System, monitoring device, program

Abstract

To increase work efficiency at closing time, etc.SOLUTION: In a POS system including a plurality of settlement devices and a monitoring device, the monitoring device comprises: display means for displaying the one or more of settlement devices on a screen in a specifiable manner; instruction accepting means for accepting, via the screen, an execution instruction to execute settlement operation processing to be completed through a plurality of processes by the settlement devices; and control means for controlling the execution of the settlement operation processing in the one or more of settlement devices on the basis of the execution instruction accepted by the instruction accepting means. The instruction accepting means is capable of accepting the execution instruction for the one or more of settlement devices specified via the screen, and is also capable of accepting the execution instruction for all of the settlement devices displayed on the screen in the specifiable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a monitoring device, a program, and a monitoring method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a POS register equipped with a change dispenser (also simply referred to as a change machine; see Patent Document 1) is known. In a POS register equipped with a change dispenser, generally, as a closing process, the amount of money stored in the change dispenser (cash balance / on-hand cash) is adjusted to a reference amount (collecting currency from the change dispenser and storing it in a safe etc., taking out currency from a safe etc. and replenishing the change dispenser) after closing or before opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the above adjustment is performed for each POS register, there is a problem that the working efficiency of the closing process deteriorates when the number of POS registers is large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for improving the working efficiency at the time of closing etc.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, in a POS system according to an aspect of the present invention, in a POS system including a plurality of settlement devices capable of executing at least settlement processing and a monitoring device, the monitoring device includes: display means for displaying on a screen so as to be able to specify one or more of the settlement devices; instruction reception means for receiving an execution instruction for causing the settlement device to execute settlement business processing that is completed through a plurality of steps via the screen; and control means for controlling the execution of the settlement business processing in one or more of the settlement devices based on the execution instruction received by the instruction reception means, and the progress status of the settlement business processing in the settlement device in units of the steps can be displayed for each settlement device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes N POS registers 2-1, POS registers 2-2,..., POS registers 2-N, and a monitoring device (also referred to as a management device) 3. Each device is connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, in addition to the above, a store controller 4 is also connected to the LAN. When not particularly distinguishing each of the POS registers 2-1, POS registers 2-2,..., POS registers 2-N, they are collectively referred to as the POS register 2.

[0009] The POS register 2 is mainly a device for performing a registration process of registering purchased goods and an accounting process (also referred to as an accounting process or a settlement process) mainly for settling the price of the registered goods. That is, the POS register 2 is a device that combines the function of a registration device mainly performing the registration process and the function of an accounting device mainly performing the accounting process.

[0010] The monitoring device 3 (for example, a personal computer) monitors, for example, the operating status of each POS register 2. For example, the monitoring device 3 monitors whether each POS register 2 is in the accounting process and whether there are unaccounted transactions (transactions for which the accounting process is incomplete) in each POS register 2. Details of the monitoring device 3 will be described later.

[0011] The store controller 4 (for example, a server) receives and stores a product master from the outside (for example, a server installed at the head office). The product master is a file that stores (holds) product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name, and selling price of each product. In addition, the store controller 4 transmits the transaction information processed (generated) by the POS register 2 to the outside.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an example of a front view and a side view of the appearance of the POS register 2 included in the POS system 1. FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrical circuit of the POS register 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram regarding the closing process. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the entire POS register 2 and is connected to each of the other illustrated components. Details of the operation of the CPU 11 will be described later.

[0013] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 12 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various information. The ROM 12 stores, for example, a program executed by the CPU 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various information. The RAM 13 stores, for example, information read from the ROM 12 by the CPU 11 (e.g., the above program), information processed by the CPU 11, and the like. Reference numeral 22 denotes a hard disk that stores various information. The hard disk 22 stores, for example, information acquired from the store controller 4 (e.g., product master), information processed by the CPU 11, and the like.

[0014] In FIGS. 2 and 3, reference numeral 14 denotes a display unit for clerks that functions as a display unit for displaying information to clerks according to the control of the CPU 11 and also functions as an operation unit for receiving input operations from clerks (touch panel). Reference numeral 15 denotes an operation unit for performing input of numerical data such as completion input of product registration and input of the amount of money deposited received from customers at the time of settlement. Reference numeral 16 denotes a display unit for customers that displays information to customers according to the control of the CPU 11.

[0015] In FIGS. 2 and 3, reference numeral 17 denotes an automatic change dispenser that controls the receipt and payment of money (cash) to a storage unit 30 (not shown in FIG. 3) where money is stored. Regarding the relationship between the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17, in the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic change dispenser 17 is built into the POS register 2, but the automatic change dispenser 17 may be connected to the POS register 2. Note that regarding the relationship between the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17, when the automatic change dispenser 17 built into the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17 connected to the POS register 2 are not particularly distinguished, both are also referred to as the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2. Further, when the POS register 2 having the automatic change dispenser 17 built therein and the POS register 2 connected to the automatic change dispenser 17 are not particularly distinguished, both are also referred to as the POS register 2 having the automatic change dispenser 17 built therein or the like.

[0016] The automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 is used when settling the price of registered products in cash at the POS register 2. The automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 has a banknote insertion slot (not shown) for inserting currency (banknotes), a coin insertion slot (reference numeral 17b in Fig. 2) for inserting currency (coins), a banknote ejection slot (not shown) for ejecting currency (banknotes), a coin ejection slot (reference numeral 17a in Fig. 2) for ejecting currency (coins), a counting unit (not shown) for counting the currency inserted or ejected, and a currency transport mechanism (not shown) between the insertion or ejection slot and the storage unit 30. Note that the banknote insertion slot and the coin insertion slot are also referred to as the deposit insertion slots. The banknote ejection slot and the coin ejection slot are also referred to as the change ejection slots. Note that the banknote insertion slot and the banknote ejection slot may be common, and the coin insertion slot and the coin ejection slot may be common.

[0017] The automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 counts the currency inserted through the change insertion slot and stores it in the storage unit 30 according to the control of the CPU 11. Also, the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 counts the currency to be ejected and ejects it from the change ejection slot according to the control of the CPU 11. For example, the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 counts the currency received from the customer at the time of settlement, stores it in the storage unit 30, counts the currency to be given as change to the customer at the time of settlement, and ejects it from the change ejection slot.

[0018] Also, the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 counts the currency replenished during the closing process and stores it in the storage unit 30. The automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 counts the currency to be withdrawn during the closing process and ejects it from the change ejection slot. Note that the closing process is a process of adjusting the amount of money (cash balance / cash on hand) stored in the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 to the reference amount after closing or before opening. The closing process includes a money replenishment process of replenishing the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 with currency and a money collection process of collecting currency from the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17. That is, the automatic change and ticket vending machine 17 executes a money collection process and / or a money replenishment process as the closing process according to the control of the CPU 11.

[0019] The POS register 2 incorporating the automatic change dispenser and ticket vending machine 17 may execute the closing process by the automatic change dispenser and ticket vending machine 17 according to an operation in the POS register 2 (for example, an operation of the operation unit 15), or may execute the closing process by the automatic change dispenser and ticket vending machine 17 according to an instruction from another device such as the monitoring device 3. Further, conditions may be set for the execution of the closing process. For example, when an employee (person in charge) who performs the closing process is identified, the execution of the closing process may be permitted, or when the identified employee is given the authority to execute the closing process, the execution of the closing process may be permitted. In addition, execution conditions may be set for either or both of the money replenishment process or the money collection process in the closing process. From the above, as an example, the automatic change dispenser and ticket vending machine 17 may execute the closing process (at least the money collection process) when the closing process execution control information for controlling the execution of the closing process transmitted from the monitoring device 3 and the employee identification information of the employee who performs the closing process are obtained.

[0020] The POS register 2 incorporating the automatic change dispenser and ticket vending machine 17 executes a closing process (money replenishment process, money collection process) based on predetermined conditions. For example, the closing process is executed so as to satisfy all or part of the following conditions (Condition 1, Condition 2).

[0021] (Condition 1) All banknotes of the highest denomination (10,000 yen note at the current time) are collected (see Fig. 4(a)). (Condition 2) The total collected amount of coins of all denominations (total coin collected amount) is set as the fractional amount less than a predetermined amount of the total amount of coins of all denominations (total coin amount) (see Fig. 4(a)).

[0022] Therefore, for example, the POS register 2 may collect all the ten-thousand-yen bills in the automatic change dispenser 17 during the money collection process based on Condition 1. For example, when there are 30 ten-thousand-yen bills remaining in the automatic change dispenser 17 when the POS register 2 executes the money collection process, the POS register 2 collects all 30 of these ten-thousand-yen bills during the money collection process. Also, the POS register 2 may give priority to collecting bills over coins during the money collection process based on Condition 2 so that there is no fractional amount less than one thousand yen in the total amount of coins after the money collection process. For example, when the POS register 2 collects 53,038 yen worth of currency (including 51,000 yen in bills and 2,038 yen in coins) remaining in the automatic change dispenser 17 when executing the money collection process, it collects {53,000 yen in bills and 38 yen in coins} instead of {51,000 yen in bills and 2,038 yen in coins} or {52,000 yen in bills and 1,038 yen in coins}. According to Condition 2, the number of coins to be collected is reduced, so the work becomes easier compared to the case of collecting a large number of coins. That is, the collection of coins, which is larger in quantity (number of pieces) compared to bills of the same amount, is reduced as much as possible. For example, carrying after collection becomes easier.

[0023] In addition, the POS register 2 incorporating the automatic change dispenser 17 or the like may execute the closing process so as to satisfy all or part of the following conditions (Condition 3, Condition 4, Condition 5) instead of or in addition to the above conditions (Condition 1, Condition 2).

