POS register system, and control method of POS register system

Abstract

To provide a POS register system making it possible to efficiently utilize a change machine, and a control method of the POS register system.SOLUTION: A POS register system in accordance with a present invention includes one change machine, and two or more POS register devices communicably connected to the one change machine. The POS register device includes: a transmission unit that transmits a use permission signal of the one change machine; a receiving unit that receives a use propriety signal from the one change machine; an occupancy unit that, when a use permitted signal is received from the one change machine, begins occupancy of the one change machine; and an occupancy cancel unit that, when the use of the one change machine is terminated, cancels occupancy of the one change machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a POS register system and a control method for a POS register system.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional POS (Point Of Sale) register system, it is premised that one coin dispenser is wired-connected to one POS register device, and exclusive control of the coin dispenser is performed so that only one coin dispenser can be controlled by one POS register device. On the other hand, in recent POS register systems, systems for performing settlement in commodity purchases from wireless portable terminals such as tablets equipped with a wireless function have become widespread. Therefore, a POS register system and an automatic coin dispenser control method for a POS register system have been proposed that can connect a plurality of automatic coin dispensers to one POS register device and perform parallel processing simultaneously by effectively utilizing the assets of already created coin dispenser driver software.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, currently, cashless settlement without cash transfer is progressing, and the use of coin dispensers at the time of settlement is increasing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a POS register system and a control method for a POS register system that can efficiently use coin dispensers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the POS register system according to the present invention includes one change machine and two or more POS register devices communicably connected to the one change machine. The POS register device includes a transmission unit that transmits a permission signal for using the change machine, a reception unit that receives a signal indicating whether use is permitted from the one change machine, an occupation unit that starts occupying the one change machine when a signal indicating permission to use is received from the one change machine, and an occupation release unit that releases the occupation of the one change machine when the use of the one change machine ends.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a POS register system and a control method for a POS register system that can efficiently use a change machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (POS register system) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a POS register system 1 according to the present embodiment. The POS register system 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration that enables efficient use of the change machine 3 in a store. The POS register system 1 includes one change machine 3 and two or more POS register devices, which are POS register terminals 2A, 2B,..., 2N, communicably connected to the one change machine 3. When the POS register terminals 2A, 2B,..., 2N are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the POS register terminal 2.

[0011] The POS register terminal 2 is connected to a cloud database DB. Each of the POS register terminals 2A, 2B,..., 2N may be connected to the change machine 3 via a printer 4 or may be directly connected to the change machine 3. In the present embodiment, the case where each of the POS register terminals 2A, 2B,..., 2N controls the change machine 3 via the printer 4 is taken as an example.

[0012] (POS register terminal 2) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS register terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS register terminal 2 has a configuration in which a communication IF (interface) 200A, an input device 200B, an output device 200C, a storage device 200D, a CPU 200E, etc. are connected via a bus (BUS) or the like.

[0013] The communication IF 200A is an interface for communicating with the database DB and the change machine 3.

[0014] The input device 200B is, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) reader, a microphone, etc. The user operates the input device 200B to input necessary information.

[0015] The output device 200C is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor.

[0016] The storage device 200D is, for example, a semiconductor storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 200D stores a control program, which is an example of realizing the control method of the POS register system 1.

[0017] The CPU 200E controls the POS register terminal 2 and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) not shown in the figure.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS register terminal 2. The POS register terminal 2 has functions such as a communication unit 201, a transmission unit 202, a reception unit 203, an occupancy unit 204, and an occupancy release unit 205. The functions shown in FIG. 3 are realized by the CPU 200E executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown) of the POS register terminal 2.

[0019] The communication unit 201 controls the communication IF 200A, performs control to send the signal transmitted by the transmission unit 202 to the communication IF 200A, and performs control to pass the external signal received by the communication IF 200A to the reception unit 203.

[0020] The transmission unit 202 executes a process of transmitting information to external devices such as the automatic change dispenser 3, the printer 4, and the database DB. For example, when using the automatic change dispenser 3 from the POS register terminal 2 during accounting or the like by the POS register terminal 2, the transmission unit 202 transmits a usage permission signal requesting permission to use the automatic change dispenser 3. When the transmission unit 202 transmits the usage permission signal, the communication unit 201 executes a process of transmitting the usage permission signal to the automatic change dispenser 3 via the communication IF 200A.

