System, registration device, settlement device and program

Abstract

To smooth up the flow of customers during account processing in a POS system composed of a registration device and a settlement device that are separately installed.SOLUTION: Provided is a POS system having one or more registration devices that register commodities and one or more settlement devices that perform settlement processing for commodities registered by the registration devices in accordance with settlement indications from the registration devices, the POS system being constituted comprising settlement indication acceptance means for accepting a settlement indication that is newly issued specifying a settlement device while there are settlement processing in the settlement device that need to be settled, and settlement processing means for executing in the settlement device settlement processing that corresponds to the settlement indication having been accepted by the settlement indication acceptance means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a registration device, a settlement device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an accounting system that is configured separately from a product registration terminal (registration device) that registers products to be purchased, and an accounting device (payment settlement device) that settles the purchase of the products registered by the product registration terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an accounting system, a customer can settle the payment for the purchased products at the accounting device. This allows, for example, the process of receiving the product price to be automated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-184995 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The registration device transmits product registration information based on the product registration results as a payment instruction to the payment device, and the payment device performs payment processing based on the received product registration information. Therefore, if the payment processing is not completed at the payment device, the payment device cannot accept the next payment instruction, and the registration device cannot issue the next payment instruction. In this way, if the next payment instruction cannot be issued, it is not possible to register the product corresponding to the next customer, which causes a delay in the flow of customers during checkout.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to smooth the flow of customers during checkout in a POS system in which the registration device and settlement device are configured separately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a POS system having a plurality of registration devices that register products and one or more settlement devices that perform settlement processing for the products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, the POS system comprising: a settlement instruction receiving means that receives a settlement instruction that specifies the new settlement device when there is an outstanding settlement process in the settlement device; and a settlement processing means in the settlement device that executes the settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means, the settlement instruction receiving means being in a standby state when it enters an in-use state in response to receiving a settlement instruction, and setting an exclusive state in which it does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices. In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein the registration device, when displaying the status of each settlement device, further comprises a display means for changing the display manner for the display indicating that the settlement device is in use so as to distinguish between a settlement device that has become in use because the registration device has issued a settlement instruction and a settlement device that has become in use because another registration device has issued a settlement instruction. In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, which further includes a notification means for notifying that a settlement instruction is not possible when a settlement instruction is made to a settlement device that has become in use as a result of another registration device making a settlement instruction in the registration device. In one aspect of the present invention, in the POS system described above, the settlement instruction receiving means releases the exclusive state when there is no pending settlement processing. Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein, when the number of outstanding settlement transactions in the settlement device changes from zero to a value greater than zero in response to accepting a settlement instruction, the settlement device notifies the registration device that did not issue the accepted settlement instruction of a prohibition on settlement instructions, and, when the number of outstanding settlement transactions in response to accepting a settlement instruction becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined maximum value, the registration device that issued the accepted settlement instruction is notified that it is no longer possible to accept any more settlement instructions. Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a POS system having a plurality of registration devices which register products and one or more settlement devices which perform settlement processing of the products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, the settlement device comprising: a settlement instruction receiving means which receives a settlement instruction newly made specifying the settlement device when there is an outstanding settlement process; and a settlement processing means which executes the settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means, the settlement instruction receiving means being in a used state in response to receiving a settlement instruction while in a standby state, the settlement instruction receiving means being in a used state in response to receiving a settlement instruction, the settlement instruction receiving means being in a used state in response to receiving a settlement instruction, and setting an exclusive state which does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices. Moreover, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a first computer to function as the registration device and a second computer to function as the settlement device in a POS system having a plurality of registration devices which register products and one or more settlement devices which perform settlement processing for the products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, the program causing the second computer to function as a settlement instruction receiving means which receives a settlement instruction newly specifying the settlement device when there is an outstanding settlement processing at the settlement device, a settlement instruction receiving means which, when entering an in-use state in response to receiving a settlement instruction while in a standby state, receives a settlement instruction from the registration device which issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state and sets an exclusive state so as not to accept settlement instructions from other registration devices, and a settlement processing means in the settlement device which executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a settlement device in a POS system having a plurality of registration devices which register products and one or more settlement devices which perform settlement processing for the products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices to function as a settlement instruction receiving means which receives a settlement instruction newly specifying the settlement device when there is an outstanding settlement process, a settlement instruction receiving means which, in response to entering an in-use state in response to receiving a settlement instruction in the standby state, receives a settlement instruction from the registration device which issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state and sets an exclusive state which does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices, and a settlement processing means which executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the settlement device is able to accept new settlement instructions from the registration device even when there is an outstanding settlement process.

