Transaction processing system, registration device, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a different type of transaction processing system, registration device, and information processing program from various existing transaction processing systems.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system according to the embodiment includes a registration device equipped with decision means, determination means and guidance means, and a plurality of settlement devices each equipped with acquisition means and settlement means. The decision means decides on the content of a transaction according to the operation of a customer. The determination means determines, from among the plurality of settlement devices, the settlement device to be used to settle the payment for the transaction whose content is decided by the decision means. The guidance means guides a customer regarding the settlement at the settlement device determined by the determination means. The acquisition means acquires settlement data for the settlement of the payment for the transaction of the content decided by the decision means. The settlement means performs the settlement based on the settlement data acquired by the acquisition means provided in the same settlement device in response to the customer's operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing system, a registration device, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] The self-improvement of transaction processing systems has been progressing, and various types of transaction processing systems have been proposed. Under such circumstances, another type of transaction processing system has been desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a different type of transaction processing system, a registration device, and an information processing program from various existing transaction processing systems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The transaction processing system according to the embodiment includes a registration device including a determination unit, a determination unit, and a guidance unit, and a plurality of settlement devices each including an acquisition unit and a settlement unit. The determination unit determines the content of the transaction according to the customer's operation. The determination unit determines, from among the plurality of settlement devices, a settlement device to be used for settlement of the price of the transaction whose content has been determined by the determination unit. The guidance unit guides the customer regarding settlement by the settlement device determined by the determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires settlement data for settlement of the price of the transaction whose content has been determined by the determination unit. The settlement unit performs settlement according to the customer's operation based on the settlement data acquired by the acquisition unit provided in the same settlement device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. The transaction processing system 1 is used, for example, at an accounting corner set within a corresponding store in order to process sales transactions of products in the store. The transaction processing system 1 includes at least one registration device 10 installed at the accounting corner and at least two accounting devices 20. In FIG. 1, a transaction processing system 1 including two registration devices 10 and three accounting devices 20 is shown. The number of registration devices 10 and accounting devices 20 included in the transaction processing system 1 is arbitrary as long as the above conditions are satisfied, and the ratio of the number of registration devices 10 to accounting devices 20 is also arbitrary.

[0008] A customer CU who purchases a product sold in the store picks up the products displayed at the store's sales floor and brings them to the accounting corner, and registers those products as transaction products. Thereafter, the customer CU settles the payment for all the products registered as transaction products. The registration device 10 registers, as transaction items, the items brought by the customer CU to the accounting corner in response to the operation of the customer CU. The accounting device 20 calculates the price for all the transaction items registered by the registration device 10, and settles the said price in response to the operation of the customer CU. Thus, the accounting device 20 has a function as a settlement device for settling the price of the transaction items. And the operators of both the registration device 10 and the accounting device 20 are the customer CU. However, the registration device 10 and the accounting device 20 may be operated by an operator other than the customer CU, such as a store clerk.

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the registration device 10 is connected to the accounting device 20 shown in Figure 1 via a LAN (local area network) 30. The registration device 10 includes a processor 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a scanner 104, a touch panel 105, a sound unit 106, a commodity sensor 107, a human presence sensor 108, a communication unit 109, and a transmission path 110.

[0010] The connection of the processor 101, the main storage unit 102, and the auxiliary storage unit 103 by the transmission path 110 constitutes a computer that performs information processing for controlling the registration device 10. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the said computer. The processor 101 controls each part to realize various functions as the registration device 10 by executing information processing according to various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs.

[0011] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory part of the above computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores a part of the above information processing program in the read-only memory area. Also, the main memory unit 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute information processing in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area by the processor 101.

[0012] The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The auxiliary storage unit 103 can use, for example, EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disc drive), SSD (solid state drive), or other various well-known storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may store the above information processing program. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores the registration program PRA which is one of the information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101.

[0013] Generally, the registration device 10 is transferred with the registration program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of the registration device 10 may be transferred in a state where the registration program PRA is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103, or in a state where another information processing program of the same type as the registration program PRA is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. And in this case, the registration program PRA is written into the auxiliary storage unit 103 by, for example, the processor 101 under the instruction of, for example, a maintenance worker. The transfer of the registration program PRA may be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a network.