[0021] The reception unit 203 executes a process of receiving information sent from external devices such as the automatic change dispenser 3, the printer 4, and the database DB. For example, when using the automatic change dispenser 3 from the POS register terminal 2 during accounting or the like by the POS register terminal 2, the reception unit 203 receives, via the communication IF 200A, a usage availability signal that is a response from the automatic change dispenser 3 to the usage permission signal transmitted from the transmission unit 202.

[0022] When the occupancy unit 204 receives a signal indicating availability from the automatic change dispenser 3, it executes a process of starting to occupy the automatic change dispenser 3. For example, when using the automatic change dispenser 3 from the POS register terminal 2 during accounting or the like by the POS register terminal 2, if the reception unit 203 receives a usage availability signal that is a response from the automatic change dispenser 3 and this signal indicates availability, the occupancy unit 204 outputs a signal for starting to occupy the automatic change dispenser 3 and executes a process of transmitting that signal from the transmission unit 202 to the automatic change dispenser 3.

[0023] When the use of the automatic change dispenser 3 ends, the occupancy release unit 205 executes a process of releasing the occupancy of the automatic change dispenser 3. For example, after occupying the automatic change dispenser 3 for using it from the POS register terminal 2 during accounting or the like by the POS register terminal 2 and when the use of the automatic change dispenser 3 ends, the occupancy release unit 205 outputs a signal for releasing the occupancy of the automatic change dispenser 3 and executes a process of transmitting that signal from the transmission unit 202 to the automatic change dispenser 3.

[0024] (Control Method of the POS Register System 1) FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the POS register system 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that the control method of the POS register system 1 shown in FIG. 4 is a process performed by the POS register terminal 2 and the coin dispenser 3 when the coin dispenser 3 is to be used from the POS register terminal 2 at the time of accounting or the like.

[0025] (Step S101) First, a use permission signal is transmitted from the POS register terminal 2 that wants to use the coin dispenser 3. That is, when the coin dispenser 3 is to be used from the POS register terminal 2 at the time of accounting or the like by the POS register terminal 2, the transmission unit 202 of the POS register terminal 2 transmits a use permission signal, which is a signal for requesting permission to use the coin dispenser 3.

[0026] (Step S102) Next, the POS register terminal 2 that has transmitted the use permission signal receives a use availability signal, which is a response transmitted from the coin dispenser 3. When the coin dispenser 3 receives the use permission signal transmitted from the POS register terminal 2, the coin dispenser 3 sends a use availability signal, which is a signal indicating whether the coin dispenser 3 is available, to the POS register terminal 2 that is the transmission source of the use permission signal. The POS register terminal 2 receives the use availability signal sent from the coin dispenser 3 by the receiving unit 203.

[0027] (Step S103) Next, it is determined whether the use availability signal, which is the response transmitted from the coin dispenser 3, is a signal indicating availability. That is, the receiving unit 203 of the POS register terminal 2 that has received the use availability signal transmitted from the coin dispenser 3 performs a process of determining whether the received use availability signal is a signal indicating availability.

[0028] (Step S104) When the availability signal, which is a response sent from the automated teller machine 3, indicates availability (YES in the determination in step S103), the automated teller machine 3 starts being occupied. When the availability signal indicates availability, the occupancy unit 204 of the POS register terminal 2 outputs a signal indicating the start of occupancy to the automated teller machine 3. When the automated teller machine 3 receives the signal indicating the start of occupancy output from the occupancy unit 204, it starts a process of occupying the input / output of information with the POS register terminal 2, which is the transmission source of that signal. When the POS register terminal 2 and the automated teller machine 3 are in an occupied state, other POS register terminals 2 cannot use the automated teller machine 3, and only the POS register terminal 2 in the occupied state can use the automated teller machine 3.