[0008] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means may prohibit the registration device from newly specifying the settlement device and issuing a settlement instruction if the number of uncompleted settlement processes at the settlement device is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum value.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the settlement device is configured to stop accepting new settlement instructions when the number of outstanding settlement processes reaches the maximum value, thereby preventing the settlement device from accepting an excessive number of settlement instructions.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means may permit the registration device to newly designate the settlement device and issue a settlement instruction when the number of outstanding settlement processes at the settlement device falls to a predetermined value less than the maximum value.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the settlement device can be operated to again accept settlement instructions when the number of uncompleted settlement transactions decreases from a state in which it has reached a maximum value to a predetermined value that is smaller than the maximum value.

[0012] In addition, one aspect of the present invention may be the POS system described above, further comprising a setting operation receiving means for receiving an operation for setting the maximum value.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the maximum value can be set by the operation of the store clerk, which enables the store clerk to set an appropriate maximum value depending on, for example, the size of the store or the expected number of customers.

[0014] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein, in response to receiving a new settlement instruction from one registration device when there are no outstanding settlement processes at the settlement device, the settlement instruction receiving means notifies each of the registration devices other than the one registration device that settlement instructions specifying the settlement device are prohibited.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the registration device that first issues a settlement instruction to the waiting settlement device can issue subsequent settlement instructions exclusively. This prevents other registration devices from interrupting the settlement device to issue settlement instructions, allowing the settlement device to be used efficiently.

[0016] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means may permit all registered devices to newly designate the settlement device and issue settlement instructions when there are no outstanding settlement processes at the settlement device.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when there are no more outstanding settlement processes at one settlement device, the settlement device can be released from its exclusive use by one registration device, and settlement instructions can be issued from any registration device, allowing the settlement device to be used efficiently.

[0018] In addition, one aspect of the present invention may be a POS system as described above, further comprising a selection operation receiving means for receiving an operation of selecting one of a plurality of selection images corresponding to each of a plurality of settlement devices displayed on the registration device as an operation of selecting a settlement device from among a plurality of settlement devices that will perform settlement processing corresponding to the products registered by the registration device.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the cashier can select the settlement device that should carry out the settlement process corresponding to the product registered by the registration device by the operation of the store clerk. This allows the store clerk to appropriately select the settlement device that should carry out the settlement process, for example, according to the flow of customers at that time, at his / her discretion. In addition, the store clerk can select the settlement device that should carry out the settlement process by the simple operation of selecting one selection image from multiple selection images displayed on the registration device.

[0020] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, which may further include an uncompleted settlement transaction number display control means for causing the selection image to display the number of uncompleted settlement transactions at the corresponding settlement device.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the number of outstanding settlement transactions is displayed in the selection image, so that a store clerk can easily grasp the settlement processing status of each settlement device by looking at the portion of the selection image displayed on the registration device.

[0022] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned POS system, which may further include a settlement screen display control means for displaying a settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed when a settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed in the settlement device.