[0014] Scanner 104 captures an image of a product with a built-in camera and then identifies optically readable code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes displayed on the product through image processing. Then, Scanner 104 outputs the data represented by the identified code symbols to Processor 101. Note that Scanner 104 can also use other well-known types of devices that identify code symbols by utilizing the reflection of laser light. Scanner 104 may be equipped with a function of identifying a product using object recognition technology based on the characteristics of an image of the product itself. Separately from Scanner 104, another scanner such as a handy type may be provided. Also, even without providing Scanner 104, another scanner may be provided.

[0015] Touch panel 105 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen under the control of Processor 101. As the display device, well-known devices such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used, for example. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of an operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to Processor 101. As the touch sensor, well-known devices can be used. Sound unit 106 includes a sound processor, an amplifier, a speaker, etc., and reproduces various sounds such as voices, chime sounds, buzzer sounds, music, etc.

[0016] The merchandise sensor 107 detects that a transaction merchandise registered on the stand is placed thereon. As the merchandise sensor 107, for example, a weight sensor that turns on when an object with a weight equal to or greater than a specified weight is placed on the stand is used. As the merchandise sensor 107, a weight sensor of a type that measures the weight of an object placed on the stand may be used. Further, as the merchandise sensor 107, a sensor of another detection method such as detecting an object on the stand using light, infrared rays, or ultrasonic waves may be used.

[0017] The human presence sensor 108 detects the presence of a human at the standing position of an operator when operating the registration device 10. As the human presence sensor 108, for example, an infrared sensor is used. As the human presence sensor 108, a sensor of another detection method such as detecting a human using light or ultrasonic waves, or a sensor installed on the floor to detect the weight of a human may be used.

[0018] The communication unit 109 performs communication processing for communicating via the LAN 30. As the communication unit 109, an existing communication device compliant with the LAN standard can be used. Note that instead of the LAN 30, another communication network such as the Internet can also be used, and the communication unit 109 may use a communication device compliant with the standard of the communication network to be used. The transmission path 110 transmits data exchanged between the connected components. As the transmission path 110, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses to the components can be used.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting device 20. The accounting device 20 includes a processor 201, a main storage unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203, a touch panel 204, a printer 205, a card reader 206, a proximity communication unit 207, a code reader 208, an automatic change dispenser 209, a communication unit 210, and a transmission path 211.

[0020] The processor 201, the main memory unit 202, and the auxiliary storage unit 203 are connected by the transmission path 211, thereby constituting a computer that performs information processing for controlling the accounting device 20. The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 201 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the accounting device 20 by executing information processing according to various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and an application program.

[0021] The main memory unit 202 corresponds to the main memory part of the above computer. The main memory unit 202 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 stores a part of the above information processing program in the read-only memory area. Also, the main memory unit 202 may store data necessary for the processor 201 to execute information processing in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area by the processor 201.

[0022] The auxiliary storage unit 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may store a part of the above various information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 103 can use, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, an SSD, or other well-known various storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may store the above information processing program. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 203 stores an accounting program PRB which is one of the information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores data used when the processor 201 performs various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 201.

[0023] Accounting device 20 is generally transferred with the accounting program PRB stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. However, the hardware of accounting device 20 may be transferred in a state where the accounting program PRB is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, or in a state where another information processing program of the same type as the accounting program PRB is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. And in this case, the accounting program PRB is written into the auxiliary storage unit 203 by, for example, the processor 201 under the instruction of, for example, a maintenance worker. The transfer of the accounting program PRB may be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a network.

[0024] The touch panel 204 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen under the control of the processor 201. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 201. As the touch sensor, a well-known device can be used.

[0025] The printer 205 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and generates a receipt or the like by printing various character strings and images on a receipt paper. The card reader 206 reads data electronically or magnetically recorded on a card. The cards to be read by the card reader 206 are credit cards, point cards, and the like. The card reader 206 may have a function of writing data to the card.

