Settlement system and relay for settlement system

Abstract

To provide a POS system with an efficient settlement machine by improving efficiency of transmission / reception of information between a POS system and an automatic settlement machine.SOLUTION: A POS terminal 3 and a settlement machine 1 arranged in a shop are connected via a relay 2. The POS terminal 3 includes a first operation panel for input and display, and can register a commodity, display a sales amount, and output the sales amount to the relay 2. The relay 2 includes a second operation panel for input and display, and can display the sales amount acquired from the POS terminal 3 and a deposit amount acquired from the settlement machine 1 and output an instruction for starting of predetermined settlement processing to the settlement machine 1 according to predetermined input from the second operation panel. The settlement machine 1 can output the deposit amount to the relay 2, and when acquiring the instruction for starting of the settlement processing from the relay 2, starts the predetermined settlement processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement system that performs payment collection including a calculator for performing currency deposit processing, a relay device of the settlement system, and a calculator of the settlement system.

Background Art

[0002] A POS system with a calculator used in a retail store or the like is known. In the POS system with a calculator, a product and its unit price are associated and stored in advance. By registering the products purchased by a customer, the POS system with a calculator can obtain the corresponding unit price and calculate the total amount of money to be paid by the customer. The POS system with a calculator is equipped with a display device for the store clerk and a display device for the customer. When the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk can confirm the registration status of the product on the display device for the store clerk, and the customer can confirm the registration status of the product on the display device for the customer. The store clerk and the customer can know the transition of the product name, unit price, and total amount. The calculator calculates the change amount based on the total amount obtained from the POS system and the deposited money, and pays out the change. Also known is a self-service POS system in which the customer himself / herself settles the products purchased and then leaves the store.

[0003] Also known is a POS system that separates and uses the product registration function and the calculator function. For example, in Japanese Patent No. 5790145, a store clerk registers a product using the product registration function of the POS system, issues a ticket on which the encoded amount of money is recorded, and hands it to the customer. The customer reads the ticket into the calculator and pays the money. The customer can pass through the exit gate of the store on condition that the money is paid. By adopting such a system, the product registration function and the calculator can be arranged and used at separate locations, and theft of products can be prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, in order for the POS system to allow the customer to check the registration status of the products, it is necessary to generate dedicated display data for display on the customer display device. Also, the POS system needs to convert the total amount and details of the purchased products into dedicated data and transmit them to the cash register using a dedicated protocol. Further, when attempting to use the product registration function and the cash register separately, it is necessary to encode the total amount of the purchased products and print it on a ticket. The cash register requires a scanner to read the encoded total amount, and also requires decoding processing. Furthermore, it is necessary to convert the decoded total amount into another format and generate display data. In the conventional technology, it was necessary to equip with processes for generating or converting data according to each function and each device for the total amount of the purchased products, and the necessary devices. Also, there was a problem that tickets with the encoded payment amount recorded on them could not be read properly due to dirt, bending, etc. Also, it was difficult to attach a cash register that accepts payment in cash by the customer's operation to the POS system later.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The settlement system of the present invention is a settlement system including a POS system that registers products purchased by customers and displays the sales amount, and a cash register that has a currency inlet and receives the payment. The settlement system includes a repeater connected to the POS system and the cash register. The POS system includes a first operation panel that registers the products and displays the sales amount of the registered products, and a first communication means that outputs the sales amount to the repeater by communicating with the repeater. The repeater communicates with the POS system to input the sales amount output from the POS system, communicates with the cash register to input the received amount output from the cash register and output an instruction to execute processing on the cash register, and has a second communication means for performing the above operations. The repeater also has a second operation panel for displaying the input sales amount and received amount, and for inputting a predetermined input for instructing the cash register to execute a predetermined settlement process. The cash register communicates with the repeater to input the instruction output from the repeater and output the received amount received from the currency inlet to the repeater, and has a cash register control means for controlling the execution of the predetermined settlement process based on the input of the instruction for the predetermined settlement process. Another aspect of the settlement system is a settlement system including a POS terminal that registers products purchased by customers and displays the sales amount, and a cash register that has a currency inlet and receives the payment. The settlement system includes a repeater connected to the POS terminal and the cash register. The POS terminal includes a registration operation panel for input and display, registers the products, and displays the sales amount of the registered products. The repeater includes a clerk-side operation panel for input and display, obtains and displays the sales amount from the POS terminal, outputs the obtained sales amount to the cash register, and when the cash register is to settle the sales amount, outputs an instruction to start settlement to the cash register according to a predetermined input entered from the clerk-side operation panel. The cash register includes a customer-side operation panel for input and display, obtains and displays the sales amount output from the repeater, obtains the instruction to start settlement output from the repeater, starts receiving the payment, and outputs the received amount of the currency received from the currency inlet to the repeater. Another embodiment of the settlement system includes a POS terminal that registers the products purchased by a customer, calculates the sales amount, displays the calculated sales amount, generates and outputs display data including the sales amount for display on an external device, and a cash register that has a currency inlet for receiving payment. The settlement system includes a repeater connected to the POS terminal and the cash register. The POS terminal is oriented towards the store staff side and has a registration operation panel for input and display, registers the products purchased by the customer, and displays the sales amount. The repeater inputs and analyzes the display data output from the POS terminal, and has display data analysis means for extracting predetermined information including the sales amount from the display data, and a store staff side operation panel for input and display that is oriented towards the store staff side. The repeater outputs the extracted predetermined information to the cash register, inputs via the store staff side operation panel whether to receive payment at the cash register, and outputs the input result to the cash register. The cash register is oriented towards the customer side and has a customer side operation panel for input and display, inputs the predetermined information output from the repeater, and is characterized by displaying the predetermined information.

[0007] The repeater of the settlement system of the present invention is a repeater of a settlement system that is connected to a POS system of a settlement system including a POS system that registers the products purchased by a customer and displays the sales amount, and a cash register that has a currency inlet for receiving payment. The repeater has a second operation panel for input and display, obtains the sales amount of the product registered and output by the POS system provided with the first operation panel for input and display, obtains the amount of money deposited into the inlet output from the cash register, displays the obtained sales amount and the obtained amount of money on the second operation panel, and outputs an instruction to cause the cash register to execute a predetermined settlement process in response to a predetermined input input from the second operation panel. The relay of the settlement system of another aspect includes a POS terminal that registers the products purchased by a customer and displays the sales amount, a cash register that has a currency inlet and receives the payment, and a relay connected to the POS terminal and the cash register. The POS terminal includes a registration operation panel for input and display, registers the products, and displays the sales amount of the registered products. The cash register includes a customer-side operation panel for input and display, and is a relay of the settlement system that displays the sales amount. The relay includes a clerk-side operation panel for input and display, obtains and displays the sales amount from the POS terminal, outputs the obtained sales amount to the cash register, and when the cash register is to settle the sales amount, an instruction to start settlement is output to the cash register in response to a predetermined input to the clerk-side operation panel. The relay is characterized by obtaining the instruction to start settlement output from the relay, receiving the payment, and obtaining the deposited amount from the cash register that outputs the deposited amount of the currency. The relay of the settlement system of another aspect includes a POS terminal that registers the products purchased by a customer, calculates the sales amount, displays the sales amount as a result of the calculation, generates and outputs display data including the sales amount for display on an external device, a cash register that has a currency inlet and receives the payment, and a relay connected to the POS terminal and the cash register. The POS terminal is directed toward the clerk side and includes a registration operation panel for input and display, registers the products purchased by the customer, and displays the sales amount. The cash register is directed toward the customer side and includes a customer-side operation panel for input and display, and is a relay of the settlement system that displays the sales amount. In the relay, the relay includes display data analysis means for inputting and analyzing the display data output from the POS terminal, and extracting predetermined information including the sales amount to be displayed on the cash register from the display data, and a clerk-side operation panel for input and display directed toward the clerk side. The relay is characterized by outputting the extracted predetermined information to the cash register, inputting whether to receive the payment at the cash register by the clerk-side operation panel, and outputting the input result to the cash register.

