Registration device

Abstract

We provide a POS system that can shorten the time customers spend checking out. [Solution] The POS system includes a registration device that registers the products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store employee, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to perform payment processing based on the registered product data. The registration device includes a transmission means that transmits the registered product data so that when one available settlement device is selected from the plurality of settlement devices according to priority, selection prohibition control is applied so that the customer's payment processing can be performed on the selected settlement device. The settlement device includes a receiving means that receives the product registration data transmitted by the transmission means, and a guidance means that provides guidance indicating that it is the settlement device to be used for processing the customer's payment based on the received product registration data.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a POS system where a customer performs the settlement operation himself / herself when purchasing a product, there is a configuration including a registration device that registers data related to a transaction for the product the customer intends to purchase, and a settlement device that the customer operates himself / herself based on the registered data to perform a settlement process. Patent Document 1 describes a POS system including such a registration device and a settlement device.

[0003] In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, first, a settlement receipt is issued by the registration device and handed to the customer. On this settlement receipt, information necessary for settlement regarding the purchased product (for example, information representing the total purchase amount) is printed in, for example, a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code. Next, the customer operates the settlement device himself / herself using the settlement receipt to perform a settlement process. For example, the customer causes the two-dimensional code or the one-dimensional code to be read by a reader of the settlement device and then performs a payment operation such as inserting cash or inserting a credit card. The settlement device executes a settlement process according to the read two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code and the customer's payment operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the POS system described in Patent Document 1, customers had to perform a predetermined operation, such as having a 2D code or 1D code read by a reader on the payment device, in order to perform payment processing on the payment device using data registered in the registration device. This presented a problem where customers sometimes had trouble deciding which payment device to use. In addition, the payment device a customer went to was sometimes in use. As a result, there was a problem that the payment process would take a long time.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a POS system, registration device, program, and method for transmitting registration data that can shorten the time it takes for customers to settle their accounts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices on which the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the registered product data, wherein the registration device is further characterized by comprising a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use from among the plurality of settlement devices, and transmits the registered product registration data so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at one of the available settlement devices selected as the destination for the registration data.

[0008] According to the above configuration, registration data is transmitted to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process. Therefore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data will already be available to that settlement device. Furthermore, when the registration device selects the settlement device to which the registration data will be transmitted, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is currently in use. Thus, the customer's operation during the settlement process can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened as a result.

[0009] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system is characterized in that the registration device includes a display means for guiding the payment device selected as the destination.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the registration device can display to the store clerk or customer which payment device the registration data has been sent to.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned POS system, the registration device displays on the display unit that a near-full or near-end state has occurred for any of the denominations of currency stored in the change dispenser connected to the settlement device.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when a store clerk selects a payment device to which registration data will be sent in the registration device, they can avoid selecting a payment device that is in a near-full or near-end state in terms of the denominations of currency stored in the change dispenser, and can select a different payment device. This prevents problems such as running out of change during cash payments, or the change dispenser becoming full and unable to operate due to the denominations of currency deposited at the time of payment.

[0013] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is characterized in that the registration device includes a callback means that holds the registration data received by the settlement device and calls it back to the registration device.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the customer registration data of customers waiting to pay at the payment terminal can be retrieved from the registration terminal regardless of the order of payment, allowing for quicker addition of items that customers may have forgotten to purchase.

[0015] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is characterized in that the registration device includes a display means that indicates that the payment device is available when the payment device is not in use.

[0016] According to the above embodiment, the registration device can display information so that store staff or customers can identify which payment machines are available.

[0017] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is characterized in that the registration device includes holding means for holding settlement processing based on the registration data or holding unsettled registration data, and the settlement device includes transmitting means for returning the registration data to the registration device that sent it when settlement processing or unsettled registration data is held in the settlement device.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the settlement process for already registered data can be suspended, allowing forgotten items to be smoothly added to the registration device and settled together.

[0019] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system is characterized in that the settlement device comprises a receiving means for receiving the registration data transmitted by the transmitting means, and a display means for displaying at least payment amount information used in settlement processing based on the registration data.

[0020] According to the above embodiment, the settlement device can display payment amount information used in settlement processing.

[0021] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices on which the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, wherein the registration device is characterized by comprising a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use among the plurality of settlement devices, and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at one of the available settlement devices selected as the destination for the transmission of the registration data. According to the above configuration, registration data is transmitted to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process. Therefore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data will already be available to that settlement device. Furthermore, when the registration device selects the settlement device to which the registration data will be transmitted, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is currently in use. Thus, the customer's operation during the settlement process can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened as a result. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a POS system program that causes a first computer to function as a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on the operation of a store clerk, and a second computer to function as a plurality of payment devices on which the customer operates to perform payment processing based on the registered product data, wherein the first computer is a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a payment device that is in use among the plurality of payment devices, and transmits the registered product registration data so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at one of the available payment devices selected as the destination for the registration data.

[0022] According to the above configuration, registration data is transmitted to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform the payment process. Therefore, when the customer attempts to operate the settlement device, the necessary registration data will already be available to that settlement device. Furthermore, when the registration device selects the settlement device to which the registration data will be transmitted, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is currently in use. Thus, the customer's operation during the settlement process can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened as a result.

[0023] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer acting as a registration 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 a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, to function as a transmission means that prohibits the selection of a settlement device that is in use from among the plurality of settlement devices, and transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at one of the available settlement devices selected as the destination for the registration data. According to the above aspect, since the registration data is transmitted to the settlement device selected by the registration device so that the customer can perform payment processing, when the customer tries to operate a settlement device, the necessary registration data will have already been received by that settlement device. In addition, when the registration device selects a settlement device to which the registration data will be transmitted, it is possible to avoid selecting a settlement device that is in use. Therefore, the customer's operation during the settlement process can be reduced, and the settlement time can be shortened as a result. Also, one aspect of the present invention is a method for transmitting registration data in a POS system having a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and a plurality of payment devices for which a customer operates himself / herself to perform payment processing based on the registration data of the products, the method including, in the registration device, a transmission step of prohibiting selection of a payment device in use among the plurality of payment devices, and transmitting the registration data of the registered products to one available payment device selected as a transmission destination of the registration data so that the customer can perform payment processing, and is characterized by the above.

