Checkout system and program

Abstract

To reduce the time from the start of registration processing to the completion of accounting processing.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a commodity sales data processing device includes a commodity registration machine and an accounting machine. The commodity registration machine has generation means, determination means, and recording means. The generation means generates registration information for performing accounting processing of a commodity a shopper is going to purchase. The determination means determines identification information for the purchase of the commodity by the shopper before generation of registration information about all commodities the shopper is going to purchase is completed. The recording means records the registration information and the identification information in association with each other. The accounting machine has reading means, accounting processing means, and receiving means. The reading means reads the identification information. The accounting processing means executes accounting processing in response to an operation made by the shopper when the identification information is read by the reading means. The receiving means receives the registration information associated with the identification information read by the reading means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registration machine and an accounting machine that constitute a product sales data processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Semi-self-service checkout systems are known in supermarkets and other locations, where purchase registration and payment are processed using separate product registration and cashier machines. In these checkout systems, an employee (checker) operates the product registration machine, and the cashier machine is operated by the shopper.

[0003] In the checkout system, registration information about the products registered in the product registration machine is transferred from the product registration machine to the cash register. After the registration process is completed in the product registration machine, the shopper moves to the cash register and performs the cash register operation to pay for the products.

[0004] In a semi-self-service checkout system, an employee (checker) scans the products (registers the products) and the customer performs the accounting procedure to pay for the products, dividing up the work required for checkout. This reduces waiting time at the register and lightens the burden on employees.

[0005] Usually, when a shopper performs the checkout operation by himself, the time required for the checkout process tends to be longer than the time required for the registration process. For example, a shopper may take a lot of time to take out the coins or bills to pay for the product from his wallet, or to process a coupon to receive a discount on the product. For this reason, the checkout system provides multiple checkout machines for one product registration machine to prevent the waiting time for the checkout process from becoming too long.

[0006] However, even if multiple payment machines are provided for one product registration machine, the customer cannot start the payment process at the payment machine until the registration process at the product registration machine is completed. Therefore, the time required to complete the payment process is the sum of the time required for the registration process and the time required for the payment process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-173292 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-184995 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5601159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a registration machine and a payment machine that can shorten the time from the start of registration processing to the completion of payment processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, the registration machine has a generation means, an issuing means, and a transmission means. The generation means generates registration information for transaction processing based on information of products to be purchased by a shopper inputted by an input unit. The issuing means issues identification information for the registration information that can be read by a transaction machine that performs the transaction before generation of registration information for all products to be purchased by the shopper is completed, and causes the identification information to be printed out on a paper medium. The transmission means causes the registration information associated with the identification information to be transmitted to the transaction machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a product sales data processing device in the checkout system of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a checkout system (product sales data processing system) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product registration machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a payment machine according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the product registration machine in the embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the accounting machine in the embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram for explaining the time required for registration processing and transaction processing in the product sales data processing device of the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The product sales data processing system of the present embodiment is realized as a checkout system installed in a store such as a supermarket. The checkout system (product sales data processing system) includes at least one product registration machine, multiple accounting machines, and a store computer (store server) connected to the product registration machines and the accounting machines via a network. The product registration machine and the accounting machines constitute a product sales data processing device.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of product sales data processing devices (product registration machines, accounting machines) in a checkout system according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example in which one product registration machine 10 (product registration register) and two accounting machines 12 (12-1, 12-2) (accounting registers) are provided.

[0013] The product registration machine 10 is a device for registering information about products that a shopper 4 (4-1) wishes to purchase and generating registration information. Product registration operations are performed on the product registration machine 10 by an employee called a checker 2. The product registration machine 10 can also be provided with a function for performing accounting processing similar to that of the accounting machine 12 by operating the checker 2 based on the registration information.

[0014] The payment machine 12 is a device that receives the registration information generated by the product registration machine 10 and processes the payment based on this registration information. The payment machine 12A is operated by the shopper 4 (4-2, 4-3). Note that the payment machine 12 may also be operated by the checker 2.

[0015] The product registration machine 10 is attached to the cash register counter 5. The cash register counter 5 has, for example, an L-shaped top plate. When a shopping basket 7 containing products is placed on the cash register counter 5 by a shopper 4-1, the checker 2 performs a scan operation (an operation of reading product information) on the products in the shopping basket 7.

