Registration Device

Abstract

To provide a POS system that can reduce a customer's checkout time. [Solution] The POS system has a registration device that registers products to be purchased by customers, and multiple settlement devices that customers operate themselves to process payments based on the product registration data. The registration device has a transmission means that transmits information on the payment method (cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combination of both) that will be used to settle the customer's payment at one of the multiple settlement devices. The settlement device has a payment means that receives the payment method information and processes the payment based on the received payment method information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a registration device. [Background technology]

[0002] POS systems in which customers themselves operate the checkout process when purchasing products include a registration device that registers data related to the transaction for the product the customer intends to purchase, and a checkout device that the customer operates to process the checkout process based on the registered data. Patent Document 1 describes a POS system equipped with such a registration device and checkout device.

[0003] In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, a registration device first issues a settlement receipt, which is then handed to the customer. This settlement receipt has information necessary for settlement regarding the purchased items (e.g., information indicating the total purchase amount) printed on it, for example, as a two-dimensional or one-dimensional code. Next, the customer uses the settlement receipt to operate the settlement device themselves and complete the settlement process. For example, the customer has the two-dimensional or one-dimensional code read by the settlement device's reader, and then performs payment operations such as inserting cash or a credit card. The settlement device then completes the settlement process based on the read two-dimensional or one-dimensional code and the customer's payment operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-158993 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, the customer has to perform a certain operation to enable the settlement device to process the payment using the data registered in the registration device, which can be time-consuming, resulting in a problem of time-consuming settlement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a POS system, a payment device, a program, and a payment method that can reduce the time it takes for customers to check out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the product registration data, wherein the POS system is characterized in that the selection means allows the customer to select a payment method of cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combination of these to settle the price in the payment processing at either the registration device or the settlement device, the registration device having a transmission means that transmits at least the product registration data so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at one of the multiple settlement devices, the settlement device having a receiving means that receives the transmitted product registration data, and a payment means that executes the payment processing based on the received product registration data, and when the selection means is executed in the registration device, the settlement device receives the selected payment method using the receiving means and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the received payment method, and when the selection means is not executed in the registration device, the selection means is executed in the settlement device and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method.

[0008] According to the above aspect, the payment method can be selected at the settlement device or declared at the registration device, which reduces the number of operations required by the customer in the settlement process and thereby shortens the settlement time.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the settlement device is equipped with an indicator light that displays multiple colors, and the indicator light indicates that the settlement device is the selected device or that the settlement device is operable.

[0010] According to the above aspect, the indicator light notifies the customer which payment terminal is the one where the payment should be made, so the customer can immediately tell which payment terminal to go to.

[0011] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned POS system, when the settlement device starts payment processing based on the payment method information, it sends a message to the registration device that sent the registration data indicating that payment is in progress.

[0012] According to the above aspect, the registration device can display information indicating that payment is in progress as information indicating the status of the settlement device that has started the payment process.

[0013] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device is equipped with a display means that displays that the settlement device is available when the settlement device is not in use, and that displays that the settlement device is in use when the settlement device is in use.

[0014] According to the above aspect, the status of the settlement device can be grasped on the registration device side.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk and transmits the product registration data to one of a plurality of settlement devices; a plurality of settlement devices that receive the product registration data transmitted from the registration device and that the customer operates to settle the purchase price based on the received registration data; and a selection means that allows the customer to select a payment method of cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combination of these to settle the purchase price at either the registration device or the settlement device, wherein the settlement device is equipped with a payment means that executes payment processing for the purchase price based on the received product registration data, and when the selection means is executed at the registration device, receives the payment method selected at the registration device and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the received payment method, and when the selection means is not executed at the registration device, the selection means is executed at the settlement device and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method.

[0016] According to the above aspect, the payment method can be selected at the settlement device or declared at the registration device, which reduces the number of operations required by the customer in the settlement process and thereby shortens the settlement time.

[0017] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the settlement device is provided with an indicator light that displays multiple colors, and the indicator light indicates that the settlement device is the selected device or that the settlement device is operable.

[0018] According to the above aspect, the indicator light notifies the customer which payment terminal is the one where the payment should be made, so the customer can immediately tell which payment terminal to go to.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is that, in the settlement device, when the payment means is started, a message indicating that payment is in progress is sent to the registration device that sent the product registration data.

[0020] According to the above aspect, the registration device can display information indicating that payment is in progress as information indicating the status of the settlement device that has started the payment process.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for a POS system that causes a first computer to function as a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and causes a second computer to function as a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by the customer themselves to perform a payment process based on the product registration data, and causes either the first computer or the second computer to function as a selection means that allows the customer to select a payment method to be used in the payment process: cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combination of these; and causes the first computer to transmit at least the product registration data so that the customer's payment process can be performed at one of the plurality of settlement devices. and causing the second computer to function as a receiving means that receives the transmitted product registration data and a payment means that executes payment processing based on the received product registration data, wherein when the selection means is executed in the first computer, the second computer receives the selected payment method by the receiving means and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the received payment method, and when the selection means is not executed in the first computer, the second computer executes the selection means and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method.

[0022] According to the above aspect, the payment method can be selected at the settlement device or declared at the registration device, which reduces the number of operations required by the customer during the settlement process and thereby shortens the settlement time.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk and transmits the product registration data to one of a plurality of settlement devices; a plurality of settlement devices that receive the product registration data transmitted from the registration device and that the customer operates to settle the price based on the received registration data; and a selection means that allows the customer to select a payment method of cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combination of these to settle the price on either the registration device or the settlement device, the program causing the settlement device to function as a payment means that executes payment processing for the price based on the received product registration data, and when the selection means is executed on the registration device, receives the payment method selected on the registration device and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the received payment method, and when the selection means is not executed on the registration device, executes the selection means on the settlement device and executes the payment means based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method.

[0024] According to the above aspect, the payment method can be selected at the settlement device or declared at the registration device, which reduces the number of operations required by the customer during the settlement process and thereby shortens the settlement time.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention is a payment method for a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the product registration data, the payment method comprising: a selection step in either the registration device or the settlement device that allows the customer to select a payment method of cash, credit card, electronic money, or a combination of these to settle the price in the payment processing; a transmission step in the registration device that transmits at least the product registration data so that one of the plurality of settlement devices can perform the payment processing for the customer; a reception step in the settlement device that receives the transmitted product registration data; and a payment step that executes the payment processing based on the received product registration data; and when the selection step is executed in the registration device, the settlement device receives the selected payment method in the reception step and executes the payment step based on the received product registration data and the received payment method; and when the selection step is not executed in the registration device, the settlement device executes the selection step and executes the payment step based on the received product registration data and the selected payment method.

[0026] According to the above aspect, the payment method can be selected at the settlement device or declared at the registration device, which reduces the number of operations required by the customer in the settlement process and thereby shortens the settlement time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the checkout time of a customer can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a registration POS register 20 in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3]2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement POS register 30 in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a registration POS register 20 and a settlement POS register 30 in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the POS system 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting a destination settlement POS register in step S22 of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a destination settlement POS register in step S25 of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt on which a guide indicating a POS register for settlement is printed. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a settlement POS register that has transitioned to a standby state in step S26 of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow in the POS system 1 of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for suspending payment processing in the processing in the POS system 1 of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a button for suspending the settlement process, which is displayed on a settlement POS register. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 shows an example of a reserved receipt issued in step S29c of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, a registration POS register 20, and three settlement POS registers 30. The store controller 10, the registration POS register 20, and the three settlement POS registers 30 are interconnected by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

[0030] The configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and it is possible to provide multiple registration POS registers 20, increase the number of settlement POS registers 30, or reduce the number of settlement POS registers 30 to two. Furthermore, the store controller 10 and the registration POS registers 20 and settlement POS registers 30 do not necessarily need to be connected via the LAN 11. In this case, data can be exchanged using power line communication, which utilizes electrical wiring to achieve high-speed communication. It is also possible to omit the store controller 10 by having the functions of the store controller 10 be provided by the registration POS registers 20.

[0031] The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1 and manages various information such as a product master. The store controller 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master to the registration POS register 20 and each checkout POS register 30. Here, the product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information, product name, and sales price for each product, and is updated appropriately.

[0032] The registration POS register 20 registers data on products that customers intend to purchase. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading barcodes attached to the products. Therefore, the registration POS register 20 is equipped with a scanner that, when operated by a store clerk, reads the barcodes (product codes) attached to the products that customers intend to purchase. In this application, the product-related data registered by the registration POS register 20 and used in the checkout process is referred to as registration data. The registration data includes the total price of all products to be purchased, as well as the unit price and quantity of each product. The registration data may also be identification information (e.g., code information) that recalls the total price of all products to be purchased, as well as the unit price and quantity of each product. In this case, the checkout POS register 30 may request the store controller 10 or a registration POS register 20 that has the functionality of the store controller 10 based on the identification information (e.g., code information) and receive the registration data. The registration POS register 20 also receives and manages status information from each checkout POS register 30.

[0033] Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be sent, based on the status information. Based on the status information, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 the customer currently registering the product should use to settle the transaction, so as to minimize waiting time. That is, the registration POS register 20 selects the most suitable one from the multiple settlement POS registers 30. For example, the registration POS register 20 selects an available settlement POS register 30. Alternatively, if all the settlement POS registers 30 are occupied with customers, the registration POS register 20 selects the settlement device that is likely to become available first. The registration POS register 20 then transmits the registration data to the selected settlement POS register 30. A customer who wishes to purchase the product identified by the registration data can operate the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data was sent and perform the settlement process themselves. The settlement process is a process in which the price of the product to be purchased is paid and settled using cash, electronic money, a credit card, or the like, selectively.