[0029] (Step S105) Next, it is determined whether the use of the automated teller machine 3 by the POS register terminal 2 has been completed. The occupancy state continues until the use of the automated teller machine 3 by the POS register terminal 2 starts in the occupancy state between the POS register terminal 2 and the automated teller machine 3 and then the use of the automated teller machine 3 by the POS register terminal 2 is completed (NO in the determination in step S105). When the use of the automated teller machine 3 by the POS register terminal 2 is completed (YES in the determination in step S105), the process proceeds to the next step S106.

[0030] (Step S106) When the use of the automated teller machine 3 by the POS register terminal 2 is completed (YES in the determination in step S105), the occupancy of the automated teller machine 3 is released. That is, when the use of the automated teller machine 3 by the POS register terminal 2 is completed, the occupancy release unit 205 of the POS register terminal 2 outputs a signal indicating occupancy release to the automated teller machine 3. When the automated teller machine 3 receives the signal indicating occupancy release output from the occupancy release unit 205, it executes a process of releasing the occupancy state with the POS register terminal 2, which is the transmission source of that signal. As a result, the occupancy state between the POS register terminal 2 and the automated teller machine 3 is released, and the automated teller machine 3 can be used by other POS register terminals 2.

[0031] Figures 5 to 13 are diagrams for explaining a specific example of the control method of the POS register system 1 according to the present embodiment. First, as shown in FIG. 5, when, for example, POS register terminal 2A, which is one of a plurality of POS register terminals 2, attempts to use the automatic change dispenser 3, the transmitter 202 of the POS register terminal 2A transmits a use permission signal SG1 toward the automatic change dispenser 3 (step S101 in FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, since the automatic change dispenser 3 is connected via the printer 4, the POS register terminal 2A transmits the use permission signal SG1 toward the printer 4. The printer 4 relays the use permission signal SG1 transmitted from the POS register terminal 2A and passes it to the automatic change dispenser 3.

[0032] Upon receiving the use permission signal SG1, the automatic change dispenser 3 transmits a use availability signal SG2 toward the POS register terminal 2A as shown in FIG. 6 (step S102 in FIG. 4). When the automatic change dispenser 3 is in a usable state, the use availability signal SG2 is a signal indicating availability, and when the automatic change dispenser 3 is not in a usable state, the use availability signal SG2 is a signal indicating unavailability. The use availability signal SG2 is sent from the automatic change dispenser 3 to the POS register terminal 2A, which is the transmitter of the use permission signal SG1, via the printer 4.

[0033] Next, the POS register terminal 2A that has received the use availability signal SG2 determines whether the use availability signal SG2 is a signal indicating availability (step S103 in FIG. 4). If it is a signal indicating availability, the occupancy unit 204 of the POS register terminal 2A outputs a signal indicating the start of occupancy to the automatic change dispenser 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the occupancy between the POS register terminal 2A and the automatic change dispenser 3 is started (step S104 in FIG. 4). In the occupancy state, the POS register terminal 2A can exclusively perform the input / output of the signal SG3 with the automatic change dispenser 3 via the printer 4.

[0034] Here, when a use permission signal SG4 is output from, for example, the POS register terminal 2N other than the POS register terminal 2A to the automatic change dispenser 3 while the occupancy between the POS register terminal 2A and the automatic change dispenser 3 is maintained, the automatic change dispenser 3 transmits a use availability signal SG5 to the POS register terminal 2N as shown in FIG. 8. Since the POS register terminal 2A is in the occupancy state, the use availability signal SG5 transmitted toward the POS register terminal 2N is a signal indicating unavailability.

[0035] The POS register terminal 2N determines whether the received availability signal SG5 is an available signal, and grasps that the automatic money changer 3 cannot be used because it is unavailable. For the POS register terminal 2N, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a message requesting a retry is output to an output device 200C such as a display. When a retry is selected, the POS register terminal 2N retransmits the use permission signal SG4 to the automatic money changer 3. On the other hand, when cancel is selected, the POS register terminal 2N closes the message and returns to the original screen.

[0036] When the use of the automatic money changer 3 by the POS register terminal 2A is completed (step S105 in FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 10, the occupancy release unit 205 of the POS register terminal 2A outputs a signal SG6 indicating occupancy release to the automatic money changer 3. The automatic money changer 3 that has received the signal SG6 indicating occupancy release releases the occupancy state with the POS register terminal 2A that is the transmission source of the signal SG6 (step S106 in FIG. 4).