[0016] In the product sales data processing device of this embodiment, the shopper 4-1 can move to the payment machine 12 and start the payment process before the registration process is completed by the product registration machine 10. For this reason, the checker 2 places the shopping basket 7 for which the registration process has been completed near the payment machine 12 on the cash register 5 so that the shoppers 4-2 and 4-3 who have moved near the payment machine 12 can easily pick it up.

[0017] The accounting machine 12 is attached to, for example, a bagging table 6 arranged near a cash register table 5 to which the product registering machine 10 is attached. FIG. 1 shows an example in which two accounting machines 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, by arranging the payment machines 12-1 and 12-2 near the product registration machine 10, the checker 2 can check the behavior of the shoppers 4-2 and 4-3 operating the payment machines 12-1 and 12-2 when there is sufficient time.

[0019] 1 shows an example in which two payment machines 12-1, 12-2 are provided for one product registration machine 10, but three or more payment machines 12 may be provided for one product registration machine 10. Also, the combination of product registration machines 10 and payment machines 12 may be unspecified. In other words, it may be possible to make it possible for any of the multiple payment machines 12 to process the payment for the registration information generated by each of the multiple product registration machines 10.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a checkout system (product sales data processing system) in this embodiment. 2 shows an example in which multiple (m) product registration machines 10-1, ..., 10-m and multiple (n) payment machines 12-1, 12-n are provided. The product registration machines 10-1, ..., 10-m, the payment machines 12-1, 12-n, and the store computer (server) 14 are connected via a network 16 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and can transmit and receive data between each other.

[0021] The store computer 14 manages all of the product registration machines 10 and the payment machines 1 included in the checkout system. The store computer 14 receives registration information generated by the product registration machines 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m) and transmits it to one of the payment machines 12 (12-1, ..., 12-n2) where the payment process is performed.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration machine 10 (10-1, . . . , 10-m) in this embodiment. The product registration machine 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 20, a ROM (read-only memory) 21, a RAM (random-access memory) 22, a hard disk drive (HDD) 23, an I / F (interface) unit 24, a scanner 25, a keyboard 26, a touch panel 27, a communication unit 28, a printer 29, and a card reader / writer 30.

[0023] The CPU 20 controls each unit to realize various operations of the product registration machine 10 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs recorded in the ROM 21 and the RAM 22 .

[0024] The ROM 21 and the RAM 22 store various programs executed by the CPU 20, as well as data referenced by the CPU 20 when performing various processes. When a process for registering product information is executed, the RAM 22 stores a registration information list that associates a transaction ID (described in detail below) issued for a product purchase (transaction) by the shopper 4 with registration information based on information read from each product.

[0025] The programs executed by the CPU 20 include control programs for executing processes such as inputting product information (product code, etc.), generating registration information used for transaction processing according to the product information, determining identification information (transaction ID) for identifying one transaction (usually the purchase of a product by one shopper 4), transaction processing based on the registration information, and transmitting the registration information to the store computer 14 for recording.

[0026] The HDD 23 corresponds to an auxiliary storage unit of the computer. The HDD 23 stores data used by the CPU 20 when performing various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 20. Note that instead of the HDD 23, for example, an SSD (solid state drive) or the like can be used.

[0027] The I / F (interface) unit 24 transmits data between the CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, HDD 23, scanner 25, communication unit 28, touch panel 27, printer 29, and card reader / writer 30. The I / F unit 24 may be a well-known unit including, for example, various buses such as a system bus, and various interface circuits connecting these buses to each unit.

[0028] The scanner 25 reads product information by optical scanning and inputs a product code unique to the product. The scanner 25 may be a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner, or may be a type that identifies products using image recognition technology from a photographed image of the product. The scanner 25 may be of one type or of multiple types.

[0029] The keyboard 26 is provided with numeric keys for inputting amounts, calculation keys for performing calculations such as subtotals and totals, keys for inputting various commands, and product keys to which multiple products can be assigned, and outputs commands according to the operation of each key.

[0030] The touch panel 27 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen. For example, the display device displays a list of registered information (product name, price, etc.) related to products registered as purchase targets, a subtotal, various menus, and buttons for inputting commands. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch sensor is disposed over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 20. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

[0031] The communication unit 28 communicates with the store computer 14 and the payment machine 12 via the LAN 13 .

[0032] The printer 29 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and issues receipts and the like by printing various character strings, images, code patterns (such as two-dimensional codes), and the like onto receipt paper.