[0023] According to the above configuration, when the settlement process is completed, the settlement device instantly displays the settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed, so that a customer who is waiting to settle can start settlement immediately without having to wait for the transition from, for example, a standby screen to the settlement screen. Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the present invention, in a POS system in which the registration device and the settlement device are configured separately, it is possible to obtain the effect of smoothing the flow of customers during the transaction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a registration device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a registration device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a settlement device in the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing a registration device and a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged in a store. FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a registration operation screen displayed on the registration device in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] A figure showing an example of the transition of the display of a settlement instruction key in the first registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 9] A figure showing an example of the transition of the display of a settlement instruction key in the second registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 10] A figure showing an example of the transition of the display of a settlement instruction key in the third registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows example configurations of a dialog box that displays an error message in response to an operation on a settlement instruction key that is marked as exclusive, and a dialog box that displays an error message in response to an operation on a settlement instruction key that is marked as prohibited from use, in the registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 12] A figure showing an example of a settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement instruction, displayed on the settlement device in this embodiment. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device and the settlement device in this embodiment for setting the maximum number of outstanding settlement processes. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device in the present embodiment in response to an operation of a settlement instruction key. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting permission / prohibition of a settlement instruction, which is executed by the settlement device in this embodiment in response to acceptance of a settlement instruction. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for setting permission / prohibition of a settlement instruction executed by the settlement device in this embodiment upon completion of a settlement process. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device in this embodiment for setting whether or not a settlement instruction is possible and for displaying a settlement instruction key. FIG. [Figure 18] A figure showing another example of status notification of the settlement device using a status notification image in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] [Example of POS system configuration] A POS (Point Of Sale) system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a POS system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 100, three registration devices, a first registration device 200-1 to a third registration device 200-3, and three payment settlement devices, a first payment settlement device 300-1 to a third payment settlement device 300-3.

[0027] In the following description, the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 will be referred to as the registration device 200 unless otherwise specified. Also, the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 will be referred to as the settlement device 300 unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the figure, the number of registration devices 200 and the number of settlement devices 300 provided in the POS system 1 are not particularly limited. In addition, the number of registration devices 200 and the number of settlement devices 300 may be different.

[0028] The store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the settlement device 300 are connected to each other via a local area network (LAN) 2. The LAN 2 may be wired or wireless, or may be a combination of wired and wireless.

[0029] The store controller 100 is a computer that controls each device (the registration device 200, the settlement device 300) in the POS system 1, and functions as a server in the POS system 1, for example. The store controller 100 stores, for example, a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN code), product name, and sales price for each product. The store controller 100 transmits the latest product master, which has been updated according to the sales status and purchasing status of the product, to other devices (the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300) as appropriate.

[0030] The store controller 100 also stores transaction information indicating the details of each transaction as a log file related to the transaction. The transaction information includes, for example, product registration information generated by the registration device 200 in response to the registration of the transaction corresponding to the breakdown of the purchased products, and settlement result information generated by the settlement device 300 in response to the settlement.

[0031] In the POS system 1 of this embodiment, the registration device 200 is placed at a predetermined position in the store. The settlement device 300 is placed at a predetermined position along the flow of a customer who has had a store clerk register their purchased items using the registration device 200, until the customer reaches the exit.

[0032] The registration device 200 is a device for a store clerk (operator) to register a product to be purchased by a customer (purchased product). The registration device 200 generates merchandise registration information in response to the registration of purchased merchandise in one transaction by a store clerk's operation. Furthermore, the registration device 200 issues an accounting ticket in response to the registration of purchased items for one transaction. An accounting ticket number is printed on the accounting ticket. The accounting ticket number is uniquely associated with the item registration information for the corresponding transaction. The accounting ticket number is given by the store clerk to the customer who has made the corresponding transaction. The customer has the settlement device 300 read the accounting ticket number printed on the accounting ticket. The settlement device 300 performs settlement processing using the item registration information associated with the read accounting ticket number. In this way, the settlement device 300 matches the customer making the settlement with the item registration information to be settled, preventing one customer from making settlement for a different customer's purchases.

[0033] Examples of product registration information include the accounting ticket number, registration device number, product code (for each type of purchased product), quantity (for each type of purchased product), unit price (for each type of purchased product), total amount, and registration completion date and time. The accounting ticket number is a number that is assigned to the accounting ticket as described above, and is uniquely associated with the product registration information. The registration device number is a number that uniquely identifies the registration device 200 in which the corresponding product registration was performed. The product code is a code assigned to each type of purchased product. The quantity indicates the quantity of each type of purchased product. The unit price indicates the unit price of each type of purchased product. The total amount is the total amount of the purchased products. The registration completion date and time indicates the date and time when the product registration for the corresponding transaction was completed by the registration device 200.

