, and outputs a result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via a port and a bus. Further, the settlement unit 310 performs settlement with electronic money, and outputs a result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the bus.

The sign pole 311 has indicator lights of a plurality of colors, and by lighting or blinking these indicator lights, information indicating that the payment POS register 30 is a selected device can be notified or operated. Inform you that there is.
The person detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects that a person (customer) is within a predetermined area in front of the payment POS register 30.

  The appearance configuration of the scanner unit 304, the display unit 305, the operation unit 306, the printing unit 309, the settlement unit 310, the sign pole 311 and the like is shown in FIG.

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

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

  Next, in step S20, it is assumed that the customer visits the registration POS register 20, and the merchandise registration process is started when the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206. Thereafter, registration processing of product data that the customer intends to purchase is performed using the scanner unit 204, the display unit 205, and the operation unit 206. In step S21, it is assumed that the merchandise registration process is completed, and the merchandise registration process is completed when the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206. In step S21, registration data (accounting data) to be transmitted to any of the settlement POS registers 30 is generated.

  Here, the registration POS register 20 performs a selection process of the settlement POS register 30 that is a transmission destination of registration data (step S22). In step S22, the registration POS register 20 refers to the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, and the progress of the settlement process is the most based on the status information. An advanced POS register that is advanced (that is, is empty or is most likely to be empty first) is selected. In this example, it is assumed that the settlement POS register 30a is selected in step S22.

  Next, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the settlement POS register 30a that is the transmission destination of the registration data set in step S22 (step S23). In contrast, the settlement POS register 30a receives registration data (step S24). The registration POS register 20 that has transmitted the registration data in step S23 displays that the settlement POS register that transmitted the registration data is the settlement POS register 30a (step S25). On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30a that has received the registration data in step S24 informs that the registration data has been received and shifts to a standby state for the settlement process (step S26).

  Next, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating a standby state (step S27). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S28). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from the empty state to the standby state (step S29).

  Here, when the customer arrives at the settlement POS register 30a and a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 306 or the like, or the approach of a person is detected by the human detection sensor 312, the settlement process is started ( Step S30). In the payment process started in step S30, an operation method and the like are shown on the display unit 305, and a payment method is selected and payment is performed by the selected payment method in accordance with a customer operation. When the settlement process is started in step S30, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating that settlement is in progress (step S31). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S32). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from the standby state to the settlement (step S33).

  Next, when the settlement process by the predetermined settlement method is completed in the settlement POS register 30a (step S34), the settlement POS register 30a starts a receipt issuing process (step S35). The settlement POS register 30a, when starting the receipt issuing process in step S35, transmits status information indicating that a receipt is being issued (step S36). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S37). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from during settlement to receipt issuance (step S38).

  Next, when the issuance of the receipt is completed (step S39), the settlement POS register 30a shifts to an empty state and transmits status information indicating that it is empty (step S40). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S41). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 203 is updated from the receipt issuance to the empty state (step S42).

  As described above, in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, any one of the payment POS registers 30 is automatically selected by the registration POS register 20, and the customer's operation using the payment POS register 30 is performed. Settlement processing is performed.

  Next, an example of the process of selecting the destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the progress status represented by the status information includes five statuses: a standby status, a settlement, a receipt issuance, an empty status, and a trouble. As shown in FIG. 6, the registration POS register 20 first refers to the status information of the settlement POS registers 30 a to 30 c stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 203, so that the settlement POS register in an empty state is obtained. It is determined whether or not 30 is present (step S101). If there is a free settlement POS register 30 (Yes in step S101), one of the free settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S102). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as a transmission destination, and the selection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when there is no empty adjustment POS register 30 (No in step S101), it is determined whether or not there is an adjustment POS register 30 during receipt printing (step S104). If there is a settlement POS register 30 during receipt printing (Yes in step S104), one of the settlement POS registers 30 during receipt printing is selected (step S105). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as a transmission destination, and the selection process is terminated.

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

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

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S108, if there is no waiting adjustment POS register 30 (in the case of No in step S108), in this example, all the adjustment POS registers 30 are in trouble. Since it is in a situation, information indicating that the destination POS register for settlement cannot be determined is set as information indicating the selection result (step S110).

  In step S102, S105, S107 or S109, when two or more settlement POS registers 30 are selected, one of them is selected by an arbitrary method. For example, when the distance between the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 is large, the settlement POS register 30 having a small distance can be selected. In addition, if one of the multiple customers being checked out has a membership card, etc., and one of the customers does not have a membership card, for example, have a membership card. The customer can select the device in use. This is because if you have a membership card, there is a high probability that you are relatively familiar with the operation. In addition, when information about the age can be registered in the registration POS register 20, other devices (that is, avoid that device) when used only by children depending on the age. It is conceivable to choose.