[0033] Card reader / writer 30 reads data recorded on a card and writes data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various other cards that record information related to accounting processes, such as member cards and point cards. Card reader / writer 30 may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0034] The product registration machine 10 may also be provided with a display (eg, LCD) for providing various information to the shopper 4.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment apparatus 12 (12-1, . . . , 12-n) in this embodiment. The accounting machine 12 includes a CPU 40 , a ROM 41 , a RAM 42 , a HDD 43 , an I / F (interface) unit 44 , a scanner 45 , a touch panel 46 , a change dispenser 47 , a communication unit 48 , a printer 49 , and a card reader / writer 50 .

[0036] The CPU 40 controls each unit to realize various operations of the accounting machine 12 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs recorded in the ROM 41 and RAM 42 .

[0037] The ROM 41 and the RAM 42 store various programs as well as data that the CPU 40 refers to when performing various processes.

[0038] The programs executed by the CPU 40 include control programs for executing various processes. The various processes include, for example, receiving registration information generated by the registration process in the product registration machine 10 and carrying out a transaction process operated by the shopper 4 based on this registration information. In this embodiment, the transaction process can be started before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed.

[0039] The HDD 43 corresponds to an auxiliary storage unit of the computer. The HDD 43 stores data used by the CPU 40 when performing various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 40. Note that instead of the HDD 43, for example, an SSD or the like can be used.

[0040] The I / F (interface) unit 44 transmits data between the CPU 40, ROM 41, RAM 42, HDD 43, scanner 45, touch panel 46, change machine 47, communication unit 48, printer 49, and card reader / writer 50. The I / F (interface) unit 44 may be a well-known unit including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses to each unit.

[0041] The scanner 45 reads information by optical scanning and inputs a code. For example, the scanner 45 is used to read a code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) on a receipt printed by the printer 29 of the product registration machine 10. A code indicating identification information (transaction ID) for identifying one transaction (one shopper) issued by the product registration machine 10 is printed on the receipt. The scanner 25 may be a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner, or may be a type that identifies products using image recognition technology from a photographed image of the product. Also, only one type of scanner 25 may be provided, or multiple types of scanners may be provided.

[0042] The touch panel 46 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI screen. For example, the display device displays a list of registered information (product name, price, etc.) related to products registered as purchase targets, a subtotal, various menus, and buttons for inputting commands. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch sensor is disposed over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 40. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

[0043] The change machine 47 receives coins and bills that are inserted, and also ejects coins and bills as change.

[0044] The communication unit 48 communicates with the store computer 14 and the item registration machine 10 via the LAN 13 .

[0045] The printer 49 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and issues receipts and the like by printing various characters or images onto receipt paper.

[0046] Card reader / writer 50 reads data recorded on a card and writes data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards that record information related to accounting procedures, such as member cards and point cards. Card reader / writer 50 may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0047] The payment machine 12 may also be provided with a human sensor capable of detecting the approach of a shopper 4. Next, the operation of the product sales data processing system in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the product registration machine 10 in this embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the payment machine 12 in this embodiment.

[0048] First, the registration process in the product registration machine 10 will be described (FIG. 5). When the shopper 4 places the shopping basket 7 on the register 5, the checker 2 operates the product registration machine 10 to issue a transaction ID. For example, the checker 2 issues an instruction to issue a transaction ID by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27.

[0049] The first method for issuing a transaction ID is to use a recording medium such as a member's card owned by the shopper 4, and the second method is for the product registration machine 10 to issue the transaction ID independently without using a recording medium such as a member's card.

[0050] In the first method, the checker 2 receives, for example, a membership card from the shopper 4, and has the card reader / writer 30 read data recorded on the membership card, for example data indicating a membership (member) number unique to the shopper 4. The CPU 20 determines a transaction ID based on the data (member number) read by the card reader / writer 30. For example, the transaction ID may be the member number itself, or may be identification information generated to include the member number. Furthermore, it is also possible to generate other identification information that can be uniquely determined based on the member number in accordance with a predetermined rule, and use this as the transaction ID.

[0051] When using the first method, it is possible to use not only a medium on which data is electronically recorded, such as a member's card, but also a paper medium on which a code or characters, such as a two-dimensional code showing a membership number unique to the shopper 4, or the like is printed. When a paper medium is used, the product registration machine 10 optically reads the code or characters using the scanner 25.