[0024] According to the above aspect, since the registration data is transmitted to the payment device selected in the registration device so that the customer can perform payment processing, when the customer tries to operate the payment device, the necessary registration data has already arrived at that payment device. Also, when the registration device selects a payment device as a transmission destination of the registration data, it is possible not to select a payment device in use. Therefore, the operation of the customer in the payment process can be reduced, and thereby the payment time can also be shortened.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, the payment time of the customer can be shortened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of a POS system as an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the registration POS register 20 in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the payment POS register 30 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing an appearance configuration example of the registration POS register 20 and the payment POS register 30 in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the POS system 1 in FIG. 1. [Figure 6]Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for selecting a POS register for destination settlement in step S22. [Figure 7] Figure 5 shows an example of the display in the POS register for destination settlement in step S25. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a receipt with instructions printed on it indicating the POS register used for payment. [Figure 9] Figure 5 shows an example of the display on the settlement POS register after it has entered the standby state in step S26. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing flow in POS system 1. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process flow for suspending the settlement process in the POS system 1. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of how a button to pause the payment process is displayed on a POS register used for settlement. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a pending receipt issued in step S29c of Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of the POS system according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the POS system 1 is configured to include 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.

[0028] Note that the configuration of POS system 1 shown in Figure 1 is just one example. For example, multiple registration POS registers 20 can be provided, the number of settlement POS registers 30 can be further increased, or the number of settlement POS registers 30 can be reduced to two. Also, the store controller 10 and the registration POS registers 20 and settlement POS registers 30 do not necessarily need to be connected via LAN 11. In that case, data can be exchanged using power line communication or other methods that enable high-speed communication using electrical wiring. Furthermore, it is possible to omit the store controller 10 by having the registration POS registers 20 perform the functions of the store controller 10.

[0029] The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1 and manages various information such as the product master. The store controller 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master to the registration POS register 20 and each settlement 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 as needed.

[0030] The registration POS register 20 processes data for products that a customer intends to purchase. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading the barcode attached to the product. Therefore, the registration POS register 20 is equipped with a scanner that, for example, allows a store employee to read the barcode (product code) attached to the product that the customer intends to purchase. In this application, the data related to products registered by the registration POS register 20 and used in the settlement process will be referred to as registration data. The registration data includes the total amount of all products to be purchased, i.e., the total amount, as well as information on the unit price and quantity of individual products. The registration data may also be identification information (code information, etc.) that retrieves the total amount of all products to be purchased, i.e., the total amount, as well as information on the unit price and quantity of individual products. In this case, the settlement POS register 30 may make a request to the store controller 10, or the registration POS register 20 which has the functions of the store controller 10, based on the above-mentioned identification information (code information, etc.), and receive the registration data. Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 receives and manages status information from each settlement POS register 30.

[0031] Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 selects a payment POS register 30 to which the registration data will be sent, based on the status information. At that time, the registration POS register 20 determines, based on the status information, which payment POS register 30 the customer currently registering products should use to complete the payment, in order to minimize waiting time. In other words, the registration POS register 20 selects the most suitable one from among several payment POS registers 30. For example, the registration POS register 20 selects an available payment POS register 30. Alternatively, if all payment POS registers 30 are occupied by customers, the registration POS register 20 selects the payment device that is likely to become available soonest. The registration POS register 20 then sends the registration data to the selected payment POS register 30. A customer who intends to purchase the product indicated by that registration data can operate the payment POS register 30 to which the registration data was sent and complete the payment process themselves. Payment processing is the process of paying for the purchased product using cash, electronic money, credit card, etc., selectively.

[0032] The status information described above represents the progress of the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30. The progress is divided into states such as standby, settlement in progress, receipt being issued, available, payment on hold, and trouble occurring. Based on this progress, the registration POS register 20 performs a determination process to select which settlement POS register 30 to use. For example, the registration POS register 20 prioritizes selecting a settlement POS register 30 that is available. If there are no available settlement POS registers 30, it selects one that is currently issuing receipts. The three progress states described above—standby, settlement in progress, and receipt being issued—indicate stages in the settlement process, and the progress progresses from standby to settlement in progress, and from settlement in progress to receipt being issued. Therefore, the receipt being issued state is further along in the process than settlement in progress, and if there are no available settlement POS registers, selecting one that is currently issuing receipts allows the system to select the settlement POS register 30 that is most likely to become available soon.

[0033] Furthermore, when the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data currently being registered to the payment POS register 30 selected as described above, it performs the following display processing. For example, the registration POS register 20 displays the status information received from each payment POS register 30 on a display screen such as a touch panel on the registration POS register 20. This display may be updated continuously or as needed, not only when transmitting registration data, but also during the registration process or idle time. In addition, when the registration POS register 20 transmits registration data, it displays to the store clerk or customer which payment POS register 30 the registration data was sent to. For example, if it is displayed to the store clerk, the store clerk can verbally inform the customer. The method of display in this case is arbitrary. For example, the status information of each payment POS register 30 can be displayed on a touch panel or similar device installed for the store clerk on the registration POS register 20, and the status information corresponding to the payment POS register 30 to which the data was transmitted can be highlighted. Furthermore, the display unit of the registration POS register 20, which faces the customer, may display instructions indicating the destination settlement POS register 30. Alternatively, a receipt (for example, a numbered receipt with the settlement POS register 30 number printed on it) guiding the customer to the appropriate settlement POS register 30 may be issued and handed to the customer.

[0034] The selection of the POS register 30 for payment may be done manually by the store clerk. For example, the clerk may look at the status information, make a decision, and select the POS register 30 by pressing the button for the selected POS register 30 on the touch panel. In addition, to assist the clerk's decision, the status information display may highlight the POS registers 30 that are available (or likely to become available).