[0026] The proximity communication unit 207 communicates with an IC (integrated circuit) tag by proximity wireless communication such as the NFC (near field communication) method, etc., and reads the data stored in the IC tag. The IC tags to be read by the proximity communication unit 207 are attached to electronic money cards, portable information communication terminals, and the like. The proximity communication unit 207 may have a function of writing data to the IC tag.

[0027] The code reader 208 optically reads barcodes and two-dimensional codes for code settlement. The automatic money changer 209 receives the coins and banknotes inserted. The automatic money changer 209 also discharges coins and banknotes as change.

[0028] The communication unit 210 performs communication processing for communicating via the LAN 30. As the communication unit 210, an existing communication device compliant with the LAN standard can be used. When using another communication network such as the Internet instead of the LAN 30, a communication device compliant with the standard of the communication network to be used may be used. The transmission path 211 transmits the data exchanged between the connected components. As the transmission path 211, well-known ones including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses to the components can be used.

[0029] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and it is possible to appropriately change the order of some processing, omit some processing, or add other processing. Also, in the description of the processing of the processors 101 and 201 below, the term "own device" in the description of the processing shall represent the registration device 10 or the accounting device 20 in which the corresponding processor 101 or 201 is provided. Also, in the description of the processing of the processors 101 and 201 below, the device to be controlled shall be a device provided in the own device unless otherwise specified.

[0030] When the registration device 10 is started in the operation mode for executing the registration process, the processor 101 provided in the registration device 10 executes the registration process as described below according to the registration program PRA. FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of the registration process by the processor 101.

[0031] As ACT11 in FIG. 4, the processor 101 causes the touch panel 105 to display a standby screen. The standby screen is, for example, a screen for guiding a customer CU who is about to newly register a transaction item that the own device is available for use. However, the standby screen may be a screen for guiding any other information to the customer CU, or a screen with any content such as an advertisement screen. Further, the standby screen may sequentially display a plurality of screens. What kind of screen is to be displayed as the standby screen may be appropriately determined by the creator of the registration program PRA or the administrator of the registration device 10 or the like.

[0032] When the customer CU has finished picking up the product to be purchased, the customer CU goes to the checkout corner and approaches one of the registration devices 10 on which the standby screen is being displayed. As a result, the human sensor 108 provided in the corresponding registration device 10 enters a detection state. The processor 101 shifts to the waiting state of ACT12 with the registration screen being displayed on the touch panel 105. As ACT12, the processor 101 waits for the approach of the customer CU. Then, for example, if the human sensor 108 enters a detection state, the processor 101 determines that the customer CU has approached as YES and proceeds to ACT13.

[0033] As ACT13, the processor 101 causes the touch panel 105 to display a registration screen. The registration screen is a screen predetermined to be displayed during the registration of the transaction item. The registration screen is assumed to be, for example, a screen for designating the product to be registered as the transaction item and a list of registered transaction items. With the registration screen displayed on the touch panel 105, the processor 101 transitions to the waiting state of ACT14. As ACT14, the processor 101 waits for a product to be specified as the product to be registered in the transaction.

[0034] After the customer CU confirms that the display on the touch panel 105 of the approaching registration device 10 has changed to the registration screen, the customer CU performs a predetermined operation to specify one of the products picked up from the sales floor as the product to be registered in the transaction. This operation is, for example, an operation of causing the barcode displayed on the product to be read by the scanner 104, or an operation of touching the touch panel 105 to specify the product. The operation for specifying the product may be various well-known operations such as those accepted by existing POS terminals and the like. If the operation for specifying the product is thus performed, the processor 101 determines YES that the product has been specified and proceeds to ACT15.

[0035] As ACT15, the processor 101 acquires a product code for identifying the product specified as described above. The processing of the processor 101 for acquiring the product code may be the same as the processing performed by existing POS terminal devices and the like. That is, for example, the processor 101 extracts the product code included in the code data obtained by reading the code symbol by the scanner 104. Also, for example, the processor 101 acquires the product code associated with the button operated on the GUI screen of the touch panel 105. The product code is, for example, a JAN (Japanese article number) code.