[0052] When the CPU 20 determines a transaction ID for the shopper 4 (transaction) based on the data read from the member's card by the first method, it issues this transaction ID (Act A1). That is, the CPU 20 records the transaction ID in the registration information list in association with the registration information, and displays on the touch panel 27 the transaction ID and a screen for notifying the checker 2 that the transaction ID has been issued.

[0053] In the first method, the shopper 4 can start the transaction process for the registration information generated by the registration process of the product registration machine 10 by having the transaction machine 12 read a medium such as a membership card used to issue the transaction ID.

[0054] In the first method, by using an existing card such as a member's card, it is possible to reduce the consumption of receipt paper and encourage the shopper 4 to use the member's card in the checkout process. In addition, in the first method, it is possible to use not only a member's card but also any card on which data can be written (recorded). When using this type of card, the CPU 20 records data indicating the transaction ID on the card.

[0055] On the other hand, the second method can be used for shoppers 4 who do not have a membership card, etc. In the second method, the checker 2 instructs the issuance of a transaction ID that does not use a membership card, etc., by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27.

[0056] The CPU 20 determines a transaction ID unique to this transaction in response to an instruction from the operation of the checker 2. In this case, the CPU 20 generates the transaction ID according to an algorithm that ensures that the transaction ID does not overlap with transaction IDs issued by other product registration machines 10.

[0057] When the CPU 20 determines a transaction ID for the shopper 4 (transaction) by the second method, it issues this transaction ID (Act A1). That is, the CPU 20 records the transaction ID in the registration information list in association with the registration information, and generates, for example, a two-dimensional code representing the transaction ID and causes the printer 29 to print it out on receipt paper. The CPU 20 also causes the touch panel 27 to display a screen for notifying the checker 2 that the transaction ID has been issued.

[0058] In the second method, the shopper 4 can start the accounting process for the registration information generated by the registration process of the product registration machine 10 by having the accounting machine 12 read the receipt on which the two-dimensional code representing the transaction ID is printed. Note that instead of printing the two-dimensional code on the receipt paper, letters such as numbers, symbols, or pictures may also be printed as information representing the transaction ID.

[0059] In the second method, even a shopper 4 who does not have a membership card or the like can use the product sales data processing device.

[0060] In the first and second methods described above, the transaction ID is issued in response to the operation of the checker 2, but the transaction ID may be issued by the operation of the shopper 4. In this case, the product registration machine 10 is provided with a touch panel or keyboard that accepts the operation of the shopper 4, and is also provided with a card reader / writer that can read a card such as a membership card by the operation of the shopper 4.

[0061] In this case, when the shopper 4 places the shopping basket 7 on the register 5 and the checker 2 starts the registration process, the shopper 4 operates the touch panel or keyboard, or operates the card reader / writer to read data, when he or she wishes to process the transaction by himself or herself at the payment machine 12. This causes the CPU 20 to execute the process to issue a transaction ID in the same manner as described above.

[0062] In this way, the shopper 4 can select to carry out the transaction at the transaction machine 12 by himself / herself, and the checker 2 can immediately start scanning the items in the shopping basket 7 placed on the register 5 for registration without having to perform any operation to issue a transaction ID. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for registration.

[0063] As described above, in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment, when a transaction ID is issued in the product registration machine 10, the shopper 4 can move to the payment machine 12 and start the payment process before completing the registration process in the product registration machine 10. The details of the payment process will be described later (FIG. 6).

[0064] After issuing the transaction ID, when the scanner 25 reads product information (product code) through the scanning operation of the checker 2 (Act A2), the CPU 20 receives data on the product corresponding to the product code (product name, list price, and other data) from the store computer 14 and generates registration information to be used for transaction processing.

[0065] The CPU 20 adds the registration information (product name, price, etc.) and the subtotal price, etc., of the product registered as the purchase target to the list displayed on the touch panel 27. The CPU 20 also transmits the registration information associated with the transaction ID to the store computer 14, and causes the store computer 14 to record it (Act A3).

[0066] The checker 2 repeatedly performs the scanning operation in the same manner as described above for each product to be purchased that is placed in the shopping cart 7. The CPU 20 generates registration information for each product and transmits it to the store computer 14 in sequence.