  Next, a display example in the display processing of the destination settlement POS register in step S25 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a display example of the display unit (for clerk) 205 of the registration POS register 20. In the display example of FIG. 7, buttons 2051 to 2053 representing status information of the POS registers 30 a to 30 c for adjustment are displayed together with information indicating product selection (vegetable in this example), information indicating the amount, the number, and the like. Yes. However, the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed as devices 1 to 3, respectively. Further, the settlement POS register 30a in which the status information selected in the process of step S22 is in an empty state has a different form from other buttons (for example, a blinking state or a different display color, as shown by shading). Display). In the example of FIG. 7, it is shown that the adjustment POS register 30 a is selected as the transmission destination by changing this form.

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

  Further, as described above, the guidance indicating the settlement POS register 30 of the transmission destination may be printed on a receipt handed to the customer. FIG. 8 shows an example of a receipt printed with a guide indicating the settlement POS register 30 of the transmission destination (number tag receipt printed with the number of the settlement POS register 30, bills, POS register guidance receipt). Yes. In FIG. 8, as a guide indicating the settlement POS register 30 of the transmission destination, the characters “please check out at the first register” (see reference numeral 3051) are printed on the receipt. Here, the “No. 1 register” corresponds to, for example, the device 1 (the POS register for settlement 30a) in the display example of FIG.

  Next, a display example of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 that has shifted to the settlement processing standby state in step S26 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a display example of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. In the display example of FIG. 9, along with information indicating “settlement machine”, information indicating standby state (“standby”), etc., the settlement is performed based on the registration data received by the settlement POS register 30. The information (for example, the number, “accounting payment number”) that can identify the customer to be registered is displayed in the accounting order (the order in which registered data is received). The information (for example, the number) that can identify the customer may be notified to the customer by, for example, being displayed on the display unit (for customer) 205a of the registration POS register 20, or printed on a receipt handed to the customer. May be notified to the customer.

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

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

  Note that the registration data transmission processing in step S63 may be temporarily suspended according to the status information of the settlement POS register 30. For example, registration data is transmitted only to the settlement POS register 30 in an empty state or a receipt issuance, and status information is being issued to the settlement POS register 30 in a settlement or standby state. You may make it wait for transmission of registration data until. In this case, for example, the customer temporarily stands by in the vicinity of the registration POS register 20. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the customer from being guided to the settlement POS register 30 in a state where the settlement POS register 30 has not notified that it is a non-selection device. In this case, the registration POS register 20 may issue a number tag receipt to a customer who is temporarily waiting at a standby position and hand it over to the customer. Then, the customer registration data is transmitted to the settlement POS register 30 in which the status information is empty or the receipt is being issued, and the number printed on the number tag receipt is displayed on the display section of the received settlement POS register 30. May be displayed to guide the customer.

By the way, as described above, the registration POS register 20 for registering the product purchased by the customer, and the settlement POS register 30 for performing the settlement by the customer himself / herself for the settlement of the price of the product registered in the registration POS register 20; In the POS system 1, when a customer remembers a product that he / she has forgotten to buy at the time of checkout (at the time of checkout), he / she is in the checkout POS register 30 with the registration in the registration POS register 20 completed. . For this reason, the customer must complete the payment at the payment POS register 30 and then purchase the product again in the registration queue of the registration POS register 20 in order to purchase the product forgot to purchase again. Sometimes.
In this case, the same procedure is repeated until a product forgotten to be purchased is purchased. Therefore, the repeated procedure is troublesome and troublesome for a customer who has forgotten to purchase. In addition, since the customer may give up the purchase of the product that he forgot to buy, there is a possibility that the sales of the store may be adversely affected and the impression of the store may be deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to defer the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30, and it is possible to additionally register product registration data with respect to the suspended registration data. is there.

  Next, referring to FIG. 11, in the settlement POS register 30 that has received the registration data and is in a standby state, the settlement processing based on the registration data is suspended, and the registration data of the product is stored on the suspended registration data. An operation example of additional registration processing will be described. When the customer puts the payment process on hold, as described above, for example, the registration data of the product to be purchased registered in the registration POS register 20 is transmitted to the payment POS register 30 and enters a standby state. This may be the case when recognizing that there is a product that has been forgotten to be bought and the checkout process is suspended. By suspending the checkout process, the customer can add (register) the product as a purchase target product before performing the checkout process.

  For example, a button such as “payment settlement” is provided on the screen display of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. When the “payment pending” button is pressed, the settlement POS register 30 sets the customer's registration data (payment process based on the registration data) as a hold.

