Semi-self-checkout device and its control program

Abstract

To enable a salesclerk to flexibly change labor of a customer relating to settlement.SOLUTION: A settlement device includes acquisition means, counting means, first input means, settlement means, first control means, second input means, and validation means. The settlement means performs the settlement of a settlement amount acquired by the acquisition means from input cash. The first control means controls the settlement means to execute the settlement in response to the input of an instruction for the execution of settlement by a customer with the user of the first input means when the amount of cash input by the customer, which is counted by the counting means, is equal to or more than the settlement amount acquired by the acquisition means. The second input means inputs a start instruction of the self-settlement by a salesclerk. The validation means invalidates at least one of the first input means and the first control means and validates any of the first input means and the first control means, which is invalidated, when the instruction of execution of the self-settlement is input by the second input means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment device, a control program therefor, and a semi-self-checkout device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Semi-self-service checkout systems are known in which a store clerk performs operations for registering details of a commercial transaction, such as registering purchased items, and a customer performs operations for settling the transaction. This type of checkout system can reduce the workload of store clerks and shorten customer waiting times during busy periods.

[0003] However, during off-peak hours, even if the store staff are available, customers end up having to go through a lot of trouble. Furthermore, during off-peak hours, customers do not have to wait long, so they cannot realize the benefit of the shortened wait time. For these reasons, it has been desirable for store clerks to be able to flexibly change the amount of effort required of customers in relation to payment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-27449 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a payment device and a control program therefor, as well as a semi-self-checkout device, that allow a store clerk to flexibly change the effort required of a customer in relation to payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The payment device of the embodiment includes an acquisition means, a counting means, a first input means, a payment means, a first control means, a second input means, and a validation means. The acquisition means acquires a payment amount. The counting means counts the amount of cash inserted by a customer. The first input means inputs an execution instruction from the customer regarding the payment. The payment means settles the payment amount acquired by the acquisition means from the inserted cash. The first control means controls the payment means to execute the payment in response to an instruction to execute the payment being input by the first input means when the amount counted by the counting means is equal to or greater than the payment amount acquired by the acquisition means. The second input means inputs an instruction to start the self-payment by a store clerk. The validation means disables at least one of the first input means and the first control means, and enables the disabled first input means and the first control means when an instruction to execute the self-payment is input by the second input means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a checkout device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the checkout device shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart of a control process performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of a control process performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a flowchart of a control process performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of a control process performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first main screen as an example. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 shows a first sub-screen as an example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second main screen as an example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second sub-screen as an example. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 shows a third main screen as an example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third sub-screen as an example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a fourth main screen as an example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth sub-screen as an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a semi-self-checkout device (hereinafter, abbreviated as checkout device) having a function as a payment device will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a checkout device 100 according to this embodiment. The checkout terminal 100 includes a main unit 10, a currency receiving unit 20, and a base 30.

[0010] The main unit 10 is fixed to the flat base 30 by a rod-shaped connecting member (not shown) arranged through the money receiving unit 20. The money receiving unit 20 is not fixed to the main unit 10, the base 30, or the connecting member. The money receiving unit 20 is rotatable along the upper surface of the base 30 around the connecting member. The angle through which the money receiving unit 20 can rotate is at least 180 degrees. That is, the money receiving unit 20 can be in a state in which it is in the direction shown in FIG. 1 and in a state in which it is in the opposite direction. The checkout device 100 is installed in a store or the like where commercial transactions are performed, and is used in a state in which a clerk is located on the right rear side in FIG. 1 and a customer is located on the left front side. For this reason, hereinafter, the right rear side in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the clerk side, and the left front side will be referred to as the customer side. Furthermore, the state of the money receiving unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as a customer-facing state.

[0011] The main unit 10 includes a keyboard 11, a main touch panel 12, and a sub-touch panel 13. The housing of the main unit 10 is also formed with a receipt ejection port 10a. The housing of the money receiving unit 20 is formed with a coin insertion slot 20a, a coin ejection slot 20b, and a banknote insertion / ejection slot 20c. The elements provided in the main unit 10 and the currency receiving unit 20 will be described in detail later.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the checkout device 100. In Fig. 2, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 are used to denote the elements that are also shown in Fig. 1. The main unit 10 includes a keyboard 11, a main touch panel 12, and a sub-touch panel 13, as well as a printer 14, a central processing unit (CPU) 15, a read-only memory (ROM) 16, and a random-access memory (RAM) 17. The keyboard 11, the main touch panel 12, the sub-touch panel 13, the printer 14, the CPU 15, the ROM 16, and the RAM 17 are all connected to a transmission path 40. The transmission path 40 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines. The transmission path 40 is laid from the main unit 10 to the currency receiving unit 20. The transmission path 40 may be divided into two parts, one on the main unit 10 side and the other on the currency receiving unit 20 side, and may further include an interface circuit that connects these parts to each other.