[0067] When the checker 2 has finished scanning all the products, it instructs the completion of the registration operation by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27 (for example, operating the closing key). When the CPU 20 receives the instruction from the checker 2 to complete the registration operation (Yes in Act A4), it notifies the store computer 14 of the completion of the registration process and records the registration confirmation information.

[0068] In the above description, the transaction ID is issued before the scanning operation (operation to read product information) for the product is started, but it is also possible to issue the transaction ID after the scanning operation is started (before the registration process is completed). For example, while the process of Act A1 shown in Fig. 5 is omitted and the processes of Acts A2 to A4 are being executed, when an instruction to issue a transaction ID is received by the checker 2 operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27 or by reading the member's card, the CPU 20 issues a transaction ID in the same manner as described above and causes the transaction ID to be associated with the registration information and recorded in the store computer 14.

[0069] For example, if there are no shoppers 4 waiting in line at the product registration machine 10, the checker 2 can complete the transaction process in a shorter time and provide better service if it processes the transaction at the product registration machine 10. For this reason, the checker 2 may start the scanning operation without issuing a transaction ID. At this time, after starting the scanning operation, the transaction ID is issued, for example, if the shopper 4 requests to process the transaction themselves using the payment machine 12, or if the number of shoppers 4 waiting in line at the product registration machine 10 increases. This allows the shopper 4 to move to the payment machine 12 and start the transaction process before the registration process is completed.

[0070] Next, the transaction process in the transaction machine 12 will be described (FIG. 6). When a transaction ID is issued by the product registration machine 10, the shopper 4 moves to the payment machine 12 and starts the operation for the payment process before the registration process is completed. If the transaction ID has been issued by the first or second method described above, the shopper 4 can arbitrarily select an available payment machine 12 that is not being operated by another shopper 4 and start the payment process.

[0071] When the transaction ID has been issued by the first method, the shopper 4 causes the card reader / writer 50 to read data recorded on the member's card used to issue the transaction ID, such as data indicating a membership number unique to the shopper 4. The CPU 40 determines the transaction ID based on the data (member number) read by the card reader / writer 50 (Act B1).

[0072] When the transaction ID is determined, the CPU 40 transmits the transaction ID to the store computer 14 and reads out the registration information corresponding to the transaction ID (Act B2). If the registration information corresponding to the transaction ID is recorded in the store computer 14, the CPU 40 receives the corresponding registration information. Based on the registration information received from the store computer 14, the CPU 40 displays information about the products registered as items to be purchased (product name, price, subtotal, etc.) in the list on the touch panel 46.

[0073] Furthermore, the CPU 40 checks whether the registration confirmation information has been set in the store computer 14. If the registration confirmation information has not been set (if the registration process has not been completed) (No in Act B3), the CPU 40 similarly repeatedly reads the registration information from the store computer 14 (Act B2).

[0074] Therefore, when product information is read by a scanning operation in the product registration machine 10, the payment machine 12 can immediately receive the registration information for the scanned product via the store computer 14. Product information is displayed in a list on the touch panel 46 in sequence according to the registration information received from the store computer 14. This allows the shopper 4 to check the status of the registration process in the product registration machine 10, i.e., the registered products and the subtotal amount, in real time.

[0075] During this time, the shopper 4 can perform operations required for the transaction preparation process. The CPU 40 executes the transaction preparation process according to the operations performed by the shopper 4 (Act B5).

[0076] For example, when paying with cash, the shopper 4 can specify cash payment to the cash register 12, then take out coins and bills from his / her wallet and insert them into the change dispenser 47. Since registered product information is displayed in real time on the touch panel 46, the shopper 4 can estimate the total amount and insert the amount required for payment in advance. In this case, the CPU 40 stores the coins and bills inserted into the change dispenser 47 and causes the change dispenser 47 to display the inserted amount, etc.

[0077] In addition, if the subtotal amount of registered items exceeds the amount already deposited, the CPU 40 can output a message (such as a display on the touch panel 46 or a voice message from a speaker not shown) urging the shopper 4 to deposit additional cash.

[0078] In addition, when the shopper 4 uses a payment card such as a credit card, debit card, electronic money card, or prepaid card, after specifying card payment to the payment device 12, the shopper 4 can select the card to be used for the payment process and insert it into the card reader / writer 50 in advance.