  In the operation example shown in FIG. 11, it is added in step S26 of FIG. 5 that a process for putting the payment process on hold is added after the payment POS register 30a shifts to the standby state. Is different. In FIG. 11, processes corresponding to the processes in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the operation after “start of settlement processing” in step S30 is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG.

  The settlement POS register 30a shifts to a settlement processing standby state (step S26), transmits status information (step S27), and then includes settlement information including payment amount information on the display unit 305 in accordance with, for example, a customer operation. The settlement information for processing is displayed, and a button capable of inputting “payment settlement” for suspending the settlement process is displayed. Then, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not the settlement process has been started (step S29a). When it is determined in step S29a that the settlement process has been started, the settlement POS register 30a advances the process to step S30, and starts the settlement process as described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S29a that the settlement process has not been started, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not the “payment settlement” button has been pressed (step S29b).

  If it is determined in step S29b that the “payment pending” button has not been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a returns the process to step S29a and determines that the settlement process has started, or the “payment pending” button Steps S29a and S29b are repeated until it is determined that is pressed.

When it is determined in step S29b that the “payment pending” button has been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a issues a pending receipt including information (identifiable information) that can identify the registered data for which the settlement process is suspended (identifiable information). Step S29c). For example, a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code for recalling registered data for which the checkout process has been suspended is printed on the pending receipt.
It is not necessary to issue an accounting receipt when the registration POS register 20 or the settlement POS register 30 has already been issued in a state where communication is impossible due to some trouble.

  Further, the settlement POS register 30a performs a process of returning the registration data for which the settlement process is suspended to the registration POS register 20 in which the registration data is registered (transmitted). For example, the settlement POS register 30a transmits registration data (holding registration data) regarded as being held to the registration POS register 20 that has registered (transmitted) the registration data (step S29d). The registration POS register 20 receives the pending registration data transmitted from the settlement POS register 30a (step S29e).

  Registration data that has been put on hold will be put on hold until it is called. For example, a customer who has forgotten to buy purchases a shopping cart from a store clerk, then goes to the registration POS register 20 with the product forgotten to buy, and is additionally registered for the product forgotten to buy. In response to the request for additional registration of the product by the customer (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 returns the processing to step S12 and recalls the registration data (holding registration data) for which the checkout process has been suspended. The registration data of the product to be additionally registered (the product forgotten to buy) is added to the registration data. As a result, the “forgotten purchase item” additionally registered in the registration POS register 20 is additionally registered in the pending registration data that is being put on hold.

  Then, the registration POS register 20 transmits the additionally registered registration data to the settlement POS register selected based on the status information. The customer calls the registration data using the pending receipt, or goes again to the settlement POS register 30 instructed by the registration POS register 20, and the customer himself / herself performs settlement.

  In this way, the settlement POS register 30 executes the processing (holding means) of steps S29c and S29d for suspending the settlement processing based on the registration data received and in the standby state. Further, the registration POS register 20 executes the process of step S29e for receiving the pending registration data for which the settlement process is suspended, and receives the product in response to a request for additional registration of the product (step S29j). A process of additionally registering registration data of “forgotten purchase product” with respect to the pending registration data is executed. As a result, in the POS system 1 using the POS register 30 for settlement that is operated by the customer himself / herself, even if there is a product that the customer forgot to purchase, the registration data for executing the settlement process in the POS register 30 for settlement is stored. On the other hand, it is possible to add a product that the customer forgot to buy.

  When registration data is stored in the registration POS register 20, the registration data is stored in the registration POS register 20 from the settlement POS register 30 (registration data) instead of the above-described process of transmitting the registration registration data. It is good also as a process which notifies that the process based on was put on hold. For example, the settlement POS register 30a displays on the display unit 305 a display indicating that there is pending registration data in the registration POS register 20, and also displays status information indicating that the registration is in a pending state in the registration POS register 20. You may send it. Further, the registration POS register 20 may update the status information from the standby state to the hold state in response to receiving the status information indicating the hold state.

  As a method for storing the pending registration data, a method of storing the pending registration data in the settlement POS register 30 or transmitting the pending registration data to the registration POS register 20 in which the registration data is registered (or identification that identifies the pending registration data). A method of transmitting information and status information indicating a pending state) (a method of storing in the registration POS register 20), a method of transmitting to the store controller 10 (a method of storing in the store controller 10), etc. Various cases are assumed.

  In the method of storing the pending registration data in the settlement POS register 30, the registration POS register 20 transmits only the additionally registered “forgotten purchase product” to the settlement POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data. You may perform the process to do. Accordingly, the settlement POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data may additionally register the received “forget-to-buy product” in the pending registration data that is being held.