[0037] After the occupancy state between the POS register terminal 2A and the automatic money changer 3 is released, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, when a use permission signal SG7 is transmitted from the POS register terminal 2N or the like to the automatic money changer 3 by a retry (step S101 in FIG. 4), the automatic money changer 3, as shown in FIG. 12, transmits an availability signal SG8 to the POS register terminal 2N (step S102 in FIG. 4). Since the occupancy state with the POS register terminal 2A has been released, the automatic money changer 3 transmits an availability signal SG8 indicating availability to the POS register terminal 2N.

[0038] The POS register terminal 2N that has received the availability signal SG8 determines whether the availability signal SG8 is an available signal (step S103 in FIG. 4). Since this availability signal SG8 is an available signal, the occupancy unit 204 of the POS register terminal 2N outputs a signal indicating the start of occupancy to the automatic money changer 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the occupancy between the POS register terminal 2N and the automatic money changer 3 is started (step S104 in FIG. 4). In the occupancy state, the POS register terminal 2N can exclusively perform the input / output of the signal SG9 with the automatic money changer 3 via the printer 4.

[0039] By repeating such processing, even when two or more POS register terminals 2 are connected to the automatic change machine 3, the automatic change machine 3 can be efficiently used.

[0040] Next, an example of specific control in the POS register system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0041] (Control during settlement processing) When performing a settlement process for determining the daily sales of a store, the settlement process is performed by the POS register system 1. In the database DB shown in FIG. 1, information on which printer 4 (or automatic change machine 3) each of the POS register terminals 2 is currently connected to is centrally managed. Further, in the automatic change machine 3, information on the cash sales for one day (from opening to settlement processing) of all the POS register terminals 2 connected to the automatic change machine 3 is stored.

[0042] The information managed in the database DB includes the following. · Printer 4 (or automatic change machine 3) connected to each POS register terminal 2 · Business days when the POS register terminal 2 is operating · Status of the POS register terminal 2 1) Before opening 2) During opening (after opening and during sales transactions (before settlement)) 3) Settled (before the next opening) · Status of the automatic change machine 3 1) Before opening 2) During opening (after opening and during sales transactions (before settlement)) 3) Settled (before the next opening)

[0043] When the POS register terminal 2 executes a settlement process, the POS register terminal 2 makes an inquiry to the database DB and checks the settlement status of whether other POS register terminals 2 connected to the automatic change machine 3 to which its own POS register terminal 2 is connected have been settled (unsettled state).

[0044] When there are other POS cash registers 2 in an unsettled state, the POS cash register 2 does not perform the settlement process of the change dispenser 3 by itself, but performs the settlement process on the POS cash register 2 side. This is because there may be sales at other POS cash registers 2 after the settlement of the POS cash register 2, and cash may be additionally inserted into the change dispenser 3.

[0045] When performing the settlement process at other POS cash registers 2 after the settlement on the POS cash register 2 side, it is determined whether or not it is the last unsettled POS cash register 2 among the POS cash registers 2 connected to the change dispenser 3 in the settlement status check. If it is the last unsettled POS cash register 2, when performing the settlement process in this state, the settlement process of the change dispenser 3 is performed. As a result, cash disbursement excluding the change reserve for the next day is performed. After the settlement process is completed, the management information stored in the database DB is updated, and the statuses of the POS cash register 2 and the change dispenser 3 that were in the last unsettled state are set to settled.

[0046] When two or more POS cash registers 2 are connected to one change dispenser 3, when the POS cash register 2 communicates with the change dispenser 3 in such a settlement process, the occupancy status setting between the POS cash register 2 and the change dispenser 3 described above is performed, and when the process is completed, the occupancy status is released. As a result, even when two or more POS cash registers 2 are connected to one change dispenser 3, the change dispenser 3 can be efficiently used.