[0024] (Condition 3) After the closing process, the total amount (total paper currency and coin amount) obtained by adding the total amount of all paper currency (five-thousand-yen bills, two-thousand-yen bills, one-thousand-yen bills) excluding the highest-denomination paper currency and the total coin amount is made to be equal to or greater than the total paper currency and coin reference amount (total remaining amount of paper currency and coins) (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)). Note that it may be set to be the minimum amount equal to or greater than the total paper currency and coin reference amount while considering other conditions. (Condition 4) After the closing process, the total paper currency amount is made to be equal to or greater than the total paper currency reference amount (remaining amount of paper currency) (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)). (Condition 5) After the store closing process, the total amount of 5,000-yen bills shall be equal to or greater than the 5,000-yen bill reference amount (the remaining amount of 5,000-yen bills) (see Figs. 4(a) and 4(c)), and the total amount of 2,000-yen bills shall be equal to or greater than the 2,000-yen bill reference amount (the remaining amount of 2,000-yen bills) (see Figs. 4(a) and 4(d)), and the total amount of 1,000-yen bills shall be equal to or greater than the 1,000-yen bill reference amount (the remaining amount of 1,000-yen bills) (see Figs. 4(a) and 4(e)). That is, the total amount of each bill excluding the highest-denomination bill shall be equal to or greater than the reference amount for each denomination of bill (the remaining amount of each denomination of bill). When 2,000-yen bills are not used as change, the 2,000-yen bill reference amount shall be 0 yen.

[0025] That is, when there are Conditions 1 to 5 as predetermined conditions, the POS register 2 may execute the store closing process in accordance with at least one of Conditions 1 and 2 and at least one of Conditions 3 to 5, or may execute the store closing process in accordance with at least one of Conditions 1 and 2 (the store closing process may be executed without considering Conditions 3 to 5), or may execute the store closing process in accordance with at least one of Conditions 3 to 5 (the store closing process may be executed without considering Conditions 1 and 2).

[0026] Therefore, for example, based on Conditions 2, 3, and 5, the POS register 2 may execute the store closing process so that there is no fractional amount less than the predetermined amount in the total amount of coins, and the total amount of bills and coins is equal to or greater than the total reference amount of bills and coins, and the total amount of each bill excluding the highest-denomination bill is equal to or greater than the reference amount for each denomination of bill (the total amount of 5,000-yen bills is equal to or greater than the 5,000-yen bill reference amount, and the total amount of 2,000-yen bills is equal to or greater than the 2,000-yen bill reference amount, and the total amount of 1,000-yen bills is equal to or greater than the 1,000-yen bill reference amount).

[0027] In addition, the automatic change dispenser 17 manages the current number of each denomination (the number currently stored) according to the control of the CPU 11. Specifically, the automatic change dispenser 17 manages the latest information regarding the current number of each denomination (hereinafter referred to as current number information). For example, when currency is inserted, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates (adds) the current number information based on the inserted number of each denomination (the deposited number), and when currency is dispensed, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates (subtracts) the current number information based on the dispensed number of each denomination (the withdrawn number). Also, when currency is inserted or dispensed, the automatic change dispenser 17 stores the deposit history information including information such as the inserted number of each denomination and the withdrawal history information including information such as the dispensed number of each denomination.

[0028] Note that the current number information, the deposit history information, and the withdrawal history information may be stored inside the automatic change dispenser 17 (for example, in a storage area (not shown) provided in the automatic change dispenser 17), or may be stored outside the automatic change dispenser 17 (for example, in the hard disk 22).

[0029] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 18 denotes a scanner unit that reads code information (barcode). The scanner unit 18 supplies the read data to the CPU 11. For example, the scanner unit 18 reads the code information (for example, JAN code) affixed to a product and supplies the data to the CPU 11. Also, for example, the scanner unit 18 reads the code information printed on an employee card and supplies the data to the CPU 11. Although the scanner unit 18 is not shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 18 may be configured to be wired-connected to the device main body of the POS register 2 and transmit the read data to the device main body by wire, or may be configured to be wirelessly connected to the device main body and transmit the read data to the device main body wirelessly.

[0030] In FIGS. 2 and 3, reference numeral 19 denotes a printing unit that issues printed matter according to the control of the CPU 11. For example, after the completion of the settlement process, the printing unit 19 prints the detailed information of the purchased goods and the like on a printing medium and issues it as a receipt.

[0031] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 20 denotes a communication unit that communicates with the outside via a LAN in accordance with the control of the CPU 11. Specifically, the communication unit 20 appropriately receives a product master from the store controller 4. Further, after completion of the settlement process, the communication unit 20 transmits transaction information to the store controller 4.

[0032] In addition, the communication unit 20 transmits the processing status to the monitoring device 3. For example, the communication unit 20 transmits a notice indicating the completion of the registration process to the monitoring device 3 when the registration process is completed, and transmits a notice indicating the completion of the settlement process to the monitoring device 3 when the settlement process is completed. Note that, in addition to the above, the communication unit 20 may transmit a notice indicating the start of the registration process or a notice indicating the start of the settlement process to the monitoring device 3.

[0033] In addition, the communication unit 20 transmits the current number information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3. For example, the communication unit 20 transmits the current number information of the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3 when there is a change (increase or decrease) in the current number of the POS register 2. Also, for example, instead of or in addition to the above, when the communication unit 20 receives a current number information request from the monitoring device 3, the communication unit 20 may transmit (respond with) the current number information of the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3. Note that, similarly, the communication unit 20 may transmit the current number information to other POS registers 2. That is, the communication unit 20 may transmit the current number information to the other POS register 2 when there is a change in the current number of the POS register 2 or when the communication unit 20 receives a current number information request from the other POS register 2. That is, the POS register 2 can receive the current number information from the other POS register 2 when there is a change in the current number of the other POS register 2, or by transmitting a current number information request to the other POS register 2.

[0034] Similarly, the communication unit 20 may transmit the deposit history information and withdrawal history information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3 or the like. For example, the communication unit 20 may transmit the deposit history information and withdrawal history information to the monitoring device 3 or the like in response to a request.

[0035] In addition, the communication unit 20 may transmit information (hereinafter referred to as change near-end information) for notifying that the number of coins in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 (own device) is close to zero (i.e., that it is at the change near-end), and information (hereinafter referred to as change near-full information) for notifying that the number of coins in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 is close to the storage allowable limit number (i.e., that it is at the change near-full) to the monitoring device 3 (or another POS register 2).

[0036] In addition to the communication unit 20 that communicates with the outside via a LAN, the POS register 2 may be provided with a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the outside by short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, RFID, infrared communication).

[0037] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes an imaging unit (camera) that performs imaging according to the control of the CPU 11. For example, the imaging unit 21 images a store clerk who operates the POS register 2 and a customer who is receiving product registration or settlement by the POS register 2. Although the imaging unit 21 is not shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 21 may be configured to be connected to the device main body of the POS register 2 by wire and transmit the captured image to the device main body by wire, or may be configured to be connected to the device main body wirelessly and transmit the captured image to the device main body wirelessly.

[0038] Subsequently, the monitoring device 3 will be described. The monitoring device 3 includes at least a control unit (CPU) that controls the entire monitoring device 3, a storage unit (ROM, RAM) that stores various information, a display unit (display) that displays various information, and a communication unit that communicates with the outside.

[0039] The monitoring device 3 displays the processing status (e.g., settlement status) by the POS register 2 on the display unit. For example, the monitoring device 3 displays whether each POS register 2 is in the settlement process or whether there is an unsettled transaction in each POS register 2 based on notifications (e.g., a notification indicating the completion of the registration process, a notification indicating the start of the settlement process, a notification indicating the completion of the settlement process) transmitted from each POS register 2.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen. The monitoring device 3 may display a list of the settlement statuses of all the POS registers 2 (scroll display if the number of POS registers 2 is large). For example, when there are eight POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8) on a LAN, the monitoring device 3 may display, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the settlement status near each icon (for example, at the lower part as shown in the figure) together with an image (icon) imitating each POS register 2. In FIG. 5(a), the text "In use" at the lower part of the icon of POS4 indicates that the POS4 is in the process of settlement (during settlement), and the text "Unsettled" at the lower part of the icon of POS6 indicates that there is an unsettled transaction in the POS6.

[0041] Note that the monitoring device 3 may also display the settlement status grouped together as shown in FIG. 5(b). In the case of FIG. 5(b), the icons of the POS registers 2 (POS4) in the process of settlement, the icons of the POS registers 2 (POS6) with unsettled transactions, and the icons of the other POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) are displayed in different areas respectively. Also, when the POS registers 2 are pre-grouped into a plurality of groups, the monitoring device 3 may display the settlement status for each group as shown in FIG. 5(c). In the case of FIG. 5(c), the icons of the POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS4) belonging to Group 1 and the icons of the POS registers 2 (POS5 to POS8) belonging to Group 2 are displayed in different areas respectively. Note that the number of groups may be three or more.

[0042] In addition, the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of the closing process in the POS register 2. Specifically, the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of the closing process in one or more POS registers 2 via the screen that displays the settlement status.

[0043] (when displaying the settlement status as shown in FIG. 5(a)) When the "store closing process" is simply pressed without specifying the POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 transmits store closing process execution control information to all other POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for the POS register 2 (POS4) in the settlement process and the POS register 2 (POS6) with un-settled transactions. Each of the POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) that has received the store closing process execution control information executes the store closing process according to the store closing process execution control information after employee identification information is read in each device.

[0044] Also, when the "store closing process" is simply pressed without specifying the POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 may also transmit store closing process execution control information to the POS register 2 (POS4) in the settlement process and the POS register 2 (POS6) with un-settled transactions. That is, the monitoring device 3 may transmit store closing process execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8). In the case of the mode of transmitting store closing process execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8), the POS register 2 (POS4) in the settlement process and the POS register 2 (POS6) with un-settled transactions may ignore the store closing process execution control information, or may transmit (respond) a notification (response information) indicating that the store closing process cannot be executed to the monitoring device 3. When the monitoring device 3 receives a notification indicating that the store closing process cannot be executed from the POS registers 2 (POS4, POS6), it may notify that fact (for example, display a message).