[0036] As ACT16, the processor 101 updates the product list to include the product code obtained as described above. The product list is a list of traded products that have been registered as the subject of a transaction. The list data representing the product list is stored in the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103. When the processor 101 proceeds from ACT14 to ACT15 and then to ACT16, it generates a new product list that includes only the specified product. Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, the processor 101 also updates the product list to reflect an instruction such as deletion of a product that has been registered as a traded product or change in quantity. Thus, since the product list represents the content of the transaction, the processor 101 determines the content of the transaction by updating such a product list. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as the central part functions as a determination means. As ACT17, the processor 101 updates the registration screen to be displayed on the touch panel 105 so as to represent the content of the product list updated in ACT16.

[0037] As ACT18, the processor 101 checks whether a product has been newly specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT19. As ACT19, the processor 101 checks whether a transition to accounting processing has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, it determines NO and returns to ACT18. Thus, as ACT18 and ACT19, the processor 101 waits for a product code to be newly specified or for a transition to accounting processing to be specified.

[0038] When the customer CU performs an operation to specify the second and subsequent products in the same manner as described above, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT18, returns to ACT15, and repeats ACT15 and ACT16 for the newly specified product. In this case, the processor 101 updates the already generated product list in ACT16 to include the newly specified product as a transaction product. In this way, the processor 101 registers the products sequentially specified by the customer CU as transaction products.

[0039] When the customer CU has finished specifying all of the picked-up products as transaction products, the customer CU specifies a transition instruction to the accounting process by a predetermined operation such as tapping an accounting button shown on the registration screen. Then, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT19 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 5. As ACT21, the processor 101 causes a selection screen to be displayed on the touch panel 105. The selection screen is a screen for allowing the customer CU to select the accounting device 20.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen. The selection screen shown in FIG. 6 includes display elements ELAA, ELAB, display elements ELBA, ELBB, ELBC, and a character message MEA. The display elements ELAA and ELAB respectively correspond to two registration devices 10. The display elements ELBA, ELBB, and ELBC respectively correspond to three accounting devices 20. The display elements ELAA, ELAB, ELBA, ELBB, and ELBC are arranged in the selection screen in accordance with the arrangement of the registration device 10 and the accounting device 20 in the accounting corner.

[0041] The selection screen shown in FIG. 6 is a display example on the registration device 10 located on the upper side in FIG. 1. For this reason, in the selection screen shown in FIG. 6, the frame line of the display element ELAA corresponding to the registration device 10 in use by the customer CU is a solid line, and the frame line of the display element ELAB corresponding to another registration device 10 is a broken line, so that the customer CU can identify the registration device 10 in use.

[0042] The selection screen shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a display in a situation where the accounting device 20 located on the upper side in FIG. 1 is in use. Therefore, in the selection screen shown in FIG. 6, the customer CU can identify that it is in use by making the frame line of the display element ELBA corresponding to the accounting device 20 in use a broken line. Also, in the selection screen shown in FIG. 6, the customer CU can identify that the accounting devices 20 that are selectable because they are not in use by making the frame lines of the display elements ELBB and ELBC corresponding to them solid lines. The processor 101 checks the operating state of each of the three accounting devices 20, and generates a selection screen by setting the display forms of the display elements ELBA, ELBB, and ELBC as described above according to the operating state. The character message MEA represents a message that guides the customer CU to select the accounting device 20 used by the customer CU.

[0043] Note that the selection screen shown in FIG. 6 is an example when the names of the two registration devices 10 are defined as "Registration Machine No. 1" and "Registration Machine No. 2". Also, the selection screen shown in FIG. 6 is an example when the names of the three accounting devices 20 are defined as "Accounting Machine No. 1", "Accounting Machine No. 2", and "Accounting Machine No. 3". The display elements ELBA, ELBB, and ELBC also serve as soft keys for the customer CU to specify the corresponding accounting device 20.

[0044] With the selection screen displayed on the touch panel 105, the processor 101 shifts to the standby states of ACT22 and ACT23 in FIG. 5. As ACT22, the processor 101 checks whether the accounting device 20 has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT23. As ACT23, the processor 101 checks whether the usage status of the accounting device 20 has changed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, it determines NO and returns to ACT22. That is, when in the waiting states of ACT22 and ACT23, the processor 101 waits for the designation of the accounting device 20 or a change in the usage status of the accounting device 20.

