Server and program

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] In a semi-self-service checkout system, an employee (checker) scans the items (registers them) and the customer performs the checkout procedure to pay for the items, dividing up the work involved in checking out. This reduces waiting times at the register and reduces the burden on employees.

[0005] Typically, when a shopper checks out themselves, the checkout process tends to take longer than the registration process. For example, shoppers may need a lot of time to remove coins or bills from their wallet to pay for the product, or to process coupons to receive discounts on the product. For this reason, checkout systems provide multiple checkout machines for each product registration machine to prevent long wait times for the checkout process.

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

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

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration machine and a checkout machine that can shorten the time from the start of registration processing to the completion of checkout processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, the registration machine includes a generating means, an issuing means, and a transmitting means. The generating means generates registration information for transaction processing based on information about products to be purchased by a shopper input via an input unit. Before the generation of registration information for all products to be purchased by the shopper is completed, the issuing means issues identification information for the registration information that can be read by a transaction processing machine, and prints out the identification information on a paper medium. The transmitting means transmits the registration information associated with the identification information to the transaction processing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] The product registration machine 10 is attached to the cash register 5. The cash register 5 has, for example, an L-shaped top panel. When a shopper 4-1 places a shopping basket 7 containing products on the cash register 5, the checker 2 scans the products in the shopping basket 7 (reads product information).

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

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

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, by placing the payment machines 12-1 and 12-2 near the product registration machine 10, the checker 2 can check on the shoppers 4-2 and 4-3 operating the payment machines 12-1 and 12-2 if there is sufficient time for the work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0043] The change dispenser 47 receives coins and bills that are inserted, and also dispenses coins and bills that are used as change.

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

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

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

[0047] The checkout machine 12 may also be provided with a human sensor or the like that can detect when a shopper 4 approaches. Next, the operation of the product sales data processing system in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the product registration device 10 in this embodiment, and Figure 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the payment device 12 in this embodiment.

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

[0049] The transaction ID can be issued in two ways: first, by using a recording medium such as a member's card owned by the shopper 4; and second, by having the product registration machine 10 issue the transaction ID independently without using a recording medium such as a member's card.

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

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

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

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

[0054] The first method uses an existing card such as a membership card, which reduces the consumption of receipt paper and encourages shoppers 4 to use their membership cards during checkout. The first method can also be used with cards that can be written (recorded) with data, not just membership cards. When using this type of card, the CPU 20 records data indicating the transaction ID on the card.

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

[0056] The CPU 20 determines a transaction ID unique to this transaction in response to an instruction from the operation of the checker 2. In this case, the CPU 20 generates the transaction ID according to an algorithm that prevents the transaction ID from overlapping with transaction IDs issued by other product registration machines 10.

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

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

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

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

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

[0062] In this way, the shopper 4 can select to process the transaction at the transaction machine 12 by themselves, and the checker 2 can immediately begin scanning the items in the shopping cart 7 placed on the register 5 for registration without having to perform any operation to issue a transaction ID, thereby shortening the time required for the registration process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0078] Furthermore, when using a payment card such as a credit card, debit card, electronic money card, or prepaid card, the shopper 4 can specify card payment to the payment machine 12, then select the card to be used for the transaction and insert it into the card reader / writer 50 in advance.

[0079] Furthermore, if the shopper 4 has a coupon that can be used to receive a discount on a product, the shopper 4 can process the coupon. For example, if an input operation is required to receive a discount through a coupon, the shopper 4 can perform the input operation based on the registered product information displayed on the touch panel 46.

[0080] Additionally, the payment device 12 can perform the payment preparation process required for the payment process before completing the registration process in the product registration device 10. Note that the above-described payment preparation process is an example, and other processes can also be performed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0087] For the next shopper 4, registration process (2) is executed after registration process (1) is completed in the product registration machine 10. Then, after registration process (2) is completed, transaction process (2) is executed in the transaction machine 2 for the registration information registered in registration process (2).

[0088] As shown in Figure 7(A), if the transaction process is started after the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed, the transaction process will take the total time required for the registration process and the transaction process to be completed.

[0089] FIG. 7B shows the time required for the registration process and the transaction process in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment. In Figure 7(B), for the first shopper 4, the product registration machine 10 executes registration process (1), while the payment machine 1 executes payment process (1) in parallel. The payment machine 1 can perform payment preparation processing while registration process (1) is being completed. Then, once registration process (1) is completed, the payment machine 1 immediately executes payment processing and ends payment process (1).

[0090] For the next shopper 4, registration process (2) is executed after registration process (1) is completed in the product registration device 10. Similarly, transaction process (2) is executed in parallel with registration process (2), allowing transaction preparation to be performed until registration process (1) is completed. Then, immediately after registration process (2) is completed, payment is executed and transaction process (2) is completed.

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

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

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

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

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

[0096] The payment machine 12 may not only process the transaction when a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 46, but may also start the transaction when, for example, a motion sensor detects that a shopper 4 is approaching. When a shopper 4 approaches, the payment machine 12 notifies the shopper 4 by displaying a screen on the touch panel 46 indicating that the machine is waiting for the transaction. This allows the shopper 4 to easily determine which payment machine 12 should process the transaction, even if there are multiple available payment machines 12, since only the payment machine 12 selected in the product registration machine 10 will respond when the shopper 4 approaches.

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

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

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

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

[0101] In the above explanation, the registration information created in the product registration machine 10 is sent to the payment machine 12 via the store computer 14, but it is also possible to send the registration information associated with the transaction ID from the product registration machine 10 to the payment machine 12 without going through the store computer 14. In addition, the registration confirmation information (notification of the completion of the registration process) can also be sent directly from the product registration machine 10 to the payment machine 12.

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

[0103] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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