[0008] The calculator of the settlement system according to another aspect includes a POS terminal that registers the products purchased by a customer and displays the sales amount, a calculator that has a currency inlet and receives the payment, and a repeater connected to the POS terminal and the calculator. The POS terminal includes a registration operation panel for input and display, registers the products, and displays the sales amount of the registered products. The repeater includes a clerk-side operation panel for input and display, obtains and displays the sales amount from the POS terminal, outputs the obtained sales amount to the calculator, and outputs an instruction to start settlement to the calculator in response to a predetermined input to the clerk-side operation panel when the calculator is to settle the sales amount. The calculator includes a customer-side operation panel for input and display, obtains and displays the sales amount output from the repeater, obtains the instruction to start settlement output from the repeater and starts receiving the payment, and outputs the amount of the currency received from the currency inlet to the repeater. The calculator of the settlement system according to another aspect includes a POS terminal that registers the products purchased by a customer, calculates the sales amount, displays the calculated sales amount, generates and outputs display data including the sales amount for display on an external device, a calculator that has a currency inlet and receives the payment, and a repeater connected to the POS terminal and the calculator. The POS terminal is oriented toward the clerk side and includes a registration operation panel for input and display, registers the products purchased by the customer, and displays the sales amount. The repeater includes display data analysis means that inputs, analyzes the display data output from the POS terminal, and extracts predetermined information including the sales amount from the display data, and a clerk-side operation panel for input and display that is oriented toward the clerk side. The calculator is oriented toward the customer side and includes a customer-side operation panel for input and display. The calculator inputs the predetermined information from the repeater, displays the predetermined information, inputs from the repeater the result of whether to receive the payment or not by the calculator selected by the clerk-side operation panel, and operates according to the result.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, without generating data according to the application, by using the data in a combined manner, the functions and devices can be operated, and an efficient cash register and a cash register system can be provided. In addition, it becomes easy to attach a cash register that pays the price in cash by the customer's operation to the POS system later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. Each figure is only schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples. Also, in each figure, common components and similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0012] First, the entire settlement system will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the settlement system.

[0013] The settlement system is installed in a store that provides goods sales and services to customers. In the store, a cash register 1, a repeater 2, a POS terminal 3, and a receipt printer 4 are arranged. The POS terminal 3 is connected to a POS server 5 via a network 6. The POS terminal 3 and the repeater 2 are connected to a local network.

[0014] The cash register 1 is a currency processing device that performs currency deposit and withdrawal. The cash register 1 deposits currency as consideration for the sale of goods or services to customers. That is, the cash register 1 is a device that receives the purchase price of customers. Also, when change occurs, the cash register 1 withdraws the change. The repeater 2 acquires data from the POS terminal 3, analyzes the data, generates data, calculates the amount of change, and transmits and receives data to and from the cash register. The POS terminal 3 performs product registration, calculation of the total amount, calculation of the amount of change, storage of transaction data, transmission and reception of data to and from the POS server, and transmission and reception of information to and from the repeater 2.

[0015] The receipt printer 4 is a printer that acquires print data from the POS terminal 3 and prints receipts, transaction details, etc. on paper.

[0016] The POS server 5 is connected to the POS terminal, stores unit prices and transaction data associated with products for each predetermined item in advance, and has a database capable of searching the stored data and acquiring desired data.

[0017] The POS terminal 3 registers the products purchased by the customer and calculates the customer's purchase amount. Also, the POS terminal 3 stores transaction data such as products, quantities, sales amounts, payment amounts, change amounts, and transaction times for each transaction. The transaction data is sent to the POS server 5 and stored in the database. Also, the POS terminal 3 generates print data including purchase details, amounts, times, etc., sends it to the receipt printer 4, and prints it. By storing the same information as the product information stored in the database of the POS server 5, the POS terminal 3 can register products even when not connected to the POS server 5. Also, the transaction information registered in this way is stored in the database when the connection between the POS terminal 3 and the POS server 5 is resumed. Also, the POS terminal 3 generates and sends display data to display the customer's purchase amount and the number of products resulting from the transaction on a customer display (not shown). The customer can confirm the product registration status and the purchase amount by the store clerk through the customer display.

[0018] Here, the display data generated by the POS terminal 3 and sent to the customer display uses a markup language such as HTML or XML. As a result, the customer display can display the display data as long as it is a display device equipped with a display program such as web browser software, improving versatility and enabling the use of various display devices. The display data is preferably a markup language that can describe the sales amount as text data and identify the part where the sales amount is described. Also, other methods may be used as long as the display data can be configured in such a description method, but those with high versatility are preferred.

[0019] Next, each device provided in the settlement system will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the cash register. The cash register 1 includes a cash register control means 10 for controlling the entire device, a cash register communication means 11 for communicating to transmit and receive data with the repeater 2, a cash register display means 12 for displaying characters and images such as an LCD, a cash register input means 13 for inputting by user operation, a safe for receiving deposits of currency, identifying the denomination, and storing currency for each denomination, a cash processing means 14 for discharging currency one by one from the safe, and a cash register memory 15 for storing various data such as programs, set values, and temporary data. Further, the cash register control means 10 includes a change denomination number calculation means 16 for calculating the number of pieces for each denomination of the currency to be withdrawn from the change amount. The cash register 1 is a device having a communication function and various service functions.

[0021] The cash register control means 10 controls the cash register communication means 11, the cash register display means 12, the cash register input means 13, the cash processing means 14, and the cash register memory 15 and performs various calculations. The cash register control means 10 includes a CPU and performs control of the entire device and various calculations according to the programs and set values stored in the cash register memory 15.