[0045] Note that in the example of Fig. 5(a), even before the "store closing process" button is pressed, the text "In use" is displayed in association with the icon of the POS register 2 (POS4) during the settlement process, and the text "Unsettled" is displayed in association with the icon of the POS register 2 (POS6) where there is an unsettled transaction. However, the text "In use" or "Unsettled" may also be displayed after the "store closing process" button is pressed. In the case of the mode where the text "In use" or "Unsettled" is displayed after the "store closing process" button is pressed, when the "store closing process" is simply pressed without specifying the POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 transmits the store closing process execution control information to all the POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8), and based on the notification received from the POS register 2 (POS4) during the settlement process that the store closing process cannot be executed (i.e., it is during the settlement process), the text "In use" is displayed in association with the icon of the POS register 2 (POS4) during the settlement process. Based on the notification received from the POS register 2 (POS6) where there is an unsettled transaction that the store closing process cannot be executed (i.e., there is an unsettled transaction), the text "Unsettled" is displayed in association with the icon of the POS register 2 (POS6) where there is an unsettled transaction. Alternatively, the monitoring device 3 may transmit the store closing process execution control information to all the other POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) excluding the POS register 2 during the settlement process and the POS register 2 (POS4, POS6) where there is an unsettled transaction, and based on the information regarding the processing status grasped (stored) at the time when the "store closing process" is pressed, the text "In use" or "Unsettled" may be displayed. The same applies to the case where the settlement status is displayed as shown in Fig. 5(c).

[0046] In the mode of displaying the words "In use" or "Unsettled" after pressing the "Store closing process", it may be set to require confirmation. For example, when the words "In use" or "Unsettled" are displayed after pressing the "Store closing process" (i.e., when there is a POS register 2 in the process of settlement or a POS register 2 in the process of settlement exists), and when the words "In use" or "Unsettled" are not displayed after pressing the "Store closing process" (i.e., when there is no POS register 2 in the process of settlement or a POS register 2 in the process of settlement does not exist), in either case, when the "Store closing process" is pressed again after pressing the "Store closing process", the monitoring device 3 may resend the store closing process execution control information. In other words, all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8) may send response information indicating whether they can execute the store closing process to the monitoring device 3 when receiving the store closing process execution control information (the first time) from the monitoring device 3, and then execute the store closing process when receiving the store closing process execution control information (the second time) from the monitoring device 3. In this example, the monitoring device 3 receives the store closing process execution control information (the second time) for all other POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for the POS register 2 in the process of settlement and the POS register 2 (POS4, POS6) with unsettled transactions. The same applies to the case where the settlement status is displayed as shown in Fig. 5(c).

[0047] Also, when the "Store closing process" is pressed not simply without specifying a POS register 2, but with the specification of a POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 may control the execution of the store closing process for the specified one or more POS registers 2. For example, it may be possible to specify one or more POS registers 2 by pressing an icon (for example, the specified state / non-specified state can be switched each time it is pressed), and when the "Store closing process" button is pressed, send the store closing process execution control information to the one or more POS registers 2 in the specified state.

[0048] Note that when the "store closing process" is pressed without specifying the POS register 2, it is the same as the state where the "store closing process" is pressed with the specification of all POS registers 2. Therefore, when there are POS registers 2 in the specified POS registers 2 that are in the settlement process or POS registers 2 with un-settled transactions, the operation is the same as when the "store closing process" is pressed without specifying the POS register 2 when there are POS registers 2 in the settlement process or POS registers 2 with un-settled transactions. For example, when POS3, POS4, and POS5 are specified and the "store closing process" is pressed, the monitoring device 3 may send the store closing process execution control information to POS3 and POS5 excluding POS4 that is in the settlement process, or may send the store closing process execution control information to all of POS3, POS4, and POS5. Also, regarding the mode of displaying the words "in use" or "un-settled" after pressing the "store closing process", the operation when the "store closing process" is pressed with the specification of the POS register 2 is the same as the operation when the "store closing process" is pressed without specifying the POS register 2. For example, when POS3, POS4, and POS5 are specified and the "store closing process" is pressed, the monitoring device 3 may send the store closing process execution control information to all of POS3, POS4, and POS5, and based on the notification that the store closing process cannot be executed (indicating that it is in the settlement process) received from POS4 that is in the settlement process as a response, may display the word "in use" associated with the icon of POS4 that is in the settlement process, or may send the store closing process execution control information to POS3 and POS5 excluding POS4 that is in the settlement process, and based on the information regarding the processing status grasped (stored) at the time of pressing the "store closing process", may display the word "in use". Also, regarding the mode of requesting confirmation, the operation when the "store closing process" is pressed with the specification of the POS register 2 is the same as the operation when the "store closing process" is pressed without specifying the POS register 2.For example, when POS3, POS4, and POS5 are specified and the "store closing process" is pressed, the monitoring device 3 sends store closing process execution control information (first time) to all of POS3, POS4, and POS5. Each POS register 2 (POS3, POS4, POS5) that has received the store closing process execution control information (first time) sends response information indicating whether it can execute the store closing process to the monitoring device 3. When the "store closing process" is pressed again, the monitoring device 3 sends store closing process execution control information (second time) to POS3 and POS5 that have sent response information indicating that the store closing process can be executed. Each POS register 2 (POS3, POS5) that has received the store closing process execution control information (second time) may execute the store closing process.

[0049] (When the settlement status is displayed as shown in Fig. 5(b)) When the monitoring device 3 is pressed without specifying a POS register 2 and simply the "store closing process" is pressed, similar to the case where the settlement status is displayed as shown in Fig. 5(a), the monitoring device 3 sends store closing process execution control information to all other POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for the POS register 2 (POS4) in the settlement process and the POS register 2 (POS6) with un-settled transactions.

[0050] When the "store closing process" is pressed not without specifying a POS register 2 but together with the specification of a POS register 2 within the display area of a POS register 2 other than the POS register 2 in the settlement process or the POS register 2 with un-settled transactions, the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of the store closing process for one or more POS registers 2 specified from within the above area. Note that it may be configured not to accept specifications from within the display area of the POS register 2 in the settlement process or within the display area of the POS register 2 with un-settled transactions.

[0051] Regarding the mode of displaying the text "In use" or "Unsettled" after pressing the "Store Closing Process", as shown in FIG. 5(b), the settlement status may be displayed only when there is a POS register 2 that is in the process of settlement or a POS register 2 with unsettled transactions after pressing the "Store Closing Process". That is, before pressing the "Store Closing Process", the settlement status is displayed as shown in FIG. 5(a) (the text "In use" and "Unsettled" are not displayed), and after pressing the "Store Closing Process", when receiving a notification that the store closing process cannot be executed from the POS register 2 (that is, it is in the process of settlement or there are unsettled transactions), or based on the information regarding the processing status grasped (stored) at the time of pressing the "Store Closing Process", the settlement status may be displayed as shown in FIG. 5(b). Note that, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the settlement status may be displayed until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined operation is performed, and then may return to the original settlement status as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0052] (When the settlement status is displayed as shown in FIG. 5(c)) The monitoring device 3 may control the execution of the store closing process for each group when displaying the settlement status for each group. For example, the display area of group 1 can be switched between the designated state and the non-designated state for each press (similarly for the display area of group 2), and when the "Store Closing Process" button is pressed, the store closing process execution control information may be sent to all POS registers 2 belonging to the group in the designated state (or POS registers 2 other than the POS register 2 in the process of settlement or the POS register 2 with unsettled transactions). For example, in FIG. 5(c), when the "Store Closing Process" button is pressed and group 1 is in the designated state and group 2 is in the non-designated state, the monitoring device 3 sends the store closing process execution control information to POS1 to POS4 (or POS1 to POS3). When the "Store Closing Process" button is pressed and group 2 is in the designated state and group 1 is in the non-designated state, the monitoring device 3 sends the store closing process execution control information to POS5 to POS8 (or POS5, POS7, POS8). When the "Store Closing Process" button is pressed and both group 1 and group 2 are in the designated state, the monitoring device 3 sends the store closing process execution control information to POS1 to POS8 (or POS1 to POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8).

[0053] In addition, when "store closing process" is simply pressed without specifying a group, an error message or the like may be displayed, or store closing process execution control information may be transmitted to all POS registers 2 belonging to all groups (or POS registers 2 other than POS registers 2 in the process of settlement or POS registers 2 with unsettled transactions where there are no unsettled or in - settlement transactions). Also, when "store closing process" is pressed together with the specification of POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 may control the execution of the store closing process for the specified one or more POS registers 2. When specifying a plurality of POS registers 2, it may be limited to the specification of a plurality of POS registers 2 in the same group, or may not be limited.

[0054] As described above, the control unit of the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of the store closing process for all of a plurality of POS registers 2 where there are no unsettled or in - settlement transactions, or for one or more POS registers 2 specified by the user and where there are no unsettled or in - settlement transactions, or for one or more POS registers 2 specified by the user as POS registers 2 where there are no unsettled or in - settlement transactions, or for the POS registers 2 included in each of one or more groups specified by the user, or for the POS registers 2 included in each of one or more groups specified by the user and where there are no unsettled or in - settlement transactions.

[0055] Also, the monitoring device 3 displays the currency information of the POS register 2 as shown in Fig. 5(d). Specifically, the monitoring device 3 displays the currency information of the POS register 2 based on the current number information acquired (received) from the POS register 2. Fig. 5(d) shows the current amount by currency type (the amount currently stored) of a certain POS register 2 displayed as currency information.

[0056] In addition, the monitoring device 3 calculates the amount of each type of currency required for the money replenishment process of the closing process based on the current amount of each type of currency in each of one or more POS registers 2 that are the targets of the closing process execution. For example, the monitoring device 3 calculates the amount of each type of currency based on the current number information acquired (received) from each POS register 2. Also, when calculating the above amount, the monitoring device 3 may send a current number information request to each POS register 2 to acquire the current number information and calculate the amount of each type of currency, or may appropriately (each time the current number increases or decreases) use the current number information sent from each POS register 2 to calculate the amount of each type of currency.

[0057] Note that the monitoring device 3 may send the closing process execution control information and the current number information request simultaneously. For example, the monitoring device 3 may send the closing process execution control information including the current number information request.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the closing process of the POS system 1. It is assumed that the closing processes of three POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3) are performed based on a user's designation or the like.