[0047] (Control at the time of opening process) When starting the business of a store for a day, as a process for starting the use of the POS cash register 2 (starting sales), an opening process is performed by the POS register system 1. First, when the application software of the POS register terminal 2 is launched, the destination printer 4 (or the automatic change dispenser 3) is selected. After successful startup, the application software performs the opening process. In the opening process, it checks whether the automatic change dispenser 3 connected to the printer 4 selected at startup has been settled (whether there is an unsettled POS register terminal 2 connected to the automatic change dispenser 3).

[0048] In this check, the application software executes the following processes. "When the business day is before the previous day" · If there is an unsettled automatic change dispenser 3 on the previous business day, the opening process is aborted. · If the automatic change dispenser 3 has been settled on the previous business day, the opening process continues. "When the business day is the current day" · If the automatic change dispenser 3 is unsettled on the current business day, it is determined that another POS register terminal 2 has already opened the automatic change dispenser 3, and the opening process continues. · If the automatic change dispenser 3 has been settled on the current business day, it is determined that multiple opening processes are to be performed on the current day, and the opening process continues to set the automatic change dispenser 3 to the open state.

[0049] (Shared control of the automatic change dispenser 3) In the opening process of the POS register terminal 2, the shared control of the automatic change dispenser 3 is performed by the POS register system 1. The shared control is the process of connecting the opened POS register terminal 2 and the automatic change dispenser 3.

[0050] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen display when the application software of the POS register terminal 2 is launched. On the screen when the application software is launched, a list of connectable printers 4 (automatic change dispensers 3) in the store is displayed. The printer 4 (automatic change dispenser 3) to be connected to the POS register terminal 2 is selected from this list. There is no limit on the number of POS register terminals 2 that can be connected to one automatic change dispenser 3.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the menu screen display. When the "OK" button is selected after choosing the printer 4 (coin dispenser 3) that connects to the POS register terminal 2 from the screen at the time of starting the application software (see Fig. 14), the menu screen shown in Fig. 15 is displayed. When "Opening" is selected from this menu screen, in order to determine whether opening is possible, a check is made as to whether the previously selected coin dispenser 3 has been settled the day before. This check is performed by accessing the information managed in the database DB from the POS register terminal 2 and obtaining the status of the coin dispenser 3.

[0052] Here, if the status of the coin dispenser 3 is unsettled, the POS register terminal 2 cannot be opened. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the POS register terminal 2 when opening is not possible. On the screen of the POS register terminal 2, for example, the terminal numbers of the unsettled POS register terminal 2 and the coin dispenser 3, and a message indicating that these have not been settled are displayed. To open the POS register terminal 2, referring to this screen display, the settlement process for the POS register terminal 2 and the coin dispenser 3 with the unsettled terminal number may be performed to update their respective statuses.

[0053] (Opening process) Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the POS register terminal 2 when opening is possible. When it is possible to open the POS register terminal 2, information on the amount for each denomination held by the coin dispenser 3 selected at the time of starting the application software is obtained from the database DB or the coin dispenser 3. On the screen of the POS register terminal 2, information on the amount for each denomination held by the coin dispenser 3 is displayed.

[0054] There are two types of opening processes: "Terminal opening" and "Coin dispenser opening".

[0055] (Coin dispenser opening) In "Coin dispenser opening", if there is no POS register terminal 2 connected to the coin dispenser 3 other than itself, the POS register terminal 2 performs both the opening of the POS register terminal 2 (terminal opening) and the opening of the coin dispenser 3 (coin dispenser opening). FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the opening of a change dispenser. In the example shown in FIG. 18, when only the POS register terminal 2A with terminal number (No. 100) is connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 (terminal number No. 1000), the POS register terminal 2A executes the opening process. In this case, the POS register terminal 2A obtains the connection status of the POS register terminal 2 to the automatic change dispenser 3 from the information managed in the database DB. The POS register terminal 2A grasps the situation that there is no POS register terminal 2 connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 other than itself. In this case, it executes both the opening of its own POS register terminal 2A (terminal opening) and the opening of the automatic change dispenser 3 (change dispenser opening). Thereby, the opening of the POS register terminal 2A and the automatic change dispenser 3 is performed.