[0035] Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 may be configured to print all the details of the items purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can confirm the registered details using the registration POS register 20 by viewing the printed output before operating the payment POS register 30 to complete the payment process.

[0036] On the other hand, the settlement POS register 30 is a device that customers operate themselves to perform settlement processing, and is equipped with payment devices such as an automatic change dispenser, a card reader (for example, for credit cards and point cards), and an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (for example, for electronic money). The settlement POS register 30 also transmits status information to the registration POS register 20 as needed.

[0037] Furthermore, when the payment POS register 30 receives the above-mentioned registration data from the registration POS register 20, it notifies (i.e., guides) the customer so that they know to go to the payment POS register 30. An example of notification is to display predetermined numbers or other textual information on the entire screen of the display unit of the payment POS register 30. This number or other textual information is information that the registration POS register 20 (or the store clerk operating the registration POS register 20) has separately informed the customer of. The customer then goes to the payment POS register 30 that is displaying their number, for example. Another example of notification is to guide the customer by lighting up a predetermined lamp on the payment POS register 30. For example, the lamp may light up in a specific color, and the customer should go to the payment POS register 30 of the specified color. It may also blink. Another example of notification is to display the membership card number on the screen of the payment POS register 30. This membership card number is read, for example, by a registration POS register 20. The customer then goes to a payment POS register 30 that displays their membership card number.

[0038] Furthermore, the POS register 30 for payment enters a standby state after the notification. That is, after making a notification, the POS register 30 for payment enters a state where it waits for instructions to start the payment process corresponding to the received registration data. An example of releasing the standby state is when a customer touches the display screen of the POS register 30 (or presses a button), and the payment process starts automatically. Nothing is displayed on the screen until it is touched, or only a number is displayed, as in the notification example above. Alternatively, the POS register 30 for payment may start the payment process by detecting whether a customer is approaching using a human detection sensor. In this case as well, the screen can remain blank or display only a number until detection occurs. The POS register 30 for payment starts the payment process when it detects a person approaching using the human detection sensor. Alternatively, a camera can be used instead of a human detection sensor. For example, cameras could be installed on the POS register 30 for payment and the POS register 20 for registration, and the payment process could start only when the same person approaches using facial recognition.

[0039] Furthermore, the settlement process for the POS register 30 in standby mode can be carried out as follows: (1) First, the payment method is selected. The customer selects one of the following, or a combination of the following, according to their operation: cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. (2) Next, the settlement is executed. The settlement is executed by inserting cash into the banknote and coin slots of the POS register 30, paying change, or reading a card with the card reader. (3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the POS register 30. The receipt will include, for example, a list of purchased items, the total purchase amount, the amount received, and the amount of change. (4) Finally, the POS register 30 finishes the settlement process and becomes idle.

[0040] Alternatively, the payment method for 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 described in (2) above.

[0041] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, an example configuration of the registration POS register 20 and settlement POS register 30 shown in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration POS register 20. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement POS register 30. And Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the registration POS register 20 and settlement POS register 30.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the registration POS register 20 comprises 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 staff) 205, a display unit (for customers) 205a, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, a buzzer 208, and a printing unit 209. These components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0043] ROM202 is read-only memory and 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 programs stored in the ROM 202.

[0044] The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. RAM203 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information. For example, RAM203 stores product information based on barcodes read by the scanner unit 204, status information received from the POS register 30, and so on. RAM203 may also store a history of which operation buttons have been pressed.

[0045] The display unit (for staff) 205 and the display unit (for customers) 205a display various information. For example, the display unit (for staff) 205 and the display unit (for customers) 205a display information obtained from the product master (e.g., product name, price, etc.). The display unit (for staff) 205 is a touch panel (e.g., an LCD touch panel) and displays various information for staff. Furthermore, the display unit (for staff) 205 accepts operation input for pre-set product information (product code, etc.) when operation buttons (preset buttons) displayed in the area of ​​the screen are operated.

[0046] The operation unit 206 is equipped with various operation buttons (subtotal key, current total key, entry key, correction key, and 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 for product information (product code, etc.) that has been pre-registered to that preset key.

[0047] The communication unit 207 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. Buzzer 208 emits a buzzer sound when it is necessary for a store employee to confirm the operation.

[0048] The printing unit 209 prints information such as registered data as needed. However, in this embodiment, printing of registered data can be omitted. As mentioned above, the printing unit 209 may also print information on the receipt (printing medium) that directs the user to the settlement POS register 30 to which the selected registered data (accounting data) will be sent, according to the status information.

[0049] Figure 4 shows the external configuration of the scanner unit 204, the display unit (for staff) 205, the operation unit 206, and the printing unit 209.

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 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 components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0051] ROM302 is read-only memory that stores the program. The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the settlement POS register 30 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 302.

[0052] RAM303 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information. For example, RAM303 stores product master data obtained from the store controller 10, and purchase details of products indicated by 2D codes or barcodes read by the scanner unit 304. An example of when the scanner unit 304 reads a 2D code or barcode is when the registration POS register 20 prints the 2D code or barcode used for accounting on the accounting slip because the status information of the settlement POS register 30 cannot be obtained for some reason (for example, because a problem is occurring).

[0053] The scanner unit 304 optically reads barcodes (member codes) attached to, for example, membership cards.

[0054] The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen in response to control from the CPU 301. The display unit 305 also stores the operation history of the operation buttons displayed on the screen (e.g., number of operations, order of operations, etc.) in the RAM 303 for each operation button.

[0055] The operation unit 306 is equipped with various operation buttons (correction keys, preset keys, etc.) 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.

[0056] The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. For example, it connects to the store controller 10 and obtains the latest product master data from the store controller 10.

[0057] The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound to notify the customer of an error if one occurs. The printing unit 309 prints and issues a settled receipt for the customer to take home once the settlement process (i.e., settlement of the purchase price of the goods) is completed.