[0059] (Operation of the monitoring device 3) Step S10: The monitoring device 3 sends the closing process execution control information including the current number information request to each POS register 2. Step S11: The monitoring device 3 displays the currency information (amount information for each type of currency) of each POS register 2 based on the current number information sent from each POS register 2. Step S12: The monitoring device 3 calculates, based on the currency information of each POS register 2, the amount of money to be collected for each type of currency in each POS register 2, the amount of replenishment for each type of currency in each POS register 2, the amount of reserve money for each type of currency to be prepared when executing the closing process, and so on. Step S13: The monitoring device 3 transmits information regarding the amount calculated in step S12. For example, the monitoring device 3 transmits information indicating the collected amount / supplemented amount by currency type to each POS register 2. Further, the monitoring device 3 transmits reserve amount information indicating the reserve amount to a reserve device (for example, a device installed in an office or the like for storing sales money and reserve money). Step S14: The monitoring device 3 displays a report indicating that the closing process has been completed based on the closing process completion notification transmitted from each POS register 2. Then, the flowchart of the monitoring device 3 ends.

[0060] (Operation of each POS register 2) Step S20: Each POS register 2 transmits current number information to the monitoring device 3 as a response to the current number information request included in the closing process execution control information transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S10. Step S30: Each POS register 2 executes a closing process. Details will be described later. Step S40: Each POS register 2 transmits a closing process completion notification to the monitoring device 3. Then, the flowchart of each POS register 2 ends.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example (operation example as the first aspect) of the closing process (step S30 in FIG. 6) in the POS register 2. The closing process in FIG. 7 is performed in the order of money collection process at POS1 → money collection process at POS2 → money collection process at POS3 → money replenishment process at POS1 → money replenishment process at POS2 → money replenishment process at POS3. The store clerk first moves to POS1.

[0062] Step S31-1: POS1 determines whether or not it has acquired employee information. For example, POS1 determines that it has acquired employee information when the code information printed on the employee card is read. If employee information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S32-1. Step S32-1: POS1 executes the money collection process. Based on the information indicating the amount of money collected by currency type at POS1 transmitted from the monitoring device 3, POS1 discharges the currency. The store clerk moves to POS2 with the currency collected from POS1.

[0063] Step S31-2: Similar to POS1, POS2 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired employee information, it proceeds to step S32-2. Step S32-2: Similar to POS1, POS2 executes the money collection process. The store clerk moves to POS3 with the currency collected from POS1 and POS2.

[0064] Step S31-3: Similar to POS1 and POS2, POS3 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired employee information, it proceeds to step S32-3. Step S32-3: Similar to POS1 and POS2, POS3 executes the money collection process. The store clerk moves to the reserve money device with the currency collected from POS1, POS2, and POS3. The store clerk stores the currency collected from POS1, POS2, and POS3 in the reserve money device. Subsequently, the store clerk outputs the currency to be replenished to any one of POS1, POS2, and POS3 from the reserve money device. Note that the reserve money device outputs the necessary number of currencies for each currency type required in the money replenishment process based on the reserve money amount information transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S13 according to operations by the store clerk, etc. The store clerk moves to POS1 with the currency output from the reserve money device.

[0065] Step S33-1: Similar to before performing the money collection process, POS1 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired employee information, it proceeds to step S34-1. Step S34-1: POS1 executes a money replenishment process. POS1 replenishes currency based on the information indicating the replenishment amount for each currency type at POS1 transmitted from the monitoring device 3. For example, the store clerk may insert all the currency output from the reserve money device into POS1, and POS1 stores the replenishment amount (the number of bills for each currency type indicated by the information indicating the replenishment amount) from the inserted currency and discharges the excess currency. The store clerk moves to POS2 with the currency that has not been replenished to POS1 among the currency output from the reserve money device.

[0066] Step S33-2: Similar to POS1, POS2 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired employee information, it proceeds to Step S34-2. Step S34-2: Similar to POS1, POS2 executes a money replenishment process. The store clerk moves to POS3 with the currency that has not been replenished to POS1 or POS2 among the currency output from the reserve money device.

[0067] Step S33-3: Similar to POS1 and POS2, POS3 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired employee information, it proceeds to Step S34-3. Step S34-3: Similar to POS1 and POS2, POS3 executes a money replenishment process. Then, the flowchart of FIG. 7 (Step S30 in FIG. 6) ends.

[0068] Note that POS1 may display a message as shown in FIG. 5(e) until the employee code is read in Step S30-1 and Step S33-1. The same applies to POS2 and POS3. Also, when money is discharged in Step S32-1, POS1 may display a message as shown in FIG. 5(f). The same applies to POS2 and POS3.

[0069] Also, POS1 determines whether it has acquired employee information both before performing the money collection process and before performing the money replenishment process (steps S31-1 and S33-1), but the above determination before performing the money replenishment process may be omitted. The same applies to POS2 and POS3. The same also applies to the flowchart of FIG. 10 described later.

[0070] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the store closing process in the POS register 2. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the store closing process (operation example as the first aspect) in the POS register 2. FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) are examples of the current amounts of POS1, POS2, and POS3 at a certain point in time. FIG. 8(d) is an example of the reference amount regarding the conditions for the store closing process. According to FIG. 8(d), the total reference amount of banknotes and coins is 100,000 yen, the total reference amount of banknotes is 80,000 yen, the reference amount of 5,000-yen bills is 50,000 yen, the reference amount of 2,000-yen bills is 0 yen, the reference amount of 1,000-yen bills is 30,000 yen, and the maximum of the total collected amount of coins (fractional amount) is 999 yen. In the case of the example in FIG. 8(d), if all the conditions of the reference amount of 5,000-yen bills (50,000 yen), the reference amount of 2,000-yen bills (0 yen), and the reference amount of 1,000-yen bills (30,000 yen) are satisfied, the condition of the total reference amount of banknotes (80,000 yen) is also satisfied, so the total reference amount of banknotes (80,000 yen) may not be used as a condition.

[0071] When the various reference amounts are the amounts shown in FIG. 8(d) and the current amounts of POS1 to POS3 at the start of the flowchart in FIG. 7 are the amounts shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c), in the money collection processes of POS1 (step S32-1 in FIG. 7), POS2 (step S32-2 in FIG. 7), and POS3 (step S32-3 in FIG. 7), as shown in FIG. 9(a), the currency is collected.

[0072] For example, in the money collection process of POS1, POS1 releases all 20 ten-thousand-yen bills (20 bills: 200,000 yen) (Condition 1). Also, POS1 releases an amount less than the predetermined amount (999 yen) (370 yen) as the total collected coin amount (Condition 2). Further, as long as the total paper currency and coin amount (excluding the 370 yen of the collected amount) is equal to or more than the total paper currency and coin reference amount (100,000 yen) and is the minimum amount (Condition 3), two five-thousand-yen bills (2 bills: 10,000 yen) are released. In the example of FIG. 9, POS1 releases two five-thousand-yen bills (2 bills: 10,000 yen) instead of ten one-thousand-yen bills (10 bills: 10,000 yen) so that the number of collected bills is minimized. Note that the 370 yen of the collected coins may be released using the minimum number of coins (also, the type and number of coins to be collected may be determined considering the reference number of coins for each denomination).

[0073] After the above money collection process of POS1, for the total amount of two-thousand-yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ two-thousand-yen bill reference amount (0 bills: 0 yen), the total amount of one-thousand-yen bills (45 bills: 45,000 yen) ≥ one-thousand-yen bill reference amount (30 bills: 30,000 yen), the total paper currency and coin amount (100,000 yen) ≥ total paper currency and coin reference amount (100,000 yen), and the total paper currency amount (85,000 yen) ≥ total paper currency reference amount (80,000 yen), the conditions are met. However, for the total amount of five-thousand-yen bills (8 bills: 40,000 yen) < five-thousand-yen bill reference amount (10 bills: 50,000 yen), the condition is not met. Note that in the figure, "OK" indicates that it meets the condition, and "NG" indicates that it does not meet the condition.

[0074] Also, in the money replenishment process of POS1 (step S34-1 in FIG. 7), the money replenishment process of POS2 (step S34-2 in FIG. 7), and the money replenishment process of POS3 (step S34-3 in FIG. 7), as shown in FIG. 9(b), the currency is replenished.

[0075] For example, in the money replenishment process of POS1, two 5,000-yen bills (2 bills: 10,000 yen) are replenished to POS1. After the money replenishment process of the POS1, the total amount of 5,000-yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen) ≥ the standard amount of 5,000-yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen), the total amount of 2,000-yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ the standard amount of 2,000-yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen), the total amount of 1,000-yen bills (45 bills: 45,000 yen) ≥ the standard amount of 1,000-yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen), the total amount of paper money and coins (110,000 yen) ≥ the total standard amount of paper money and coins (100,000 yen), and the total amount of paper money (95,000 yen) ≥ the total standard amount of paper money (80,000 yen), all of which meet the conditions.

[0076] In addition, the amounts collected from POS1 (20 10,000-yen bills: 200,000 yen, 2 5,000-yen bills: 10,000 yen, 0 2,000-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 1,000-yen bills: 0 yen, coins: 370 yen), the amounts collected from POS2 (29 10,000-yen bills: 290,000 yen, 14 5,000-yen bills: 70,000 yen, 6 2,000-yen bills: 12,000 yen, 4 1,000-yen bills: 4,000 yen, coins: 820 yen), the amounts collected from POS3 (12 10,000-yen bills: 120,000 yen, 0 5,000-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 2,000-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 1,000-yen bills: 0 yen, coins: 730 yen), the amounts withdrawn from the office (14 5,000-yen bills: 70,000 yen, 6 1,000-yen bills: 12,000 yen), the replenishment amounts to POS1 (2 5,000-yen bills: 10,000 yen, 0 2,000-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 1,000-yen bills: 0 yen), the replenishment amounts to POS2 (6 5,000-yen bills: 30,000 yen, 0 2,000-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 1,000-yen bills: 0 yen), and the replenishment amounts to POS3 (6 5,000-yen bills: 30,000 yen, 0 2,000-yen bills: 0 yen, 6 1,000-yen bills: 6,000 yen) shown in Fig. 9 are calculated in the monitoring device 3 (step S12 in Fig. 6) based on the respective current amounts of POS1 to POS3 shown in Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) and the conditions shown in Fig. 8(d), and are transmitted to each device (POS1 to POS3, reserve device) (step S13 in Fig. 6). The same applies to the examples in Figs. 11, 13, and 14.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the closing process in the POS register 2 (operation example as the second aspect). In FIG. 7, an example of executing the closing process in the order of cash collection process → cash replenishment process was described. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the closing process may be executed in the order of cash replenishment process → cash collection process. That is, the closing process in FIG. 10 is performed in the order of cash replenishment process in POS1 → cash replenishment process in POS2 → cash replenishment process in POS3 → cash collection process in POS1 → cash collection process in POS2 → cash collection process in POS3. The store clerk first moves to the reserve money device. The reserve money device outputs the necessary number of bills for each denomination required in the cash replenishment process based on the reserve money amount information (reserve money amount information calculated for the second aspect) transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S13 in response to an operation by the store clerk or the like. The store clerk moves to POS1 with the bills output from the reserve money device.