[0013] The keyboard 11 has many keys, and inputs instructions from the clerk by pressing these keys. Some of the keys that the keyboard 11 has are a first start key 11a, a second start key 11b, a first settlement key 11c, a second settlement key 11d, and an interrupt key 11e. The first start key 11a is a key used by the clerk to instruct the clerk to start a settlement under the clerk's operation. The second start key 11b is a key used by the clerk to instruct the clerk to start a settlement under the customer's operation. The first settlement key 11c is a key used by the clerk to instruct the clerk to execute a settlement with issuance of a receipt. The second settlement key 11d is a key used by the clerk to instruct the clerk to execute a settlement without issuance of a receipt. The interrupt key 11e is a key used by the clerk to instruct the clerk to interrupt the cash insertion during the cash insertion for the settlement. In other words, the keyboard 11 is an example of a second input device.

[0014] The main touch panel 12 is provided facing the store clerk as shown in Fig. 1. The main touch panel 12 displays a screen for presenting information to the store clerk. The main touch panel 12 also inputs instructions from the store clerk by touching the displayed screen.

[0015] The sub-touch panel 13 is provided facing the customer side as shown in Fig. 1. The sub-touch panel 13 displays a screen for presenting information to customers. The sub-touch panel 13 also inputs instructions from customers by touching the displayed screen. In other words, the sub-touch panel 13 is an example of a first input device.

[0016] The printer 14 prints a receipt image or receipt certificate image on receipt paper. The printer 14 discharges the receipt paper on which the receipt image or receipt certificate image has been printed to the outside of the main unit 10 from the receipt discharge port 10a shown in FIG.

[0017] The CPU 15 , ROM 16 and RAM 17 are connected via a transmission line 40 to constitute a computer for controlling the checkout device 100 .

[0018] The CPU 15 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 15 controls each part of the checkout device 100 to realize various functions of the checkout device 100 based on an operating system and application programs stored in the ROM 16.

[0019] The ROM 16 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The ROM 16 stores an operating system and application programs. One of the application programs is a control program for control processing, which will be described later. The ROM 16 may also store data that the CPU 15 refers to when performing various processes.

[0020] The RAM 17 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The RAM 17 stores data that the CPU 15 refers to when performing various processes. The RAM 17 is also used as a so-called work area for storing data that the CPU 15 temporarily uses when performing various processes.

[0021] The money receiving unit 20 includes a coin storage unit 21, a coin counting unit 22, a coin discharging unit 23, a banknote storage unit 24, a banknote counting unit 25, a banknote discharging unit 26, and a direction detecting unit 27. The coin storage unit 21, the coin counting unit 22, the coin discharging unit 23, the banknote storage unit 24, the banknote counting unit 25, the banknote discharging unit 26, and the direction detecting unit 27 are all connected to a transmission path 40.

[0022] The coin storage unit 21 stores coins inserted through the coin insertion port 20a shown in FIG. 1 in a coin storage vault (not shown). The coin counting unit 22 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 20a. The coin discharging section 23 discharges coins from the coin discharging port 20b shown in FIG.

[0023] The bill storage unit 24 stores bills inserted through the bill insertion / ejection opening 20c shown in FIG. 1 in a bill storage vault (not shown). The bill counting unit 25 counts the value of bills inserted through the bill insertion / ejection slot 20c. The bill ejection section 26 ejects bills from the bill insertion / ejection opening 20c shown in FIG.

[0024] The orientation detection unit 27 detects whether the money receiving unit 20 is in a customer-facing state. Whether the money receiving unit 20 is in a customer-facing state may be detected by an orientation detection unit provided in the main unit 10, in which case the orientation detection unit 27 can be omitted.

[0025] Next, the operation of the checkout device 100 configured as above will be described. When the checkout terminal 100 is in an operating state, the CPU 15 waits for various instructions to be given. Then, in response to an operation to instruct the execution of a transaction, for example, performed on the keyboard 11, the CPU 15 starts control processing according to a control program stored in the ROM 16. Note that the content of the processing described below is merely an example, and various other processing that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are flowcharts of the control process by the CPU 15.