[0034] The registration device 200 transmits the generated product registration information as part of the transaction information to the store controller 100. In addition, the registration device 200 transmits the product registration information to the settlement device 300 when instructing the settlement device 300 to perform settlement. The registration device 200 may transmit a product registration information identifier for identifying the product registration information to the settlement device 300 instead of the product registration information. In this case, the settlement device 300 can acquire the product registration information by, for example, requesting the store controller 100 for the product registration information indicated by the received product registration information identifier.

[0035] The settlement device 300 is a device for customers to settle their own accounts. In this embodiment, a store clerk operates the registration device 200 to select the settlement device 300 that should settle the transaction for which the registration of the purchased items has been completed. The registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the selected settlement device 300. Specifically, as the settlement instruction, the registration device 200 transmits a settlement instruction command to the settlement device 300 together with the item registration information. The settlement device 300 performs settlement processing in response to a customer's operation, based on the product registration information received together with the settlement instruction command.

[0036] [Example of registered device configuration] An example of the configuration of the registration device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in the figure, the registration device 200 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit for store clerks 205, a display unit for customers 206, an operation unit 207, a communication unit 208, a buzzer 209, and a printing unit 210.

[0037] The components are connected to each other via a bus and can communicate with each other. The scanner unit 204 does not have to be integrated with the registration device 200, but may be a separate unit (external) that can be attached to and detached from the registration device 200.

[0038] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a central processing unit, and executes various processes for realizing the functions of the registration device 200 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 202 . The CPU 201 functions as a setting operation receiving means that receives an operation for setting the maximum allowable number of outstanding settlement processes. The CPU 201 has a function as a selection operation receiving means. The selection operation receiving means receives an operation of selecting one of the selection images corresponding to each of the plurality of settlement devices 300 displayed on the registration device 200 as an operation of selecting a settlement device that performs settlement processing corresponding to the product registered by the registration device 200. The CPU 201 has a function as a means for controlling display of the number of uncompleted settlement transactions. The means for controlling display of the number of uncompleted settlement transactions causes a display to be performed in the corresponding settlement device 300 together with the settlement instruction key. The CPU 201 has a function as a settlement device status display control means. The settlement device status display control means causes a display to be displayed showing a predetermined status of the corresponding settlement device 300 together with the settlement instruction key. The CPU 201 has a function as a settlement screen display control means, and when the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed in the settlement device 300, the CPU 201 causes a settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed to be displayed.

[0039] The storage unit 202 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 201, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the above programs. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is a main storage device for the CPU 201, and temporarily stores the results of calculations by the CPU 201.

[0040] The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The CPU 201 performs the product registration process using information such as the product name and price acquired from the product master based on the barcode (product code) read by the scanner unit 204.

[0041] The salesclerk display unit 205 displays various information for salesclerks. For example, the salesclerk display unit 205 displays various information (e.g., product name, price, etc.) about the purchased product to be registered using information acquired from the product master. The salesclerk display unit 205 has a function of receiving input from the salesclerk in addition to a function of displaying information to the salesclerk. Specifically, the salesclerk display unit 205 is configured as a touch panel in which a display device and a touch pad are combined.

[0042] The customer display unit 206 displays predetermined information for customers. For example, the customer display unit 206 displays information related to the registration result of purchased items, such as the total price of the purchased items. The customer display unit 206 may be configured as a touch panel, similar to the store clerk display unit 205. For example, the customer display unit 206 may receive input for confirmation of certain content (for example, age, total amount) by the customer touching a confirmation button related to the content.

[0043] The operation unit 207 comprises various keys for operating the registration device 200, operation buttons such as a subtotal key, a current total key, a number entry key, a correction key, and a preset key. The communication unit 208 communicates with other devices (the store controller 100, the other registration devices 200, and the settlement device 300) via the LAN 2 (FIG. 1). The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound to alert the store clerk.