  In the method of storing the pending registration data in the store controller 10, the registration POS register 20 may perform processing for transmitting the additionally registered “forgotten purchase product” to the store controller 10. Thereby, the store controller 10 may additionally register the received “forgotten purchase product” in the stored registration data.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a display example of a button for suspending the settlement process displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 will be described. In FIG. 12, the settlement POS register 30 displays a receipt number for performing a settlement process and payment information such as payment amount information, and a “forget to buy button” for holding the settlement process (see reference numeral 3061). Is displayed on the display unit 305. For example, the settlement POS register 30a that has shifted to the standby state in step S26 of FIG. 11 displays information including the “forget to buy button” on the display unit 305 as shown in FIG. Then, the settlement POS register 30a in step S29b of FIG. 11 determines whether or not this “forget to buy button” is pressed as whether or not the “payment pending” button is pressed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the pending receipt issued in step S29c of FIG. 11 will be described. The reservation receipt shown in FIG. 13 includes a guide (see reference numeral 3051) showing the POS register 30 for issuing the settlement, and a two-dimensional code (see reference numeral 3052) for recalling the registration data for which the settlement process has been suspended. It is printed. Note that a one-dimensional code such as a barcode may be used instead of the two-dimensional code based on the QR code (registered trademark) shown in FIG. Furthermore, instead of the two-dimensional code or the one-dimensional code, information indicated by numbers, characters, symbols, pictures, or the like associated with each registered data may be used.

  As described above, the POS system 1 of the present embodiment includes a registration POS register 20 (registration device) for registering products to be purchased, and a plurality of settlement POS registers 30 (for performing settlement based on product registration data). A settlement apparatus). Then, in the registration POS register 20, processing (acquisition means) such as steps S12, S15, and S18 for obtaining status information relating to the settlement processing from each settlement POS register 30, and the settlement POS to be settled for the registered product. The processing in step S22 (selection means) for selecting the register 30 based on the status information and the processing (transmission means) in step S23 for transmitting registration data of the registered product to the selected settlement POS register 30 are executed. . As described above, since the registration data is transmitted from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30 in accordance with the status of the settlement POS register 30, necessary registration data has already arrived at the settlement POS register 30. , Customer operations can be reduced, and the checkout time can be shortened.

  In addition, the settlement POS register 30 executes the process (control means) of step S26 for performing control so that the settlement process waits when the registration data is received from the registration POS register 20, so that the settlement POS register 30 can be set in a standby state where payment can be started immediately, and the customer's operation can be reduced as much as possible.

  Further, the process in step S26 for notifying the customer that the settlement POS register 30 is the settlement POS register 30 to be settled for the registered product when the registration data is received from the registration POS register 20 (notification means). ), The customer can immediately identify which settlement device to go to.

  Further, since the registration POS register 20 executes the processing (display means) of step S25 for displaying status information, the state of the settlement POS register 30 can be grasped on the registration POS register 20 side.

  The status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process. In the process (selection means) in step S22, the settlement process in which the progress of the settlement process is the most advanced as the settlement POS register 30 to be settled for the registered product. The POS register 30 is selected. According to this configuration, since the optimal settlement POS register 30 is selected according to the status information indicating the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30, for example, the customer concentrates on one settlement POS register 30. This makes it possible to pay efficiently.

  If the status information is the same when the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the settlement POS register 30, the transmission destination depends on the age of the customer and the distance to the settlement POS register 30. May be determined. For example, if the elderly person is an elderly person, selecting the closest settlement POS register 30 from the registration POS register 20 facilitates support and further improves customer satisfaction.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the registration data of the purchase target product of the customer registered to the settlement apparatus selected during the registration process by the registration apparatus is transmitted. The settlement device identification information of the settlement POS register 30 selected during the registration process in the registration POS register 20 and the registration data of the product are linked to each other and transmitted to the store controller 10. The registration data of the customer's purchase target product registered by the registration device may be transmitted in accordance with the settlement processing status of the POS register 30 for use. Alternatively, depending on the settlement processing status of the settlement POS register 30, the settlement POS register 30 itself requests registration data of the customer's purchase target product registered in the store controller 10 by the registration apparatus based on the settlement apparatus identification information of the own apparatus. May be received.

  The registration POS register 20 may execute a process (printing means) for printing information for guiding the settlement POS register 30 selected in the process (selecting means) in step S22 on a print medium. Thus, the customer can immediately identify which settlement apparatus to go to by confirming the print contents.