[0026] In Act 1 in FIG. 3, the CPU 15 performs a registration process for registering the contents of a commercial transaction. Specifically, the CPU 15 waits for a registration operation by an operator. The checkout device 100 is assumed to be used, for example, in a bread store that manufactures and sells bread. In many cases, products are not packaged in a bread store, and barcodes are not attached to each product. Therefore, each product is assigned to a key included in the keyboard 11 or a button displayed on the main touch panel 12. Then, the store clerk performs the above-mentioned registration operation by pressing the key to which the purchased product is assigned or touching the button. The CPU 15 updates the information in the product list area set in the RAM 17 to add the product assigned to the pressed key or touched button to the list of purchased products. However, the registration operation may be performed by another well-known operation, such as an operation of having a scanner read the barcode displayed on the purchased product. In this case, a device such as a scanner is provided in the main unit 10 as necessary. In addition, the commercial transaction registered here is not limited to the purchase and sale of products, and may be the provision of a service, etc. Thus, the computer with the CPU 15 as its core functions as a registration means by the CPU 15 executing the control process based on the control program. When the store clerk declares that all purchased items have been registered by, for example, pressing a subtotal key on the keyboard 11, the CPU 15 ends the registration process and proceeds to Act 2.

[0027] In Act 2, the CPU 15 calculates the settlement amount to be settled for the sale and purchase of all registered products. This allows the CPU 15 to obtain the settlement amount, and the computer with the CPU 15 as the core portion functions as an obtaining means by the CPU 15 executing the control process based on the control program. In Act 3, the CPU 15 displays the first main screen on the main touch panel 12 and the first sub-screen on the sub-touch panel 13.

[0028] FIG. 7 shows an example of the first main screen SC11. The first main screen SC11 includes a character string CS11 that indicates the payment amount calculated in Act 2. In other words, the first main screen SC11 is a screen for notifying the store clerk of the payment amount.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the first sub-screen SC21 as an example. The first sub-screen SC21 includes a character string CS21 that indicates the payment amount calculated in Act 2. In other words, the first sub-screen SC21 is a screen that notifies the customer of the payment amount.

[0030] In Act 4, the CPU 15 judges whether the money receiving unit 20 is facing the customer by referring to the detection result by the orientation detection unit 27. If the money receiving unit 20 is not facing the customer, the CPU 15 judges it as No and proceeds to another process. The other process here is a process for dealing with a case where a store clerk receives cash for payment from a customer and inserts it into the money receiving unit 20. As this process can be the same as the process performed in another existing checkout device, illustrations and explanations thereof will be omitted. In addition, without providing an orientation detection unit 27, the CPU 15 may turn a flag for managing whether the currency collection unit 20 is facing the customer on / off in response to an instruction operation by the operator, and make a decision in Act 4 based on the flag.

[0031] On the other hand, if the orientation detection unit 27 detects that the currency receiving unit 20 is facing a customer, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 4 and proceeds to Act 5. In Act 5, the CPU 15 checks whether the first start key 11a has been pressed. If the first start key 11a has not been pressed, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 6. In Act 6, the CPU 15 checks whether the second start key 11b has been pressed. If the second start key 11b has not been pressed, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 7. In Act 7, the CPU 15 checks whether any operation other than pressing the first start key 11a or the second start key 11b has been performed. If no such operation has been performed, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and returns to Act 5. Thus, in Act 5 to Act 7, the CPU 15 waits for the first start key 11a or the second start key 11b to be pressed or for other operations to be performed. If other operations are performed, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 7 and proceeds to processing according to the operation performed. The processing performed in this case may be arbitrary and is not a feature of this embodiment, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0032] When the store clerk performs the operation related to the payment by himself, he presses the first start key 11a. When the store clerk applies self-payment in which the operation related to the payment is performed by the customer, he presses the second start key 11b. If the second start key 11b is pressed, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 6 and proceeds to Act 8. Thus, the CPU 15 executes the control process based on the control program, and the computer including the CPU 15 as the core part functions as a second input processing means for inputting a start instruction from a store clerk for self-payment. The function as the second input processing means and the keyboard 11 cooperate to realize the function as the second input means. In Act 8, the CPU 15 sets the customer face flag. Then, the CPU 15 proceeds to Act 11 in Fig. 4. Note that the CPU 15 resets the customer face flag at the start of the control processing shown in Figs. 3 to 6.

[0033] If the first start key 11a is pressed during the standby state of Act 5 to Act 7, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 5, skips Act 8, and proceeds to Act 11 in Fig. 4. In other words, if the first start key 11a is pressed, the CPU 15 keeps the customer surface flag in the reset state. In Act 11 in FIG. 4, the CPU 15 displays the second main screen on the main touch panel 12 and the second sub-screen on the sub-touch panel 13.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the second main screen SC12. The second main screen SC12 includes character strings CS31, CS32, and CS33. The character string CS31 represents a predetermined text message for urging the store clerk to guide the customer to insert cash as payment into the coin insertion slot 20a or the banknote insertion / ejection slot 20c. The character string CS32 represents that the amount of cash already inserted (hereinafter referred to as the inserted amount) is 0 yen. The character string CS33 represents the remaining amount that the customer must insert to settle the payment amount. The CPU 15 determines that the character string CS33 represents the payment amount calculated in Act 2.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the second sub-screen SC22 as an example. The second sub-screen SC22 includes character strings CS41 and CS42. The character string CS41 indicates a predetermined character message for instructing the customer to insert cash as payment into the coin insertion slot 20a or the banknote insertion / discharge slot 20c. The character string CS42 indicates the amount of cash to be inserted as payment, i.e., the settlement amount calculated in Act 2.