[0034] The status information indicates the progress of the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30. The progress status is classified into statuses such as standby, settlement in progress, issuing a receipt, available, pending accounting, and trouble. Based on this progress status, the registration POS register 20 determines which settlement POS register 30 to select. For example, the registration POS register 20 preferentially selects an available settlement POS register 30. If there are no available settlement POS registers 30, it selects one that is issuing a receipt. The three progress statuses of standby, settlement in progress, and issuing a receipt indicate the stage of the settlement process, and the progress status transitions from standby to settlement in progress, and from settlement in progress to issuing a receipt. Therefore, a receipt-issuing register is more advanced than a settlement-issuing register, and if there are no available settlement POS registers, selecting a receipt-issuing register allows the settlement POS register 30 that is most likely to become available the soonest.

[0035] Furthermore, when transmitting the registration data currently being registered to the selected checkout POS register 30, the registration POS register 20 performs the following display process. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information received from each checkout POS register 30 on a display screen such as a touch panel of the registration POS register 20. This display may be updated continuously or as needed during the registration process or during idle time, not just when transmitting the registration data. Furthermore, when transmitting registration data, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information to a store clerk or customer so that the store clerk or customer can know which checkout POS register 30 the registration data has been transmitted to. For example, if the display is directed to a store clerk, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer. In this case, the display method is arbitrary. For example, the status information of each checkout POS register 30 may be displayed on a touch panel of the registration POS register 20 facing the store clerk, and the status information corresponding to the checkout POS register 30 from which the registration data has been transmitted may be highlighted. Also, a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 may be displayed on a display unit of the registration POS register 20 facing the customer. Also, a receipt indicating the corresponding settlement POS register 30 (for example, a numbered receipt with the number of the settlement POS register 30 printed on it) may be issued and handed to the customer.

[0036] The selection of the checkout POS register 30 may be performed manually by a store clerk. For example, the store clerk may look at the status information, make a judgment, and select the checkout POS register 30 by pressing the button of the selected checkout POS register 30 on the touch panel. To help the store clerk make a judgment, the status information may be displayed with an emphasis on checkout POS registers 30 that are available (or likely to be available).

[0037] The registration POS register 20 may also be configured to print out all purchase details of the products purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can check the details registered using the registration POS register 20 by looking at the printout before operating the checkout POS register 30 to carry out the checkout process.

[0038] On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30 is a device that customers operate themselves to carry out settlement processing, and is equipped with payment devices such as an automatic change dispenser, a card reader (for credit cards or point cards, for example), an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (for electronic money, for example), etc. The settlement POS register 30 also transmits status information to the registration POS register 20 as needed.

[0039] Furthermore, when the checkout POS register 30 receives the registration data from the registration POS register 20, it notifies (i.e., guides) the customer so that the customer knows to come to that checkout POS register 30. An example of such a notification is, for example, displaying text information such as a predetermined number on the entire screen of the display unit of the checkout POS register 30. This text information such as a number is information that the registration POS register 20 (or the store clerk operating the registration POS register 20) has separately notified the customer. The customer then simply goes to the checkout POS register 30 that displays the number that the customer has been notified of. Another example of such a notification is to light up a predetermined lamp on the checkout POS register 30. For example, the lamp may light up in a specific color, and the customer may go to the checkout POS register 30 of the specified color. Alternatively, the lamp may flash. Another example of such a notification is to display the membership card number on the screen of the checkout POS register 30. This membership card number is read, for example, by the registration POS register 20. The customer goes to the settlement POS register 30 which reports his / her membership card number.

[0040] Furthermore, the settlement POS register 30 enters a standby state after issuing the notification. That is, after issuing the notification, the settlement POS register 30 enters a standby state, waiting for an instruction to start the settlement process corresponding to the received registration data. An example of canceling the standby state is when a customer touches the display screen of the settlement POS register 30 (or presses a button), which automatically starts the settlement process. Until the customer touches the screen, the screen may remain blank, or, as in the notification example above, only a number may be displayed. Alternatively, the settlement POS register 30 may use a human detection sensor to detect whether a customer is approaching and then start the settlement process. In this case, too, the screen may remain blank or display a number until detection occurs. The settlement POS register 30 starts the settlement process when the human detection sensor detects the approach of a person. Alternatively, a camera may be used instead of a human detection sensor. For example, cameras may be installed in the settlement POS register 30 and the registration POS register 20, and the settlement process may start only when the same person approaches using facial recognition.

[0041] The flow of the settlement process for the settlement POS register 30 in the standby state can be performed, for example, as follows. (1) First, the customer selects the payment method: cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., or a combination of these. (2) Next, settlement is carried out by inserting cash into the bill or coin insertion / ejection slot of the settlement POS register 30, receiving change, or reading a card with a card reader. (3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the settlement POS register 30. For example, a list of the purchased items, the total purchase amount, the amount received, the change, etc. are printed on the receipt. (4) Then, the settlement POS register 30 finishes the settlement process and becomes idle.

[0042] The payment method at the settlement POS register 30 may be declared at the registration POS register 20. In this case, the registration POS register 20 sends the payment method information to the settlement POS register 30, and the settlement POS register 30 starts processing from the operation (2) above.

[0043] Next, configuration examples of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30 in Fig. 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration POS register 20. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement POS register 30. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30.

[0044] 2, the registration POS register 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit (for store clerks) 205, a display unit (for customers) 205a, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, a buzzer 208, and a printing unit 209. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0045] The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores programs in advance. The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the registration POS register 20 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 202 .

[0046] The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The RAM 203 is a memory that can be read and written at any time and stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 203 stores product information based on barcodes read by the scanner unit 204, status information received from the checkout POS register 30, etc. The RAM 203 may also store, for example, a history of operation of the operation buttons.

[0047] Display unit (for clerk) 205 and display unit (for customer) 205a display various information. For example, display unit (for clerk) 205 and display unit (for customer) 205a display information (such as product name and price) acquired from the product master. Display unit (for clerk) 205 is a touch panel (such as a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information for the clerk. Furthermore, display unit (for clerk) 205 accepts operational input for pre-registered product information (such as product code) by operating operation buttons (preset buttons) displayed in an area within the screen.

[0048] The operation unit 206 has various operation buttons (subtotal key, current total key, number input key, correction key, preset key, etc.) for operating the registration POS register 20. For example, when an operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 accepts operation input regarding product information (product code, etc.) that is set and registered in advance in that preset key.

[0049] The communication unit 207 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11 . The buzzer 208 generates a buzzer sound when it is necessary for a store clerk to confirm an operation.

[0050] The printing unit 209 prints information indicating the registration data, etc., as necessary. However, in this embodiment, printing of the registration data can be omitted. As mentioned above, the printing unit 209 may print on the receipt (printing medium) information indicating the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data (accounting data) selected based on the status information will be sent.

[0051] The external configuration of the scanner unit 204, display unit (for store clerk) 205, operation unit 206, and printing unit 209 is shown in FIG.

[0052] 3, the settlement POS register 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a sign pole 311, and a human detection sensor 312. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0053] The ROM 302 is a read-only memory that stores programs. The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the settlement POS register 30 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 302 .

[0054] The RAM 303 is a memory that can be read and written as needed and that stores various information. For example, the RAM 303 stores product master data acquired from the store controller 10, and product purchase details indicated by two-dimensional codes or barcodes read by the scanner unit 304. An example of a case where the scanner unit 304 reads a two-dimensional code or barcode is when the registration POS register 20 is unable to acquire status information about the settlement POS register 30 for some reason (for example, due to a problem), and therefore prints a two-dimensional code or barcode to be used for accounting on an accounting slip.

[0055] The scanner unit 304 optically reads a barcode (membership code) attached to, for example, a membership card.

[0056] The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen in accordance with control from the CPU 301. The display unit 305 also stores in the RAM 303, for each operation button, a history of operations of the operation buttons displayed on the screen (for example, the number of operations, the order of operations, etc.).

[0057] The operation unit 306 has various operation buttons (such as a correction key and a preset key) for operating the settlement POS register 30. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts corrections to operation inputs when an operation button (correction key) is operated.

[0058] The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. For example, the communication unit 307 connects to the store controller 10 and acquires the latest product master data from the store controller 10.

[0059] If an error occurs, the buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound to notify the error. When the payment process (i.e., payment of the purchase price of the merchandise) is completed, the printing unit 309 prints and issues a payment receipt for the customer to take home.

[0060] The settlement unit 310 is configured to include a change dispenser, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc., and their respective control units, and settlement processing is performed using the settlement unit 310 with cash, credit card, and electronic money. The settlement unit 310 executes settlement with cash using the change dispenser, and outputs the result of the settlement (e.g., information indicating whether the settlement has been completed) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change dispenser includes a banknote slot for inserting and ejecting banknotes, a coin slot for inserting coins, and a change outlet for ejecting change. The settlement unit 310 also executes settlement with credit card, and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the port and the bus. The settlement unit 310 also executes settlement with electronic money, and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via the bus.

[0061] The sign pole 311 has indicator lights of multiple colors, and by lighting or flashing these indicator lights, it notifies the user that the settlement POS register 30 is the selected device or that it can be operated. The human detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person (customer) within a predetermined range in front of the settlement POS register 30.