  Further, the registration POS register 20 performs a selection prohibition control so that the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is “in use” cannot be selected as the settlement POS register 30 to be settled for the registered product. Do. Here, when the status information is “in use”, the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30 is, for example, “standby state”, “settlement”, or “receipt is being issued”. (That is, when it is not “free”). A case where “trouble is occurring” may be included when the status information is “in use”.

  For example, as described above, the store clerk looks at the status information of each settlement POS register 30 displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 and sends the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20. The POS register 30 may be selected. As a specific example, a button corresponding to each settlement POS register 30 is displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 so that the settlement POS register 30 for transmitting registration data can be selected. May select the settlement POS register 30 that transmits the registration data by selecting and pressing one of the buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30. In such a case, the registration POS register 20 may be controlled so that the settlement POS register 30 whose status information is “in use” cannot be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the buttons corresponding to the settlement POS registers 30 whose status information is “in use” among the buttons corresponding to the settlement POS registers 30 so that they cannot be selected. Also good. In addition, when the customer being registered is a customer whose registration data (accounting data) is put on hold in the settlement POS register 30, a button corresponding to the settlement POS register 30 put on hold by the customer is displayed as “pending”. Therefore, when the store clerk presses the button displaying “hold”, the registered data (accounting data) put on hold by the customer is called. Thereafter, when the additional registration of the product that the customer has forgotten to purchase is completed and a button displaying “pending” corresponding to the settlement POS register 30 is pressed, the settlement POS register 30 corresponding to the “pending” button is displayed. The registration data (accounting data) may be transmitted to.

  This prevents registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 from being transmitted only to a specific settlement POS register 30 out of the plurality of settlement POS registers 30, so that a plurality of registration data can be registered. Customers can be allocated on average to each POS register 20.

  Further, the settlement POS register 30 executes the processes (holding means) of steps S29c and S29d for suspending the settlement process based on the registration data received and in the standby state. Further, the registration POS register 20 executes the process of step S29e for receiving the pending registration data for which the settlement process is suspended, and receives the product in response to a request for additional registration of the product (step S29j). A process of additionally registering registration data of “forgotten purchase product” with respect to the pending registration data is executed. As a result, it is possible to suspend the checkout process of already registered data, and to smoothly add and register the forgotten items for purchase in the registration POS register 20 together. For example, in the POS system 1 using the POS register 30 for settlement that is operated by the customer himself / herself, even if there is a product that the customer forgets to buy, the settlement process based on the registration data in the standby state is suspended. Accordingly, it becomes possible to additionally register a product forgotten to be purchased by the customer with the registration POS register 20 with respect to the registration data put on hold. Therefore, the customer can make an additional payment on the registration POS register 20 side for the merchandise that he / she forgot to purchase without going through a troublesome and troublesome procedure.

  Further, when the registration data received by the settlement POS register 30 and put on standby is put on hold, the registration data is sent (returned) to the registration POS register 20 that sent the registration data. Step S29d Therefore, the pending registration data can be updated on the registration POS register 20 side.

  Further, when the settlement process based on the registration data received and in the standby state is put on hold, the settlement POS register 30 indicates that the registration data has been put on hold, indicating that the registration data has been put on hold. Processing to notify the register 20 may be executed. As a result, it is possible to grasp at any time that the registration data is suspended on the registration POS register 20 side, and it is possible to always grasp that there is pending registration data on the display screen. It is also possible to call up the registration data (accounting data) that is on hold by the store clerk touching the display on the display screen where the hold registration data exists. Therefore, support for customers and additional registration processing for forgotten purchases can be performed smoothly.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned holding means puts the checkout process based on the registration data in the standby state on hold, the customer forgets to buy because the information associated with the registration data is printed. By handing over the merchandise and the pending receipt to the clerk of the registration POS register 20, the merchandise that has been forgotten to be purchased can be registered smoothly.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned holding means puts the checkout process based on the registration data in the standby state, a holding receipt on which a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code that can call the registration data is printed is issued. The clerk of the registration POS register 20 can easily call up the accounting data of the customer who has forgotten to buy by using the code information of the pending receipt, and can smoothly register additional products for which the customer has forgotten to buy.

  Further, when the registration POS register 30 holds the registration data by the holding means, the settlement POS register 30 executes a process of notifying the registration data by the buzzer 308 (notification means). The store clerk can recognize this quickly, can provide support to the customer, and can prevent fraud.

In the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, the settlement process can be suspended by pressing the “payment settlement” button of the settlement POS register 30, and the registration data put on hold is stored in the registration POS. Although it is transmitted to the register 20, it is not limited to this. For example, in the POS system 1, an “unreturned registration data recall” button is provided in the registration POS register 20, and when this button is pressed, unregistered customer registration data (based on the registration data) in the adjustment POS register 30 is displayed. (Settlement processing) is displayed on the screen of the registration POS register 20 as an unsettled list, and the customer registration data is touched (for example, a touch operation by a store clerk) from the unsettled list. Data may be handled as a hold and recalled to the registration POS register 20.
As a result, the POS system 1 can recall the registration data of the customer waiting for the transaction to the registration POS register 20 regardless of the order of the transaction, and can quickly perform additional registration of the product that the customer forgot to purchase.