[0036] In Act 12, the CPU 15 checks whether or not the insertion of cash into the coin insertion slot 20a or the banknote insertion / ejection slot 20c has started. If the amounts counted by the coin counting unit 22 and the banknote counting unit 25 are both zero, the CPU 15 determines No and repeats Act 12. Thus, in Act 12, the CPU 15 waits for the start of the insertion of cash. Note that the CPU 15 clears the count amounts by the coin counting unit 22 and the banknote counting unit 25 to zero at the start of the control process shown in Figs. 3 to 6.

[0037] A customer deposits coins of the cash used as payment into the coin insertion slot 20a, and banknotes into the banknote insertion / ejection slot 20c. When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 20a, the coin storage unit 21 starts transporting the coin. The coin counting unit 22 then counts the value of the coins transported by the coin storage unit 21. The coin counting unit 22 notifies the CPU 15 of the counted amount each time the counted amount changes. When a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion / ejection slot 20c, the banknote storage unit 24 starts transporting the banknote. The banknote counting unit 25 then counts the value of the banknotes transported by the banknote storage unit 24. The banknote counting unit 25 notifies the CPU 15 of the counted amount each time the counted amount changes. Thus, the coin counting unit 22 and the banknote counting unit 25 are an example of a counting means for counting the amount of cash inserted by a customer. In response to the notification of a non-zero amount from the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 12 and proceeds to Act 13. In Act 13, the CPU 15 checks whether the amount inserted is equal to or greater than the settlement amount. If the amount inserted is less than the settlement amount, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 14. In Act 14, the CPU 15 displays the third main screen on the main touch panel 12 and the third sub-screen on the sub-touch panel 13, respectively.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the third main screen SC13. The third main screen SC13 includes character strings CS51, CS52, and CS53. The character string CS51 represents a predetermined text message to notify the store clerk that cash is being inserted as payment. The character string CS52 represents the current amount inserted. The character string CS53 represents the current remaining amount. The CPU 15 determines that the character string CS52 represents the total amount of the latest amounts notified by the coin counting unit 22 and the banknote counting unit 25. The CPU 15 determines that the character string CS53 represents the amount obtained by subtracting the above total amount from the payment amount calculated in Act 2.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the third sub-screen SC23 as an example. The third sub-screen SC23 includes character strings CS61, CS62, CS63, and CS64. The character string CS61 represents a predetermined text message for guiding the customer to insert cash as payment into the coin insertion slot 20a or the banknote insertion / discharge slot 20c. The character string CS62 represents the amount of cash to be inserted as payment, i.e., the settlement amount calculated in Act 2. The character string CS63 represents the amount inserted at the current time. The character string CS64 represents the remaining balance at the current time. The CPU 15 considers the character strings CS63 and CS64 to be the same as the character strings CS52 and CS53 in the third main screen SC13 that is displayed at the same time.

[0040] In Act 15, the CPU 15 checks whether the interrupt key 11e has been pressed or not. If the interrupt key 11e has not been pressed, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 16. In Act 16, the CPU 15 checks whether the inserted amount has changed. If a new amount has not been notified from either the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 determines the answer as No and returns to Act 15. Thus, in Act 15 and Act 16, the CPU 15 waits for the interrupt key 11e to be pressed or for additional cash to be inserted.

[0041] If the store clerk needs to stop the cash insertion at the customer's request, the store clerk presses the interrupt key 11e. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 15 and proceeds to Act 17. In Act 17, the CPU 15 displays the fourth main screen on the main touch panel 12.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth main screen SC14. The fourth main screen SC14 is a screen obtained by adding a pop-up display PU1 to the third main screen SC13. The pop-up display PU1 displays a text message prompting the store clerk to instruct whether or not to suspend the deposit of cash.

[0043] In Act 18, the CPU 15 checks whether or not the clear key included in the keyboard 11 has been pressed. If the clear key has not been pressed, the CPU 15 determines No and proceeds to Act 19. In Act 19, the CPU 15 checks whether or not the confirmation key included in the keyboard 11 has been pressed. If the confirmation key has not been pressed, the CPU 15 determines that the answer is No, and returns to Act 18. Thus, in Act 18 and Act 19, the CPU 15 waits for the clear key or the enter key to be pressed.