[0062] The external configuration of the scanner unit 304, display unit 305, operation unit 306, printing unit 309, payment unit 310, and sign pole 311 is shown in FIG.

[0063] Next, with reference to Fig. 5, an example of operation of the POS system 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 will be described. In the example of operation shown in Fig. 5, it is assumed that transmission and reception of predetermined data has been completed between the store controller 10 and the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30. Therefore, only the processing in the registration POS register 20 and each settlement POS register 30 and the exchange of data between them are shown. Furthermore, in Fig. 5, the three settlement POS registers 30 shown in Fig. 1 are shown as settlement POS registers 30a to 30c. Furthermore, in the example of operation shown in Fig. 5, it is assumed that all three settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are empty at the start.

[0064] Now, assuming that status information indicating that each of the three settlement POS registers 30a to 30c is available is transmitted to the registration POS register 20 in steps S11, S14, and S17, the registration POS register 20 receives the status information (steps S12, S15, and S18).Then, the registration POS register 20 stores the status information of each of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203 (steps S13, S16, and S19).

[0065] Next, in step S20, a customer visits the registration POS register 20, and the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206, thereby starting the product registration process. Thereafter, the scanner unit 204, display unit 205, and operation unit 206 are used to register the product data that the customer wishes to purchase. Then, in step S21, the product registration process is completed, and the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 206, thereby ending the product registration process. In step S21, registration data (accounting data) to be sent to one of the settlement POS registers 30 is generated.

[0066] Here, the registration POS register 20 performs a process of selecting the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data is to be sent (step S22). In step S22, the registration POS register 20 refers to the status information of each of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203, and selects the settlement POS register that has progressed the most in the settlement process (i.e., is available or is most likely to become available soon) based on the status information. In this example, it is assumed that the settlement POS register 30a was selected in step S22.

[0067] Next, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the settlement POS register 30a, which is the destination of the registration data set in step S22 (step S23). In response, the settlement POS register 30a receives the registration data (step S24). The registration POS register 20 that transmitted the registration data in step S23 displays a message indicating that the settlement POS register that transmitted the registration data is the settlement POS register 30a (step S25). On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30a that received the registration data in step S24 notifies that the registration data has been received and enters a standby state for settlement processing (step S26).

[0068] Next, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating that it is in a standby state (step S27). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S28). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203 is updated from an idle state to a standby state (step S29).

[0069] Here, when a customer arrives at the settlement POS register 30a and performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 306 or the human approach is detected by the human detection sensor 312, the payment process is started (step S30). In the payment process started in step S30, operation instructions and the like are displayed on the display unit 305, and the customer selects a payment method and makes a payment using the selected payment method in response to their operation. When the payment process starts in step S30, the settlement POS register 30a transmits status information indicating that payment is in progress (step S31). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S32). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203 is updated from standby to payment in progress (step S33).

[0070] Next, when the settlement process using the specified payment method is completed at the settlement POS register 30a (step S34), the settlement POS register 30a starts the receipt issuing process (step S35). When the settlement POS register 30a starts the receipt issuing process in step S35, it sends status information indicating that a receipt is being issued (step S36). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S37). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a specified storage area of ​​the RAM 203 is updated from "Settlement in progress" to "Receipt issuance in progress" (step S38).

[0071] Next, when the settlement POS register 30a finishes issuing a receipt (step S39), it transitions to an idle state and transmits status information indicating that it is idle (step S40). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S41). The status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a specified storage area of ​​the RAM 203 is updated from receipt issuing to idle (step S42).

[0072] As described above, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, one of the settlement POS registers 30 is automatically selected by the registration POS register 20, and settlement processing is performed according to the customer's operation using the settlement POS register 30.

[0073] Next, with reference to Fig. 6, an example of the selection process of the destination settlement POS register in step S22 of Fig. 5 will be described. Here, it is assumed that the progress status represented by the status information is one of five statuses: waiting, settlement in progress, receipt issuance, available, and trouble occurring. As shown in Fig. 6, the registration POS register 20 first determines whether or not there is an available settlement POS register 30 by referencing the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203 (step S101). If there is an available settlement POS register 30 (Yes in step S101), one of the available settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S102). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

[0074] On the other hand, if there are no idle settlement POS registers 30 (No in step S101), it is determined whether there are any settlement POS registers 30 currently printing receipts (step S104). If there are any settlement POS registers 30 currently printing receipts (Yes in step S104), one of the settlement POS registers 30 currently printing receipts is selected (step S105). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

[0075] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S104 is that there is no settlement POS register 30 currently printing a receipt (No in step S104), it is determined whether there is a settlement POS register 30 currently in payment (step S106). If there is a settlement POS register 30 currently in payment (Yes in step S106), one of the settlement POS registers 30 currently in payment is selected (step S107). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

[0076] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S106 is that there is no settlement POS register 30 in the middle of a settlement (No in step S106), it is determined whether there is a settlement POS register 30 in a standby state (step S108). If there is a settlement POS register 30 in a standby state (Yes in step S108), one of the standby settlement POS registers 30 is selected (step S109). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process ends.

[0077] On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S108 is that there are no settlement POS registers 30 in a standby state (No in step S108), in this example, all settlement POS registers 30 are in a trouble state, so information indicating the selection result is set to the effect that the destination settlement POS register could not be determined (step S110).

[0078] If two or more settlement POS registers 30 are available for selection in steps S102, S105, S107, or S109, one of them is selected by any method. For example, if there is a difference in the distance between the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30, the settlement POS register 30 with the closest distance can be selected. Furthermore, if, among multiple customers undergoing a settlement process, some customers have membership cards and others do not, for example, a device currently being used by a customer with a membership card can be selected. This is because it is considered that customers with membership cards are relatively familiar with operating the device. Furthermore, if information about age can be registered in the registration POS register 20, it is conceivable to select a device other than the one used by a child alone (i.e., avoid that device).

[0079] Next, referring to Fig. 7, a display example in the display process of the destination settlement POS register in step S25 of Fig. 5 will be described. Fig. 7 shows a display example of the display unit (for store clerk) 205 of the registration POS register 20. In the display example of Fig. 7, buttons 2051 to 2053 showing status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed together with an icon for selecting a product (vegetables in this example), information indicating the price, quantity, etc. However, the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed as devices 1 to 3, respectively. Furthermore, the settlement POS register 30a, whose status information is empty and selected in the process of step S22, is displayed in a different form from the other buttons (for example, by flashing or displaying in a different color), as shown by shading. In the example of Fig. 7, by changing this form, it is shown that the settlement POS register 30a has been selected as the destination.

[0080] As described above, the registration POS register 20 may display on the display unit (for customer) 205a a guide indicating the destination settlement POS register 30. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display on the display unit (for customer) 205a buttons 2051 to 2053 showing the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c shown in Fig. 7.

[0081] As mentioned above, the information indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 may be printed on the receipt handed to the customer. Fig. 8 shows an example of a receipt (a numbered receipt with the number of the settlement POS register 30 printed on it, a bill, or a POS register information receipt) on which information indicating the destination settlement POS register 30 is printed. In Fig. 8, the text "Please check out at register number 1" (see reference numeral 3051) is printed on the receipt as information indicating the destination settlement POS register 30. Here, this "register number 1" corresponds to, for example, device 1 (settlement POS register 30a) in the display example of Fig. 7.

[0082] Next, referring to Fig. 9, a description will be given of an example of a display on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 that has transitioned to a standby state for the settlement process in step S26 of Fig. 5. Fig. 9 shows an example of a display on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. In the display example of Fig. 9, information indicating that the settlement POS register 30 is a "payment machine" and information indicating a standby state ("standby") are displayed, along with information that can identify the customer who will be settling based on the registration data received by the settlement POS register 30 (e.g., a number, "waiting number"), in order of the transaction (the order in which the registration data was received). Note that the information that can identify the customer (e.g., a number) may be notified to the customer, for example, by being displayed on the display (for customer) 205a of the registration POS register 20, or may be notified to the customer by being printed on a receipt handed to the customer.

[0083] Next, with reference to Figure 10, another example of operation of the POS system 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 will be described. In the example of operation shown in Figure 10, the status information of each settlement POS register 30 is different from the example of operation described with reference to Figure 5. That is, in the example of operation in Figure 10, settlement POS register 30a is in the process of settlement, settlement POS register 30b is in the process of issuing a receipt, and settlement POS register 30c is in the process of settlement.

[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 10, in steps S51 to S59, the status information of each settlement POS register 30a to 30c is updated in the same manner as in steps S11 to S19 in FIG. 5. Then, in steps S60 to S61, product registration processing is performed in the same manner as in steps S20 to S21 in FIG. 5, and then in step S62, the settlement POS register 30b currently issuing a receipt is selected as the destination device. In this example, because the settlement POS registers 30a and 30c are in the middle of a transaction, it is determined that the settlement POS register 30b currently issuing a receipt is the most advanced in the process. Thereafter, in steps S63 to S82, registration data transmission processing and settlement processing are performed using the settlement POS register 30b in the same manner as in steps S23 to S42 in FIG. However, the notification and transition to standby mode processing in step S66 is performed after the receipt that was being issued when the status information was sent in step S54 has finished being issued.