[0079] Furthermore, if the shopper 4 has a coupon that allows him / her to receive a discount on a product, he / she can process the coupon. For example, if an input operation is required to receive a discount with a coupon, the shopper 4 can perform the input operation based on the registered product information displayed on the touch panel 46.

[0080] In addition, the payment device 12 can perform payment preparation processing required for the payment process before completing the registration process in the product registration device 10. Note that the contents of the payment preparation processing described above are only examples, and other processing can also be performed.

[0081] When the CPU 40 confirms that the registration confirmation information has been set in the store computer 14 (the registration process is completed) (Yes in Act B3), it executes the settlement process (Act B4). That is, the CPU 40 executes the settlement for the total amount to be paid based on the registration information of all the products registered as purchase targets.

[0082] For example, when cash payment is specified, the CPU 40 subtracts the total amount from the amount previously inserted and dispenses the change from the change machine 47. When payment by payment card is specified, the CPU 40 executes a payment process for the total amount according to the card used. When coupon processing is performed, the CPU 40 settles the amount with a specified discount for the discounted product.

[0083] If the transaction preparation process has not finished when the registration confirmation information is set (when the registration process is completed), the CPU 40 will execute the payment process after the transaction preparation process has finished.

[0084] When the settlement process is thus completed, the CPU 40 causes the printer 49 to print out a receipt, and the accounting process for one transaction (one shopper 4) is completed.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the time required for the registration process and the transaction process in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 7A shows a case where the transaction process is carried out after the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed. In FIG. 7(A), registration process (1) is executed in the product registration machine 10 for the first shopper 4, and after registration process (1) is completed, transaction process (1) is executed in the transaction machine 1 for the registration information registered by registration process (1).

[0087] For the next shopper 4, after the product registration machine 10 has completed registration process (1), it executes registration process (2). After the registration process (2) is completed, the payment machine 2 executes payment process (2) for the registration information registered by registration process (2).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7(A), if one waits for the registration process in the product registration machine 10 to be completed before processing the transaction, it will take the total time required for the registration process and the transaction process to be completed.

[0089] FIG. 7B shows the time required for registration processing and transaction processing in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment. In Figure 7 (B), registration process (1) is executed in the product registration machine 10 for the first shopper 4, while transaction process (1) is executed in parallel in the transaction machine 1. Transaction preparation processes can be performed in the transaction machine 1 until registration process (1) is completed. Then, as soon as registration process (1) is completed, payment processes are executed and transaction process (1) is terminated.

[0090] For the next shopper 4, registration process (2) is executed after registration process (1) is completed in the product registration device 10. Similarly, checkout process (2) is executed in parallel with registration process (2), so that checkout preparation processes can be performed before registration process (1) is completed. Then, as soon as registration process (2) is completed, payment processing is executed and checkout process (2) is terminated.

[0091] In this way, the product sales data processing device of this embodiment issues a transaction ID before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed, allowing the shopper 4 to perform the transaction process (account preparation process) in the payment machine 12 in parallel with the registration process in the product registration machine 10. This makes it possible to shorten the time from the start of the registration process to the completion of the transaction process.

[0092] In the above explanation, the product registration machine 10 issues a transaction ID and the shopper 4 reads the transaction ID at the cash register 12. However, it is also possible to eliminate the need for the shopper 4 to read the transaction ID.

[0093] In this case, the checker 2 operating the product registration machine 10 selects a payment machine 12 that has not been operated by the shopper 4 to process a transaction, and notifies the shopper 4 of the number assigned to this payment machine 12, etc., to urge the shopper 4 to process the transaction. For example, the store computer 14 monitors the operation status of multiple payment machines 12 and identifies payment machines 12 that are not currently processing a transaction. The store computer 14 causes the touch panel 27 of the product registration machine 10 to display a button for selecting a payment machine 12 that is not currently processing a transaction. Basically, the button is displayed so that a payment machine 12 installed close to where the product registration machine 10 is installed is given priority for selection.

[0094] When one of the payment machines 12 is selected by operating the checker 2, the product registration machine 10 notifies the store computer 14 of the selected payment machine 12. The product registration machine 10 may also generate a transaction ID and notify the store computer 14. As a result, the store computer 14 stores the registration information registered by the registration process executed in the product registration machine 10 in association with, for example, data indicating the product registration machine 10 (such as the registration machine number) and the transaction ID notified from the product registration machine 10.