[0078] Step S131-1: POS1 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired the employee information, it proceeds to step S132-1. Step S132-1: POS1 executes the cash replenishment process. For example, the store clerk may insert all the bills output from the reserve money device into POS1, and POS1 may store the replenishment amount from the inserted bills and release the excess bills. The store clerk moves to POS2 with the bills that have not been replenished to POS1 among the bills output from the reserve money device. Hereinafter, the cash replenishment process is similarly executed in POS2 and POS3 (step S131-2, step S132-2, step S131-3, step S132-3). The store clerk moves to POS1.

[0079] Step S133-1: POS1 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired the employee information, it proceeds to step S134-1. Step S134-1: POS1 executes the money collection process. The store clerk moves to POS2 with the currency collected from POS1. Similarly, the money collection process is executed at POS2 and POS3 below (Steps S133-2, S134-2, S133-3, S134-3). The store clerk moves to the reserve money device with the currency collected from POS1, POS2, and POS3, and stores the collected currency in the reserve money device. Then, the flowchart of FIG. 10 (Step S30 in FIG. 6) ends.

[0080] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the closing process at the POS register 2 (operation example as the second aspect). When various reference amounts are the amounts shown in FIG. 8(d) and the current amounts of POS1 to POS3 are the amounts shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) at the start of the flowchart of FIG. 10, in the money replenishment process of POS1 (Step S132-1 in FIG. 10), the money replenishment process of POS2 (Step S132-2 in FIG. 10), and the money replenishment process of POS3 (Step S132-3 in FIG. 10), POS1, POS2, and POS3 are replenished with currency as shown in FIG. 11(a). Note that the amount withdrawn from the office (6 ¥5000 bills: 30000 yen, 6 ¥1000 bills: 6000 yen) is calculated from the amount replenished to POS3 (6 ¥5000 bills: 30000 yen, 6 ¥1000 bills: 60000 yen).

[0081] Also, in the money collection process (Step S134-1 in FIG. 10), the money collection process of POS2 (Step S134-2 in FIG. 10), and the money collection process of POS3 (Step S134-3 in FIG. 10), currency is collected as shown in FIG. 11(b).

[0082] For example, in the money collection process of POS1, POS1 discharges all 20 ten-thousand-yen bills (20 bills: 200,000 yen) (Condition 1). Also, POS1 discharges an amount (370 yen) less than a predetermined amount (999 yen) as the total collected coin amount (Condition 2). Further, as long as the total paper currency and coin amount (excluding the 370 yen of the collected amount) is equal to or more than the total paper currency and coin reference amount (100,000 yen) and is the minimum amount (Condition 3), and the total amount of five-thousand-yen bills ≥ the five-thousand-yen bill reference amount (10 bills: 100,000 yen. Condition 5), and the total amount of one-thousand-yen bills ≥ the one-thousand-yen bill reference amount (30 bills: 30,000 yen. Condition 5), POS1 discharges 10 one-thousand-yen bills (10 bills: 10,000 yen). After the money collection process of the said POS1, the total amount of five-thousand-yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen) ≥ the five-thousand-yen bill reference amount (10 bills: 50,000 yen), the total amount of two-thousand-yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ the two-thousand-yen bill reference amount (0 bills: 0 yen), the total amount of one-thousand-yen bills (35 bills: 35,000 yen) ≥ the one-thousand-yen bill reference amount (30 bills: 30,000 yen), the total paper currency and coin amount (100,000 yen) ≥ the total paper currency and coin reference amount (100,000 yen), and the total paper currency amount (85,000 yen) ≥ the total paper currency reference amount (80,000 yen), all of which meet the conditions.

[0083] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the closing process in the POS register 2 (operation example as the third aspect). As shown in Figure 12, the POS register 2 may execute the closing process one by one. That is, the closing process in Figure 12 is performed in the order of the money collection and replenishment process in POS1 → the money collection and replenishment process in POS2 → the money collection and replenishment process in POS3. First, the store clerk moves to the reserve money device. The reserve money device outputs the necessary number of each denomination of currency required in the money collection and replenishment process based on the reserve money amount information (reserve money amount information calculated for the third aspect) transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S13 according to operations by the store clerk or the like. The store clerk moves to POS1 with the currency output from the reserve money device.

[0084] Step S231-1: POS1 determines whether it has acquired employee information. If it has acquired the employee information, it proceeds to step S232-1. Step S232-1: POS1 executes money collection and replenishment processing. For example, the store clerk may put all the currency output from the reserve money device into POS1. POS1 may store the replenishment amount from the inserted currency and release the surplus currency (including the currency to be collected). The store clerk moves to POS2 with the currency remaining in hand. Hereinafter, the same money collection and replenishment processing is executed at POS2 and POS3 as well (Steps S231-2, S232-2, S231-3, S232-3). The store clerk moves to the reserve money device with the currency remaining in hand and stores the currency remaining in hand in the reserve money device. Then, the flowchart in FIG. 12 (Step S30 in FIG. 6) ends.

[0085] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the closing process in the POS register 2 (operation example as the third aspect). When various reference amounts are the amounts shown in FIG. 8(d) and the current amounts of POS1 to POS3 are the amounts shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) at the start of the flowchart in FIG. 12, in the money collection and replenishment processing of POS1 (Step S232-1 in FIG. 12), the money collection and replenishment processing of POS2 (Step S232-2 in FIG. 12), and the money collection and replenishment processing of POS3 (Step S232-3 in FIG. 12), as shown in FIG. 13, currency is released or replenished. Note that when processing in the order of POS1 → POS2 → POS3, there is no withdrawal amount from the office.

[0086] For example, in the money collection and replenishment process of POS1, POS1 discharges all 20,000 yen bills (20 pieces: 200,000 yen) (Condition 1). Also, POS1 discharges an amount (370 yen) less than a predetermined amount (999 yen) as the total collected coin amount (Condition 2). Further, 1,000 yen bills (10 pieces: 10,000 yen) are discharged so that the total paper money and coin amount (excluding the 370 yen of the collected amount) is equal to or more than the total paper money and coin reference amount (100,000 yen) and is the minimum amount (Condition 3), and the total amount of 5,000 yen bills ≧ the 5,000 yen bill reference amount (10 pieces: 100,000 yen. Condition 5), and the total amount of 1,000 yen bills ≧ the 1,000 yen bill reference amount (30 pieces: 30,000 yen. Condition 5). After the money collection and replenishment process of the POS1, the total amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 pieces: 50,000 yen) ≧ the 5,000 yen bill reference amount (10 pieces: 50,000 yen), the total amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 pieces: 0 yen) ≧ the 2,000 yen bill reference amount (0 pieces: 0 yen), the total amount of 1,000 yen bills (35 pieces: 35,000 yen) ≧ the 1,000 yen bill reference amount (30 pieces: 30,000 yen), the total paper money and coin amount (100,000 yen) ≧ the total paper money and coin reference amount (100,000 yen), and the total paper money amount (85,000 yen) ≧ the total paper money reference amount (80,000 yen), all of which meet the conditions.

[0087] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the closing process in the POS register 2 (operation example as the fourth aspect). As the operation of the closing process corresponding to the flowchart of Figure 7, instead of the operation of the closing process shown in Figure 9 (operation of the first aspect), the operation of the closing process shown in Figure 14 (operation of the fourth aspect) may be executed. That is, in the operation of the closing process shown in Figure 9, the replenishment in the money replenishment process is not considered when the money collection process is executed, but as shown in Figure 14, the replenishment in the money replenishment process may be considered when the money collection process is executed. Specifically, the types of money collected in the previous-stage money collection process are selected so that the replenishment in the subsequent-stage money replenishment process becomes unnecessary. In the example of the closing process in Figure 14, the replenishment in the money replenishment process of POS1 and the replenishment in the money replenishment process of POS2 have become unnecessary.

[0088] As described above, according to the POS system 1, the working efficiency of the closing process can be improved.

[0089] In addition, in the POS system 1, a money collection process may be executed using a withdrawal slip. For example, the monitoring device 3 may issue a withdrawal slip on which the number of released (collected) bills for each denomination is printed (recorded) with code information, and the POS register 2 may read the withdrawal slip by the scanner unit 18 and execute a money collection process. Also, in the POS system 1, a money replenishment process may be executed using a deposit slip. For example, the monitoring device 3 may issue a deposit slip on which the number of replenished bills for each denomination is printed (recorded) with code information, and the POS register 2 may read the deposit slip by the scanner unit 18 and execute a money replenishment process. Note that the POS register 2 may read the code information (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode, e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) printed (recorded) on the withdrawal slip or deposit slip by the imaging unit 21. Also, the monitoring device 3 may send an instruction to print the withdrawal slip or deposit slip to the POS register 2 to cause the POS register 2 to print the withdrawal slip or deposit slip. Note that the withdrawal slip and the deposit slip may be one medium.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example of executing a process of replenishing currency to the automatic change dispenser 17 (money replenishment process) as a closing process has been described, but a money replenishment process may be executed in other scenarios. For example, when the change is near the end, change near end information may be sent to the monitoring device 3, and a money replenishment process may be executed according to an instruction from the monitoring device 3. Also, in the above embodiment, an example of executing a process of collecting currency from the automatic change dispenser 17 (money collection process) as a closing process has been described, but a money collection process may be executed in other scenarios. For example, when the change is near full, change near full information may be sent to the monitoring device 3, and a money collection process may be executed according to an instruction from the monitoring device 3.