[0058] The settlement unit 310 is configured to include a change dispenser, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc., and their control units, and settlement processing is performed using cash, credit, and electronic money using the settlement unit 310. The settlement unit 310 executes cash settlements using the change dispenser and outputs the result of the settlement (for example, information indicating whether the settlement was completed or not) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change dispenser is equipped with a banknote slot for inserting and ejecting banknotes, a coin slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection slot for ejecting change. The settlement unit 310 also executes credit settlements and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via ports and buses. The settlement unit 310 also executes electronic money settlements and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via buses.

[0059] The sign pole 311 has indicator lights of multiple colors, and by lighting or flashing these indicator lights, it signals that the POS register 30 for settlement is the selected device, or that it is operational. The human detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects when a person (customer) is within a predetermined area in front of the POS register 30 for payment.

[0060] Figure 4 shows the external configuration of the scanner unit 304, display unit 305, operation unit 306, printing unit 309, payment unit 310, and sign pole 311.

[0061] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain an example of the operation of POS system 1, which was described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the operation example shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that the transmission and reception of predetermined data has been completed between the store controller 10, 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 data exchange between them are shown. Also in Figure 5, the three settlement POS registers 30 shown in Figure 1 are shown as settlement POS registers 30a to 30c. Furthermore, in the operation example in Figure 5, it is assumed that all three settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are empty at the start.

[0062] Now, if in steps S11, S14, and S17 status information indicating that the three settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are free is sent to the registration POS register 20, the registration POS register 20 receives the status information for each (steps S12, S15, and S18). The registration POS register 20 then stores the status information for each settlement POS register 30a to 30c in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203 (steps S13, S16, and S19).

[0063] 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 initiating the product registration process. Subsequently, the scanner unit 204, display unit 205, and operation unit 206 are used to register the product data that the customer intends 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.

[0064] Here, the registration POS register 20 performs a selection process for the settlement POS register 30 to which the registration data will be sent (step S22). In step S22, the registration POS register 20 refers to the status information of each settlement POS register 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​RAM 203, and selects the settlement POS register that has progressed the most in the settlement process (i.e., is free or is most likely to become free soon) based on the status information. In this example, it is assumed that settlement POS register 30a is selected in step S22.

[0065] Next, the registration POS register 20 transmits the registration data to the settlement POS register 30a, which is the destination for 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, which transmitted the registration data in step S23, displays an indication that the settlement POS register to which the registration data was transmitted is the settlement POS register 30a (step S25). Meanwhile, the settlement POS register 30a, which received the registration data in step S24, notifies that it has received the registration data and transitions to a waiting state for settlement processing (step S26).

[0066] 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). It updates the status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the RAM 203 from idle to standby state (step S29).

[0067] Here, when a customer arrives at the settlement POS register 30a, and a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 306, etc., or when the human presence sensor 312 detects the approach of a person, the settlement process is started (step S30). In the settlement process started in step S30, the operation method is shown on the display unit 305, and according to the customer's operation, the customer selects a settlement method and the settlement is performed using the selected settlement method. When the settlement POS register 30a starts the settlement process in step S30, it transmits status information indicating that settlement is in progress (step S31). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S32). The registration POS register 20 updates the status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the RAM 203 from standby to settlement in progress (step S33).

[0068] Next, when the settlement POS register 30a completes the settlement process using a predetermined settlement method (step S34), the settlement POS register 30a starts the receipt issuance process (step S35). When the settlement POS register 30a starts the receipt issuance process in step S35, it transmits status information indicating that it is issuing a receipt (step S36). The registration POS register 20 receives the status information from the settlement POS register 30a (step S37). It updates the status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the RAM 203 from settlement in progress to receipt issuance in progress (step S38).

[0069] Next, when the settlement POS register 30a finishes issuing receipts (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). It updates the status information of the settlement POS register 30a stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the RAM 203 from issuing receipts to idle (step S42).

[0070] 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.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figure 6, an example of the selection process for the destination settlement POS register in step S22 of Figure 5 will be explained. Here, it is assumed that the progress status indicated by the status information represents five states: standby, settlement in progress, receipt issuance in progress, available, and trouble occurring. As shown in Figure 6, the registration POS register 20 first determines whether there is an available settlement POS register 30 by referring to the status information of settlement POS registers 30a to 30c stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​RAM 203 (step S101). If there is an available settlement POS register 30 (if the answer is 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.

[0072] On the other hand, if there are no available POS registers 30 for settlement (if the answer is No in step S101), it is determined whether or not there is a POS register 30 currently printing a receipt (step S104). If there is a POS register 30 currently printing a receipt (if the answer is Yes in step S104), one of the POS registers 30 currently printing a receipt is selected (step S105). Then, in step S103, the selected POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process is terminated.

[0073] 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 (if the result in step S104 is No), then it is determined whether or not there is a settlement POS register 30 currently processing a transaction (step S106). If there is a settlement POS register 30 currently processing a transaction (if the result in step S106 is Yes), then one of the settlement POS registers 30 currently processing a transaction is selected (step S107). Then, in step S103, the selected settlement POS register 30 is set as the destination, and the selection process is terminated.

[0074] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S106 is that there are no settlement POS registers 30 currently in use (if the result in step S106 is No), then it is determined whether or not there are any settlement POS registers 30 in a standby state (step S108). If there are settlement POS registers 30 in a standby state (if the result in step S108 is Yes), then 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 is terminated.

[0075] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S108 is that there are no settlement POS registers 30 in a standby state (i.e., the result in step S108 is No), then in this example, all settlement POS registers 30 are in a state of trouble, so the information indicating that the destination settlement POS register could not be determined is set as the information representing the selection result (step S110).

[0076] In steps S102, S105, S107, or S109, if two or more settlement POS registers 30 are available for selection, one of them is selected by any method. For example, if there is a difference in distance between the registration POS register 20 and the settlement POS register 30, the settlement POS register 30 that is closer can be selected. Also, if, among multiple customers undergoing settlement, some have membership cards and others do not, the device being used by the customer with a membership card can be selected, for example. This is because customers with membership cards are more likely to be familiar with the operation. Furthermore, if age information can be registered at the registration POS register 20, it is conceivable to select a different device (i.e., avoid that device) depending on the age, such as when a child is using the device alone.