[0044] The printing unit 210 prints information required for settlement processing in the settlement device 300, for example as a two-dimensional code, on a specified print medium, and issues (prints) it as an accounting ticket. Specifically, the two-dimensional code on the accounting ticket contains information such as the accounting ticket number, the purchased item and its quantity in the corresponding transaction, and the purchase amount (total amount). As the two-dimensional code, for example, a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) can be used. Also, a one-dimensional barcode may be used instead of the two-dimensional code.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of registration device 200. The figure shows registration device 200 as seen from the side where a store clerk who operates registration device 200 stands. In the figure, the same parts as those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. The registration device 200 shown in the figure is installed at a counter CT. The registration device 200 is provided with a store clerk display unit 205, an operation unit 207, a scanner unit 204, and a printing unit 210 on the side corresponding to the side where the store clerk stands. The clerk can operate the clerk display unit 205 and the operation unit 207 while looking at the clerk display unit 205. When registering a product, the clerk can hold the product in his / her hand and hold the barcode printed on the label attached to the product in front of the scanner unit 204 to have the scanner unit 204 read the barcode. The clerk also takes the bill ejected from the printing unit 210 and hands it to the customer.

[0046] In addition, a customer display unit 206 is provided on the opposite side of the store clerk display unit 205, i.e., on the side where the customer who is having their purchased items registered stands. The customer who is having their purchased items registered can check the registration results of the purchased items by looking at the information on the registration results displayed on the customer display unit 206.

[0047] [Example of the configuration of a payment device] An example of the configuration of the settlement device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The settlement device 300 shown in the figure includes a CPU 301, a storage unit 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 money transfer unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311.

[0048] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and executes various processes for realizing the functions of the settlement device 300 by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 302 . The CPU 301 has a function as a settlement instruction receiving means. The settlement instruction receiving means receives a settlement instruction that specifies a new settlement device 300 when there is an outstanding settlement process in the settlement device 300. The CPU 301 functions as a settlement processing means. The settlement processing means executes a settlement process in the settlement device 300 in response to a settlement instruction received by a settlement instruction receiving means.

[0049] The storage unit 302 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 301, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the above programs. The RAM 303 is a main storage device for the CPU 301, and temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the CPU 301.

[0050] The scanner unit 304 optically reads the accounting ticket number printed on the accounting ticket as, for example, a barcode. The CPU 301 performs a settlement process for the product registration information associated with the accounting ticket number read by the scanner unit 304.

[0051] The display unit 305 is configured as a touch panel. The display unit 305 displays various images related to settlement and the like in accordance with display control by the CPU 301. The display unit 305 also outputs an operation signal to the CPU 301 in accordance with an operation on the screen.

[0052] The operation unit 306 collectively shows various operation buttons for operating the settlement device 300 . The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices (the store controller 100, the registration device 200, and other payment devices 300) via the LAN 2 (FIG. 1). The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound for warnings, calling a store clerk, etc. under the control of the CPU 301.

[0053] A printing unit 309 prints, for example, a receipt in response to a payment. The money transfer unit 310 accepts the insertion of money in order to pay for the purchased goods, and also dispenses change, refunds, etc., due to the customer. The sign pole unit 311 includes a light emitting unit that lights up or blinks in response to control by the CPU 301. For example, the CPU 301 controls the light emitting unit of the sign pole unit 311 to light up or blink in response to a customer performing an operation on the operation unit 306 to call a store clerk.

[0054] 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the settlement device 300. As shown in the figure, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a money transfer unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311 are provided in the housing of the settlement device 300. A customer can hold an accounting ticket over scanner unit 304 to have scanner unit 304 read a barcode indicating the accounting ticket number. Also, the customer can make payment while looking at the guidance displayed on display unit 305, for example. Also, the customer can operate display unit 305 or operation unit 306 as necessary. The customer inserts bills and coins for payment into a bill insertion slot and a coin insertion slot in the money transfer unit 310. If there is change, the customer can receive the bills and coins as change that are discharged from the bill ejection slot and coin ejection slot in the money transfer unit 310. A receipt showing the result of the transaction is also discharged from the paper discharge section of the printing unit 309. The customer can receive the discharged receipt.