[0095] The store computer 14 also instructs the payment machine 12 selected in the product registration machine 10 to carry out a payment process. The payment machine 12 that has been instructed by the store computer 14 to carry out a payment process goes into a standby state for the payment process. When the shopper 4 performs a specified operation on the touch panel 46, for example, the payment machine 12 carries out the payment process (payment preparation process) in parallel with the registration process in the product registration machine 10, in the same manner as described above.

[0096] Note that the payment machine 12 may not only perform payment processing when a specified operation is performed on the touch panel 46, but may also start payment processing when, for example, a motion sensor detects that a shopper 4 has moved nearby. When a shopper 4 approaches, the payment machine 12 notifies the shopper 4 by, for example, displaying a screen on the touch panel 46 indicating that the payment machine 12 is waiting for payment processing. As a result, even if there are multiple available payment machines 12, only the payment machine 12 selected in the product registration machine 10 will respond when a shopper 4 approaches, allowing the shopper 4 to easily identify the payment machine 12 that should perform the payment processing.

[0097] Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the payment machine 12 receives the registration information registered in the product registration machine 10 via the store computer 14, and can carry out the payment process.

[0098] In the above explanation, the registration information for the products scanned in the product registration machine 10 is sent in real time to the payment machine 12 via the store computer 14, and is added to the list in sequence, but other methods can also be used.

[0099] For example, the product registration machine 10 records the registration information for each product generated by a scanning operation, and when the registration process is completed, transmits the registration information all at once to the store computer 14. After receiving the registration information for all the products from the product registration machine 10, the store computer 14 transmits the registration information for all the products all at once to the payment machine 12. Based on the registration information received from the store computer 14, the payment machine 12 displays the information for all the products together in a list.

[0100] In this way, by collectively transmitting and receiving registration information for a plurality of products among the product registration machine 10, the store computer 14, and the accounting machine 12, the traffic (volume of data communication) on the network 16 can be reduced.

[0101] In the above explanation, the registration information created in the product registration machine 10 is transmitted to the payment machine 12 via the store computer 14, but the registration information associated with the transaction ID may be transmitted from the product registration machine 10 to the payment machine 12 without passing through the store computer 14. Furthermore, the registration confirmation information (notification of completion of the registration process) may also be transmitted directly from the product registration machine 10 to the payment machine 12.

[0102] Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which a transaction ID is not issued as described above, the product registration machine 10 notifies the payment machine 12 selected by the operation of the checker 2 to execute the payment process before the registration process is completed. This allows the payment machine 12 to start the payment preparation process in the same manner as described above before the registration process is completed.

[0103] 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]

[0104] 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m)...product registration machine, 12 (12-1, 12-n)...accounting machine, 14...store computer, 16...network, 20, 40...CPU, 21, 41...ROM, 22, 42...RAM, 23, 43...hard disk drive (HDD), 24, 44...I / F (interface) unit, 25, 45...scanner, 26...keyboard, 27, 46...touch panel, 28, 48...communication unit, 29, 49...printer, 30, 50...card reader / writer, 47...change machine.

Claims

1. a generation unit for generating registration information for performing transaction processing based on information on the products to be purchased by the shopper inputted via the input unit; an issuing means for issuing identification information for the registration information, which can be read by a checkout machine that performs the checkout process before the registration information for all the products purchased by the shopper is generated, and for printing out the identification information on a paper medium; a transmission means for transmitting the registration information associated with the identification information to the payment machine;

2. 2. The registration machine according to claim 1, wherein the issuing means issues the identification information in response to an instruction inputted by operating an input device before the generation of the registration information is completed.

3. a reading means for reading identification information corresponding to the registration information from the paper medium before the registration information for all the products that the shopper wishes to purchase is generated in the registration machine; a transaction processing means for executing a transaction process based on the registration information when the identification information is read by the reading means; a receiving means for receiving the registration information associated with the identification information read by the reading means; An accounting machine having the above function.

4. 4. The payment machine according to claim 3, wherein said receiving means receives said registration information every time registration information is generated for each product in said registration machine.

5. A payment machine as described in claim 3, wherein the payment processing means, when notified by the registration machine that the generation of registration information for all products that the shopper wishes to purchase has been completed, executes payment for the registered information for all products if payment processing in response to the shopper's operations has been completed, and, if payment processing in response to the shopper's operations has not been completed, executes payment for the registered information for all products after it has been completed.

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