[0045] When the usage status of the accounting device 20 by another customer CU changes, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT23 and returns to ACT21. Then, the processor 101 causes the touch panel 105 to display a selection screen according to the changed usage status of the accounting device 20. The customer CU designates the accounting device 20 to be used by tapping any one of the display elements ELBA, ELBB, and ELBC with a solid frame line. In response, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT22 and proceeds to ACT24.

[0046] As ACT24, the processor 101 generates settlement data. The processor 101 stores the settlement data in the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 includes in the settlement data a registration device identifier predetermined to distinguish its own device from other registration devices 10 and a product list. The processor 101 may calculate the settlement amount and include it in the settlement data. What information the processor 101 includes in the settlement data may be appropriately determined by, for example, the creator of the registration program PRA.

[0047] As ACT25, the processor 101 transmits the settlement data generated as described above to the accounting device 20 designated by the customer CU. Specifically, for example, the processor 101 causes the communication unit 109 to send transmission data including the settlement data from the LAN 30 to the accounting device 20 designated by the customer CU as the destination. As ACT26, the processor 101 waits for the settlement data to be received by the accounting device 20.

[0048] Now, when the accounting device 20 is activated in an operation mode for performing processing for settlement according to the settlement data transmitted from the registration device 10, the processor 201 executes settlement control processing as described below according to the accounting program PRB. Then, when the transmission data sent to the own device from the registration device 10 is received by the communication unit 210, the processor 201 stores the said transmission data, or the settlement data included in the transmission data, in, for example, the main storage unit 202 or the auxiliary storage unit 203. By the processor 201 executing information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer having the processor 201 as the central part functions as an acquisition means.

[0049] And if the processor 201 can start accounting processing regarding the settlement data included in the received transmission data, it causes the communication unit 210 to send transmission data including predetermined notification data for a receipt notice to the registration device 10 which is the transmission source of the transmission data including the settlement data, addressed to the registration device 10. When this transmission data is transmitted to the registration device 10 which is the destination via the LAN 30, it is received by the communication unit 109 provided in the said registration device 10. Then, the processor 101 accordingly determines YES at ACT26 assuming that the settlement data has been received by the accounting device 20, and proceeds to ACT27.

[0050] As ACT27, the processor 101 clears the product list. As ACT28, the processor 101 causes a guidance screen to be displayed on the touch panel 105. The guidance screen is a screen for guiding the customer CU to move to the accounting device 20 to perform settlement.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the guidance screen. The guidance screen shown in FIG. 7 includes display elements ELCA, ELCB, display elements ELDA, ELDB, ELDC, an arrow ARA, and a character message MEB. The display elements ELCA and ELCB each correspond to two registration devices 10. The display elements ELDA, ELDB, and ELDC each correspond to three accounting devices 20. The display elements ELCA, ELCB, ELDA, ELDB, and ELDC are arranged on the guidance screen in accordance with the arrangement of the registration devices 10 and accounting devices 20 at the accounting counter.

[0052] The guidance screen shown in Fig. 7 is an example when the centrally located accounting device 20 is selected on the selection screen shown in Fig. 6. For this reason, the guidance screen shown in Fig. 7 has a solid border around the display element ELAA corresponding to the registration device 10 displaying the guidance screen, and a dashed border around the display element ELAB corresponding to another registration device 10, allowing the customer CU to identify the registration device 10 that they are using.

[0053] 7, the frame of the display element ELDB corresponding to the specified accounting device 20 is solid, allowing the customer CU to identify that the relevant accounting device 20 has been specified. Also, the frame of the display elements ELDA and ELDC corresponding to the unspecified accounting device 20 is dashed, allowing the customer CU to identify that the relevant accounting device 20 has not been specified. The arrow ARA allows the customer CU to recognize the manner in which the customer CU should move. The text message MEB represents a message instructing the customer CU to go to the accounting device 20 to make a transaction. Thus, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the registration program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a guide means.