[0022] The cash register control means 10 includes a change denomination number calculation means 16. The change denomination number calculation means 16 calculates the number of pieces for each denomination of the currency to be withdrawn from the cash register based on the change amount. The change denomination number calculation means 16 checks the number of pieces for each denomination of the currency stored in the safe in the cash register 1, determines whether it is payable, and calculates the denomination and number of pieces to be paid out. For example, when the change amount is 220 yen, the change denomination number calculation means 16 derives that the currency to be paid out is 2 pieces of 100 - yen coins and 2 pieces of 10 - yen coins. Also, if 100 - yen coins cannot be paid out, the change denomination number calculation means 16 derives that the currency to be paid out is 4 pieces of 50 - yen coins and 2 pieces of 10 - yen coins.

[0023] The payment machine communication means 11 is controlled by the payment machine control means 10, connected to the repeater 2, and performs data communication. By performing data communication with the repeater 2, the payment machine 1 can obtain the customer's purchase amount and change amount generated by the transaction from the repeater 2. Also, it can transmit the deposited amount deposited by the cash processing means 14. The payment machine 1 and the repeater 2 are connected wirelessly or by wire.

[0024] The payment machine display means 12 is a display means such as an LCD that is controlled by the payment machine control means 10 and displays characters and images. The payment machine input means 13 is an input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the payment machine control means 10 and inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. For example, by using a touch panel, the payment machine display means 12 and the payment machine input means 13 can be integrated. The set of the payment machine display means 12 and the payment machine input means 13 can also be said to be a customer-side operation panel directed to the customer side, which is the side that pays the price.

[0025] The cash processing means 14 is controlled by the payment machine control means 10. The cash processing means 14 accepts the deposit of currency, separates the currency one by one, and identifies the denomination. The identified currency is stored in the safe for each denomination. Also, the payment machine control means 10 can obtain the number of sheets for each denomination of the deposited currency and manage the currency stored inside the payment machine 1. The payment machine control means 10 can instruct the cash processing means 14 to pay out the number of sheets for each denomination and pay out the money. For example, it obtains the change amount from the repeater 2, and the change denomination number calculation means 16 calculates the denomination and number of the currency to be paid out based on the change amount. The payment machine control means 10 instructs the cash processing means 14 to pay out the denomination and number of the currency to be paid out based on the calculation result and causes it to pay out.

[0026] The cash register memory 15 is controlled by the cash register control means 10. The cash register memory 15 stores programs, set values, and various information executed by the cash register control means 10. In addition, the cash register memory 15 includes a memory for a work area used in the calculations of the cash register control means 10. Also, the cash register memory 15 stores the number of bills for each denomination of the currency stored in the cash register 1. The cash register memory 15 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, and flash memory.

[0027] Next, the repeater 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the repeater.

[0028] The repeater 2 has a function of transmitting data from a POS terminal 3 that does not have a function of directly transmitting and receiving data to and from the cash register 1 to the cash register 1.

[0029] The repeater 2 includes a repeater control means 20 for controlling the entire device, a repeater communication means 21 for communicating with external devices such as the POS terminal 3 via a local network, a local communication means 24 for communicating with the cash register 1 which is a device within the store, a repeater display means 22 for displaying characters and images such as an LCD, a repeater input means 23 for input by a user's operation, and a repeater memory 25 for storing various data such as programs, set values, and temporary data. The repeater control means 20 includes a change amount calculation means 26 for calculating change from the amount of deposit and the amount of purchase, and a display data analysis means 27 for analyzing display data and extracting the amount of purchase. The repeater 2 is a computer equipped with a communication function and various service functions. For example, it is possible to use a computer such as a notebook computer, PDA, or smartphone as the repeater 2. Also, the repeater 2 and the cash register 1 may be separate bodies, or the repeater 2 may be built into the cash register 1, or the functions of the repeater 2 may be included in the cash register 1 to form an integrated unit.

[0030] The repeater control means 20 controls the repeater communication means 21, local communication means 24, repeater display means 22, repeater input means 23, and repeater memory 25 and performs various calculations.

[0031] The repeater control means 20 includes a CPU and performs overall control of the device and various calculations according to the program stored in the repeater memory 25.

[0032] The repeater communication means 21 is controlled by the repeater control means 20 and performs data communication with an external device, such as a POS terminal 3, via a network such as a LAN. The repeater 2 acquires display data to be displayed on the customer display from the POS terminal 3. The display data is described in a markup language. The repeater control means 20 can cause the repeater display means 22 to display the same as the customer display based on the display data by means of a web browser program. Under the control of the repeater control means 20, the acquired display data can be displayed on the repeater display means 22 based on the display data. It is possible to display the same as the customer display on the repeater 2, and it is also possible to display the necessary displays for the clerk-side specific operations.

[0033] The local communication means 24 is controlled by the repeater control means 20 and performs data communication with the cash register 1 arranged in the store. For example, the repeater 2 and the cash register 1 can be connected by USB, LAN, etc. It may also be connected by short-range wireless communication. In order to enhance versatility, a connection method with an internationally determined communication standard is preferable.

[0034] The repeater display means 22 is a display means such as an LCD that is controlled by the repeater control means 20 and performs display of characters and images. The repeater input means 23 is an input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the repeater control means 20 and inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. For example, by using a touch panel, the repeater display means 22 and the repeater input means 23 can be integrated. The repeater display means 22 can display the same as the customer display based on the display data. The set of the repeater display means 22 and the repeater input means 23 can also be said to be a clerk-side operation panel directed to the clerk side, which is the side that receives the payment.

[0035] The repeater memory 25 is controlled by the repeater control means 20. The repeater memory 25 stores programs, set values, and various types of information executed by the repeater control means 20. In addition, the repeater memory 25 includes a memory for a work area used in the calculations of the repeater control means 20. Also, the repeater memory 25 stores data such as display data acquired from the POS terminal 3 and various types of data necessary for control such as the amount of money deposited acquired from the cash register 1. The repeater memory 25 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, and flash memory.

[0036] Next, the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the POS terminal.

[0037] The POS terminal 3 is used by a store clerk to register products and calculate the purchase amount of a customer. The POS terminal 3 is connected to the POS server 5 via a network 6 such as the Internet. For each transaction with a customer, the POS terminal 3 stores transaction data including products, quantity, purchase amount, received amount, and date and time. Also, the POS terminal 3 transmits the transaction data to the POS server 5 connected via the network 6 and stores it. When registering a product in a transaction with a customer, the POS terminal 3 generates and outputs display data for displaying information such as the registration status, unit price, and total purchase amount of the transaction to the customer display for the customer.