Further, in the present embodiment, the settlement means (payment method) in the settlement processing (payment processing) for settlement based on registration data that is put on hold may be changed. As a change of the settlement means, in the settlement process based on the registration data of the customer who is going to settle in the settlement POS register 30, a button such as “payment pending” on the screen display of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 is used. You may change the payment means in the payment process which settles based on the registration data put on hold. Alternatively, an unsettled registration data (unsettled registration data stored in the settlement POS register 30) of the customer waiting for settlement in the settlement POS register 30 is provided in the registration POS register 20. You may change the payment means in the payment process which settles based on the registration data put on hold in the unsettled list displayed by pushing down the “recall settlement account data” button.
The change of the settlement means is not limited to the settlement means that is paid selectively using cash, electronic money, credit cards, etc. For example, a part or all of the settlement fee is a gift certificate (for example, a predetermined face value). It is good also as a change made into the payment means paid using the voucher and shopping ticket etc. which can be used as a payment amount. For example, in the settlement process, if the face value paid using a gift certificate, etc. is a part of the payment price, the remaining value obtained by subtracting the face value of the gift certificate, etc. from the payment price based on the registration data that has been put on hold. The amount of money may be set as the settlement amount of registration data that is put on hold. Also, in the settlement process, if the face value paid using the gift certificate exceeds the amount of the settlement price, the settlement price based on the registration data that has been put on hold is subtracted from the face value paid using the gift certificate, etc. The amount of money that has been used up may be used as a refund amount for the remaining amount of money that cannot be used up from the payment POS register 30.
Note that the registration POS register 20 may be configured to transmit the registration data, which has been changed to the settlement process, that is set as a pending transaction by designating the settlement POS register 30 as described in the above embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the status information that is the information indicating the progress status of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30, the standby state, settlement, receipt issuance, free state, accounting pending, trouble occurrence, etc. are illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a change fishing bill machine that deposits and withdraws cash at the settlement unit 310, the status of the change fishing ticket machine may be used as status information, and the status of the change fishing ticket machine is transmitted as status information. You may make it do.
In this case, the money type stored in the change bill machine is near full (a state in which the currency type stored in the change bill machine is almost full) or near end (the change change bill machine is a little later). May be transmitted to the registration POS register 20 as status information. On the basis of this status information, the registration POS register 20 may determine which settlement POS register 30 is selected. For example, the POS register 20 for registration avoids selecting the POS register 30 for settlement that is in the near-full or near-end state in the currency type stored in the change bill machine, and selects another POS register 30 for settlement. May be. As a result, it is possible to avoid in advance troubles such as a change of cash during payment in cash, or a change in the bill machine due to the denomination deposited at the time of payment and the operation being impossible. There is an effect that can be done.
In the display example of FIG. 7, buttons 2051 to 2053 representing status information of the POS registers 30 a to 30 c for adjustment are displayed together with information indicating the product selection (vegetable in this example), the amount, the number, and the like. However, the display is not limited to this. For example, the state of the change bill machine provided in the POS registers 30a-30c for settlement (for example, the state of near full, near end, or a coin jam) May be displayed.
If the status information display is a POS register 30 for checkout with a change billboard that is in a near-full or near-end state, there is a high possibility of causing problems such as trouble during settlement. (For example, a blinking state that is faster than the normal blinking to alert the operator, or a color that is not normally used to indicate that attention must be paid (for example, If red is a color that is not normally used, it may be displayed in a different manner. In the case of this form, it is indicated that the settlement POS register 30 displaying the status information in a form different from the other buttons should not be selected as the transmission destination, which causes problems such as troubles. Thus, there is an effect that transmission of registration data to the settlement POS register 30 that is highly likely to be performed can be reduced.

  The above-described POS register (registration POS register or settlement POS register) and a program for realizing the POS system are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program is read into the computer system and executed. You may make it do. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included. 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 a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a 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 be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

[Appendix]
It is to be noted that the present invention can provide one of the objects to provide a POS system and a registration device that can reduce customer operations in the checkout process.

  (Supplementary Note 1) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system including a registration device that registers a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of payment devices that perform payment based on registration data of the product. Selecting means for selecting a settlement apparatus to perform settlement for the registered product, and transmitting means for transmitting registration data of the registered product so that the customer can be settled by the selected settlement apparatus. It is a featured POS system.