[0044] If the store clerk wants to cancel the interruption of the cash insertion, he or she presses the clear key. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 18 and returns to Act 14. That is, the CPU 15 returns the screen of the main touch panel 12 to the third main screen, and returns to the standby state of Act 15 and Act 16.

[0045] On the other hand, if the store clerk really wants to stop inserting cash, he or she presses the Confirm key. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 19 and proceeds to Act 20. In Act 20, the CPU 15 instructs the coin discharge unit 23 and the banknote discharge unit 26 to dispense cash equivalent to the amount inserted at this time. In response to this instruction, the coin discharge unit 23 and the banknote discharge unit 26 dispense coins and banknotes. The CPU 15 then returns to Act 11. That is, the CPU 15 returns the screens of the main touch panel 12 and the sub-touch panel 13 to the second main screen and the second sub-screen, and returns to the standby state of Act 12. At this time, the CPU 15 clears to zero the amounts counted by the coin counting unit 22 and the banknote counting unit 25, respectively, and the inserted amount.

[0046] Thus, the coin discharge unit 23 and the bill discharge unit 26 are an example of a dispensing means for dispensing inserted cash. The CPU 15 executes control processing based on the control program, and the computer, which is the central part of the CPU 15, inputs an interrupt instruction from a store clerk by pressing the interrupt key 11e, and functions as a fourth input means in cooperation with the interrupt key 11e. Furthermore, the computer functions as an interrupt means.

[0047] Now, when the CPU 15 is in a standby state in Act 15 and Act 16, if the customer inserts additional cash and the new amount is notified from the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 16 and proceeds to Act 21. In Act 21, the CPU 15 updates the deposited amount by adding the newly notified amount.

[0048] In Act 22, the CPU 15 checks whether the amount inserted is equal to or greater than the settlement amount. If the amount inserted is less than the settlement amount, the CPU 15 judges No, and returns to the standby state of Act 15 and Act 16. However, if the amount inserted is equal to or greater than the settlement amount, the CPU 15 judges Yes, and proceeds to Act 31 in Fig. 5. If the amount of cash initially inserted is equal to or greater than the settlement amount, the CPU 15 judges Yes in Act 13, skips Acts 14 to 22, and proceeds to Act 31 in Fig. 5.

[0049] 5, the CPU 15 checks whether the customer flag is set or not. If the customer flag is reset, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 32. In Act 32, the CPU 15 checks whether the first settlement key 11c has been pressed. If the first settlement key 11c has not been pressed, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 33. In Act 33, the CPU 15 checks whether the second settlement key 11d has been pressed. If the second settlement key 11d has not been pressed, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 34. In Act 34, the CPU 15 checks whether the inserted amount has changed. If a new amount has not been notified from either the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 determines that the amount is No, and returns to Act 32. Thus, in Act 32 to Act 34, the CPU 15 waits for the first settlement key 11c or the second settlement key 11d to be pressed or for additional cash to be inserted. When the customer inserts additional cash and the new amount is notified from the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 34 and proceeds to Act 35.

[0050] In Act 35, the CPU 15 updates the deposited amount by adding the newly notified amount. At this time, the CPU 15 changes the character strings CS52 and CS53 on the third main screen SC13 and the character strings CS63 and SC64 on the third sub-screen SC23. After this, the CPU 15 returns to the standby state of Acts 32 to 34.

[0051] When the customer declares that he has finished inserting cash, if the customer requests a receipt, the store clerk presses the first settlement key 11c. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 32 and proceeds to Act 36. In Act 36, the CPU 15 sets the receipt flag. Then, the CPU 15 proceeds to Act 37. Note that the CPU 15 resets the receipt flag at the start of the control process shown in Figs. 3 to 6.

[0052] When the customer declares that he has finished inserting cash, if the customer does not request a receipt, the store clerk presses the second settlement key 11d. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 33, skips Act 36, and proceeds to Act 37. In Act 37, the CPU 15 performs a settlement process. This settlement process may be a well-known process of settling the settlement amount from the inserted cash. Thus, the CPU 15 executes the control process based on the control program, and the computer with the CPU 15 as the core part functions as a settlement means.

[0053] In this way, the CPU 15 executes the settlement process in response to the clerk pressing the first settlement key 11c or the second settlement key 11d. In other words, the clerk pressing the first settlement key 11c or the second settlement key 11d is an instruction to execute the settlement by the clerk. Thus, by the CPU 15 executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 15 as its central part functions as a third input means for inputting the instruction to execute the settlement by the clerk in cooperation with the keyboard 11. Also, the computer having the CPU 15 as its central part executes the settlement process in response to the instruction to execute by the clerk when the amount of money inserted is equal to or greater than the settlement amount. Therefore, by the CPU 15 executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 15 as its central part functions as a second control means.