[0077] Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the display process in the destination settlement POS register in step S25 of Figure 5 will be explained. Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the display unit (for store staff) 205 of the registration POS register 20. In the example of the display in Figure 7, along with information such as an icon for product selection (vegetables in this example), price, and quantity, buttons 2051 to 2053 representing the status information of settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed. However, settlement POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed as devices 1 to 3, respectively. Furthermore, settlement POS register 30a, whose status information selected in the process of step S22 is empty, is displayed in a different form from the other buttons (for example, by blinking or using a different display color), as shown by the shading. In the example of Figure 7, changing this form indicates that settlement POS register 30a has been selected as the destination.

[0078] As mentioned above, the registration POS register 20 may also display instructions on the display unit (for customers) 205a indicating the destination settlement POS register 30. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display buttons 2051 to 2053, which represent the status information of the settlement POS registers 30a to 30c shown in Figure 7, on the display unit (for customers) 205a.

[0079] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the instructions indicating the destination POS register 30 for settlement may also be printed on the receipt handed to the customer. Figure 8 shows an example of a receipt with instructions indicating the destination POS register 30 for settlement (a numbered receipt with the number of the POS register 30 printed on it, a payment slip, and a POS register instruction receipt). In Figure 8, the words "Please pay at register number 1" (see reference numeral 3051) are printed on the receipt as instructions indicating the destination POS register 30 for settlement. Here, "register number 1" corresponds to, for example, device 1 (POS register 30a) in the display example in Figure 7.

[0080] Next, referring to Figure 9, an example of the display on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30, which has transitioned to a settlement processing standby state in step S26 of Figure 5, will be described. Figure 9 shows an example of the display on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30. In the display example of Figure 9, along with information indicating that it is a "settlement machine" and information indicating that it is in a standby state ("standby"), information that can identify the customer who will settle the settlement based on the registration data received by this settlement POS register 30 (e.g., a number, "waiting number") is displayed in the order of settlement (order of receipt of registration data). Note that the information that can identify the customer (e.g., a number) may be notified to the customer by being displayed on the display unit (for customers) 205a of the registration POS register 20, for example, or by being printed on the receipt handed to the customer.

[0081] Next, referring to Figure 10, we will explain another example of operation of the POS system 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. 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. Specifically, in the example of operation in Figure 10, settlement POS register 30a is in the process of settlement, settlement POS register 30b is issuing a receipt, and settlement POS register 30c is in the process of settlement.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 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 Figure 5. Then, in steps S60 to S61, the product registration process is performed in the same manner as in steps S20 to S21 in Figure 5. In step S62, the settlement POS register 30b, which is currently issuing a receipt, is selected as the destination device. In this example, since settlement POS registers 30a and 30c are in the process of settlement, the settlement POS register 30b, which is currently issuing a receipt, is determined to be the most advanced in processing. Subsequently, in steps S63 to S82, the transmission of registration data and settlement processing are performed using the settlement POS register 30b in the same manner as in steps S23 to S42 in Figure 5. However, the notification and transition to standby state process in step S66 is executed after the receipt that was being issued when the status information was transmitted in step S54 has finished issuing.

[0083] Furthermore, the process of transmitting registration data in step S63 may be temporarily paused depending on the status information of the settlement POS register 30. For example, the transmission of registration data may be performed only for settlement POS registers 30 that are free or issuing receipts, and for settlement POS registers 30 that are in the process of settlement or are in standby mode, the transmission of registration data may be paused until the status information becomes "issuing receipt". In this case, the customer may temporarily wait near the registration POS register 20, for example. This prevents the customer from being guided towards the settlement POS register 30 when the settlement POS register 30 has not notified that it is a non-selection device. In this case, the registration POS register 20 may issue a numbered receipt to the customer temporarily waiting at the standby position and hand it to the customer. Then, the customer's registration data may be transmitted to the settlement POS register 30 when its status information becomes free or issuing receipts, and the number printed on the numbered receipt may be displayed on the display unit of the receiving settlement POS register 30 to guide the customer.

[0084] By the way, in a POS system 1 consisting of a registration POS register 20 for registering the products that customers purchase, and a payment POS register 30 where customers themselves operate and pay for the products registered in the registration POS register 20, if a customer remembers (realizes) that they forgot to buy an item at the time of checkout (payment), they are already at the payment POS register 30 with the items already registered in the registration POS register 20. Therefore, the customer may have to complete the payment at the payment POS register 30 and then line up again in the registration queue at the registration POS register 20 to purchase the forgotten item. In this case, the same procedure is repeated until the forgotten item is purchased, which can be cumbersome and annoying for the customer. Furthermore, there's a possibility that the customer might give up on purchasing the forgotten item altogether, potentially negatively impacting the store's sales and damaging its reputation.

[0085] Therefore, in the POS system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to postpone the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30, and it is also possible to add product registration data to the postponed registration data.

[0086] Next, referring to Figure 11, we will explain an example of the operation of a process in which the settlement POS register 30, which has received registration data and entered a waiting state, suspends the settlement process based on the registration data and adds product registration data to the suspended registration data. As mentioned above, a customer might suspend the settlement process if, for example, the customer realizes they have forgotten to buy an item when the registration data for the items to be purchased, registered in the registration POS register 20, has been sent to the settlement POS register 30 and is in a waiting state. By suspending the settlement process, the customer can add (register) that item as an item to be purchased before performing the settlement process.

[0087] For example, the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 has a button such as "Settlement Hold". When this "Settlement Hold" button is pressed, the settlement POS register 30 puts the customer's registered data (settlement processing based on the registered data) on hold.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 11, the operation differs from the example shown in Figure 5 in that, in step S26, a process is added to suspend the settlement process after the settlement POS register 30a enters a standby state. In Figure 11, the processes corresponding to each process in Figure 5 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted. Also, the operation from "Start settlement processing" in step S30 onwards is the same as the operation described with reference to Figure 5, and is therefore not illustrated.