[0091] In the above embodiment, mainly the current number of banknotes is adjusted as a closing process (for coins, the fractional amount is collected), but similar to banknotes, the current number of coins may also be adjusted. That is, a total coin standard amount, a 500-yen coin standard amount, a 100-yen coin standard amount,..., a 1-yen coin standard amount, etc. may be set, and in the closing process, similar to banknotes, the current number of coins may also be adjusted.

[0092] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 are separate bodies, but the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 may be integrated. That is, the store controller 4 may also have the same functions as the monitoring device 3. The integrated device when the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 are integrated is also referred to as a management device. Note that the store controller 4 when integrated with the monitoring device 3 is a component of the POS system 1, but the store controller 4 when separate from the monitoring device 3 does not necessarily have to be a component of the POS system 1.

[0093] Also, in the above embodiment, it was described that the POS system 1 includes the POS register 2 which has the functions of a registration device mainly performing registration processing and an accounting device mainly performing settlement processing. However, the POS system 1 may be configured to include, instead of the POS register 2, a registration device mainly performing registration processing and an accounting device mainly performing settlement processing as separate bodies. The registration device may issue a piece of paper (accounting voucher) on which transaction information (or information capable of specifying the transaction information) is barcoded (for example, one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional barcode, etc.) and printed after the registration processing, and cause the accounting device to read the piece of paper to execute the settlement processing. Alternatively, an accounting device for executing the settlement processing may be specified in the registration device, and the settlement processing may be executed in the specified accounting device. Note that the registration device when the registration device and the accounting device are separate bodies does not necessarily have to be a component of the POS system 1.

[0094] Also, although the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 are described as separate entities, and the monitoring device 3 in the aspect where they are separate or the above-described integrated device (store controller with the same functions as the monitoring device 3) is described as the management device, the POS register 2 may be the management device. That is, a representative POS register 2 (or each POS register 2) within the POS system 1 may have the same functions as the monitoring device 3 in the above-described embodiment. Further, in a configuration where a registration device mainly performing registration processing and a settlement device mainly performing settlement processing are provided separately, the settlement device (or the registration device) may be the management device. That is, a representative settlement device (or each settlement device) may have the same functions as the monitoring device 3 in the above-described embodiment, or a representative registration device (or each registration device) may have the same functions as the monitoring device 3 in the above-described embodiment.

[0095] Subsequently, application examples of the POS system 1 and the like will be described. Specifically, the settlement business process that is completed through a plurality of steps (described later) will be explained. In the following description, the monitoring device 3 is assumed to monitor ten devices including the settlement machines 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14, the service counter machine settlement, and the settlement machine 99 main building entrance machine shown in FIG. 15. It is assumed that the settlement business process has already been completed for the settlement machine 99 main building entrance machine. Each of the above ten devices is a specific example of the above-described POS register 2.

[0096] FIGS. 15 to 16 are examples of screens displayed on the monitoring device 3. The monitoring device 3 accepts from a store clerk the designation of a device for executing the settlement business process. For example, when a screen as shown in FIG. 15 is being displayed, in response to an operation from the button "Main Menu", a device designation screen as shown in FIG. 16(a) is displayed, and the designation of a device for executing the settlement business process is accepted on the device designation screen.

[0097] The screen in Fig. 15 is a screen that displays various warning information (for example, the fact that the change is near the end, the change is near full, the need to stamp the receipt, the remaining receipt quantity is low, and the accounting is taking time) for each device. The device designation screen in Fig. 16(a) is a screen for designating the device to execute the settlement business process. In the device designation screen in Fig. 16(a), check boxes are displayed in association with the numbers (cash register numbers) of all the devices to be monitored. The store clerk checks the device to execute the settlement business process and presses the "Execute" button to designate the device to execute the settlement business process. In the example of Fig. 16(a), seven devices, namely cash registers 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14, are designated.

[0098] Note that although all the devices to be monitored are displayed on the device designation screen in Fig. 16(a), it may be possible to display only the devices for which the settlement business process is not completed among all the devices to be monitored. Specifically, for example, when "Incomplete" is selected in the area (for example, the pull-down list with the symbol A) for switching the display target, the monitoring device 3 may display the device designation screen in Fig. 16(b) instead of Fig. 16(a). Note that on the screen in Fig. 16(a), both the devices for which the settlement business process is not completed and the devices for which the settlement business process has already been completed (cash register 99 at the main entrance) are displayed, and the store clerk can designate the device to execute the settlement business process from among the devices for which the settlement business process is not completed among the displayed devices. On the screen in Fig. 16(b), the devices for which the settlement business process has already been completed (cash register 99 at the main entrance) are not displayed, and only the devices for which the settlement business process is not completed are displayed, and the store clerk can designate the device to execute the settlement business process from among the displayed devices (devices for which the settlement business process is not completed).

[0099] When the monitoring device 3 receives a designation of a device for which to execute the settlement operation from a store clerk, it causes each of the designated devices to execute the settlement operation. Specifically, when one or more devices are checked and the "Execute" button is pressed on the device designation screen, the monitoring device 3 transmits information (settlement operation start instruction information) instructing the start of the settlement operation to each of the one or more devices. Thereafter, the monitoring device 3 erases (closes) the device designation screen. On the other hand, each device that has received the settlement operation start instruction information starts the settlement operation. That is, the monitoring device 3 controls (controls the start of execution) the execution of the settlement operation in each device designated by the store clerk.

[0100] Note that the monitoring device 3 may transmit the settlement operation start instruction information when one or more devices are checked (designated) on the device designation screen, the "Execute" button is pressed, and the employee identification information of the employee is acquired. For example, when one or more devices are designated, subsequently the "Execute" button is pressed, and subsequently the code information (employee code) printed on the employee card is read, the settlement operation start instruction information may be transmitted.

[0101] In addition, when the monitoring device 3 receives a designation of a device for which to execute the settlement operation from a store clerk, in addition to transmitting the settlement operation start instruction information to each of the designated devices, the monitoring device 3 displays on the display unit the processing status of each step of the settlement operation in each of the designated devices. Specifically, the monitoring device 3 displays a plurality of step areas corresponding to each step of the settlement operation, and changes the display mode of each step area according to the processing status of the corresponding step, thereby displaying the processing status of each step of the settlement operation.

[0102] FIG. 17 is an example of a screen displayed on the monitoring device 3. Specifically, it is an example of a screen showing the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing in seven cash registers 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the display content and the printed content. Specifically, FIG. 18(a) shows, for convenience of explanation, an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 17 (the display content related to the cash register 4). FIG. 18(b) shows, for convenience of explanation, an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 17 (the display content related to the cash register 14). FIG. 18(c) is an example of a report printed and issued at the end of the settlement operation processing.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 16, when the monitoring device 3 receives the designation of seven cash registers 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14 on the device designation screen, as shown in FIG. 17, it displays the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing in each of the seven devices. That is, when a plurality of devices are designated, the monitoring device 3 displays a plurality of process areas for each device.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the monitoring device 3 displays the processing status of the change recount, the actual inventory confirmation, the remaining balance confirmation, the change collection, and the cash register opening process as steps included in the settlement operation processing. That is, the monitoring device 3 displays a process area corresponding to the change recount (the area of symbol B1 in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b)), a process area corresponding to the actual inventory confirmation (the area of symbol B2 in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b)), a process area corresponding to the remaining balance confirmation (the area of symbol B3 in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b)), a process area corresponding to the change collection (the area of symbol B4 in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b)), and a process area corresponding to the cash register opening process (the area of symbol B5 in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b)), and changes (for example, changes the color) the display mode of each process area according to the processing status of the corresponding process, thereby displaying the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing.

[0105] In FIGS. 17, 18(a), and 18(b), a plain process area indicates that the process area is displayed in the first display mode (e.g., the first color), representing that the process has not been performed yet. Also, a process area with dense dot display indicates that the process area is displayed in the second display mode (e.g., the second color), representing that the process is currently being performed. Further, a process area with sparse dot display indicates that the process area is displayed in the third display mode (e.g., the third color), representing that the process has already been completed. Note that in this embodiment, the currently ongoing process and the already completed process are distinguished and displayed in different display modes, but they may also be displayed in the same display mode without distinguishing between the currently ongoing process and the already completed process.

[0106] Each process will be described. "Change recount" in the settlement business process is to recount the money in the device. "Actual amount determination" in the settlement business process is for the actual amount in the device to be determined as a result of the change recount. "Residual amount determination" in the settlement business process is to adjust and determine the residual amount in the device. If necessary, the above-mentioned "store closing process" is executed to determine the residual amount. "Change collection" in the settlement business process is to collect the money in the device using a collection box (cassette). "Cash register opening process" in the settlement business process is to transmit the sales information of the device to the store controller 4.

[0107] By the monitoring device 3 displaying the processing status of each process in the settlement business process, the store clerk can visually recognize that the settlement business process is carried out in the order of "change recount" → "actual amount determination" → "residual amount determination" → "change collection" → "cash register opening process" and is completed when the last "cash register opening process" ends, as well as how far the settlement business process has progressed in each device. According to the example in FIG. 17, for example, it can be seen that for the cash register 4, "change recount" has ended and "actual amount determination" is being performed (FIG. 18(a)). Also, for example, for the cash register 14, it can be seen that up to "residual amount determination" has ended and "change collection" is being performed (FIG. 18(b)).

[0108] In order to display the processing status of each step in the actuarial business process, the monitoring device 3 receives information regarding the processing status of each step (processing status notification) from each device specified on the device specification screen. That is, each device specified on the device specification screen transmits a processing status notification to the monitoring device 3 according to the processing status of each step (for example, when each step is completed), and the monitoring device 3 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 17 based on the processing status notifications received from each device. Note that the processing status notification includes information that enables the monitoring device 3 to identify which of the above five steps ("change recount", "physical inventory determination", "residual amount determination", "change collection", "cash register opening process") has started or ended.