[0085] The registration data transmission process in step S63 may be temporarily suspended depending on the status information of the checkout POS register 30. For example, the registration data may be transmitted only to checkout POS registers 30 that are idle or issuing receipts, and transmission of the registration data to checkout POS registers 30 that are in the process of settlement or are on standby may be suspended until the status information indicates that a receipt is being issued. In this case, the customer may temporarily wait near the registration POS register 20. This prevents the customer from being guided toward the checkout POS register 30 when the checkout POS register 30 has not notified that it is a non-selected device. In this case, the registration POS register 20 may issue a numbered receipt to the customer temporarily waiting in the standby position and hand it to the customer. The customer's registration data may then be transmitted to the checkout POS register 30 whose status information indicates that it is idle or issuing a receipt, and the number printed on the numbered receipt may be displayed on the display of the checkout POS register 30 that received the data to guide the customer.

[0086] In the POS system 1 described above, which is composed of a registration POS register 20 that registers products that customers purchase, and a settlement POS register 30 that customers themselves operate to settle the price of the products registered in the registration POS register 20, if a customer remembers (realizes) an item that they forgot to buy at the time of payment (settlement), the customer is in the settlement POS register 30 with the registration completed in the registration POS register 20. Therefore, the customer may have to first settle the payment at the settlement POS register 30, and then line up again in the registration queue at the registration POS register 20 to purchase the item that they forgot to buy. In this case, the same procedure must be repeated until the customer is able to purchase the forgotten item, which is troublesome and cumbersome for the customer.Furthermore, the customer may give up on purchasing the forgotten item, which may have a negative impact on the store's sales and may create a bad impression of the store.

[0087] Therefore, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suspend the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30, and also to additionally register product registration data to the suspended registration data.

[0088] Next, referring to Fig. 11, an example of the operation of the checkout POS register 30, which has received registration data and is now in a standby state, suspending the checkout process based on the registration data and additionally registering product registration data to the suspended registration data will be described. As described above, a customer may suspend the checkout process when, for example, the registration data of a product to be purchased registered in the registration POS register 20 is sent to the checkout POS register 30 and the register is in a standby state, and the customer realizes that there is a product that they forgot to buy and suspends the checkout process. By suspending the checkout process, the customer can add (register) the product as a product to be purchased before starting the checkout process.

[0089] For example, a button such as "Settlement Hold" is provided on the screen display of the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. When this "Settlement Hold" button is pressed, the settlement POS register 30 places the customer's registered data (settlement processing based on the registered data) on hold.

[0090] The operation example shown in Figure 11 differs from the operation example shown in Figure 5 in that a process of suspending the settlement process has been added after the settlement POS register 30a transitions to a standby state in step S26 in Figure 5. Note that in Figure 11, processes corresponding to those in Figure 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted. Also, the operations following "start settlement process" in step S30 are the same as those explained with reference to Figure 5, and are not shown in the figures.

[0091] The checkout POS register 30a transitions to a standby state for the checkout process (step S26), transmits status information (step S27), and then, in response to, for example, a customer operation, displays payment information for the checkout process, including payment amount information, on the display unit 305, and displays a button that allows the user to input "hold checkout" to hold the checkout process. The checkout POS register 30a then determines whether the checkout process has started (step S29a). If it is determined in step S29a that the checkout process has started, the checkout POS register 30a proceeds to step S30 and starts the checkout process as described with reference to FIG. 5. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29a that the checkout process has not started, the checkout POS register 30a determines whether the "hold checkout" button has been pressed (step S29b).

[0092] If it is determined in step S29b that the "settlement pending" button has not been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a returns to step S29a and repeats steps S29a and S29b until it is determined that the payment process has started or that the "settlement pending" button has been pressed.

[0093] If it is determined in step S29b that the "Suspend settlement" button has been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a issues a suspended receipt including information that can identify (specify) the registered data for which the settlement process has been suspended (step S29c). For example, this suspended receipt has printed thereon a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code for recalling the registered data for which the settlement process has been suspended. If the registration POS register 20 or the settlement POS register 30 is unable to communicate due to some kind of trouble and a transaction receipt has already been issued, there is no need to issue a new receipt.

[0094] Furthermore, the settlement POS register 30a performs a process of returning the registration data for which the settlement process has been put on hold to the registration POS register 20 that registered (sent) the registration data. For example, the settlement POS register 30a sends the registration data that has been put on hold (held registration data) to the registration POS register 20 that registered (sent) the registration data (step S29d). The registration POS register 20 receives the held registration data sent from the settlement POS register 30a (step S29e).

[0095] The registration data that has been put on hold will remain on hold until it is called up. For example, a customer who has forgotten to buy something will leave their shopping cart with a store clerk, then take the forgotten item to the registration POS register 20 and have the forgotten item additionally registered. In response to the customer's request for additional registration of the item (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 returns the process to step S12, re-calls the registration data for which the settlement process has been put on hold (put on hold registration data), and adds the registration data of the item (the forgotten item) to be additionally registered to that registration data. As a result, the "forgotten item" additionally registered by the registration POS register 20 is additionally registered within the put on hold registration data.

[0096] The registration POS register 20 then transmits the additionally registered registration data to the settlement POS register selected based on each status information. The customer can then retrieve the registration data using the reserved receipt, or go back to the settlement POS register 30 indicated by the registration POS register 20 and settle the payment themselves.

[0097] In this way, the checkout POS register 30 executes the processes (holding means) of steps S29c and S29d to suspend the checkout process based on the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state. Also, the registration POS register 20 executes the process of step S29e to receive the suspended registration data for which the checkout process has been suspended, and also executes the process of additionally registering the registration data of the "forgotten item" to the received suspended registration data in response to a request from the customer to register an additional item (step S29j). As a result, in the POS system 1 using the checkout POS register 30 that the customer operates to perform the checkout, even if the customer has forgotten to purchase an item, the customer can add the forgotten item to the registration data for executing the checkout process at the checkout POS register 30.

[0098] When the registration data is stored in the registration POS register 20, instead of the process of transmitting the reserved registration data described above, the settlement POS register 30 may notify the registration POS register 20 that the registration data has been reserved (processing based on the registration data has been reserved). For example, the settlement POS register 30a may display on the display unit 305 a message indicating that reserved registration data exists in the registration POS register 20, and may also transmit status information indicating the reserved state to the registration POS register 20. Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 may update the status information from the standby state to the reserved state in response to receiving the status information indicating the reserved state.

[0099] There are various possible methods for storing the pending registration data, such as storing it in the settlement POS register 30, sending the pending registration data to the registration POS register 20 that registered the registration data (or sending identification information that can identify the pending registration data and status information indicating that it is in a pending state) (storing it in the registration POS register 20), or sending it to the store controller 10 (storing it in the store controller 10).

[0100] In the case of the method of storing the reserved registration data in the checkout POS register 30, the registration POS register 20 may perform a process of transmitting only the additionally registered "forgotten item" to the checkout POS register 30 that stores the reserved registration data. In this way, the checkout POS register 30 that stores the reserved registration data may additionally register the received "forgotten item" within the reserved registration data that is being treated as reserved.

[0101] In addition, in the case of a method in which the store controller 10 stores the reserved registration data, the registration POS register 20 may perform a process of transmitting the additionally registered "forgotten item" to the store controller 10. In this way, the store controller 10 may additionally register the received "forgotten item" in the stored reserved registration data.

[0102] Next, referring to Fig. 12, an example of the display of a button for suspending the settlement process, which is displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30, will be described. In Fig. 12, the settlement POS register 30 displays payment information such as the receipt number and payment amount information for performing the settlement process, and also displays a "Forgot to Buy button" (see reference numeral 3061) for suspending the settlement process on the display unit 305. For example, the settlement POS register 30a that has transitioned to a standby state in step S26 of Fig. 11 displays information including the "Forgot to Buy button" on the display unit 305 as shown in Fig. 12. Then, in step S29b of Fig. 11, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not the "Forgot to Buy button" has been pressed by determining whether or not the "Suspend Settlement" button has been pressed.

[0103] Next, the suspended receipt issued in step S29c of Fig. 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The suspended receipt shown in Fig. 13 is printed with a guide (see reference numeral 3051) indicating the issuing settlement POS register 30, as well as a two-dimensional code (see reference numeral 3052) for recalling the registered data for which the settlement process has been suspended. Note that instead of the two-dimensional code using a QR code (registered trademark) shown in this figure, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode may be used. Furthermore, instead of this two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code, information indicated by numbers, letters, symbols, pictures, etc. associated with each registered data may be used.

[0104] As described above, the POS system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a registration POS register 20 (registration device) that registers products to be purchased, and multiple checkout POS registers 30 (checkout devices) that perform checkout based on the product registration data. The registration POS register 20 executes processes (acquisition means) such as steps S12, S15, and S18 that acquire status information related to the checkout process from each checkout POS register 30, a process (selection means) in step S22 that selects the checkout POS register 30 that should perform checkout for the registered products based on the status information, and a process (transmission means) in step S23 that transmits the registration data of the registered products to the selected checkout POS register 30. In this way, the registration data is transmitted from the registration POS register 20 to the checkout POS register 30 according to the status of the checkout POS register 30, so that the necessary registration data has already arrived at the checkout POS register 30, reducing the number of operations required by the customer and thereby shortening the checkout time.

[0105] In addition, when the settlement POS register 30 receives registration data from the registration POS register 20, the control means executes processing in step S26 to control the settlement POS register 30 to enter a standby state for settlement processing, so that the settlement POS register 30 can be placed in a standby state in which settlement can begin immediately, thereby minimizing customer operations.

[0106] In addition, when the settlement POS register 30 receives registration data from the registration POS register 20, it executes the process (notification means) of step S26 to notify the customer that this is the settlement POS register 30 that should settle the registered product, so that the customer can immediately tell which settlement device they should go to.