[0089] The POS register 30a for settlement transitions to a waiting state for settlement processing (step S26), transmits status information (step S27), and then, for example, depending on customer operation, displays settlement information for settlement processing, including payment amount information, on the display unit 305, and also displays a button that allows the user to input "Settlement Hold" to postpone the settlement process. The POS register 30a then determines whether or not the settlement process has started (step S29a). If it is determined in step S29a that the settlement process has started, the POS register 30a proceeds to step S30 and starts the settlement process as explained with reference to Figure 5. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29a that the settlement process has not started, the POS register 30a determines whether or not the "Settlement Hold" button has been pressed (step S29b).

[0090] If it is determined in step S29b that the "Hold Settlement" button has not been pressed, the settlement POS register 30a returns to step S29a and repeats the processes of steps S29a and S29b until it is determined that the settlement process has started or that the "Hold Settlement" button has been pressed.

[0091] If it is determined in step S29b that the "Hold Payment" button has been pressed, the POS register 30a for payment issues a pending receipt containing information that identifies the registered data for which payment processing has been suspended (step S29c). For example, this pending receipt has a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code printed on it for retrieving the registered data for which payment processing has been suspended. Note that if the registration POS register 20 or the settlement POS register 30 is unable to communicate due to some problem and a receipt has already been issued, it is not necessary to issue another receipt.

[0092] Furthermore, the settlement POS register 30a performs a process to return the registration data that has been put on hold for settlement processing back 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 (put-on registration data) to the registration POS register 20 that registered (sent) the registration data (step S29d). The registration POS register 20 receives the registration data that has been put on hold sent from the settlement POS register 30a (step S29e).

[0093] Registration data that is put on hold remains on hold until it is called. For example, a customer who has forgotten to buy an item hands their shopping basket to a store clerk, then takes the forgotten item to the registration POS register 20 and has the forgotten item added to the register. In response to the customer's request to add an item (step S29j), the registration POS register 20 returns to step S12, calls up the registration data that was put on hold for settlement (held registration data), and adds the registration data of the item to be added (the forgotten item) to that registration data. As a result, the "forgotten item" added by the registration POS register 20 is added to the held registration data that is currently on hold.

[0094] The registration POS register 20 then sends the newly registered data to the payment POS register selected based on the status information. The customer can then retrieve the registered data using the held receipt, or they can go back to the payment POS register 30 indicated by the registration POS register 20 and complete the payment themselves.

[0095] In this way, the settlement POS register 30 executes steps S29c and S29d (holding means) to hold the settlement process based on the received and pending registration data. The registration POS register 20 also executes step S29e to receive the pending registration data for which the settlement process has been held, and in response to a request from the customer to register additional items (step S29j), it executes a process to add registration data for "forgotten items" to the received pending registration data. As a result, in the POS system 1 using the settlement POS register 30, which is operated and settled by the customer themselves, even if the customer has forgotten to buy an item, it is possible to add the forgotten item to the registration data for which the settlement POS register 30 executes the settlement process.

[0096] If the registration POS register 20 stores registration data, instead of the process of sending the pending registration data as described above, the settlement POS register 30 may notify the registration POS register 20 that the registration data is pending (the process based on the registration data is pending). For example, the settlement POS register 30a may display an indication on the display unit 305 that pending registration data exists in the registration POS register 20, and also send status information indicating that it is in a pending state to the registration POS register 20. The registration POS register 20 may also update its status information from standby to pending state in response to receiving the status information indicating that it is in a pending state.

[0097] Furthermore, various methods can be envisioned 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 where the registration data was registered (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).

[0098] In the case where the POS register 30 for settlement stores the pending registration data, the registration POS register 20 may send only the newly registered "forgotten items" to the settlement POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data. As a result, the settlement POS register 30 that stores the pending registration data may add the received "forgotten items" to the pending registration data that is currently being held.

[0099] Alternatively, if the store controller 10 stores the pending registration data, the registration POS register 20 may send the newly registered "forgotten items" to the store controller 10. This allows the store controller 10 to add the received "forgotten items" to the stored pending registration data.

[0100] Next, with reference to Figure 12, an example of the display of a button to hold the settlement process, which is displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30, will be explained. In Figure 12, the settlement POS register 30 displays settlement information such as the receipt number and payment amount information for settlement processing, and also displays a "forgotten item button" (see reference numeral 3061) on the display unit 305 to hold the settlement process. For example, in step S26 of Figure 11, the settlement POS register 30a, which has entered the standby state, displays information including the "forgotten item button" on the display unit 305 as shown in Figure 12. Then, in step S29b of Figure 11, the settlement POS register 30a determines whether or not the "forgotten item button" has been pressed as whether or not the "hold settlement" button has been pressed.

[0101] Next, with reference to Figure 13, the pending receipt issued in step S29c of Figure 11 will be described. The pending receipt shown in Figure 13 has a guide (see reference numeral 3051) indicating the issuing settlement POS register 30, along with a two-dimensional code (see reference numeral 3052) for retrieving the registered data for which settlement processing has been put on hold. Note that the two-dimensional code using a QR code (registered trademark) shown in this figure may be replaced with a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. Furthermore, instead of this two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code, information represented by numbers, letters, symbols, pictures, etc., associated with each registered data may be used.

[0102] As described above, the POS system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a registration POS register 20 (registration device) for registering products to be purchased, and a plurality of settlement POS registers 30 (settlement devices) that perform settlement based on the registered product data. The registration POS register 20 performs the following processes (acquisition means) such as steps S12, S15, and S18 to acquire status information related to settlement processing from each settlement POS register 30, a process (selection means) in step S22 to select the settlement POS register 30 that should perform settlement for the registered product based on the status information, and a process (transmission means) in step S23 to transmit the registration data of the registered product to the selected settlement POS register 30. In this way, since registration data is transmitted from the registration POS register 20 to the settlement POS register 30 according to the status of the settlement POS register 30, the settlement POS register 30 has already received the necessary registration data, which reduces the amount of operation required by the customer and thereby shortens the settlement time.