[0054] With the guide screen displayed on the touch panel 105, the processor 101 transitions to a standby state in ACT29 and ACT30 in FIG. In ACT 29, the processor 101 checks whether the customer CU that was operating the device has left. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 30. As ACT30, the processor 101 checks whether all the traded goods placed on the stand have been removed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, it determines NO and returns to ACT29. Thus, as ACT29 and ACT30, the processor 101 waits for the customer CU to leave or for the traded goods to be removed.

[0055] If the customer CU leaves the own device while leaving the traded goods on the stand, the processor 101 determines YES as leaving in ACT29 and proceeds to ACT31. At this time, the processor 101 has detected that the customer CU has left the own device. That is, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as the central part functions as the first detection means.

[0056] As ACT31, the processor 101 starts an alarm operation. The alarm operation is an operation for notifying the customer CU that the traded goods remain. The alarm operation is, for example, the output of an alarm sound by the sound unit 106 and the pop-up display on the touch panel 105 of the window for guiding the customer CU to remove the traded goods. However, what operations are performed as the alarm operation may be appropriately determined by, for example, the creator of the registration program PRA or the administrator of the registration device 10. The processor 101 shifts to the waiting state of ACT32 while performing the alarm operation. As ACT32, the processor 101 waits for all the traded goods to be removed.

[0057] If the customer recognizes the omission of the traded goods due to the alarm operation and returns to the registration device 10 to remove all the traded goods from the stand. As a result, when the commodity sensor 107 does not detect the traded goods, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT33. As ACT33, the processor 101 stops the alarm operation. Then, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT34 hereafter.

[0058] Now, usually, before heading towards the accounting device 20, customer CU removes all the transaction goods from the stand and heads towards the accounting device 20 with those transaction goods. For this reason, before the human presence sensor 108 stops detecting customer CU, the merchandise sensor 107 enters a state where it does not detect the transaction goods. In this case, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT30 and proceeds to ACT34. At this time, the processor 101 is detecting the removal of the transaction goods from the stand. That is, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as the central part functions as the second detection means.

[0059] As ACT34, the processor 101 waits for the customer CU who was operating the self to leave. Then, when the customer CU moves towards the accounting device 20 and the human presence sensor 108 stops detecting the customer CU, the processor 101 determines YES and returns to ACT11 in FIG. 4. Then, the processor 101 repeats ACT11 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. As a result, the display on the touch panel 105 becomes the standby screen, and the display of the guidance screen ends.

[0060] At the accounting device 20, the processor 201 calculates the settlement amount based on the settlement data saved as described above in response to the operation of the customer who has moved from the registration device 10, and settles the settlement amount according to the operation by the customer CU. If the settlement amount is included in the settlement data, the processor 201 may settle this settlement amount. Note that the process for settling the settlement amount may be the same as the process performed by an accounting device or the like included in the semi-self service transaction processing system, so the illustration and detailed description are omitted. Thus, by the processor 201 executing information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer with the processor 201 as the central part functions as the settlement means.

[0061] Furthermore, the processor 101 in the registration device 10 determines the accounting device 20 to be used for payment, i.e., the accounting device 20 to which the payment data is to be sent, in accordance with the specification by the customer CU in the registration device 10. In other words, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the registration program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a determination means.

[0062] As described above, in the transaction processing system 1, the registration device 10 registers the transaction items in response to operations by the customer CU. When proceeding to checkout after registering the transaction items, the registration device 10 displays a guide screen on the touch panel 105, prompting the customer to move to the checkout device 20 to which the payment data has been transferred. This results in a new type of system that differs from existing systems: a so-called full-self type in which both the registration process and the payment process are performed in response to operations by the customer CU, but a separate type in which the registration process and the payment process are performed separately by the registration device 10 and the checkout device 20. Furthermore, the transaction processing system 1 essentially eliminates the need for store clerk involvement in either the registration process or the checkout process, thereby reducing labor. Furthermore, the transaction processing system 1 allows the ratio of the number of registration devices 10 to the number of checkout devices 20 to be appropriately adjusted depending on the store's circumstances. For example, in a store where the average number of purchases per customer is high and the time required for the registration process per customer is relatively long, the number of registration devices 10 compared to the number of checkout devices 20 can be increased to shorten the waiting time for the registration process. For example, in a store where the average number of items purchased per customer is low and the time required for registering each customer is relatively short, the waiting time for the transaction can be reduced by reducing the number of registration devices 10 compared to the number of transaction devices 20.