[0038] The POS terminal 3 includes a terminal control means 30 for controlling the entire device, a terminal communication means 31 for communicating with an external device, an external communication means 34 for communicating with the receipt printer 4 in the store, a terminal display means 32 for displaying characters and images such as an LCD, a terminal input means 33 for input by a user's operation, and a terminal memory 35 for storing various data such as programs, setting values, and temporary data. The terminal control means 30 includes a POS system control means 36 for controlling the POS system. The POS system control means 36 searches for and acquires data related to products selected from a database storing product information such as product registration, calculation of the total purchase amount, and unit price for each product, stores transaction data in the database, stores transaction data in the POS server 5, and generates print data for receipts and details to be output from the receipt printer. Further, the terminal control means 30 includes a display data generation means 37. The display data generation means 37 generates display data for displaying purchase information such as the registration status of the customer's purchased products and the total purchase amount in a transaction on the customer display. The display format is predetermined. For example, on the customer display, the number of purchased products and the total amount are updated each time a product is registered. For example, the display data uses a markup language and changes the results calculated each time a product is registered for the parts of the number and the total amount. The customer display periodically acquires the display data, such as every second, and changes the display. The POS terminal 3 is a computer equipped with a communication function and various service functions. For example, it is possible to use a computer such as a notebook computer, a PDA, or a smartphone as the POS terminal 3.

[0039] The terminal control means 30 controls the terminal communication means 31, the external communication means 34, the terminal display means 32, the terminal input means 33, and the terminal memory 35 and performs various calculations.

[0040] The terminal control means 30 includes a CPU and controls the entire device and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the terminal memory 35. The POS system control means 36 and the display data generation means 37 operate according to the programs stored in the terminal memory 35.

[0041] The terminal communication means 31 is controlled by the terminal control means 30, performs data communication with the repeater 2 via a network such as a LAN, and further performs data communication with the POS server 5 via the network 6. The POS terminal 3 transmits display data to be displayed on the customer display to the repeater 2. If a customer display is connected to the POS terminal 3, the display data is transmitted to the customer display.

[0042] The external communication means 34 is controlled by the terminal control means 30 and performs data communication with the receipt printer 4 arranged in the store. For example, print data such as transaction details and receipts and control commands can be transmitted from the POS terminal 3 to the receipt printer 4, and the transaction details and receipts can be printed by the receipt printer 4. For example, the external communication means 34 can be connected by short-range wireless communication or the like. In order to enhance versatility, a connection method with an internationally determined communication standard is preferable.

[0043] The terminal display means 32 is a display means such as an LCD that is controlled by the terminal control means 30 and performs display of characters and images. The terminal input means 33 is an input means such as a keyboard that is controlled by the terminal control means 30 and inputs characters, numbers, symbols, etc. For example, by using a touch panel, the terminal display means 32 and the terminal input means 33 can be integrated. The set of the terminal display means 32 and the terminal input means 33 is for registering the products purchased by the customer and is directed to the store clerk who receives the payment, and can also be said to be a registration operation panel operated by the store clerk. Also, a barcode reader can be connected to the terminal control means 30, and products can be registered by reading barcodes.

[0044] The terminal memory 35 is controlled by the terminal control means 30. The terminal memory 35 stores programs, setting values, and various information executed by the terminal control means 30. Further, the terminal memory 35 includes a memory for a work area used in the operations of the terminal control means 30. Also, the terminal memory 35 stores data such as display data transmitted from the POS terminal 3 and various data necessary for controlling sales data and the like. The terminal memory 35 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, and flash memory.

[0045] Next, the receipt printer 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the receipt printer.

[0046] The receipt printer 4 is a printer that prints receipts and transaction details. The printing means 42 prints on a piece of paper based on the print data generated by the POS terminal 3.

[0047] The receipt printer 4 includes a printer control means 40 that controls the entire device, a printer communication means 41 that communicates with the POS terminal 3, a printing means 42 that prints characters and graphics on a piece of paper, and a printer memory 43 that stores various data such as programs, setting values, print data, and temporary data storage. The printer control means 40 includes a print control means 44 that generates data for driving the printing means 42 based on the print data acquired from the POS terminal 3 and drives and controls the printing means 42.

[0048] The printer control means 40 controls the printer communication means 41, the printing means 42, and the printer memory 43 and performs various operations.

[0049] The printer control means 40 includes a CPU and performs overall control of the apparatus and various calculations according to a program stored in the printer memory 43. The printer memory 43 is controlled by the printer control means 40. The printer memory 43 stores programs, setting values, and various information executed by the printer control means 40. Further, the printer memory 43 also includes a memory for a work area used in the calculations of the printer control means 40. The printer memory 43 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, and flash memory.

[0050] The printer communication means 41 is controlled by the printer control means 40, connects to the POS terminal 3, and performs data communication with the POS terminal 3. The receipt printer 4 acquires print data from the POS terminal 3 and prints on a paper sheet based on the print data. For example, the receipt printer 4 and the POS terminal 3 can be connected by USB or short-range wireless communication. In order to enhance versatility, a connection method with an internationally determined communication standard is preferable.

[0051] The printing means 42 is controlled by the printer control means 40 and performs printing based on the print data. The printing means 42 is a recording device such as a thermal printer, dot impact printer, inkjet printer, or electrophotographic printer.

[0052] Next, the POS server 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the POS server.

[0053] The POS server 5 includes a database in which transaction information such as transaction data with customers and product information such as unit prices for each product are stored so as to be searchable for each item. For example, the transaction data input by the POS terminal 3 is acquired via the network 6 and stored in the database.

[0054] The POS server 5 is connected to the POS terminal 3 via a network 6 such as the Internet. The POS terminal 3 can acquire product information and transaction information from the POS server 5.

[0055] The POS server 5 includes server control means 50 for controlling the entire device, server communication means 51 for communicating with external devices, a server memory 52 for storing various data such as programs, setting values, and temporary data, and a POSDB 53 which is a database for storing product information and transaction information. The server control means 50 includes POSDB control means 54 for controlling the POSDB 53. The POSDB control means 54 controls the storage of new data, the retrieval of information corresponding to items from the database, and data acquisition in a database that stores transaction data such as registered products and purchase amounts, and product information such as unit prices for each product.

[0056] The server control means 50 controls the server communication means 51, the server memory 52, and the POSDB 53 and performs various calculations.

[0057] The server control means 50 includes a CPU and controls the entire device and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the server memory 52. The POSDB control means 54 operates according to the programs stored in the server memory 52.

[0058] The server communication means 51 is controlled by the server control means 50 and performs data communication with the POS terminal 3 via the network 6. The POS server 5 acquires new transaction data from the POS terminal 3 and stores it in the POSDB 53. The POS server 5 transmits information on the updated unit price for each product to the POS terminal 3. Also, the POS server 5 searches the inside of the POSDB 53 in response to a request from the POS terminal 3 and returns information corresponding to the requested item to the POS terminal 3.

[0059] The server memory 52 is controlled by the server control means 50. The server memory 52 stores programs, set values, and various information executed by the server control means 50. Further, the server memory 52 includes a memory for a work area used in the calculations of the server control means 50. Also, the server memory 52 stores various data necessary for control and the like. The server memory 52 can use storage means such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, and flash memory.

[0060] The POSDB 53 is controlled by the server control means 50. The POSDB 53 is a database that stores related data by associating product data and transaction data for each predetermined item. The information stored in the POSDB 53 can be searched for each item. For example, the information stored in the POSDB 53 can be searched for each item such as product, date and time, customer, store clerk, store, and amount.