  According to the above configuration, the payment apparatus to be processed by the customer is selected by the registration apparatus, and registration data is transmitted from the registration apparatus to the selected payment apparatus. Therefore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement apparatus, necessary registration data has already arrived at the settlement apparatus. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the checkout time can be shortened accordingly.

  (Supplementary Note 2) According to one aspect of the present invention, the registration device includes an acquisition unit that acquires status information related to a payment process from each of the payment devices, and the selection unit is a payment device that should perform payment for the registered product. Is selected based on the status information, and the settlement apparatus includes control means for performing control so as to enter a standby state for settlement processing when the registration data is received from the registration apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, since the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the payment device selected according to the status information related to the payment processing, the payment device is in a standby state so that payment can be started immediately. Can be reduced as much as possible.

  (Supplementary Note 3) One aspect of the present invention is an informing means for informing a customer that the settlement apparatus is a settlement apparatus to perform settlement for the registered product when the registration data is received from the registration apparatus. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately identify which settlement apparatus to go to.

  (Supplementary Note 4) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration apparatus includes a printing unit that prints information for guiding the settlement apparatus selected by the selection unit on a print medium.

  According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately identify which settlement apparatus to go to by confirming the print contents.

  (Supplementary Note 5) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes display means for displaying the status information.

  According to the said structure, the state of a payment apparatus can be grasped | ascertained by the registration apparatus side.

  (Appendix 6) One aspect of the present invention is that the status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process, and the selection means has the most progress in the settlement process as a settlement apparatus to perform settlement on the registered product. It is characterized by selecting a settlement apparatus.

  According to the above configuration, since the optimal settlement apparatus is selected according to the status information indicating the progress of the settlement process in the settlement apparatus, for example, the customer does not concentrate on one settlement apparatus, and the customer The registration data (accounting data) will be sent to the settlement device that will finish accounting early in the settlement process in which the accounting is performed by its own operation, so that congestion in the settlement device can be dispersed and efficient settlement can be performed. , The customer will be better.

  (Supplementary note 7) In one aspect of the present invention, the selection unit controls the selection prohibition so as not to select a settlement apparatus in which the status information is in use as a settlement apparatus to perform settlement for the registered product. It is characterized by performing.

  According to the above configuration, the registration data registered in the registration device is not biased and transmitted only to a specific settlement device among the plurality of settlement devices. Customers can be assigned to.

  (Supplementary Note 8) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the settlement apparatus includes a holding unit that holds the registration data received and in a standby state.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the checkout process of already registered data, and smoothly add and register the forgotten items for purchase in the registration device. Therefore, the customer is not bothered and bothered when he / she adds a product he forgot to buy and settles.

  (Supplementary Note 9) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device adds registration data of the product to the registration data held by the checkout device.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to suspend the checkout process of already registered data, and smoothly add and register the forgotten items for purchase in the registration device. Therefore, the customer is not bothered and bothered when he / she adds a product he forgot to buy and settles.

  (Supplementary Note 10) According to one aspect of the present invention, when the registration apparatus that has received and is in a standby state is put on hold, the registration apparatus sends the registration data to the registration apparatus that has transmitted the registration data. It is characterized by transmitting.

  According to the above configuration, the registration data for which the checkout process is suspended can be returned to the registration apparatus. In the registration apparatus, the registration data of the product that the customer forgot to purchase is further added to the registration data that has been suspended. Registration data can be updated.

  (Supplementary Note 11) According to one aspect of the present invention, when the settlement apparatus receives the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state, the registration data is displayed as a notification that the registration data has been suspended. The transmitted registration apparatus is notified.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to grasp at any time that the registration data is suspended on the registration device side, and it is possible to always grasp that the pending registration data exists on the display screen. In addition, when the customer being registered is a customer whose registration data (accounting data) has been put on hold by the checkout device, a button corresponding to the checkout device put on hold by the customer is displayed as “hold”, and the customer If it is before the additional registration of the merchandise that has been forgotten to be purchased, the registration data (accounting data) put on hold by the customer is called up when the button indicating “hold” corresponding to the settlement apparatus is pressed. You may do it. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly support customers who have forgotten to buy.

  (Supplementary Note 12) In one aspect of the present invention, when the holding unit puts the registration data in the standby state on hold, it issues a holding receipt on which information associated with the registration data is printed. It is characterized by that.

  According to the above configuration, by issuing a pending receipt, if the customer hands over the forgotten product, the retained receipt, and the clerk of the registration device, the forgotten product can be registered smoothly.