[0103] Furthermore, since the process (control means) of step S26 is executed to control the settlement POS register 30 so that it enters a waiting state for settlement processing when it receives registration data from the registration POS register 20, the settlement POS register 30 can be put into a waiting state where settlement can start immediately, thereby minimizing customer operation.

[0104] Furthermore, when the settlement POS register 30 receives registration data from the registration POS register 20, it performs the process (notification means) of step S26, which notifies the customer that it is the settlement POS register 30 that should be used to settle the registered product. This allows the customer to quickly determine which settlement device to go to.

[0105] Furthermore, since the registration POS register 20 performs the process (display means) of step S25 which displays status information, the registration POS register 20 can ascertain the status of the settlement POS register 30.

[0106] Furthermore, the status information indicates the progress of the settlement process, and in the process of step S22 (selection means), the settlement POS register 30 with the most advanced settlement process is selected as the settlement POS register 30 to perform settlement for the registered product. With this configuration, the optimal settlement POS register 30 is selected according to the status information indicating the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30, so, for example, customers will not concentrate at one settlement POS register 30, and efficient settlement will be possible.

[0107] Furthermore, when the registration POS register 20 transmits registration data to the settlement POS register 30, if the status information is the same, 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, allowing them to select the settlement POS register 30 closest to the registration POS register 20 would make it easier to provide support and further improve customer satisfaction.

[0108] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the registration device transmits the registration data of the customer's purchased items to the payment device selected during the registration process. However, the invention is not limited to this, for example, the registration POS register 20 may link the payment device identification information of the payment POS register 30 selected during the registration process with the product registration data and transmit it to the store controller 10, and the store controller 10 may transmit the registration data of the customer's purchased items registered in the registration device according to the payment processing status of the payment POS register 30 it targets. Alternatively, the payment POS register 30 may itself request and receive the registration data of the customer's purchased items registered in the registration device from the store controller 10 based on its own payment device identification information, depending on the payment processing status of the payment POS register 30.

[0109] Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 may perform a process (printing means) to print information on a printable medium that guides the customer to the settlement POS register 30 selected in the process (selection means) of step S22. This allows the customer to quickly determine which settlement device to go to by checking the printed content.

[0110] Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 controls the selection of a settlement POS register 30 whose status information is "in use" so that it cannot be selected as the settlement POS register 30 that should be used to settle the registered products. Here, "in use" means that the progress of the settlement process at the settlement POS register 30 is, for example, "standing," "settling," or "issuing receipt" (i.e., not "available"). Note that "trouble occurring" may also be included in the status information "in use."

[0111] For example, as mentioned above, the system may be configured so that a store clerk can view the status information of each payment POS register 30 displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 and select the payment POS register 30 to which the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 will be sent. As a specific example, buttons corresponding to each payment POS register 30 may be displayed on the touch panel of the registration POS register 20 so that the payment POS register 30 to which the registration data will be sent can be selected. The store clerk can then select and press one of these buttons corresponding to each payment POS register 30 to which the registration data will be sent. In such a case, the registration POS register 20 may be controlled so that payment POS registers 30 whose status information is "in use" cannot be selected. For example, the registration POS register 20 may display the buttons corresponding to payment POS registers 30 whose status information is "in use" as unavailable. Furthermore, if a customer being registered has put their registration data (accounting data) on hold at the POS register 30, the button corresponding to the POS register 30 that the customer put on hold will display "On Hold." When a store employee presses the button displaying "On Hold," the registration data (accounting data) that the customer put on hold will be retrieved. Subsequently, once the customer has completed the registration of any items they forgot to buy, and the button displaying "On Hold" that corresponds to the POS register 30 is pressed, the registration data (accounting data) may be sent to the POS register 30 corresponding to the "On Hold" button.

[0112] This prevents the registration data registered in the registration POS register 20 from being biased towards sending to only one of the multiple settlement POS registers 30, thus allowing customers to be allocated evenly to each of the multiple registration POS registers 20.

[0113] Furthermore, the settlement POS register 30 executes steps S29c and S29d (holding means) to hold the settlement process based on the received and pending registration data. The registration POS register 20 also executes step S29e to receive the pending registration data for which the settlement process has been held, and in response to a request from the customer to register additional items (step S29j), it executes a process to add registration data for "forgotten items" to the received pending registration data. This allows the settlement process for already registered data to be held, and the forgotten items to be smoothly added to the registration POS register 20 and settled together. For example, in a POS system 1 using a settlement POS register 30 operated by the customer themselves, even if the customer has forgotten to buy an item, the settlement process based on the pending registration data can be held, and the forgotten items can be added to the pending registration data at the registration POS register 20. Therefore, customers can add any forgotten items to the POS register 20 and pay for them without having to go through complicated and cumbersome procedures.

[0114] Furthermore, when the settlement POS register 30 receives registration data that is in a waiting state and puts it on hold, it executes the process of step S29d, which sends (returns) the registration data to the registration POS register 20 that sent the registration data, so that the registration POS register 20 can update the held registration data.

[0115] Furthermore, if the settlement POS register 30 is put on hold for settlement processing based on registered data that has been received and is in a waiting state, it may perform a process to notify the registration POS register 20 that the registered data has been put on hold. This allows the registration POS register 20 to be aware at any time that the registered data has been put on hold, and to always be aware that there is pending registered data on the display screen. In addition, by touching the display screen where pending registered data is present, the store clerk can retrieve the pending registered data (account data). This makes it possible to provide support to customers and to smoothly process the addition of forgotten items.

[0116] Furthermore, if the aforementioned holding mechanism puts a settlement process based on registered data that is in a waiting state on hold, it issues a hold receipt with the information associated with the registered data printed on it. As a result, the customer can smoothly register the forgotten items by handing the forgotten items and the hold receipt to the clerk at the registration POS register 20.

[0117] Furthermore, if the aforementioned holding mechanism holds a settlement process based on registered data that is in a waiting state, it issues a holding receipt printed with a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code that allows the registered data to be retrieved. As a result, the clerk at the registration POS register 20 can easily retrieve the accounting data of a customer who forgot to buy something using the code information on the holding receipt, and smoothly register the items that the customer forgot to buy.