[0061] Next, the settlement system will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the settlement system. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display of the calculator. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display of the repeater. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the settlement system.

[0062] FIG. 10 shows an overview of the inside of the store using the settlement system. The customer 85 and the store clerk 86 are facing each other with the calculator 1, the repeater 2, the POS terminal 3, and the receipt printer 4 in between. The store clerk 86 operates the repeater 2 and the POS terminal 3, and the customer 85 operates the calculator 1 and the receipt printer 4.

[0063] The POS terminal 3 and the repeater 2 are connected via a wireless LAN using TCP / IP through the router 80. The POS terminal 3 is connected to the network 6 using TCP / IP through the router 80. The router 80 is connected to a network 6 such as the Internet. In FIG. 10, the POS server 5 arranged outside is not shown, but the POS server 5 is connected to the network 6. The repeater 2 and the cash register 1 are connected by a wired USB. The receipt printer 4 and the POS terminal 3 are connected by a wired USB.

[0064] The store clerk 86 registers the products purchased by the customer using the POS terminal 3. The total sales amount is displayed on the POS terminal 3. The display data described in a markup language including the total sales amount is transmitted to the customer display or the repeater 2. The repeater 2 displays the display data, extracts the sales amount, and outputs it to the cash register 1. In the cash register 1, the sales amount is displayed on the cash register display means 12. The cash register 1 is in a state of accepting payment. The customer makes a payment from the coin insertion slot 81 and the bill insertion slot 82 of the cash register 1. The payment amount, which is the total amount of the deposited currency, is displayed on the cash register display means 12. The cash register 1 transmits the payment amount to the repeater 2 periodically or whenever the payment amount changes. Each time the payment amount is updated, the repeater 2 displays the payment amount and the sales amount, further calculates the change amount, displays the result, and transmits the change amount to the cash register 1. The cash register 1 displays the change amount on the cash register display means 12 and waits for the payment completion button to be pressed by the cash register input means 13. When it detects that the payment completion button has been pressed by the cash register input means 13, it calculates the denomination and number of bills to be paid based on the change amount, outputs the result and the payment instruction to the cash handling means 14, and the cash handling means 14 pays out the change from the change payout slot 83. The customer 85 can deposit currency into the cash register 1 and receive change from the cash register 1. Also, the customer can receive the receipt 84 from the receipt printer 4.

[0065] Next, the operation of the settlement system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and, if necessary, with reference to the example display screens of FIGS. 8 and 9. This is an example where the POS terminal 3 is connected to the repeater 2 and the repeater 2 is connected to the cash register 1. The operation of the POS terminal 3 is controlled by the terminal control means 30, the operation of the repeater 2 is controlled by the repeater control means 20, and the operation of the cash register 1 is controlled by the cash register control means 10, and the settlement system operates. The processing of the POS terminal 3 is from step S1 to step S10. The processing of the repeater 2 is from step S11 to step S15 and from step S23 to step S24. The processing of the cash register 1 is from step S16 to step S22 and from step S25 to step S27. Each device operates independently, acquires data from other devices, and performs processing according to the acquired data.

[0066] First, the processing of the POS terminal 3 will be described. In step S1, the store clerk 86 uses the POS terminal 3 to register the products purchased by the customer 85. At the POS terminal 3, the products are registered one by one in order.

[0067] In step S2, the POS terminal 3 adds the unit prices of the products registered one by one and calculates the total sales amount. The total sales amount is the total of the purchase amounts from the customer's perspective and the total of the sales amounts from the store clerk 86's perspective, which is the payment.

[0068] In step S3, the POS terminal 3 generates display data for display on the customer display. The display data is data in which, for example, according to the specifications and rules of HTML or XML, the number of products registered at a predetermined position and the total sales amount are displayed. By varying the number of products and the total sales amount parts that are added each time a product is registered, the display data can be used to update the display on the customer display.

[0069] In step S4, the POS terminal 3 transmits the display data to the repeater 2. At the repeater 2, processing is performed in response to the reception of the display data. The processing of the repeater 2 will be described later.

[0070] In step S5, it is checked whether the registration of the product has been completed. For example, by touching the payment processing button displayed on the terminal display means 32 of the POS terminal 3, it is input that the registration of the product has been completed. If the registration of the product is completed, the process proceeds to step S6, and if it continues, the process proceeds to step S1.

[0071] In step S6, the POS terminal 3 inputs the amount of money deposited into the cash register 1.

[0072] In step S7, the POS terminal 3 calculates the change amount from the deposited amount input to the POS terminal 3 and the total sales amount obtained by registering the product.

[0073] In step S8, the POS terminal 3 stores the transaction data. The transaction data includes information generated by the transaction, including the date and time, the number of each product, the amount, the total sales amount, the deposited amount, and the change amount. For example, various attribute information such as the customer name, gender, and weather can be included in the transaction data.

[0074] In step S9, the POS terminal 3 generates receipt data for the transaction details and receipt, including information such as the products purchased by the customer, the quantity, the unit price, and the total sales amount, based on the transaction data, and controls the receipt printer 4 to print the receipt.

[0075] In step S10, the POS terminal 3 transmits the transaction data and the receipt data to the POS server 5 and stores them in the POSDB53 which is a database. After the process, it proceeds to step S1 to wait for the registration of the product for the next transaction.

[0076] Next, the processing of the repeater 2 will be described. First, the display screen 70 of the repeater on the repeater display means 22 of the repeater 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. On the display screen 70 of the repeater, a product quantity display column 71, a sales amount display column 72, a payment amount display column 73, a change display column 74, and a product input completion and payment start button 75 are displayed. In the product quantity display column 71, the number of registered products is displayed. In the sales amount display column 72, the total sales amount of the registered products is displayed. In the payment amount display column 73, the payment amount received by the cash register 1 is displayed. In the change display column 74, the change amount obtained by subtracting the total sales amount from the payment amount is displayed. When the product input completion and payment start button 75 is touched, the button is selected, and it is input that the touch has been made to the repeater control means 20, and the corresponding processing is performed.

[0077] Next, the processing of the repeater 2 will be described using a flowchart.

[0078] In step S11, the repeater 2 waits in a state of waiting to receive display data from the POS terminal 3. When the repeater 2 receives the display data from the POS terminal 3, it proceeds to step S12 and the processing starts.

[0079] In step S12, the repeater 2 stores the received display data and extracts the total sales amount from the display data. For example, in the display data described in a markup language, the sales amount is described as text data, and since the position where the sales amount in the display data is described is known in advance, it can be extracted. At this time, the repeater 2 may also extract the data on the number of registered products. Also, if the repeater control means 20 is equipped with a web browser function, the total sales amount can be displayed on the repeater display means 22 of the repeater 2 based on the display data received from the POS terminal 3.

[0080] In step S13, the repeater 2 transmits the extracted total sales amount to the cash register 1. At this time, the repeater 2 may also transmit the data on the number of registered products added.