[0109] That is, as shown in FIG. 17, since the progress status of multiple steps can be grasped, the approximate time until completion can also be grasped. Also, for example, since "change collection" requires an on-site operation such as cash collection at each device, when located in the step immediately before "change collection", it is possible to grasp that it is necessary to immediately prepare a collection box for "change collection" or start preparations for the collection operation. Also, when an error occurs in the calculator, the monitoring device 3 receives an error signal from the calculator, displays that there is an error in the display area of the calculator in FIG. 17, or changes the background mode (color, pattern, etc.) of the display area of the calculator or the area frame of the display area from the normal mode (normal color, normal pattern, normal frame, etc.) to a notification mode for notifying an error (a color different from the normal color, a pattern different from the normal pattern, a frame with a color, thickness, etc. different from the normal frame, etc.). Thus, the progress of the process is stopped at that point, so it is possible to easily grasp that it has stopped due to an error, and from the above-mentioned progress status of the process, etc., it is also possible to grasp up to which step it has been completed and the approximate reason (content of the error) why the progress has stopped due to some error. And when the error that occurred in the calculator is cleared, the monitoring device 3 receives an error clearance signal from the calculator, the above-mentioned display indicating that there is an error is erased, or it is changed from the notification mode to the normal mode, and then, according to the progress of the process in the calculator, the display form in each step changes.

[0110] In addition, the degree of error occurring in the calculator may be determined, and for example, when it is determined that the error is a serious error (such as an error that requires time and effort to recover or an error with a wide range of influence), and when it is determined that the error is not a serious error, the display mode of the above-mentioned error indication may be made different. For example, in the case of a serious error, it may be controlled to be displayed in a more prominent manner (for example, larger) than in the case of not being a serious error. The monitoring device 3 may refer to information for determining the degree of error (for example, information associating the type of error specified from the error signal with the degree of error) and determine the degree of error. The information for determining the degree of error may be stored in a place where the monitoring device 3 can refer to it (for example, the monitoring device 3 itself). Thereby, by looking at the monitoring device 3, it is also possible to grasp whether a serious error has occurred or an error that can be processed immediately rather than a serious error has occurred. And when the monitoring device 3 determines that a serious error has occurred, similar processing may be automatically advanced as when the "excluded from settlement" described later is pressed.

[0111] Further, the monitoring device 3 has a function of interrupting (or aborting) the settlement business process for the device during the execution of the settlement business process. For example, when the button "excluded from settlement (reference numeral D in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b))" arranged in the display area of each device is pressed, the monitoring device 3 transmits information (settlement business interruption instruction information) for instructing the interruption of the settlement business process to the corresponding device, thereby interrupting the settlement business process in the corresponding device.

[0112] The interrupted device may resume the settlement business process by an explicit operation (for example, specifying again on the device designation screen). Also, for a device whose settlement business process has stopped for some reason (such as an error), when it is interrupted by an operation, etc., when the reason disappears (for example, when the error, etc. is resolved), the settlement business process may be automatically resumed (without an explicit operation).

[0113] In addition, when the settlement operation processing of devices belonging to a group composed of a plurality of devices (a plurality of devices that simultaneously transmitted settlement operation start instruction information) designated collectively by the monitoring device 3 is interrupted, the monitoring device 3 excludes the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing of the device from the group and displays it. For example, on the screen of FIG. 17, the settlement machines 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are displayed as the same group (Group 1). However, when the button "Excluded from Settlement" within the display area regarding the settlement machine 4 is pressed, the monitoring device 3 may display the settlement machine 4 in a manner different from Group 1 (at least by deleting the notation of "Group 1").

[0114] In the case where, for example, N devices are first designated on the device designation screen (settlement operation start instruction information is simultaneously transmitted to the N devices), and then immediately M devices are designated (settlement operation start instruction information is simultaneously transmitted to the M devices), there will be two groups (Group 1 composed of N devices and Group 2 composed of M devices). In such a case, the settlement operation processing of devices belonging to the same group may be displayed close to each other on the screen. For example, on the device designation screen, if three devices, namely the settlement machines 2, 12, and 14, are first designated, and then immediately four devices, namely the settlement machines 3, 4, 11, and 13, are designated, in FIG. 17, the processing status of the settlement machines 2, 12, and 14 may be displayed close to the upper part (or left side) of the screen, and the processing status of the settlement machines 3, 4, 11, and 13 may be displayed close to the lower part (or right side) of the screen. That is, the display position of each device when displaying the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing is not always fixed and may be changed according to the situation when designated on the device designation screen.

[0115] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the settlement business process. At the start of the flowchart in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the monitoring device 3 is displaying the screen of FIG. 15. Also, in the flowchart of FIG. 19, the operation of one of the plurality of devices designated as the device for executing the settlement business process (in this flowchart, the group composed of the plurality of devices is referred to as Group A) is shown, and the operations of the other devices (other devices belonging to Group A) designated as the devices for executing the settlement business process are omitted, but the operations of the other devices are the same.

[0116] (Operation of the monitoring device 3) Step Sa1: Display a device designation screen (for example, the screen of FIG. 16) according to the operation of the clerk. Step Sa2: Receive the designation of the device on the device designation screen displayed in Step Sa1. Step Sa3: After a predetermined operation (for example, after pressing the "Execute" button), read the employee code. Step Sa4: Send settlement business start instruction information (information instructing the start of the settlement business process) to the device designated in Step Sa2. Also, erase the device designation screen. Step Sa5: Display a screen (for example, the screen of FIG. 17) showing the processing status of each step of the settlement business process. The notation "Group A" is shown in the respective display areas of each device.

[0117] Step Sa6: Determine whether a processing status notification (information regarding the processing status of each step) has been received from the device that sent the settlement business start instruction information in Step Sa4. If the processing status notification is received, proceed to Step Sa7. If the processing status notification is not received, proceed to Step Sa8. Step Sa7: Update the processing status according to the processing status notification. For example, when a processing status notification indicating that "change collection" has been completed is received from a certain device, the process area of "change collection" in the device is changed to a predetermined display mode indicating that the process has already been completed. Step Sa8: Determine whether there is an instruction to interrupt the settlement operation process. If there is an interruption instruction, proceed to step Sa9. If there is no interruption instruction, proceed to step Sa11.

[0118] Step Sa9: Interrupt the settlement operation process of the designated device. For example, when a button "Excluded from Settlement" arranged within the display area of a certain device is pressed, the monitoring device 3 interrupts the settlement operation process of the device by transmitting settlement operation interruption instruction information (information instructing the interruption of the settlement operation process) to the device. Note that the transmission and reception of the settlement operation interruption instruction information are not shown in this flowchart. Step Sa10: Exclude the device from Group A. For example, erase the notation "Group A" displayed for the device.

[0119] Step Sa11: Determine whether the settlement operation process of all devices belonging to Group A has ended. That is, determine whether the settlement operation process has ended for all the devices specified in step Sa2 and not interrupted in step Sa10. Note that when a processing status notification indicating that the "cash register closing process", which is the last step of the settlement operation process, has ended is received from a certain device, it may be determined that the settlement operation process for the device has ended. If the settlement operation process of all devices belonging to Group A has not ended, return to step Sa6. If it has ended, proceed to step Sa12. Step Sa12: Print and issue a report on the settlement operation process (for example, a report as shown in Fig. 18(c)). Then, the flowchart of the monitoring device 3 ends.

[0120] In step Sa12, as shown in FIG. 18(c), information regarding all devices belonging to Group A may be collectively printed and issued on one report (including those with cuts), or separate reports may be printed and issued for each individual device. In the mode of printing and issuing separate reports for each individual device, reports may be printed and issued sequentially as soon as the settlement operation processing for each individual device is completed. However, the report corresponding to the settlement machine for which "excluded from settlement" is pressed is controlled not to be issued. That is, when performing the store closing process as the same group initially, even if some error occurs in one settlement machine and the processing does not proceed in that settlement machine, by pressing the "excluded from settlement", the settlement machine with the error can be removed from the same group, and the settlement operation for the remaining settlement machines within the same group is completed and reports are issued. Therefore, even if there is a settlement machine with an error, the report output can be completed without affecting the settlement operation processing in other settlement machines. Incidentally, the above report may be output by printing on a paper medium, or may be output electronically, for example.

[0121] (Operation of the device to be monitored for performing the settlement operation processing) Step Sb1: Receive settlement operation start instruction information (information instructing the start of settlement operation processing) from the monitoring device 3. Step Sb2: Perform (start) "change money re-verification". Step Sb3: Send a processing status notification indicating that "change money re-verification" has ended to the monitoring device 3. Note that information for identifying the transmission source (for example, the cash register number) may be explicitly added to the processing status notification, or may not be explicitly added if the transmission source can be identified from the IP address or the like. The same applies when sending a processing status notification regarding other processes. Step Sb4: Perform (start) "actual inventory confirmation". Since "actual inventory confirmation" is the result of the above "change money re-verification", not much processing time is required. Step Sb5: Send a processing status notification indicating that "actual inventory confirmation" has ended to the monitoring device 3. Step Sb6: Perform (start) "Determination of remaining balance". Step Sb7: Send a processing status notification to the monitoring device 3 indicating that "Determination of remaining balance" has been completed. Step Sb8: Perform (start) "Recovery of fishing machine". Step Sb9: Send a processing status notification to the monitoring device 3 indicating that "Recovery of fishing machine" has been completed. Step Sb10: Perform (start) "Cash register closing process". Step Sb11: Send a processing status notification to the monitoring device 3 indicating that "Cash register closing process" has been completed. Step Sb12: Turn off the power. The power can be turned off immediately after the execution of Step Sb11, or after receiving response information from the monitoring device 3 indicating that the processing status notification of Step Sb11 has been received. Then, the flowchart of the device to be monitored for performing the settlement operation ends.

[0122] Note that, as described above, the transmission and reception of settlement operation interruption instruction information (information for instructing interruption of settlement operation processing) are not shown in the figure. However, when the monitoring device 3 receives the settlement operation interruption instruction information, the processing of Steps Sb1 to Sb12 being executed is interrupted. However, when the settlement operation interruption instruction information is received during the execution of the transmission processing (Steps Sb2, Sb4, Sb6, Sb8, Sb10), the processing may be interrupted after the execution of the said processing. This is because the transmission processing is not a settlement operation processing, and if the transmission is interrupted halfway, the processing status may become unclear.