[0107] Furthermore, since the registration POS register 20 executes the process (display means) of step S25 for displaying the status information, the status of the settlement POS register 30 can be grasped on the registration POS register 20 side.

[0108] Furthermore, the status information is information that indicates the progress of the settlement process, and in the process (selection means) of step S22, the settlement POS register 30 that has progressed the most in the settlement process is selected as the settlement POS register 30 that should perform the settlement for the registered products. With this configuration, the most suitable settlement POS register 30 is selected according to the status information that indicates the progress of the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30, so that, for example, customers will not be concentrated at one settlement POS register 30, and settlement can be made efficiently.

[0109] Furthermore, if the status information is identical when the registration POS register 20 transmits registration data to the settlement POS register 30, the destination may be determined based on the customer's age and the distance to the settlement POS register 30. For example, if the customer is elderly, the registration POS register 20 may be allowed to select the settlement POS register 30 that is closest to the customer, which makes it easier to provide support and further improves customer satisfaction.

[0110] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the registration data of the products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device is transmitted to the selected settlement device during the registration process, but this is not limiting. For example, the registration POS register 20 may associate the registration data of the products with the settlement device identification information of the selected settlement POS register 30 during the registration process and transmit the linked information to the store controller 10, and the store controller 10 may transmit the registration data of the products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device according to the settlement processing status of the settlement POS register 30. Alternatively, the settlement POS register 30 itself may request and receive the registration data of the products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device from the store controller 10 based on its own settlement device identification information according to the settlement processing status of the settlement POS register 30.

[0111] The registration POS register 20 may execute a process (printing means) to print information on a print medium guiding the settlement POS register 30 selected in the process (selection means) of step S22. This allows the customer to immediately know which settlement device to go to by checking the printed content.

[0112] Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 performs selection prohibition control so that a checkout POS register 30 with status information "in use" cannot be selected as the checkout POS register 30 to settle the payment for the registered product. Here, when the status information is "in use", it means that the progress of the settlement process at the checkout POS register 30 is, for example, "standby", "settling", or "issuing a receipt" (i.e., not "free"). Note that a "trouble occurring" status may also be included in the status information being "in use".

[0113] For example, as described above, a configuration may be adopted in which a store clerk selects a settlement POS register 30 to which registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 is to be transmitted by viewing the status information of each settlement POS register 30 displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20. As a specific example, buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30 may be displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 so that the store clerk can select the settlement POS register 30 to which registration data is to be transmitted, and the store clerk may select and press one of the buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30. In such a case, the registration POS register 20 may be controlled so that a settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" cannot be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display, among the buttons corresponding to each settlement POS register 30, a button corresponding to a settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" so that it cannot be selected. Furthermore, if the customer currently registering has put their registration data (accounting data) on hold at the checkout POS register 30, the button corresponding to the checkout POS register 30 that the customer has put on hold will display "hold," and when a store clerk presses the button displaying "hold," the registration data (accounting data) that the customer has put on hold will be called up. After that, when the customer completes the additional registration of the items they forgot to buy and presses the button displaying "hold" that corresponds to the checkout POS register 30, the registration data (accounting data) may be sent to the checkout POS register 30 that corresponds to the "hold" button.

[0114] This prevents the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 from being transmitted to only a specific one of the multiple settlement POS registers 30, making it possible to allocate customers evenly to each of the multiple registration POS registers 20.

[0115] Furthermore, the checkout POS register 30 executes the processes (holding means) of steps S29c and S29d to suspend the checkout process based on the received registration data that is in a standby state. Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 executes the process of step S29e to receive the standby registration data for which the checkout process has been suspended, and also executes the process of additionally registering the registration data of the "forgotten item" to the received standby registration data in response to a request from the customer to register an additional item (step S29j). This allows the checkout process of the already registered registration data to be suspended, and the forgotten item to be smoothly added and registered in the registration POS register 20 for simultaneous checkout. For example, in a POS system 1 using a checkout POS register 30 that is operated by the customer to perform checkout, even if the customer has forgotten to purchase an item, the checkout process based on the standby registration data can be suspended, and the forgotten item can be added to the suspended registration data in the registration POS register 20. Therefore, the customer can have the product that he or she forgot to buy additionally registered on the registration POS register 20 side and settle the account without having to go through troublesome and cumbersome procedures.

[0116] In addition, when the settlement POS register 30 puts the registration data it has received and is in a waiting state on hold, it executes the process of step S29d to send (return) the registration data to the registration POS register 20 that sent the registration data, thereby making it possible to update the held registration data on the registration POS register 20 side.

[0117] Furthermore, when the settlement process based on the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state is put on hold, the settlement POS register 30 may execute a process to notify the registration POS register 20 that transmitted the registration data that the registration data has been put on hold. This allows the registration POS register 20 to know at any time that the registration data has been put on hold, and to always know that there is pending registration data on the display screen. In addition, the store clerk can call up the pending registration data (accounting data) by touching the display showing that there is pending registration data on the display screen. This allows for smooth support for customers and the process of registering additional items that were forgotten to be purchased.

[0118] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned holding means holds the settlement process based on the registration data in a standby state, it issues a holding receipt on which information associated with the registration data is printed, so that the customer can smoothly register the forgotten product by handing the forgotten product and the holding receipt to the clerk at the registration POS register 20.

[0119] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned holding means holds the settlement process based on the registration data that is in a standby state, it issues a held receipt with a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code printed on it that can be used to call up the registration data. This allows the clerk at the registration POS register 20 to easily call up the accounting data of the customer who forgot to buy something using the code information on the held receipt, and allows for smooth additional registration of the products that the customer forgot to buy.

[0120] In addition, when the registration data is put on hold by the holding means, the settlement POS register 30 executes a process (notification means) to notify the fact that the registration data has been put on hold by the buzzer 308, so that the store clerk can quickly recognize that the data has been put on hold, and can provide support to the customer while also preventing fraud.

[0121] In the POS system 1 of this embodiment, pressing a "hold settlement" button on the settlement POS register 30 allows the settlement process to be put on hold, and the held registration data is sent to the registration POS register 20, but this is not limitative. For example, in the POS system 1, a "recall unsettled registration data" button may be provided on the registration POS register 20, and when this button is pressed, the registration data of unsettled customers in the settlement POS register 30 (settlement process based on the registration data) may be displayed as an unsettled list on the screen of the registration POS register 20, and when the registration data of the target customer is touched (for example, by a touch operation by a store clerk) from the unsettled list, the registration data of that customer may be put on hold and recalled to the registration POS register 20. This allows the POS system 1 to recall the registration data of customers waiting to make a payment to the registration POS register 20 regardless of the order of the payment, and quickly register additional products that the customer forgot to buy.

[0122] In this embodiment, the payment means (payment method) may be changed in the settlement process (checkout process) based on the registered data that has been put on hold. The change of the payment means may be achieved by changing the payment means in the settlement process based on the registered data of a customer who is about to settle at the checkout POS register 30, by pressing a button such as "Settlement Hold" on the screen display of the display unit 305 of the checkout POS register 30. Alternatively, the payment means may be changed in the settlement process based on the registered data that has been put on hold in the unsettled account list displayed by pressing a "Recall Unsettled Registered Data" button on the registration POS register 20, which displays the unsettled registered data of a customer who is waiting to settle at the checkout POS register 30 (unsettled registered data stored in the checkout POS register 30). The change of the payment method is not limited to a payment method that selectively uses cash, electronic money, credit card, etc., but may also be a change to a payment method that uses a gift certificate or the like (for example, a coupon or shopping voucher that can be used as the payment amount with a predetermined face value). For example, in a payment process, if the face value of a gift certificate or the like is part of the payment amount, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the face value of the gift certificate or the like from the payment amount based on the reserved registration data may be used as the payment amount for the reserved registration data. Also, in a payment process, if the face value of a gift certificate or the like exceeds the payment amount, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the face value of the gift certificate or the like from the payment amount based on the reserved registration data may be used as the amount to be withdrawn from the settlement POS register 30 as a refund for the remaining amount of the gift certificate that was not used. The registration POS register 20 may transmit the registration data that has been changed and placed on hold for settlement processing by specifying the settlement POS register 30 as shown in the above embodiment.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the status information indicating the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30 includes, for example, standby, settlement in progress, receipt issuing, idle, accounting pending, and trouble. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, in the case of a change dispenser that deposits and dispenses cash in the settlement unit 310, the status of the change dispenser may be used as status information, and the status of this change dispenser may be transmitted as status information. In this case, information on the currency type stored in the change dispenser, such as near full (a state in which the change dispenser will soon be full of currency of a certain currency type) or near end (a state in which the change dispenser will soon run out of currency of a certain currency type), may be transmitted as status information to the registration POS register 20. Based on this status information, the registration POS register 20 may determine which settlement POS register 30 to select. For example, the registration POS register 20 may avoid selecting a settlement POS register 30 that is near full or near end in terms of the denomination of currency stored in the change dispenser, and may instead select another settlement POS register 30. This has the effect of preventing problems such as running out of change during a cash settlement, or the change dispenser becoming full and unable to operate due to the denomination of currency deposited during settlement. In the display example of Figure 7, along with icons for selecting products (vegetables in this example), information indicating the price, quantity, etc., buttons 2051 to 2053 showing status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed, displaying "available status" etc. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the status of the change dispenser provided in the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c (for example, near full, near end, or coin jam status) may also be displayed. If the status information display is on a settlement POS register 30 equipped with a change dispenser that is in a near-full or near-end state, there is a high possibility that this will cause problems such as trouble during settlement, so the display may be made in a different manner to attract attention from the other buttons (for example, by flashing faster than normal to attract the operator's attention, or by using a different color (for example, red if red is not a normally used color) to indicate that caution is required). In this case, it is indicated that a settlement POS register 30 that displays status information in a different manner from the other buttons should not be selected as a transmission destination, which has the effect of reducing the transmission of registration data to settlement POS registers 30 that are likely to cause problems such as trouble.