[0056] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an opening receipt when both "terminal opening" and "change dispenser opening" are performed. On this opening receipt, the terminal number No. 100 of the POS register terminal 2A where the opening was performed and the terminal number No. 1000 of the automatic change dispenser 3 where the opening was performed are listed side by side, and information such as the date and time of the opening is described. By listing the terminal number No. 100 of the POS register terminal 2A and the terminal number No. 1000 of the automatic change dispenser 3 side by side on the opening receipt, it can be seen that the "change dispenser opening" has been performed.

[0057] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating terminal opening. In the example shown in FIG. 20, a POS register terminal 2A with a terminal number (No. 100) is connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 (terminal number No. 1000), and in a state where the opening of both has been completed, a POS register terminal 2B with a terminal number (No. 101) executes an opening process. The POS register terminal 2B acquires the connection status of the POS register terminal 2 to the automatic change dispenser 3 from the information managed in the database DB. The POS register terminal 2B grasps that the POS register terminal 2A is connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 in addition to itself. In this case, only the opening (terminal opening) of its own POS register terminal 2A is executed. That is, when a POS register terminal 2 other than itself is already connected to the automatic change dispenser 3, since the opening of the automatic change dispenser 3 is already in a completed state, there is no need to perform "change dispenser opening", and only the opening (terminal opening) of its own POS register terminal 2B needs to be performed.

[0058] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an opening receipt when only "terminal opening" is performed. On this opening receipt, the terminal number No. 101 of the POS register terminal 2B where the opening was performed and information such as the date and time of the opening are described. The terminal number of the automatic change dispenser 3 is not described on this opening receipt. From this, it can be seen that only "terminal opening" has been performed.

[0059] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal status confirmation screen. The opening status of each POS register terminal 2 is managed in the database DB. Any POS register terminal 2 can access the database DB to check the opening status and the like of each POS register terminal 2.

[0060] (Control at the time of sales registration) When there is a sale at the store and the sale is registered by the POS register terminal 2, the POS register system 1 performs registration control of the sale. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the screen display of the POS register terminal 2 at the time of sales registration. When the "Cash" button is selected in the selection of the payment method on this screen display, the use of the automatic change dispenser 3 by the POS register terminal 2 starts.

[0061] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the use of the coin dispenser 3 by the POS register terminal 2 at the time of sales registration. For example, when two POS register terminals 2 (POS register terminals 2A and 2B) are connected to one coin dispenser 3, and one of the POS register terminals 2A performs sales registration in cash, the POS register terminal 2A starts using the coin dispenser 3. At the start of use, the POS register terminal 2A transmits a use permission signal to the coin dispenser 3, and if the coin dispenser 3 is not occupied by another POS register terminal 2B, the POS register terminal 2A enters an occupied state with the coin dispenser 3. Thereby, the POS register terminal 2A can perform cash sales registration with respect to the coin dispenser 3. While the coin dispenser 3 is occupied by the POS register terminal 2A, the other POS register terminal 2B cannot use the coin dispenser 3. This prevents the sales registration at the POS register terminal 2A and the sales registration at the POS register terminal 2B from being indistinguishable at one coin dispenser 3.

[0062] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in a state where the coin dispenser 3 is occupied. When the coin dispenser 3 is occupied by, for example, the POS register terminal 2A and the POS register terminal 2B transmits a use permission signal to the coin dispenser 3, a message as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the screen of the POS register terminal 2B. Thereby, it can be grasped that the coin dispenser 3 is currently occupied by another POS register terminal 2, and "Retry" can be performed at an appropriate timing, and the coin dispenser 3 can be used after the occupation by the other POS register terminal 2 is released.

[0063] (Control at the time of settlement) When the business of the store ends in a day and settlement processing is performed at each POS register terminal 2, the settlement processing is controlled by the POS register system 1. There are two types of settlement processing: "terminal settlement" and "coin dispenser settlement".

[0064] (Terminal settlement) FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating terminal settlement. In the example shown in FIG. 26, two POS register terminals 2 (POS register terminals 2A and 2B) are connected to one coin-changing machine 3. Except for the POS register terminal 2 that performs the settlement process last in this connection state, all other terminals execute the "terminal settlement" process. For example, when the POS register terminal 2B with terminal number (No. 101) starts settlement, the POS register terminal 2B obtains the connection status of the POS register terminal 2 to the coin-changing machine 3 from the information managed in the database DB.