[0123] In addition, in the settlement operation process, when the state requires the work of a store clerk, the monitoring device 3 may notify that the state requires the work of a store clerk. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18(b) and 18(d), the display mode of the display area (background part) of each device may be changed from the display mode in the non-call state (the state where the work of a store clerk is not required) to the display mode in the call state (the state where the work of a store clerk is required). In FIGS. 17, 18(a), and 18(b), the plain background part indicates that the device is displayed in the non-call state display mode (for example, the first color as the background part), and the hatched background part indicates that the device is displayed in the call state display mode (for example, the second color as the background part).

[0124] Further, the monitoring device 3 may display a message regarding the processing status of the settlement operation process or the call of a store clerk in a predetermined area (the area indicated by reference numeral C in FIG. 18). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 17, a message indicating that automatic settlement has been started for the settlement machine 2, a message indicating that the change is being rechecked for the settlement machine 3, a message indicating that a difference is being checked for the settlement machine 4, a message indicating that sales collection should be performed (i.e., moving the currency in the drawer) for the settlement machine 11, a message indicating that cash recycling withdrawal (i.e., the above-mentioned "closing store process") should be performed for the settlement machine 12, a message indicating that the actual inventory should be input for the settlement machine 13, and a message indicating that the money in the change machine should be collected for the settlement machine 14 are displayed.

[0125] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included. Regarding the above POS system, the following supplementary notes are disclosed.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 1) A POS system including a plurality of settlement devices, comprising: display means for displaying the settlement status by the settlement device on a screen; and control means for controlling the execution of the closing store process in one or more of the settlement devices from the screen on which the settlement status is displayed. (Supplementary Note 2) The settlement device includes an automatic coin and ticket vending machine that executes a money collection process and / or a money replenishment process as the closing process. The automatic coin and ticket vending machine is characterized in that when the employee identification information of an employee who performs the closing process is obtained, at least the money collection process is executed as the closing process. The POS system according to Supplementary Note 1. (Supplementary Note 3) The control means controls the execution of the closing process in all of the plurality of settlement devices in which there are no unsettled or in-progress transactions, or in one or more of the settlement devices designated by the user and in which there are no unsettled or in-progress transactions, or in one or more of the settlement devices designated by the user as the settlement devices in which there are no unsettled or in-progress transactions, or in the closing process in one or more of the settlement devices included in each of one or more groups designated by the user. The POS system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2. (Supplementary Note 4) The control means controls the execution of the closing process in one or more of the settlement devices included in each of one or more groups designated by the user and in which there are no unsettled or in-progress transactions. The POS system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2. (Supplementary Note 5) The settlement device gives priority to collecting banknotes over collecting coins. The POS system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4. (Supplementary Note 6) The total coin collection amount in all denominations of coins is a fractional amount less than a predetermined amount among the total amount of coins, which is the total amount of all denominations of coins. The POS system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5. According to the above POS system, the number of coins to be collected is reduced, so the operation becomes easier compared to the case of collecting a large number of coins. In addition, since there is no fraction in the total coin amount after collection, management becomes easier. (Supplementary Note 7) The settlement device executes the closing process such that the total amount of bills and coins, which is the sum of the total amount of all bills excluding the bill with the highest denomination and the total amount of coins of all denominations, is equal to or greater than the total bill and coin reference amount, and the total amount of each bill excluding the bill with the highest denomination is equal to or greater than the bill reference amount for each denomination, in accordance with any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6 of the POS system described above. According to the POS system, currency collection and replenishment can be suitably performed based on the total bill and coin reference amount and the bill reference amount for each denomination. (Supplementary Note 8) The display means is characterized in that it displays on the screen that there are un-settled or in-settlement transactions as the settlement status, in accordance with any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5 of the POS system described above. (Supplementary Note 9) The control means controls the execution of the settlement business process that is completed through a plurality of steps, and the display means displays the processing status of each step of the settlement business process in the settlement device specified by the user, in accordance with any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8 of the POS system described above. (Supplementary Note 10) The display means displays a plurality of step areas corresponding to each step of the settlement business process, and changes the display mode of each of the step areas according to the processing status of the corresponding step, thereby displaying the processing status of each step of the settlement business process, in accordance with Supplementary Note 9 of the POS system described above. (Supplementary Note 11) The display means displays a plurality of the step areas for each settlement device specified by the user, thereby displaying the processing status of each step of the settlement business process in a plurality of the settlement devices, in accordance with Supplementary Note 10 of the POS system described above. (Supplementary Note 12) When a plurality of the settlement devices are collectively specified, the display means displays on the screen, in proximity, the settlement business processes of the settlement devices belonging to the same group, in accordance with Supplementary Note 11 of the POS system described above. (Supplementary Note 13) The control means has interruption control means for interrupting the calculating device during the execution of the settlement operation processing. When the settlement operation processing of the calculating device belonging to a certain group is interrupted by the interruption control means, the display means displays, excluding the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing of the calculating device, the POS system described in Supplementary Note 12. (Supplementary Note 14) The display means is characterized in that it displays a designation screen capable of designating the calculating device in which the settlement operation processing has not been completed, and is the POS system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 13. (Supplementary Note 15) The display means is characterized in that, after acquiring the employee identification information of the employee, it displays the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing, and is the POS system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 14. (Supplementary Note 16) The display means is characterized in that it displays a message to move the currency in the drawer in the settlement operation processing, and is the POS system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 15. (Supplementary Note 17) The settlement operation processing includes a process of rechecking the currency in each calculating device, a process of collecting the currency in each calculating device into a collection box, and a process of transmitting the sales information in each calculating device to a higher level, and is the POS system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 16.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 18) A monitoring device comprising designation means for designating the calculating device for executing a settlement operation processing that is completed through a plurality of steps, control means for controlling the execution of the settlement operation processing, and display means for displaying the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing in the calculating device designated by the user. (Supplementary Note 19) The display means displays a plurality of process areas corresponding to each step of the settlement operation processing, and displays the processing status of each step of the settlement operation processing by changing the display mode of each of the process areas according to the processing status of the corresponding step, and is the monitoring device according to Supplementary Note 18. (Supplementary Note 20) The display means is characterized in that, by displaying a plurality of the process areas for each of the settlement devices specified by the user, the processing status of each process of the settlement business processing in the plurality of settlement devices is displayed. The monitoring device according to Supplementary Note 19. (Supplementary Note 21) When a plurality of the settlement devices are collectively specified, the display means is a POS system according to Supplementary Note 20, which displays, as the settlement business processing of the settlement devices belonging to the same group, in a concentrated manner on the screen. (Supplementary Note 22) The control means has interruption control means for interrupting the settlement device during the execution of the settlement business processing. When the settlement business processing of the settlement devices belonging to a certain group is interrupted by the interruption control means, the display means displays excluding the processing status of each process of the settlement business processing of the settlement device. The monitoring device according to Supplementary Note 21. (Supplementary Note 23) The display means is characterized in that it displays a designation screen capable of designating the settlement devices for which the settlement business processing has not been completed. The monitoring device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 18 to 22. (Supplementary Note 24) The display means is characterized in that, after acquiring the employee identification information of the employee, it displays the processing status of each process of the settlement business processing. The monitoring device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 18 to 23. (Supplementary Note 25) The display means is characterized in that, in the settlement business processing, it displays a message indicating that the currency in the drawer is to be moved. The monitoring device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 18 to 24. (Supplementary Note 26) The settlement business processing is characterized in that it includes a process of rechecking the currency in each settlement device, a process of collecting the currency in each settlement device into a collection box, and a process of transmitting the sales information in each settlement device to a higher level. The monitoring device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 18 to 25.

[0128] Note that a program for executing each process of the POS system 1 (or the monitoring device 3, the POS register 2) of the present embodiment may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the various processes described above related to each process of the POS system 1 (or the monitoring device 3, the POS register 2). Here, the "computer system" may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" shall include a homepage providing environment (or a display environment) if the WWW system is used. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a writable non-volatile memory such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk incorporated in a computer system.

[0129] Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and that holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0130] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0131] 1…POS system 2…POS register 3…Monitoring device 4…Store controller 11…CPU 12…ROM 13…RAM 14…Display unit for store clerks 15…Operation unit 16…Display unit for customers 17…Automatic change dispenser 17a…Coin outlet 17b…Coin inlet 18…Scanner unit 19…Printing unit 20…Communication unit 21…Imaging unit 30…Storage unit

Claims

1. In a system including a plurality of settlement devices capable of executing at least settlement processing and a monitoring device, The monitoring device a display means for displaying the status of each of the settlement devices in a monitorable manner; instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction to cause the settlement device to execute a settlement transaction process that is completed through a plurality of steps; Equipped with The display means Before the instruction receiving means receives the execution instruction, at least the status of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices; After the instruction receiving means receives the execution instruction, the progress status of the settlement processing is displayed for each of the settlement devices that are executing the settlement processing. A system characterized by:

2. A control means for controlling the execution of the settlement business process in one or more of the settlement devices based on the execution instruction received by the instruction receiving means. Equipped with 2. The system of claim 1.

3. The display means A monitoring screen is displayed on which the status of each of the settlement devices can be monitored. On the monitoring screen, The control means displays the progress of the settlement process as the status of the settlement device that controlled the execution of the settlement process; The control means displays at least the status of the settlement process as the status of the settlement device where the execution of the settlement process was not controlled.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein:

4. A monitoring device for monitoring a settlement device in a system including a plurality of settlement devices capable of performing at least a settlement process, a display means for displaying the status of each of the settlement devices in a monitorable manner; instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction to cause the settlement device to execute a settlement transaction process that is completed through a plurality of steps; Equipped with The display means Before the instruction receiving means receives the execution instruction, at least the status of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices; After the instruction receiving means receives the execution instruction, the progress status of the settlement processing is displayed for each of the settlement devices that are executing the settlement processing. A monitoring device characterized by:

5. A program that causes a computer to function as a monitoring device that monitors a plurality of settlement devices in a system that includes at least a plurality of settlement devices capable of executing settlement processing, The computer a display means for displaying the status of each of the settlement devices so that the status can be monitored; an instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction to cause the settlement device to execute a settlement transaction process that is completed through a plurality of steps; It functions as Before the instruction receiving means receives the execution instruction, at least the status of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices; After the instruction receiving means receives the execution instruction, the progress status of the settlement processing is displayed for each of the settlement devices that are executing the settlement processing. A program characterized by:

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