[0124] The program for implementing the above-described POS register (registration POS register or settlement POS register) and POS system may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage medium to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be used to implement part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0125] [Note] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a POS system and a registration device that can reduce the number of operations performed by customers during payment processing.

[0126] (Appendix 1) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer and multiple settlement devices that perform settlement based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device is characterized by having a selection means that selects the settlement device that should perform settlement for the registered products, and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can perform settlement at the selected settlement device.

[0127] According to the above configuration, the customer selects the payment device to be used for payment processing on the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected payment device. Therefore, when the customer tries to operate the payment device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that payment device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0128] (Appendix 2) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring status information regarding the settlement process from each of the settlement devices, the selection means selects the settlement device that should perform settlement for the registered product based on the status information, and the settlement device is equipped with a control means for controlling the settlement device to enter a standby state for the settlement process when it receives the registration data from the registration device.

[0129] According to the above configuration, registration data is sent from the registration device to the settlement device selected based on status information regarding the settlement process, and the settlement device is placed in a standby state so that it can immediately begin settlement, thereby minimizing customer operations.

[0130] (Appendix 3) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the settlement device is equipped with an alarm means for notifying a customer that it is the settlement device that should settle the payment for the registered product when it receives the registration data from the registration device.

[0131] According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately tell which payment device to go to.

[0132] (Supplementary Note 4) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes a printing means for printing information on a print medium that guides the settlement device selected by the selection means.

[0133] According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately tell which payment device to go to by checking the printed content.

[0134] (Supplementary Note 5) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device comprises a display means for displaying the status information.

[0135] According to the above configuration, the status of the settlement device can be grasped on the registration device side.

[0136] (Appendix 6) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the status information is information indicating the progress of the settlement process, and the selection means selects the settlement device that has made the most progress in the settlement process as the settlement device that should perform settlement for the registered product.

[0137] According to the above configuration, the most suitable settlement device is selected according to status information indicating the progress of the settlement process at the settlement device, so that, for example, customers will not be concentrated at one settlement device, and the registration data (accounting data) will be sent to the settlement device that is likely to complete the settlement process quickly, where the payment is performed by the customer themselves.This makes it possible to disperse congestion at the settlement devices and enables efficient settlement, resulting in better customer handling.

[0138] (Appendix 7) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the selection means controls selection prohibition so that a settlement device whose status information is in use cannot be selected as the settlement device to perform settlement for the registered product.

[0139] According to the above configuration, the registration data registered in the registration device is not sent biasedly to only a specific settlement device among the multiple settlement devices, so customers can be allocated evenly to each of the multiple settlement devices.

[0140] (Supplementary Note 8) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the settlement device includes a holding means for holding the registration data that has been received and is in a standby state.

[0141] According to the above configuration, the settlement process for the registered data that has already been registered can be suspended, and the forgotten product can be smoothly added to the registration device and settled at the same time. Therefore, the customer can easily and conveniently add the forgotten product and settle the payment without any hassle.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 9) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device adds the registration data of the product to the registration data reserved by the settlement device.

[0143] According to the above configuration, the settlement process for the registered data that has already been registered can be suspended, and the forgotten product can be smoothly added to the registration device and settled at the same time. Therefore, the customer can easily and conveniently add the forgotten product and settle the payment without any hassle.

[0144] (Appendix 10) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when the registration data that has been received and is in a waiting state is put on hold by the settlement device, the settlement device transmits the registration data to the registration device that transmitted the registration data.

[0145] According to the above configuration, the registration data for which the settlement process has been put on hold can be returned to the registration device, and the registration data can be updated in the registration device, for example, by adding registration data for products that the customer forgot to buy to the put on hold registration data.

[0146] (Appendix 11) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when the registration data that has been received and is in a waiting state is put on hold by the settlement device, the settlement device notifies the registration device that transmitted the registration data that the registration data has been put on hold.

[0147] With the above configuration, the customer can know at any time that registration data has been put on hold at the registration device, and can always see that there is pending registration data on the display screen. Furthermore, if the customer currently registering has put their registration data (accounting data) on hold at the payment device, the button corresponding to the payment device where the customer has put their data on hold will display "Pending." If the customer has not yet registered an additional item that they forgot to buy, pressing the button displaying "Pending" corresponding to the payment device may call up the registration data (accounting data) that the customer has put on hold. This allows for smooth support for customers who have forgotten to buy something.

[0148] (Appendix 12) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when the holding means holds the registered data that is in the waiting state, it issues a held receipt on which information associated with the registered data is printed.

[0149] According to the above configuration, by issuing a reserved receipt, the customer can smoothly register the forgotten item by handing the reserved receipt and the item that he or she forgot to buy to a store clerk at the registration device.

[0150] (Appendix 13) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when the holding means holds the registered data that is in the waiting state, it issues a held receipt on which a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code that can be used to call up the registered data is printed.

[0151] According to the above configuration, when a customer has a reserved receipt issued and wants to have the product that the customer forgot to buy registered, the customer hands the reserved receipt to a store clerk at the registration device, and the store clerk at the registration device can easily read out the reserved accounting data for the customer by reading the code information on the reserved receipt with a scanner, thereby enabling the customer to smoothly register the product that the customer forgot to buy.

[0152] (Appendix 14) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that when the registration data is put on hold by the holding means, the settlement device notifies the user by an alarm means that the registration data has been put on hold.

[0153] According to the above configuration, the fact that the transaction has been put on hold is notified by the notification means, so that the store clerk can quickly recognize that the transaction has been put on hold, and can provide support to the customer while also preventing fraud.

[0154] (Appendix 15) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased and a plurality of settlement devices that perform settlement based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the registration device comprises: an acquisition means that acquires status information regarding the settlement process from each of the settlement devices; a selection means that selects a settlement device that should perform settlement for the registered products based on the status information; and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products to the selected settlement device.

[0155] According to the above configuration, the registration data is sent from the registration device to the payment device selected based on the status information related to the payment process. Therefore, when the customer tries to operate the payment device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that payment device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0156] (Supplementary Note 16) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device includes a printing means for printing information on a print medium that guides the settlement device selected by the selection means.

[0157] According to the above configuration, the customer can immediately tell which payment device to go to by checking the printed content.

[0158] (Appendix 17) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device operated by a store clerk to register products to be purchased by a customer, and multiple settlement devices that customers themselves operate to process the payment based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device comprises: display means for displaying multiple buttons representing each of the multiple settlement devices; selection means for selecting from the buttons a settlement device that will process the payment based on the registration data of the registered products; and transmission means for transmitting the registration data so that the selected settlement device can process the payment for the customer, and wherein the display means displays the button of the settlement device to which the transmission means transmitted the registration data in a different display manner from the buttons of the other settlement devices.

[0159] According to the above aspect, the customer selects the checkout device to process the payment on the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected checkout device. Furthermore, the button on the checkout device to which the registration data was sent is displayed in a different display mode from the buttons on the other checkout devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer of the correct checkout device to which the registration data was sent. Furthermore, by the time the customer attempts to operate the checkout device, the necessary registration data will already have arrived at that checkout device. This reduces the amount of customer operation, thereby shortening the checkout time.

[0160] (Appendix 18) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device acquires status information from the settlement device, and the selection means controls whether to prohibit or allow selection of the settlement device displayed as the button by the display means based on the acquired status information.

[0161] According to the above aspect, the registration device can prevent the selection of a settlement device that has status information of "in use" as the settlement device to settle the registered product. This prevents the registration data registered in the registration device from being sent to only one particular settlement device among the multiple settlement devices, allowing customers to be allocated evenly to each of the multiple settlement devices.

[0162] (Appendix 19) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device acquires status information from the settlement device, and the display means displays the status information on the button of the settlement device and highlights the status information corresponding to the settlement device to which the registration data was transmitted by the transmission means.

[0163] According to the above aspect, the status of the settlement device can be grasped on the registration device side.

[0164] (Appendix 20) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the settlement device is provided with an alarm means for notifying a customer that the settlement device is the settlement device that will settle the registered product when it receives the registration data from the registration device.

[0165] According to the above aspect, the customer can immediately tell which payment device to go to.

[0166] (Appendix 21) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device operated by a store clerk to register products to be purchased by a customer, and multiple settlement devices that customers themselves operate to process the payment based on the registration data of the products, the registration device comprising: a display means for displaying multiple buttons representing each of the multiple settlement devices on a display unit for the store clerk; a selection means for selecting from the buttons a settlement device that will process the payment based on the registration data of the registered products; and a transmission means for transmitting the registration data so that the selected settlement device can process the payment for the customer, wherein the display means displays the button of the settlement device to which the transmission means transmitted the registration data in a different display manner from the buttons of the other settlement devices.