[0063] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The processor 101 may determine the accounting device 20 to be used for settlement based on a notification from the accounting device 20 or a notification from a management device not shown in FIG. For example, the processor 101 selects the accounting device 20 of the destination of the settlement data according to a predetermined rule, and transmits transmission data including the settlement data to the accounting device 20. When the accounting device 20 receives the transmission data sent from the registration device 10 or transferred from another accounting device 20, if it cannot perform the settlement process, it transfers the transmission data to another accounting device 20 or the registration device 10 determined according to a predetermined rule. When the accounting device 20 receives the transmission data sent from the registration device 10 or transferred from another accounting device 20, if it is possible to perform the settlement process, after notifying the registration device 10 of the source of the transmission data of the receipt, it starts the settlement process. In this case, the processor 101 may determine the accounting device 20 that has notified the receipt as the accounting device 20 used for settlement. Also, for example, the processor 101 may request the management device to select the accounting device 20 in the management device, and determine the accounting device 20 used for settlement according to the notification from the management device.

[0064] The transaction to be processed is not limited to the sales transaction of goods, and may be various other transactions of tangible objects such as the provision of meals, or various other transactions such as the provision of intangible services.

[0065] The end of the display of the guidance screen may be either when the removal of the transaction goods from the stand is detected or when the departure of the customer CU is detected.

[0066] The end of the display of the guidance screen may be changed at an appropriate timing, for example, when the display duration of the guidance screen reaches a predetermined time, or when a predetermined operation for specifying the end of the display is performed by the customer CU.

[0067] Each function realized by the processors 101 and 201 through information processing can also be realized, in part or in whole, by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining software control with hardware such as the above logic circuit.

[0068] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0069] 1... Transaction processing system, 10... Registration device, 20... Accounting device, 101, 201... Processors, 102, 202... Main storage units, 103, 203... Auxiliary storage units, 104... Scanner, 105, 204... Touch panels, 106... Sound unit, 107... Product sensor, 108... Human presence sensor, 109, 210... Communication units, 110, 211... Transmission paths, 205... Printer, 206... Card reader, 207... Proximity communication unit, 208... Code reader, 209... Automatic change machine.

Claims

1. A transaction processing system including a registration device and a plurality of payment devices, wherein the registration device has a determination means for determining the details of a transaction according to a customer's operation, a determination means for determining, from among the plurality of payment devices, a payment device to be used for settling the price of a transaction with the details determined by the determination means, and a guidance means for guiding the customer regarding settlement with the payment device determined by the determination means, and is equipped with, wherein each of the plurality of payment devices has an acquisition means for acquiring settlement data for settling the price of a transaction with the details determined by the determination means, and a settlement means for performing settlement according to a customer's operation based on the settlement data acquired by the acquisition means provided in the same payment device, and is equipped with, a transaction processing system.

2. The determination means determines, according to a customer's operation, a payment device to be used for settling the price, The transaction processing system according to Claim 1.

3. The registration device further includes a first detection means for detecting that the customer has left the registration device after the guidance by the guidance means, and the guidance means stops the operation for guidance in response to the first detection means detecting that the customer has left the registration device, The transaction processing system according to Claim 1.

4. The registration device further includes a second detection means for detecting removal from a pedestal of a product already registered as an object of a transaction, and the guidance means stops the operation for guidance in response to the second detection means detecting the removal, The transaction processing system according to Claim 1.

5. A registration device that constitutes a transaction processing system together with a plurality of payment devices, having a determination means for determining the details of a transaction according to a customer's operation, a determination means for determining, from among the plurality of payment devices, a payment device to be used for settling the price of a transaction with the details determined by the determination means, and a guidance means for guiding the customer regarding settlement with the payment device determined by the determination means, and is equipped with.

6. An information processing program for causing a computer provided in a registration device that constitutes a transaction processing system together with a plurality of payment devices to function as a determination means for determining the details of a transaction according to a customer's operation, a determination means for determining, from among the plurality of payment devices, a payment device to be used for settling the price of a transaction with the details determined by the determination means, ​ ​

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