[0054] The CPU 15 issues a receipt in Act 38. Specifically, the CPU 15 generates a receipt image showing the details of the commercial transaction and the result of the settlement, and instructs the printer 14 to print this receipt image.

[0055] In Act 39, the CPU 15 checks whether the receipt flag is set or not. If the receipt flag is set, the CPU 15 judges that the result is Yes and proceeds to Act 40. In Act 40, the CPU 15 issues a receipt. Specifically, the CPU 15 generates a receipt image according to the content of the commercial transaction, and instructs the printer 14 to print this receipt image.

[0056] When the receipt is issued, the CPU 15 ends this control process. If the receipt flag is in a reset state, the CPU 15 determines No in Act 39, skips Act 40, and ends this control process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the customer surface flag is set, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 31 and proceeds to Act 41 in FIG. In Act 41 in FIG. 6, the CPU 15 causes the sub-touch panel 13 to display the fourth sub-screen.

[0058] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the fourth sub-screen SC24 as an example. The fourth sub-screen SC24 includes character strings CS81, CS82, CS83, and CS84, a first settlement button B1, and a second settlement button B2. The character string CS81 represents a predetermined text message for informing the customer that he or she should press the settlement button after finishing inserting cash. The character string CS82 represents the amount of cash to be inserted as payment, that is, the settlement amount calculated in Act 2. The character string CS83 represents the amount inserted at the current time. The character string CS84 represents the amount of change when settlement is executed at the current time. The CPU 15 determines that the character string CS84 represents the amount obtained by subtracting the settlement amount from the amount inserted. The first settlement button B1 is a button for the customer to instruct the customer to execute settlement with issuance of a receipt. The second settlement button B2 is a button for the customer to instruct the customer to execute settlement without issuance of a receipt. Thus, both the first settlement button B1 and the second settlement button B2 are examples of execution buttons for inputting execution instructions by the customer regarding payment. The fourth sub-screen SC24 is a screen that displays the counted amount of money inserted and displays the first settlement button B1 and the second settlement button B2 as execution buttons, and corresponds to the second screen. The third sub-screen SC23 shown in FIG. 12 is a screen that displays the counted amount of money inserted and does not display the first settlement button B1 and the second settlement button B2 as execution buttons, and corresponds to the first screen.

[0059] In Act 42, the CPU 15 checks whether the first settlement button B1 has been touched. If the first settlement button B1 has not been touched, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 43. In Act 43, the CPU 15 checks whether the second settlement button B2 has been touched. If the second settlement button B2 has not been touched, the CPU 15 judges the result as No and proceeds to Act 44. In Act 44, the CPU 15 checks whether the inserted amount has changed. If a new amount has not been notified from either the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 determines that the amount is No, and returns to Act 42. Thus, in Act 42 to Act 44, the CPU 15 waits for the first settlement button B1 or the second settlement button B2 to be touched or for additional cash to be inserted. When the customer inserts additional cash and the new amount is notified from the coin counting unit 22 or the banknote counting unit 25, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 44 and proceeds to Act 45.

[0060] In Act 45, the CPU 15 updates the deposited amount by adding the newly notified amount. At this time, the CPU 15 changes the character strings CS52 and CS53 on the third main screen SC13 and the character strings CS83 and SC84 on the fourth sub-screen SC24. After this, the CPU 15 returns to the standby state of Act 42 to Act 44.

[0061] When the customer has finished inserting cash and wishes to receive a receipt, the customer touches the first settlement button B1. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 42 and proceeds to Act 46. In Act 46, the CPU 15 sets the receipt flag. Then, the CPU 15 proceeds to Act 47.

[0062] When the customer has finished inserting cash and does not need a receipt, the customer touches the second settlement button B2. Then, the CPU 15 judges "Yes" in Act 43, skips Act 46, and proceeds to Act 47. In Act 47, the CPU 15 performs a settlement process. This process may be the same as that in Act 37. Thus, the CPU 15 executes the control process based on the control program, and the computer with the CPU 15 as the central part functions as a settlement means.