[0081] In step S14, the process branches according to the input to the relay input means 23 as to whether the cashier 86 performs settlement by the settlement machine 1 depending on whether the registration of the product has been completed. If the registration of the product continues, the process proceeds to step S11, and if it is completed, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0082] In step S15, the relay 2 transmits an instruction for payment processing to the settlement machine 1. After transmitting the instruction, the relay 2 proceeds to step S11 after a predetermined time has elapsed and waits for reception of display data of a new transaction.

[0083] In addition to the above-described processing, the relay 2 is equipped with a function of calculating the change amount and transmitting the calculation result to the settlement machine, which will be described later.

[0084] Next, the processing of the settlement machine 1 will be described. First, the display screen 60 of the settlement machine displayed on the settlement machine display means 12 of the settlement machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. On the display screen 60 of the settlement machine, a sales amount display column 61, a payment amount display column 62, a change display column 63, and a payment completion button 64 are displayed. A quantity display column for displaying the number of registered products may be provided. In the sales amount display column 61, the total sales amount of the registered products received from the relay 2 is displayed. In the payment amount display column 62, the payment amount paid into the settlement machine 1 is displayed. In the change display column 63, the change amount received from the relay 2 is displayed. Since the settlement machine 1 does not display the change amount until it acquires the change amount, the change display column 63 is indicated by a broken line. When the payment completion button 64 is touched, the button is selected, and it is input to the settlement machine control means 10 that it has been touched, and the corresponding processing is performed.

[0085] Next, the processing of the settlement machine 1 will be described using a flowchart.

[0086] In step S16, the settlement machine 1 waits in a state of waiting for reception of sales amount data from the relay 2. When the settlement machine 1 receives the sales amount data from the relay 2, it proceeds to step S17 and the processing is started.

[0087] In step S17, the cash register 1 acquires the sales amount data from the repeater 2. For example, each time a product is registered or at regular intervals such as every second, the sales amount data is transmitted from the repeater 2, so the cash register 1 acquires the new sales amount data.

[0088] In step S18, the cash register 1 displays the sales amount on the cash register display means 12 based on the acquired new sales amount data. At this time, the number of registered products may also be displayed. Since the cash register display means 12 of the cash register 1 is arranged on the customer side, as a customer display, the customer can confirm the registration status of the product.

[0089] In step S19, the cash register 1 checks whether an instruction for payment processing has been received from the repeater 2. If it has been received, it proceeds to step S20; if not, it proceeds to step S16 and waits for data reception from the repeater 2.

[0090] In step S20, the cash register 1 accepts the customer's currency deposit through the coin deposit slot 81 and the bill deposit slot 82. When a coin or bill is deposited into the cash register 1, the cash register 1 determines the denomination of each currency note and acquires the deposit amount of the deposited currency. The deposit process continues until the customer touches the deposit completion button 64, and the deposit amount is displayed on the cash register display means 12. The display on the cash register display means 12 is updated each time the deposit amount changes.

[0091] In step S21, the cash register 1 determines whether the deposit completion button 64 has been touched. If it is determined that it has not been touched, it proceeds to step S20 to continue the deposit process. When the cash register 1 determines that the deposit completion button 64 has been touched and the deposit is complete, after the deposit process of the currency already inserted into the cash register 1 is completed, it proceeds to step S22.

[0092] In step S22, the cash register 1 transmits the data of the deposited amount to the repeater 2. It is preferable that the cash register 1 transmits when the deposited amount becomes equal to or more than the sales amount. Before the change is generated, transmitting data from the cash register 1 to the repeater 2 only increases the load.

[0093] Here, the calculation process of the change amount of the repeater 2 will be described.

[0094] In step S23, when the repeater 2 receives the deposited amount deposited in the cash register 1 from the cash register 1, the repeater 2 performs the process of calculating the change amount. The repeater 2 subtracts the sales amount that the repeater 2 has from the deposited amount received from the cash register to obtain the change amount. The repeater 2 displays the calculated change amount on the repeater display means 22.

[0095] In step S24, the repeater 2 transmits the calculated change amount to the cash register 1.

[0096] Next, the description will return to the process of the cash register 1.

[0097] In step S25, the relay 2 waits for the processing until the change amount of the calculation result is received, and the processing starts when the change amount is received. The cash register 1 needs to pay out change from the currency stored in the cash box for each denomination. Therefore, the cash register 1 calculates the number of sheets for each denomination of the change to be paid out, and performs the process of discharging the currency from the cash box based on the result. The cash register 1 determines the number of sheets to be paid out in order from the higher-denomination currency so that it is less than or equal to the change amount, and determines the number of sheets for each denomination so that the change amount and the paid-out amount are the same. For example, the case where the change amount is 220 yen will be described. First, the denominations and the number of sheets that are less than or equal to 220 yen are obtained in order from the higher-denomination currency. Then, two 100-yen coins are first determined, and the remainder is 20 yen. If there are 0 50-yen coins and 2 10-yen coins, the paid-out amount is 220 yen, and the change amount and the paid-out amount are the same. After the denomination and the number of sheets of the change to be paid out are determined, the cash register 1 displays the change amount in the change display column 63 of the cash register display means 12. After receiving the change amount from the relay 2, the change amount can be displayed in the change display column 63. However, since there may be a case where the currency in the cash box of the cash register 1 is insufficient and the change cannot be paid out, it is preferable to display the change amount after the denomination and the number of sheets of the change amount are determined. Also, it is possible to have this process performed by the relay 2.

[0098] In step S26, the cash register 1 discharges the currency from the cash box to the change payout opening 83 based on the denomination and the number of sheets of the change obtained by the calculation. The customer 85 can receive the change from the change payout opening 83.

[0099] In step S27, after a predetermined time has elapsed, such as 5 seconds later, the cash register 1 resets the display screen 60 of the cash register of the cash register display means 12, returns to step S16, and waits for the data of the next transaction.

[0100] Also, in the payment process of step S20, when the payment amount exceeds the sales amount, the cash register 1 transmits the payment amount of the repeater 2 every time the payment amount changes, performs the processes of step S23 and step S24, obtains the change amount by the cash register 1, and adds a process of displaying the change amount in the change display column 63 of the cash register display means 12. By doing so, the customer can simultaneously confirm the sales amount, the payment amount, and the change amount. Also, the customer can consider whether to continue the payment process and determine whether to input it by the payment completion button 64. Also, the process of calculating the change amount in step S25 can be included in the process of the cash register 1. In this case, the cash register 1 may transmit the change amount to the repeater 2, and the repeater 2 may obtain the change amount, or the repeater 2 may calculate and obtain the change amount independently. As shown on the display screen 70 of the repeater 2, the repeater 2 can obtain and display the sales count, the sales amount, the payment amount, and the change amount.