[0118] Furthermore, when the settlement POS register 30 puts registered data on hold using the hold mechanism, it performs a process (notification mechanism) that notifies the buzzer 308 that the registered data has been put on hold. This allows store staff to quickly recognize that the data has been put on hold, enabling them to provide support to customers and also serving as a deterrent against fraud.

[0119] In this embodiment of the POS system 1, the settlement process can be suspended by pressing the "Hold Settlement" button on the settlement POS register 30, and the suspended registration data is sent to the registration POS register 20. However, the system is not limited to this. For example, in the POS system 1, the registration POS register 20 may be provided with a "Recall Unsettled Registration Data" button. When this button is pressed, the registration data of unsettled customers (settlement processing based on the registration data) from the settlement POS register 30 is displayed on the screen of the registration POS register 20 as an unsettled list. When the registration data of the target customer is touched from the unsettled list (for example, by a store employee's touch operation), the registration data of that customer is put on hold and recalled to the registration POS register 20. This allows POS system 1 to retrieve customer registration data from the registration POS register 20 regardless of the order of payment, enabling quick addition of items that customers may have forgotten to purchase.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payment method in the settlement process (financial settlement process) that settles based on registered data that has been put on hold may be changed. As a change in the payment method, in the settlement process based on the registered data of a customer who is about to settle at the settlement POS register 30, the payment method in the settlement process that settles based on registered data that has been put on hold by pressing a button such as "Settlement on Hold" on the display unit 305 of the settlement POS register 30 may be changed. Alternatively, the payment method in the settlement process that settles based on registered data that has been put on hold from the list of unsettled data (unsettled registered data stored in the settlement POS register 30) of customers waiting to settle at the settlement POS register 30 may be changed by pressing the "Recall Unsettled Registered Data" button provided on the registration POS register 20 to display the list of unsettled data. The above change in payment method is not limited to payment methods that selectively use cash, electronic money, credit cards, etc., but may also include a change in payment method where part or all of the settlement amount is paid using gift certificates, etc. (for example, vouchers or shopping tickets that can be used to pay a predetermined face value). For example, in settlement processing, if the face value paid using gift certificates, etc. is part of the settlement amount, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the face value of the gift certificates, etc. from the settlement amount based on the reserved registration data may be set as the settlement amount for the reserved registration data. Also, in settlement processing, if the face value paid using gift certificates, etc. exceeds the settlement amount, the amount obtained by subtracting the settlement amount based on the reserved registration data from the face value paid using gift certificates, etc. may be set as the amount to be withdrawn from the settlement POS register 30 as a refund for the remaining amount of the gift certificates that could not be used. Furthermore, the registration POS register 20 may also send the registration data, which has been changed or put on hold for settlement processing, to the settlement POS register 30, as shown in the embodiment described above.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the status information, which represents the progress of the settlement process in the settlement POS register 30, is exemplified by states such as standby, settlement in progress, receipt issuance in progress, empty, accounting on hold, and trouble occurring. However, it is not limited to these. For example, in the case of a change dispenser that deposits and withdraws cash in the settlement unit 310, the state of the change dispenser may also be used as status information, and the state of this change dispenser may be transmitted as status information. In this case, information such as near-full (a state in which the change dispenser is about to be full of a certain type of currency) or near-end (a state in which the change dispenser is about to run out of a specific type of currency) may be transmitted as status information to the registration POS register 20. Based on this status information, the registration POS register 20 may perform a determination process to select which settlement POS register 30 to use. For example, the registration POS register 20 may choose a different settlement POS register 30, avoiding selecting one that is near full or near end in terms of the denominations of currency stored in the change dispenser. This has the effect of preventing problems such as running out of change during cash payment, or the change dispenser becoming full and unable to operate due to the denominations of currency deposited at the time of payment. In the example display in Figure 7, along with icons for product selection (vegetables in this example), price, quantity, etc., buttons 2051 to 2053 representing the status information of the POS registers 30a to 30c are displayed, showing "available," etc. However, the display is not limited to this, and for example, the status of the change dispenser equipped in the POS registers 30a to 30c (for example, near full, near end, or coin jam) may also be displayed. Furthermore, if the POS register 30 equipped with a change dispenser is in a near-full or near-end state when displaying status information, there is a high possibility of problems such as trouble occurring during settlement. Therefore, the display may be shown in a way that draws attention differently from other buttons (for example, by flashing faster than normal to draw the operator's attention, or by using a different color that is not normally used (for example, red if red is not a normally used color) to indicate that attention is required). In this case, it will be indicated that the POS register 30 displaying status information in a way different from other buttons should not be selected as the destination, thus reducing the likelihood of sending registration data to the POS register 30 that is likely to cause problems such as trouble.

[0122] Furthermore, the POS register (registration POS register or settlement POS register) and the program for implementing the POS system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of implementing only a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the aforementioned functions may be implemented in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 10...Store controller, 11...LAN, 20...POS register for registration, 30...POS register for payment, 201...CPU, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...Scanner unit, 205...Display unit (for staff), 205a...Display unit (for customers), 206...Operation unit, 207...Communication unit, 208...Buzzer, 209...Printing unit, 301...CPU, 302...ROM, 303...RAM, 304...Scanner unit, 305...Display unit, 306...Operation unit, 307...Communication unit, 308...Buzzer, 309...Printing unit, 310...Payment unit, 311...Sign pole, 312...Person detection sensor

Claims

[Claim 1] A registration device that registers the products purchased by a customer through the operation of a store employee, and transmits the registration data regarding the transaction of the registered products to one of several payment devices so that the customer can settle the payment themselves, Display means and 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 from among the plurality of payment devices to process the customer's payment, The system includes a transmission means for transmitting the registration data to a settlement device designated by the designated means, The payment device designated by the aforementioned designation means is, if all of the aforementioned payment devices are in use, the payment device using the member card among the payment devices in use is the payment device using the member card. A registration device characterized by the following features.

Images