[0167] According to the above aspect, registration data is sent from the registration device to the payment device selected based on the status information related to the payment process. Furthermore, the button of the payment device to which the registration data was sent is displayed in a different display mode from the buttons of the other payment devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer of the correct payment device to which the registration data was sent. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate a payment device, the necessary registration data will already have arrived at that payment device. This reduces the amount of operation required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0168] (Appendix 22) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device acquires status information from the settlement device, and the selection means controls the prohibition or permission of selection of the settlement device displayed as the button by the display means based on the acquired status information.

[0169] According to the above aspect, the registration device can prevent the selection of a settlement device that has status information of "in use" as the settlement device to settle the registered product. This prevents the registration data registered in the registration device from being sent to only one particular settlement device among the multiple settlement devices, allowing customers to be allocated evenly to each of the multiple settlement devices.

[0170] (Appendix 23) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device comprises: display means that displays multiple buttons representing each of the multiple settlement devices on a display unit; selection means that allows the customer to select from the buttons a settlement device that will process the payment based on the registration data of the registered products; and transmission means that transmits the registration data so that the customer can process the payment at the selected settlement device, wherein the display means displays the button of the settlement device to which the transmission means sent the registration data in a different display mode from the buttons of other settlement devices, and the settlement device comprises a specified lamp that provides an alert by flashing or lighting up, and the settlement device flashes or lights up the specified lamp when it receives the registration data sent by the transmission means.

[0171] According to the above aspect, the customer selects the checkout device to process the payment on the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected checkout device. Furthermore, the button on the checkout device to which the registration data was sent is displayed in a different display mode from the buttons on the other checkout devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer which checkout device the registration data was sent to. Furthermore, by the time the customer attempts to operate the checkout device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that checkout device. This reduces the customer's operations, thereby shortening the checkout time. Furthermore, when the checkout device receives registration data from the registration device, a lamp notifies the customer that this is the checkout device where the payment for the registered products should be made, allowing the customer to immediately identify which checkout device to go to.

[0172] (Supplementary Note 24) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the POS system described above, the predetermined lamp provided in the settlement device is provided on a sign pole.

[0173] According to the above aspect, when the settlement device receives registration data from the registration device, a lamp on a sign pole equipped on the settlement device notifies the customer that this is the settlement device that should settle the registered product, so that the customer can immediately tell which settlement device to go to.

[0174] (Appendix 25) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, displays multiple buttons on a display unit representing multiple settlement devices, allows the customer to select from the buttons a settlement device that will perform settlement processing based on the registration data of the registered products, transmits the registration data so that the customer's settlement processing can be performed at the selected settlement device, and displays the buttons of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data in a different display mode from the buttons of other settlement devices, and multiple settlement devices that customers operate themselves to perform settlement processing based on the registration data of the products, the settlement device having a specified lamp that flashes or lights up to notify, and flashes or lights up the specified lamp when it receives registration data transmitted from the registration device.

[0175] According to the above aspect, the customer selects the checkout device to process the payment on the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected checkout device. Furthermore, the button on the checkout device to which the registration data was sent is displayed in a different display mode from the buttons on the other checkout devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally correctly inform the customer which checkout device the registration data was sent to. Furthermore, by the time the customer attempts to operate the checkout device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that checkout device. This reduces the customer's operations, thereby shortening the checkout time. Furthermore, when the checkout device receives registration data from the registration device, a lamp notifies the customer that this is the checkout device where the payment for the registered products should be made, allowing the customer to immediately identify which checkout device to go to.

[0176] (Supplementary Note 26) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the settlement device, the predetermined lamp is provided on a sign pole.

[0177] According to the above aspect, when the settlement device receives registration data from the registration device, a lamp on a sign pole equipped on the settlement device notifies the customer that this is the settlement device that should settle the registered product, so that the customer can immediately tell which settlement device to go to.

[0178] (Appendix 27) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device comprises: display means that displays multiple buttons representing each of the multiple settlement devices on a display unit; selection means that allows the customer to select from the buttons a settlement device that will process the payment based on the registration data of the registered products; and transmission means that transmits the registration data so that the customer can process the payment at the selected settlement device, wherein the display means of the registration device displays the buttons of the settlement device to which the transmission means sent the registration data in a different display mode from the buttons of other settlement devices, and the settlement device comprises: receiving means that receives the registration data sent from the registration device, and display means that displays on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the received registration data.

[0179] According to the above aspect, the customer selects the settlement device to process the payment on the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, the button on the settlement device to which the registration data was sent is displayed in a different display mode from the buttons on the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer of the settlement device to which the registration data was sent. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate a settlement device, the necessary registration data has already been received by that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0180] (Appendix 28) One aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, displays a plurality of buttons on a display unit representing each of a plurality of settlement devices, allows the customer to select from the buttons a settlement device that will perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the registered products, transmits the registration data so that the settlement process for the customer can be performed at the selected settlement device, and displays the buttons of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data in a different display manner from the buttons of other settlement devices, and a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by customers themselves to perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the products, the settlement device comprising: a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted from the registration device; and a display means for displaying on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the received registration data.

[0181] According to the above aspect, the customer selects the settlement device to process the payment on the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, the button on the settlement device to which the registration data was sent is displayed in a different display mode from the buttons on the other settlement devices. Therefore, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer of the settlement device to which the registration data was sent. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate a settlement device, the necessary registration data has already been received by that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0182] (Appendix 29) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, displays a plurality of buttons on a display unit representing each of a plurality of settlement devices, allows a customer to select from the buttons a settlement device that will perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the registered products, transmits the registration data so that the settlement process for the customer can be performed at the selected settlement device, and displays the buttons of the settlement device that transmitted the registration data in a different display mode from the buttons of the other settlement devices, and a plurality of settlement devices that customers operate themselves to perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the products, to function as: a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted from the registration device; and a display means for displaying on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the received registration data.

[0183] (Appendix 30) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device comprises: a selection means that selects an available settlement device from the multiple settlement devices and sets the selected settlement device as the destination; and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the payment process for the customer can be performed at the settlement device set by the selection means, and the settlement device comprises: a receiving means that receives the registration data transmitted by the transmission means; and a display means that displays on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card to settle the price based on the received registration data.

[0184] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the settlement device to be used for settlement in the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the settlement time.

[0185] (Appendix 31) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the selection means performs a selection process to preferentially select an available settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device, and if there is no available settlement device, select another settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device and set it as the transmission destination.

[0186] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0187] (Appendix 32) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the selection means executes a selection process to select a settlement device and set it as the destination in accordance with a priority set based on the status of the settlement device.

[0188] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0189] (Appendix 33) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the settlement device further comprises a reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code printed on a printing medium used in the settlement process, and the registration device prints a printing medium on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code is printed to call up registration data used in the settlement process when the settlement device is in a state where communication is impossible.

[0190] According to the above aspect, even if the registration device is unable to communicate with the settlement device, the settlement device can obtain the purchase details of the products by reading the receipt issued by the registration device.

[0191] (Appendix 34) One aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device comprising: a selection means for registering products to be purchased by a customer, selecting an available settlement device from among multiple settlement devices, and setting the selected settlement device as the destination; and a transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered products so that the customer's settlement process can be performed at the settlement device set by the selection means; and multiple settlement devices that are operated by customers themselves to perform the settlement process based on the registration data, the settlement device comprising: a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmission means; and a display means for displaying on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the received registration data.

[0192] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the settlement device to be used for settlement in the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the settlement time.

[0193] (Appendix 35) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by the customer to perform the settlement process and have a display means that displays on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device is characterized by having a selection means that selects an available settlement device from the plurality of settlement devices and sets the selected settlement device as the destination, and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the settlement process for the customer can be performed at the settlement device set by the selection means.

[0194] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the settlement device to be used for settlement in the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the settlement time.

[0195] (Appendix 36) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned registration device, the selection means performs a selection process to preferentially select an available settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device, and if there is no available settlement device, selects another settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device and sets it as the transmission destination.

[0196] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0197] (Appendix 37) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned registration device, the selection means executes a selection process to select a settlement device and set it as the destination in accordance with a priority set based on the status of the settlement device.

[0198] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0199] (Appendix 38) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the registration device comprises: a selection means that selects a settlement device according to a priority set based on the status of the settlement devices and sets the selected settlement device as the destination; and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the payment process for the customer can be performed on the settlement device set by the selection means.

[0200] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the payment device to be used for payment processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected payment device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the payment device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that payment device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0201] (Appendix 39) One aspect of the present invention is a program for a POS system that causes a first computer to function as a registration device that is operated by a store clerk to register products that a customer wishes to purchase, and causes a second computer to function as multiple settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the products, the program causing the first computer to function as: a selection means that selects an available settlement device from the multiple settlement devices and sets the selected settlement device as the destination, and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the settlement process for the customer can be performed at the settlement device set by the selection means; and the second computer to function as: a receiving means that receives the registration data transmitted by the transmission means, and a display means that displays on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card to settle the price based on the received registration data.

[0202] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the settlement device to be used for settlement in the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the settlement time.

[0203] (Appendix 40) One aspect of the present invention is that the program executes a selection process in which the selection means preferentially selects an available settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device, and if there is no available settlement device, selects another settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device and sets it as the destination.

[0204] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0205] (Appendix 41) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the program executes a selection process in which the selection means selects a settlement device and sets it as the destination in accordance with a priority set based on the status of the settlement device.

[0206] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0207] (Appendix 42) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the above program further causes the second computer to function as a reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code printed on a printing medium used in the settlement process, and further causes the first computer to function as a printing means for printing a printing medium on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code is printed in order to call up registration data used in the settlement process when the settlement device is in a state where communication is impossible.