[0101] Next, another example of the settlement system will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a second example of the settlement system. The difference between the configuration of the second example of the settlement system in FIG. 11 and the configuration of the settlement system in FIG. 1 is whether a credit card payment device 90 and an electronic money payment device 91 for receiving payment by a method other than cash are connected to the POS terminal 3. The credit card payment device 90 is a device that uses a credit card to settle the payment. The credit card payment device 90 is connected to a settlement server (not shown) via a network (not shown) and can perform settlement using a credit card. The electronic money payment device 91 receives payment by reducing the electronic money corresponding to the payment amount from the electronic money pre-charged in the IC card.

[0103] Next, the repeater 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the display of the repeater. The difference between the second example of the display of the repeater in FIG. 12 and the example of the display of the repeater in FIG. 9 is the presence or absence of the cancel button 92. The cancel button 92 is a button for canceling the receipt of payment by the cash register 1. By touching the cancel button 92, an instruction to cancel the receipt of payment in cash is sent from the repeater 2 to the cash register 1.

[0104] Next, a second example of the POS terminal will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the second example of the POS terminal. The difference between the block diagram of the second example of the POS terminal in FIG. 13 and the block diagram of the POS terminal in FIG. 4 is the presence or absence of the credit card payment receiving device 90 and the electronic money payment receiving device 91 connected to the terminal control means 30.

[0105] The credit card payment receiving device 90 is controlled by the terminal control means 30. The credit card payment receiving device 90 communicates with a settlement server connected to a network (not shown) and receives payment by credit card. The terminal control means 30 transmits the sales amount to the credit card payment receiving device 90 and requests settlement of the payment by credit card. After the settlement of the payment by the credit card payment receiving device 90, it notifies the terminal control means 30 that the settlement has been completed or that there is an error.

[0106] The electronic money payment receiving device 91 is controlled by the terminal control means 30. The electronic money payment receiving device 91 receives payment by reducing the electronic money corresponding to the amount of payment from the electronic money stored in the IC card. The terminal control means 30 transmits the sales amount to the electronic money payment receiving device 91, and the electronic money payment receiving device 91 reduces the electronic money corresponding to the amount of payment from the pre-charged electronic money. After the settlement of the payment by the electronic money payment receiving device 91, it notifies the terminal control means 30 that the settlement has been completed or that there is an error.

[0107] Next, the display of the operation panel of the POS terminal will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display of the POS terminal. On the display screen 93 of the POS terminal of the terminal display means 32 of the POS terminal 3, a product quantity display column 94, a product name display column 95, a product unit price display column 96, a sales amount display column 97, a payment amount display column 98, a change display column 99, a cash button 100, a credit card button 101, an electronic money button 102, and a payment processing button 103 are displayed.

[0108] In the product quantity display column 94, the number of registered products is displayed. In the product name display column 95, the registered product name is displayed. In the product unit price display column 96, the unit price of the registered product is displayed. In the sales amount display column 97, the total registered sales amount of the product is displayed. In the payment amount display column 98, the received or deposited amount is displayed. In the change display column 99, the change amount is displayed. When the cash button 100, the credit card button 101, the electronic money button 102, or the payment processing button 103 is touched, the button is selected, and it is input that the touch has been made to the terminal control means 30, and the corresponding process is performed. The cash button 100 is for cash, the credit card button 101 is for credit cards, the electronic money button 102 is for electronic money, and the payment is received. The payment processing button 103 is touched when the registration of the product is completed, and after the product registration is completed, the payment process is performed.

[0109] Next, an example of the operation of the settlement system will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the second operation of the settlement system. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, and 14 as necessary. The POS terminal 3 does not directly perform data communication with the calculator 1. If the calculator 1 is to be added to the POS system, major program changes to the POS system are required. In order to be able to connect the calculator 1 without changing the program of the POS system, the transfer of data from the POS terminal 3 to the calculator 1 is one-way. The calculator 1 can acquire sales amount data from the POS terminal 3 via the repeater 2. By interposing the repeater 2, the repeater 2 can extract the data necessary to control the calculator 1 from the general-purpose data output from the POS terminal 3 and cause the calculator 1 to acquire the data. The function of the repeater 2 may be provided in the calculator 1.

[0110] This is an example in which the POS terminal 3 and the repeater 2 are connected, and the repeater 2 and the calculator 1 are connected. Also, a credit card payment receiver 90 and an electronic money payment receiver 91 are connected to the POS terminal 3 as receivers for payments other than cash. The operation of the POS terminal 3 is controlled by the terminal control means 30, the operation of the repeater 2 is controlled by the repeater control means 20, and the operation of the calculator 1 is controlled by the calculator control means 10, and the settlement system operates. The processing of the POS terminal 3 is from step S30 to step S38. The processing of the repeater 2 is from step S39 to step S46 and from step S57 to step S58. The processing of the calculator 1 is from step S47 to step S56 and from step S59 to step S62. Each device operates independently, acquires data from other devices, and performs processing in response to the acquisition of that data. Here, the parts similar to the flowchart of FIG. 7 will not be described.

[0111] First, the processing of the POS terminal 3 will be described. The processing from step S30 to step S33 is the same as the processing from step S1 to step S4 of FIG. 7.

[0112] In step S34, the POS terminal 3 checks whether the registration of the product is completed. For example, by touching the payment processing button 103 (Fig. 14) displayed on the terminal display means 32 of the POS terminal 3, it can be confirmed that the product registration is completed. If the product registration is completed, the POS terminal 3 proceeds to step S35; if it continues, it proceeds to step S30.

[0113] In step S35, the payment receipt method is selected from the operation panel of the POS terminal 3. The store clerk touches the desired payment receipt method from the cash button 100, credit card button 101, and electronic money button 102 in Fig. 14 to make the selection.

[0114] In step S36, the process corresponding to the payment receipt method selected in step S35 is performed. If the credit card button is selected, the payment is received by credit card. If the electronic money button is selected, the payment is received by electronic money. If the cash button is selected, the payment is received in cash. Also, the POS terminal 3 stores the transaction data. The transaction data includes information generated by the transaction, such as date and time, quantity per product, amount, total sales amount, received amount, change amount, and payment receipt method.

[0115] In step S37, the POS terminal 3 generates receipt data for the transaction details and receipt, including information such as the products purchased by the customer, quantity, unit price, and total sales amount, based on the transaction data, and controls the receipt printer 4 (Fig. 11) to print the receipt.

[0116] In step S38, the POS terminal 3 transmits the transaction data and receipt data to the POS server 5 and stores them in the POSDB53, which is a database. After the process, the POS terminal 3 proceeds to step S30 to wait for the registration of the products for the next transaction.

[0117] Next, the processing of the repeater 2 will be described. First, the display screen 70 of the repeater on the repeater display means 22 of the repeater 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. On the display screen 70 of the repeater, a product quantity display column 71, a sales amount display column 72, a payment amount display column 73, a change display column 74, product input completion, payment start button 75, and cancel button 92 are displayed.

[0118] Steps S39 to S41 are the same processing as steps S11 to S13 in FIG. 7.

[0119] In step S42, the registration of the product is completed, and the processing branches according to the input to the repeater input means 23 regarding whether to settle in cash. For example, the repeater 2 determines whether the product input completion, payment start button 75 has been touched. If the registration of the product continues, the repeater 2 proceeds to step S47, and if it ends, it proceeds to step S43.