[0065] When the POS register terminal 2B grasps that the POS register terminal 2A with terminal number (No. 100) other than the POS register terminal 2B is connected to the coin-changing machine 3, it executes the "terminal settlement" process. That is, the POS register terminal 2B only performs its own settlement process. After the settlement process, the connection between the POS register terminal 2B and the coin-changing machine 3 is released. The settlement status of each POS register terminal 2 and the connection status with the coin-changing machine 3 are centrally managed by the database DB.

[0066] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating coin-changing machine settlement. For example, when the POS register terminal 2A with terminal number (No. 100) starts settlement, the POS register terminal 2A obtains the connection status of the POS register terminal 2 to the coin-changing machine 3 from the information managed in the database DB. As shown in the example of FIG. 27, the connection between the POS register terminal 2B and the coin-changing machine 3 is released, and the POS register terminal 2A grasps that there is no other connected POS register terminal 2 other than the POS register terminal 2A. Then, the POS register terminal 2A executes the "coin-changing machine settlement" process.

[0067] As the "coin-changing machine settlement" process, the POS register terminal 2A executes both its own settlement of the POS register terminal 2A (terminal settlement) and the settlement of the coin-changing machine 3 (coin-changing machine settlement). Thereby, the settlement processes of the POS register terminal 2A and the coin-changing machine 3 are performed. In "coin-changing machine settlement", the cash sales amount of the current day excluding the next-day coin reserve is discharged to complete the settlement process.

[0068] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of screen display in coin-changing machine settlement. On the screen of the POS register terminal 2, information on the amount for each type of currency held by the coin dispenser 3 is displayed. Also, when coin dispenser settlement is performed, "Target" is displayed in the "Coin dispenser settlement" item on the screen display. When the content is confirmed on this screen and the "Confirm" button is selected, "Coin dispenser settlement" is completed. In the case of "Terminal settlement" as well, the screen display is the same as that of the "Coin dispenser settlement" screen, but "Excluded" is displayed in the "Coin dispenser settlement" item on the screen display. By the display of this item, it is possible to distinguish between "Coin dispenser settlement" and "Terminal settlement".

[0069] Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of a settlement status confirmation screen. The settlement status of each POS register terminal 2 is managed in the database DB. Any POS register terminal 2 can access the database DB to check the settlement status and the like of each POS register terminal 2.

[0070] (Effect) This embodiment includes one coin dispenser 3 and two or more POS register terminals 2 communicably connected to the one coin dispenser 3. The POS register terminal 2 includes a transmitter 202 that transmits a usage permission signal of the coin dispenser 3, a receiver 203 that receives a signal indicating availability from the one coin dispenser 3, an occupancy unit 204 that starts occupancy of the one coin dispenser 3 when a signal indicating availability is received from the one coin dispenser 3, and an occupancy release unit 205 that releases the occupancy of the one coin dispenser 3 when the use of the one coin dispenser 3 ends. The POS register system 1 is characterized by this.

[0071] According to such a configuration, even when two or more POS register terminals 2 are connected to one coin dispenser 3, the coin dispenser 3 can be efficiently used without the use of the coin dispenser 3 by the two or more POS register terminals 2 conflicting with each other.

[0072] In the above POS register system 1, the POS terminal 2 may refer to a database DB in which an automatic change dispenser 3 and two or more POS terminals 2 communicably connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 are associated and stored, and perform the settlement of the automatic change dispenser 3 according to the settlement status of other POS terminals 2 communicably connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 to which the POS terminal 2 itself is communicably connected.

[0073] According to such a configuration, when the own POS terminal 2 is the last unsettled terminal connected to the automatic change dispenser 3, the settlement process of the automatic change dispenser 3 can be executed together with the settlement process of the own POS terminal 2, and the settlement process of the automatic change dispenser 3 can be surely completed without affecting other POS terminals 2.

[0074] In the above POS register system 1, the POS terminal 2 may not perform the settlement of the automatic change dispenser 3 when at least one or more of other POS terminals 2 communicably connected to the automatic change dispenser 3 to which the POS terminal 2 itself is communicably connected are unsettled.