[0063] In this way, the CPU15 executes the settlement process in response to the customer's touch of the first settlement button B1 or the second settlement button B2. That is, the customer's touch of the first settlement button B1 or the second settlement button B2 is an instruction to execute settlement by the customer. The computer functions as a first input processing means for inputting an instruction to execute settlement by the customer in cooperation with the sub-touch panel 13. The function as the first input processing means and the function as the first input means are realized in cooperation with the sub-touch panel 13. The computer executes the settlement process in response to an instruction to execute by the customer when the amount of money inserted is equal to or greater than the settlement amount, and the computer functions as a first control means by the CPU15 executing the control process based on the control program. The computer does not display the fourth sub-screen SC24 and does not accept the input of an instruction to execute settlement using the first settlement button B1 or the second settlement button B2 when the customer-facing flag is in a reset state, that is, when an instruction to execute self-payment has not been input. However, the CPU 15 may display the fourth sub-screen SC24 with the first settlement button B1 and the second settlement button B2 in a state indicating that they are invalid or hidden. In this case, the CPU 15 does not accept input of an instruction to execute a payment using the first settlement button B1 or the second settlement button B2. When the customer-facing flag is set, that is, when an instruction to execute a self-payment has been input, the computer enables input of an instruction to execute a payment using the first settlement button B1 or the second settlement button B2 by displaying the fourth sub-screen SC24. Thus, the computer functions as an enabling means. Furthermore, when the customer-facing flag is set, that is, when an instruction to execute self-payment has been input, the computer does not accept an instruction to execute payment by pressing the first payment key 11c or the second payment key 11d. Therefore, the computer functions as an invalidation means.

[0064] In Act 48, the CPU 15 issues a receipt. This process may be the same as that in Act 38. In Act 49, the CPU 15 checks whether the receipt flag is set or not. If the receipt flag is set, the CPU 15 judges that the result is Yes and proceeds to Act 50. In Act 50, the CPU 15 issues a receipt. This process may be the same as that in Act 40. When the receipt is issued, the CPU 15 ends this control process. If the receipt flag is in a reset state, the CPU 15 determines "No" in Act 49, skips Act 50, and ends this control process.

[0065] As described above, when the customer-side flag is not set, i.e., when the store clerk presses the first start key 11a, the CPU 15 executes the payment process in response to the store clerk's operation on the keyboard 11 after cash equal to or greater than the payment amount is inserted. On the other hand, when the customer side flag is set, i.e., when the store clerk presses the second start key 11b, the CPU 15 executes the payment process in response to the customer's operation on the sub-touch panel 13 after cash equal to or greater than the payment amount is inserted. Thus, according to the checkout device 100, the clerk can flexibly change the effort required by the customer for the payment. That is, for example, when it is busy, the clerk can press the second start key 11b to start the procedure for the payment, and the customer can perform an operation to declare the completion of the insertion of cash. Then, the clerk can focus on other tasks such as bagging the products, and the time required for the checkout work per customer can be shortened. In this case, the effort of the customer is increased, but the waiting time of the customer is shortened, and the customer can enjoy a merit that is commensurate with the effort. On the other hand, when it is quiet, the clerk can press the first start key 11a to start the procedure for the payment, and the clerk can perform the operation to declare the completion of the insertion of cash. This reduces the effort of the customer. There is a risk that the time required for the checkout work per customer will be longer than in the above case, but since it is quiet, the waiting time of the customer is not a big problem.

[0066] Moreover, according to the checkout device 100, in the standby state of Act 42 to Act 44, only the instruction on the sub-touch panel 13 is waited for, and the instruction of the store clerk by the first settlement key 11c and the second settlement key 11d is not accepted. Therefore, the settlement process is not started when the customer has not finished inserting cash. That is, for example, customers often insert extra cash of a fraction of the settlement amount in order to get a round amount of change. For example, when the settlement amount is 998 yen, the customer first inserts 1,000 yen in bills and then inserts 98 yen in coins. In this case, when the 1,000 yen is inserted in bills, the inserted amount is equal to or exceeds the settlement amount, and the settlement can be made. If the store clerk can instruct the start of the settlement process at this point, there is a risk that the settlement process will be started before the customer inserts 98 yen in coins. However, according to the checkout device 100, such a problem can be avoided.

[0067] Furthermore, when a store clerk presses the interrupt key 11e, the checkout device 100 interrupts the started cash deposit, dispenses the deposited cash, and returns to a state of waiting for the start of cash deposit. This allows the cash deposit to be restarted from the beginning.

[0068] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

[0069] In any of the standby state in Act 12, the standby state in Act 15 and Act 16, the standby state in Act 18 and Act 19, the standby state in Act 32 to Act 34, and the standby state in Act 42 to Act 44, the CPU 15 may transition to a process corresponding to the operation in response to the operation. However, in the standby state in Act 42 to Act 43, even if the first settlement key 11c or the second settlement key 11d is pressed, the CPU 15 does not transition to the settlement process in Act 47. That is, in the standby state in Act 42 to Act 44, the CPU 15 invalidates the instruction to execute settlement by the first settlement key 11c or the second settlement key 11d. However, such a measure to invalidate the instruction to execute settlement by the first settlement key 11c or the second settlement key 11d is not essential. An operational rule may be established by store clerks not to issue instructions to execute payment using the first payment key 11c or the second payment key 11d against the customer's wishes, and the CPU 15 may accept instructions to execute payment using the first payment key 11c or the second payment key 11d.