[0120] In step S43, the repeater 2 sends an instruction for payment processing to the cash register 1. After sending the instruction, the repeater 2 proceeds to step S44 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0121] In step S44, the repeater 2 determines whether the cash register 1 has received the payment. If the cash register 1 has received the payment, the repeater 2 proceeds to step S39 and waits for the reception of the display data of a new transaction. If the cash register 1 has not received the payment, the repeater 2 proceeds to step S45.

[0122] In step S45, the repeater 2 determines whether to cancel the cash payment at the cash register 1. If the cancel button 92 in FIG. 12 has been touched, the repeater 2 cancels the payment processing at the cash register 1. When the repeater 2 cancels the cash payment at the cash register 1, it proceeds to step S46, and if it does not cancel, it proceeds to step S44. Proceeding to step S44 means waiting for the processing of the repeater 2 until either the payment is received or cancelled.

[0123] In step S46, the repeater 2 sends an instruction to the cash register 1 to stop receiving payment. After sending the instruction, the repeater 2 proceeds to step S39.

[0124] In step S47, the repeater 2 determines whether to stop receiving payment in cash at the cash register 1. If the stop button 92 in FIG. 12 is touched, the repeater 2 stops the process of receiving payment at the cash register 1. If the repeater 2 stops receiving payment in cash at the cash register 1, it proceeds to step S46; if not, it proceeds to step S39. In step S42, the repeater 2 checks whether the stop button 92 in FIG. 12 is touched while the product registration is continuing.

[0125] Next, the process of the cash register 1 will be described.

[0126] In step S48, the cash register 1 waits in a state of waiting to receive data such as the sales amount from the repeater 2. When the cash register 1 receives data such as the sales amount from the repeater 2, it proceeds to step S49 and the process starts.

[0127] In step S49, the cash register 1 determines whether the repeater 2 has received an instruction to stop receiving payment at the cash register 1 from the cash register 1. If the cash register 1 has received the stop instruction, it proceeds to step S50; if not, it proceeds to step S52.

[0128] In step S50, the cash register 1 prohibits accepting deposits and does not accept deposits. Also, if a deposit has already been made, the cash register 1 pays out the deposited amount and proceeds to the next step.

[0129] In step S51, the cash register 1 resets the display, sets the display of the sales amount and the like to 0, and proceeds to step S48. Also, the cash register 1 resets the data of the sales amount acquired from the repeater 2 and waits in a state where no data is being received. By resetting the display of the sales amount and the like, the cash register 1 can inform the customer that the cash register 1 is unavailable. Also, since the device that uses a credit card or an electronic money card displays the sales amount and the like, the customer can confirm the amount of the payment by another device.

[0130] In step S52, the cash register 1 acquires the data of the sales amount from the repeater 2. For example, since the data of the sales amount is transmitted from the repeater 2 every time a product is registered or periodically, such as every second, the cash register 1 acquires the new data of the sales amount.

[0131] In step S53, the cash register 1 displays the sales amount on the cash register display means 12 based on the acquired new data of the sales amount. At this time, the number of registered products may also be displayed. Since the cash register display means 12 of the cash register 1 is arranged on the customer side, as a customer display, the customer can confirm the registration status of the product.

[0132] In step S54, the cash register 1 checks whether an instruction for payment processing has been received from the repeater 2. If an instruction has been received, it proceeds to step S55, and if not, it proceeds to step S48. In step S55, the cash register 1 accepts the payment and proceeds to the next step.

[0133] Steps S56 to S62 are the same as the processes of steps S20 to S26 in FIG. 7.

[0134] In step S63, after a predetermined time has elapsed, such as 5 seconds, the cash register 1 resets the display screen 60 of the cash register of the cash register display means 12 and proceeds to step S64. After transmitting the change amount to the cash register 1 in step S60, the repeater 2 waits for data reception.

[0135] In step S64, the cash register 1 notifies the repeater 2 that the cash register 1 has received the payment. When the payment is received and the notification is sent from the cash register 1 to the repeater 2, the processing of the determination in step S44 is performed by the repeater 2. After this notification, the cash register 1 returns to step S48 and waits for the data of the next transaction.

[0136] When the method of receiving payment is selected by the POS terminal 3 and the result is non-cash payment, the corresponding payment receiving device connected to the POS terminal 3 receives the payment. When cash payment is selected, the cash register 1 receives the payment. In the case of non-cash payment, the cash deposit of the cash register 1 is prohibited. To prohibit the cash deposit of the cash register 1, the store clerk operates the repeater 2 and gives an instruction from the repeater 2 to the cash register 1.

Explanation of Signs

[0137] 1 Cash register 2 Repeater 3 POS terminal 4 Receipt printer 5 POS server 6 Network 60 Display screen of the cash register 70 Display screen of the repeater 80 Router 81 Coin deposit slot 82 Banknote deposit slot 83 Change dispensing outlet 84 Receipt 85 Customer 86 Store clerk

Claims

1. A settlement system comprising a POS system for registering products purchased by customers and displaying the sales amount, and a cash register for receiving payment with a currency inlet, comprising a repeater connected to the POS system and the cash register, wherein the POS system has a first operation panel for registering the products and displaying the sales amount of the registered products, and first communication means for outputting the sales amount to the repeater by communicating with the repeater, wherein the repeater communicates with the POS system, inputs the sales amount output from the POS system, communicates with the cash register, inputs the payment amount output from the cash register, and outputs an instruction to execute processing to the cash register, has a second operation panel for displaying the input sales amount and the payment amount and for making a predetermined input for instructing the cash register to execute a predetermined settlement process, wherein the cash register communicates with the repeater, inputs the instruction output from the repeater, and outputs the payment amount received from the currency inlet to the repeater, and has cash register control means for controlling the execution of the predetermined settlement process based on the input of the instruction for the predetermined settlement process, characterized in that it is a settlement system.

2. The settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the second operation panel displays the change amount, which is the difference between the payment amount and the sales amount.

3. The settlement system according to claim 2, characterized by having repeater control means for calculating the change amount based on the payment amount and the sales amount and controlling the display on the second operation panel.

4. A repeater of a settlement system connected to a POS system and a cash register of a settlement system comprising a POS system for registering products purchased by customers and displaying the sales amount and a cash register for receiving payment with a currency inlet, comprising a second operation panel for input and display, acquiring the sales amount of the products registered and output by the POS system provided with the first operation panel for input and display, acquiring the payment amount received at the currency inlet output from the cash register, displaying the acquired sales amount and the acquired payment amount on the second operation panel, and outputting an instruction to cause the cash register to execute a predetermined settlement process in response to a predetermined input input from the second operation panel.

5. The second communication means outputs the sales amount to the cash register, The third communication means inputs the sales amount output from the repeater, The cash register has a third operation panel for displaying the deposited amount and the sales amount, and the cash register system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

Images