[0075] According to such a configuration, when there are other unsettled POS terminals 2 when performing the settlement process of the own POS terminal 2, the settlement process of the automatic change dispenser 3 is not performed, so that the use of the automatic change dispenser 3 by other POS terminals 2 is not affected, and only the settlement of the own POS terminal 2 can be performed.

[0076] The above POS register system 1 may include a printer 4 that controls the automatic change dispenser 3, and two or more POS terminals 2 may be configured to control the automatic change dispenser 3 via the printer 4. Thereby, the connection freedom of a plurality of POS terminals 2 is increased with the printer 4 as a hub.

[0077] This embodiment is a control method for a POS register system 1 including one automatic change machine 3 and two or more POS register terminals 2 communicably connected to the one automatic change machine 3. When a transmission unit 202 of the POS register terminal 2 transmits a use permission signal of the automatic change machine 3 and a reception unit 203 of the POS register terminal 2 receives a use permission signal from the one automatic change machine 3, an occupancy unit 204 of the POS register terminal 2 starts to occupy the one automatic change machine 3. When the use of the one automatic change machine 3 ends, a release unit 205 of the POS register terminal 2 releases the occupancy of the one automatic change machine 3. This is a control method for the POS register system 1, characterized by the above.

[0078] According to such a configuration, even when two or more POS register terminals 2 are connected to one automatic change machine 3, the automatic change machine 3 can be efficiently used without collision in the use of the automatic change machine 3 by the two or more POS register terminals 2.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the automatic change machine 3 is controlled via the printer 4, but it is not necessarily required to control via the printer 4, and a configuration in which the automatic change machine 3 is controlled without passing through the printer 4 may be used. Also, it is sufficient that the number of automatic change machines 3 is less than the number of POS register terminals 2. For example, a configuration in which there are three or more POS register terminals 2 and two or more automatic change machines 3 may be used.

[0080] In addition, the above embodiment only shows an example of concretization in implementing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner by this. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or the main features thereof. For example, in the embodiment, various additions, various omissions, various replacements, and various changes may be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1 POS register system 2, 2A, 2B, 2N POS register terminals 3 Automatic change machine 4 Printer 200A Communication IF 200B Input Device 200C Output Device 200D Memory Device 200E CPU 201 Communication Unit 202 Transmission Unit 203 Reception Unit 204 Occupation Unit 205 Occupation Release Unit SG1, SG4, SG7 Use Permission Signal SG2, SG5, SG8 Use Availability Signal SG3, SG6, SG9 Signal

Claims

1. A change-making machine 1, and Two or more POS register devices communicably connected to the change-making machine 1, characterized in that the POS register device comprises: A transmitter for transmitting a permission signal for using the change-making machine; A receiver for receiving a signal indicating whether use is permitted or not from the change-making machine 1; An occupancy unit for starting occupancy of the change-making machine 1 when a signal indicating permission to use is received from the change-making machine 1; An occupancy release unit for releasing occupancy of the change-making machine 1 when use of the change-making machine 1 ends. A POS register system characterized by comprising the above.

2. The POS register device refers to a storage unit in which the change-making machine and two or more POS register devices communicably connected to the change-making machine are stored in association, and Performs settlement of the change-making machine according to the settlement status of other POS register devices communicably connected to the change-making machine to which the device itself is communicably connected. The POS register system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The POS register device does not perform settlement of the change-making machine when at least one of the other POS register devices communicably connected to the change-making machine to which the device itself is communicably connected is unsettled. The POS register system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. The POS register system comprises a printing machine for controlling the change-making machine, and The two or more POS register devices control the change-making machine via the printing machine. The POS register system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. A control method for a POS register system comprising a change-making machine 1 and two or more POS register devices communicably connected to the change-making machine 1, characterized in that: The transmitter of the POS register device transmits a permission signal for using the change-making machine; When the receiver of the POS register device receives a signal indicating whether use is permitted or not from the change-making machine 1, the occupancy unit of the POS register device starts occupancy of the change-making machine 1, and when use of the change-making machine 1 ends, the occupancy release unit of the POS register device releases occupancy of the change-making machine 1. A control method for a POS register system characterized by the above. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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