[0070] The CPU 15 may check whether or not the customer has instructed to execute payment in Act 32 to Act 34, and may display an error message in response to the instruction but may not execute the payment process.

[0071] The CPU 15 may check whether or not an instruction to execute payment has been given by the store clerk in Act 42 to Act 44, and may display an error message or the like in response to the instruction, but may not execute the payment process.

[0072] A CPU other than CPU 15 may be provided, and part of the control processing described in the above embodiment may be executed by this CPU. For example, the money receiving unit 20 may be provided with a CPU, and this CPU may control each section in the money receiving unit 20, or may add up the amounts counted by the coin counting section 22 and the banknote counting section 25 to calculate the inserted amount.

[0073] The direction of the clerk side and the direction of the customer side of the checkout terminal 100 may intersect. In this case, the angle by which the currency receiving unit 20 can rotate relative to the main unit 10 may be about 90 degrees.

[0074] The customer may always insert cash into the money receiving unit 20. In this case, the structure for enabling the money receiving unit 20 to rotate relative to the main unit 10 and the orientation detection unit 27 can be omitted.

[0075] The checkout device 100 is generally transferred to a user with the control program stored in the ROM 16. However, the checkout device 100 may be transferred to a user without the control program stored in the ROM 16, and the control program may be transferred to the user by recording it on a removable recording medium or via a network. In this case, for example, in response to an operation by the user, the control program is written to the RAM 17 or a separately provided auxiliary storage unit such as a HDD (hard disk drive). As the removable recording medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory may be used.

[0076] Each function realized by the CPU 15 through control processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0077] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10...main unit, 10a...receipt discharge outlet, 11...keyboard, 11a...first start key, 11b...second start key, 11c...first settlement key, 11d...second settlement key, 11e...interrupt key, 12...main touch panel, 13...sub-touch panel, 14...printer, 15...CPU, 16...ROM, 17...RAM, 20...currency receiving unit, 20a...coin insertion slot, 20b...coin ejection slot, 20c...banknote insertion / ejection slot, 21...coin storage section, 22...coin counting section, 23...coin ejection section, 24...banknote storage section, 25...banknote counting section, 26...banknote ejection section, 27...orientation detection section, 30...base, 40...transmission path, 100...self-checkout device (checkout device), B1...first settlement button, B2...second settlement button.

Claims

1. A first display device provided facing the side where a store clerk is located; a registration means for registering a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by the store clerk; A counting means for counting the amount of cash inserted by a customer; a fifth input means for inputting, by the operation of the store clerk, a declaration regarding the interruption of the cash deposit when the amount counted by the counting means is less than the settlement amount for the transaction registered by the registration means after the customer starts depositing cash; a first display means for displaying on the first display device a screen prompting the store clerk to instruct whether or not to suspend the deposit of cash in response to the declaration being input by the fifth input means; A semi-self-checkout device equipped with the above.

2. A dispensing means for dispensing the inserted cash; a fourth input means for inputting an instruction from the store clerk to suspend the deposit of cash after the first display means displays the screen; an interruption means for operating the payout means in response to the interruption instruction being input by the fourth input means; 2. The semi-self-checkout device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. A second display means for displaying on the first display device a screen for urging the store clerk to guide the customer to insert cash after the interruption means has operated the dispensing means; and a sixth input means for inputting an instruction from the store clerk to cancel the interruption of the deposit of cash after the screen is displayed by the first display means; a third display means for displaying, in response to an instruction input by the sixth input means, a screen for notifying the store clerk that cash is being inserted on the first display device; The semi-self-checkout device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. The interruption means operates the payout means and clears the counting by the counting means. The semi-self-checkout device according to claim 2.

5. A second display device provided facing the side where the customer is located; a fourth display means for displaying, in response to the start of the deposit of cash by the customer, a screen for notifying the store clerk that the deposit of cash is in progress on the first display device; a fifth display means for, in response to the start of insertion of cash by the customer, instructing the customer to insert cash and displaying on the second display device a screen showing the amount counted by the counting means; The semi-self-checkout apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

6. A first display device provided facing the side where the store clerk is located; A counting means for counting the amount of cash inserted by a customer; A computer for controlling a semi-self-checkout device comprising: a registration means for registering a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by the store clerk; a fifth input means for inputting a declaration by the store clerk that the customer has requested to stop depositing cash when the amount counted by the counting means is less than the settlement amount for the transaction registered by the registration means after the customer has started depositing cash; a first display means for displaying on the first display device a screen prompting the store clerk to instruct whether or not to suspend the deposit of cash in response to the declaration being input by the fifth input means; A control program that makes the device function as a whole.

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