  (Supplementary note 13) In one aspect of the present invention, when the holding means puts the registration data in the standby state on hold, a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code that can call the registration data is printed It is characterized by issuing a receipt.

  According to the above configuration, when the customer receives a registration addition of the product that the customer forgot to purchase by issuing a hold receipt, the store clerk of the registration device passes the hold receipt to the store clerk of the registration device. By reading the receipt code information with a scanner, it is possible to easily read the customer's pending accounting data, and therefore, the customer can smoothly register additional items forgotten to buy.

  (Supplementary Note 14) In one aspect of the present invention, when the registration data is put on hold by the holding unit, the settlement apparatus notifies the registration unit that the registration data is put on hold. .

  According to the above configuration, since the notification means notifies that it has been handled as a hold, the store clerk can quickly recognize that it has been put on hold, can provide support to the customer, and can prevent fraud. Play.

  (Supplementary Note 15) One aspect of the present invention is the registration device in a POS system that includes a registration device that registers a product to be purchased and a plurality of payment devices that perform payment based on registration data of the product, Acquisition means for acquiring status information relating to the settlement process from each settlement apparatus, selection means for selecting a settlement apparatus to be settled for a registered product based on the status information, and the registered commodity to the selected settlement apparatus And a transmission means for transmitting the registration data.

  According to the said structure, registration data are transmitted from a registration apparatus with respect to the payment apparatus selected according to the status information regarding a payment process. Therefore, when the customer tries to operate the settlement apparatus, necessary registration data has already arrived at the settlement apparatus. Therefore, the customer's operation can be reduced, and the checkout time can be shortened accordingly.

  (Supplementary Note 16) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes a printing unit that prints information that guides the settlement apparatus selected by the selection unit on a print medium.

  According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately identify which settlement apparatus to go to by confirming the print contents.

  As described above, according to the configuration shown in the appendix, since the registration device selects the settlement device and transmits the registration data in accordance with the processing status of the settlement device, the customer is predetermined to associate the data registered by the registration device in the settlement device. This eliminates the need to perform operations, reduces customer operations, and shortens the checkout time.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Store controller, 11 ... LAN, 20 ... Registration POS register, 30 ... Settlement POS register, 201 ... CPU, 202 ... ROM, 203 ... RAM, 204 ... Scanner part, 205 ... Display part (for shop assistant), 205a ... display unit (for customer), 206 ... operating unit, 207 ... communication unit, 208 ... buzzer, 209 ... printing unit, 301 ... CPU, 302 ... ROM, 303 ... RAM, 304 ... scanner unit, 305 ... display unit, 306 Operation unit 307 Communication unit 308 Buzzer 309 Printing unit 310 Payment unit 311 Sign pole 312 Human sensor

Claims (5)

A POS system having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices for performing a settlement process based on registration data of the product,
The registration device
Display means for displaying a plurality of buttons indicating each of the plurality of payment devices on a display for a store clerk;
Selection means for selecting a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process based on registration data of the registered product from the button;
Transmitting means for transmitting the registration data so that the customer's settlement process can be performed by the selected settlement apparatus;
Obtaining means for obtaining status information of the settlement apparatus,
The display means displays the acquired status information on the button of the payment apparatus, and the button of the payment apparatus to which the transmission means has transmitted the registration data is displayed in a different manner from the buttons of other payment apparatuses. POS system characterized by display.   The POS system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the status information as character information.   The POS system according to claim 1, wherein the status information is status information related to a change bill machine included in the settlement apparatus. A registration device in a POS system having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement processing based on registration data of the product,
Display means for displaying a plurality of buttons indicating each of the plurality of payment devices on a display for a store clerk;
Selection means for selecting a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process based on registration data of the registered product from the button;
Transmitting means for transmitting the registration data so that the customer's settlement process can be performed by the selected settlement apparatus;
Obtaining means for obtaining status information of the settlement apparatus,
The display means displays the acquired status information on the button of the payment apparatus, and the button of the payment apparatus to which the transmission means has transmitted the registration data is displayed in a different manner from the buttons of other payment apparatuses. A registration device characterized by being displayed.   A computer as a registration device in a POS system having a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that perform settlement processing based on registration data of the product,
  A procedure for displaying a plurality of buttons indicating each of the plurality of payment devices on a display for a store clerk;
  A procedure for selecting from the buttons a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process based on registration data of the registered product;
  Transmitting the registration data so that the customer's checkout process can be performed by the selected checkout apparatus;
  A procedure for obtaining status information of the settlement apparatus;
  The procedure for displaying the acquired status information on the button of the settlement apparatus and displaying the button of the settlement apparatus that transmitted the registration data in a different display form from the buttons of other settlement apparatuses;
  A program for running

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