[0208] (Appendix 43) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device including a selection means for registering products to be purchased by a customer, selecting an available settlement device from among multiple settlement devices, and setting the selected settlement device as the destination, and a transmission means for transmitting registration data of the registered products so that the customer's settlement process can be performed at the settlement device set by the selection means, and multiple settlement devices that customers operate themselves to perform the settlement process based on the registration data, to function as the settlement device, receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmission means, and display means for displaying on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the received registration data.

[0209] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the settlement device to be used for settlement in the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the settlement time.

[0210] (Appendix 44) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as the registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices that are equipped with a display means that displays on a display unit a payment method to select at least either cash or credit card for settling the price based on the registration data of the products and that the customer operates to process the settlement process, to function as: a selection means that selects an available settlement device from the plurality of settlement devices and sets the selected settlement device as the destination; and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can process the settlement process at the settlement device set by the selection means.

[0211] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the settlement device to be used for settlement in the registration device, and the registration data is sent from the registration device to the selected settlement device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that settlement device, allowing the customer to select a payment method on that settlement device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the settlement time.

[0212] (Appendix 45) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the program executes a selection process in which the selection means preferentially selects an available settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device, and if there is no available settlement device, selects another settlement device depending on the status of the settlement device and sets it as the destination.

[0213] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0214] (Appendix 46) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the above program executes a selection process in which the selection means selects a settlement device and sets it as the destination in accordance with a priority set based on the status of the settlement device.

[0215] According to the above aspect, congestion at the payment device can be dispersed, and payment can be made efficiently, resulting in better customer handling.

[0216] (Appendix 47) One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer serving as a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that customers operate themselves to process payments based on the product registration data to function as: a selection means that selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority set based on the status of the settlement devices and sets the selected settlement device as the destination; and a transmission means that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can process payments at the settlement device set by the selection means.

[0217] According to the above-described embodiment, the customer selects the payment device to be used for payment processing in the registration device, and the registration data is transmitted from the registration device to the selected payment device. Furthermore, when the customer attempts to operate the payment device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that payment device. This reduces the number of operations required by the customer, thereby shortening the payment time.

[0218] (Appendix 48) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the registration device is equipped with a transmission means that selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can process the payment at the selected settlement device.

[0219] According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a payment device to which registration data is to be sent, it can prioritize, for example, an available payment device or a payment device that is likely to become available first (a payment device with the most advanced payment processing), which can disperse congestion at payment devices and enable efficient payment settlement, improving customer handling. This reduces waiting times for customers when making payments and shortens the payment time.

[0220] (Supplementary Note 49) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device is provided with a guidance means for displaying guidance on a settlement device where the customer performs settlement processing on a display unit.

[0221] According to the above aspect, the customer can be correctly informed of the settlement device where the customer should settle their bill.

[0222] (Supplementary Note 50) In one aspect of the present invention, in the POS system, the settlement device includes a holding means for holding the settlement process based on the registration data.

[0223] With the above configuration, the payment process for the registered data that has already been registered can be suspended, and the forgotten product can be smoothly added to the registration device and the payment can be made at the same time. Therefore, the customer can easily and conveniently add the forgotten product and make the payment without any hassle.

[0224] (Supplementary Note 51) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device is provided with a holding means for holding the settlement process based on the registration data or holding unsettled registration data.

[0225] With the above configuration, the payment process for the registered data that has already been registered can be suspended, and the forgotten product can be smoothly added to the registration device and the payment can be made at the same time. Therefore, the customer can easily and conveniently add the forgotten product and make the payment without any hassle.

[0226] (Appendix 52) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device or the settlement device further comprises a reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and when a reserved receipt on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code capable of calling up the reserved registration data is printed is read by the reading means, the reserved registration data is called up.

[0227] According to the above configuration, by handing the reserved receipt to a clerk at the registration device, the clerk can easily read the customer's reserved accounting data by scanning the code information on the reserved receipt with a scanner, allowing for the smooth addition of additional registrations of items the customer forgot to buy. Therefore, the registration data for which the settlement process has been suspended can be called up at the registration device, and the registration data can be updated at the registration device, for example, by adding registration data for items the customer forgot to buy to the suspended registration data. Furthermore, the reserved and additionally registered registration data can be called up at the settlement device using the suspended receipt to complete the settlement.

[0228] (Appendix 53) One aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment based on the registration data of the products, characterized in that the registration device is equipped with a transmission means that selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can process the payment at the selected settlement device.

[0229] According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a payment device to which registration data is to be sent, it can prioritize, for example, an available payment device or a payment device that is likely to become available first (a payment device with the most advanced payment processing), which can disperse congestion at payment devices and enable efficient payment settlement, improving customer handling. This reduces waiting times for customers when making payments and shortens the payment time.

[0230] (Supplementary Note 54) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device further comprises a guide means for displaying on a display unit a guide to a settlement device where the customer performs settlement processing.

[0231] According to the above aspect, the customer can be correctly informed of the settlement device where the customer should settle their bill.

[0232] (Supplementary Note 55) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the registration device further comprises a holding means for holding a settlement process based on the registration data or holding unsettled registration data.

[0233] According to the above configuration, the settlement process for the registered data that has already been registered can be suspended, and the forgotten product can be smoothly added to the registration device and settled at the same time. Therefore, the customer can easily and conveniently add the forgotten product and settle the payment without any hassle.

[0234] (Appendix 56) One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned registration device further comprises a reading means for reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and when a reserved receipt on which a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code capable of calling up the reserved registration data is printed is read by the reading means, the reserved registration data is called up.

[0235] According to the above configuration, the registration data for which the settlement process has been put on hold can be called up by the registration device, and the registration data can be updated in the registration device by adding the registration data of the product that the customer forgot to buy to the put on hold registration data.

[0236] (Appendix 57) One aspect of the present invention is a program for a POS system that causes a first computer to function as a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, and causes a second computer to function as multiple settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to process the payment based on the registration data of the products, and causes the first computer to function as a transmission means that selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can process the payment at the selected settlement device.

[0237] According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a payment device to which registration data is to be sent, it can prioritize, for example, an available payment device or a payment device that is likely to become available first (a payment device with the most advanced payment processing), which can disperse congestion at payment devices and enable efficient payment settlement, improving customer handling. This reduces waiting times for customers when making payments and shortens the payment time.

[0238] (Appendix 58) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a registration device in a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by the customer themselves to process the payment based on the registration data of the products to function as a transmission means for selecting a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmitting the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can process the payment at the selected settlement device.

[0239] According to the above aspect, when the registration device selects a payment device to which registration data is to be sent, it can prioritize, for example, an available payment device or a payment device that is likely to become available first (a payment device with the most advanced payment processing), which can disperse congestion at payment devices and enable efficient payment settlement, improving customer handling. This reduces waiting times for customers when making payments and shortens the payment time.

[0240] (Appendix 59) One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, and a management device connected to the registration device and the settlement devices via a communication line, wherein the management device selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can operate the selected settlement device to process the payment themselves. (Appendix 60) One aspect of the present invention is a management device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, and a management device connected to the registration devices and the settlement devices via a communication line, wherein the management device is characterized by having a transmission means that selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can operate the selected settlement device to process the payment themselves. (Appendix 61) One aspect of the present invention is a program for a POS system that causes a first computer to function as a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, causes a second computer to function as multiple settlement devices that the customer operates to process the payment themselves based on the registration data of the products, and causes a third computer to function as a management device connected to the registration devices and the settlement devices via a communication line, and causes the third computer to function as a transmission means that selects a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can operate the selected settlement device to process the payment themselves. (Appendix 62) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as the management device in a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer, a plurality of settlement devices that are operated by the customer themselves to perform the settlement process based on the registration data of the products, and a management device connected to the registration devices and the settlement devices via a communication line, to function as a transmission means for selecting a settlement device in accordance with a priority order and transmitting the registration data of the registered products so that the customer can operate the selected settlement device themselves to perform the settlement process. According to the above aspect, when selecting a payment terminal, priority can be given to selecting an available payment terminal or the payment terminal that is most likely to become available soon (the payment terminal with the most advanced payment processing), which can disperse congestion at the payment terminals and enable efficient payment, improving customer handling. This reduces the waiting time for customers to pay and shortens the payment time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0241] 10...Store Controller 11...LAN 20...POS register for registration 30...Payment POS register 201...CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Scanner section 205...Display section (for clerk) 205a...Display section (for customers) 206...Operation unit 207…Communications Department 208...Buzzer 209…Printing Department 301...CPU 302...ROM 303...RAM 304...Scanner section 305...Display section 306...Operation unit 307…Communications Department 308...Buzzer 309…Printing Department 310…Payment Department 311...sign pole 312...Human detection sensor

Claims

[Claim 1] A registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer through an operation by a store clerk and transmits registration data relating to the transaction of the registered products to one of a plurality of payment devices so that the customer can make payment by his / her own operation, an input means for inputting information about the age of the customer; A receiving means for receiving status information of the plurality of settlement devices; a designation means for the registration device itself to designate an available payment device that will process the payment for the customer from among the plurality of payment devices; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration data to the settlement device designated by the designation means; Equipped with The designation means, based on information regarding the customer's age input by the input means and status information of the plurality of payment devices received by the receiving means, designates a payment device other than the payment device operated by a child alone when all of the plurality of payment devices are in use and one of the payment devices in use is operated by a child alone, characterized by the registration device.

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