[0055] [Overview of operation of registration device and settlement device] Next, an overview of the operations of the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a plan view of the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 and the first payment settlement device 300-1 to the third payment settlement device 300-3 arranged in a store. Store clerks OP1 to OP3 stand at the first payment settlement device 300-1 to the third payment settlement device 300-3, respectively, to register products purchased by customers. In addition, the figure shows a state in which four customers C1, C2, C3, and C4 are lined up in order corresponding to the first registration device 200-1 and waiting for the registration of purchased items.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows an example of a registration operation screen displayed on the salesclerk display unit 205 when the registration operation of the product purchased by the customer is being performed on the registration device 200. In FIG. As shown in the figure, three payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 (examples of selection images) are arranged on the registration operation screen. The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 are keys that are used to select the settlement device 300 that will execute the settlement for a transaction with a customer upon completion of registration of the purchased items corresponding to this transaction.

[0057] The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 correspond to the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3, respectively. That is, the settlement instruction key KY1 is a key operated to select the first settlement device 300-1 as the settlement device 300 that will perform the settlement. The settlement instruction key KY2 is a key operated to select the second settlement device 300-2 as the settlement device 300 that will perform the settlement. The settlement instruction key KY3 is a key operated to select the third settlement device 300-3 as the settlement device 300 that will perform the settlement.

[0058] When the settlement instruction key KY1 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. That is, the registration device 200 transmits a settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the first settlement device 300-1. Similarly, when the settlement instruction key KY2 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the second settlement device 300-2. Also, when the settlement instruction key KY3 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the third settlement device 300-3. In the following explanation, when there is no particular distinction between the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3, they will also be referred to as settlement instruction keys KY.

[0059] Further, the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 each display whether a settlement instruction can be given between the corresponding settlement device 300 and the settlement processing status of the corresponding settlement device 300. This point will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 8 to 10. Fig. 8 shows an example of the transition of the display of the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the first registration device 200-1. Fig. 9 shows an example of the transition of the display of the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the second registration device 200-2. Fig. 10 shows an example of the transition of the display of the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the third registration device 200-3.

[0060] Here, at the stage where registration of purchased items corresponding to customer C1 in FIG. 6 has not been completed by the first registration device 200-1, the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are all in a standby state. The standby state here refers to a state in which the settlement device 300 has no outstanding settlement processes and can accept settlement instructions from any of the registration devices 200.

[0061] Here, when the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are all in a standby state as described above, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 will display a standby state indicating that all of them are in a standby state, as shown as "Status 1" in Figure 8. The standby display here is such that the word "standby" is displayed on the status notification image STA of the settlement instruction key KY1.

[0062] Furthermore, when the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are all in a standby state as described above, the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 on the registration operation screen P1 of the second registration device 200-2 also display a standby state, indicating that they are all in a standby state, as shown as "State 1" in Figure 9. In addition, when the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are all in a standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 on the registration operation screen P1 of the third registration device 200-3 also display a standby state, indicating that they are all in a standby state, as shown as "State 1" in Figure 10.

[0063] Next, when the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C1 in Figure 6 is completed at the first registration device 200-1 from the above state, the store clerk OP1 selects a settlement device from among the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 to perform the settlement for customer C1. For example, a store clerk tries to select the settlement device 300 that is closest to the registration device 200 that he / she operates from among the settlement devices 300 that can issue settlement instructions, and issue the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300. This is because the closer the settlement device 300 is, the shorter the distance the customer has to travel from the registration device 200 to the settlement device 300, and the less of a burden the customer has to bear.

[0064] At this time, any of the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 can issue settlement instructions from the first registration device 200-1. Of the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3, the first settlement device 300-1 is closest to the first registration device 200-1. Therefore, in this case, the store clerk OP1 determines that it is appropriate to select the first settlement device 300-1.

[0065] Then, the store clerk OP1 who has made the decision to select the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as described above performs the following operation. That is, the store clerk OP1 touches the settlement instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first settlement device 300-1 among the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 arranged on the registration operation screen P1 displayed on the first registration device 200-1. The operation of touching the settlement instruction key KY1 in this manner is an operation of selecting the first settlement device 300-1 as the settlement device that should perform the settlement corresponding to the registration of the current purchased item.

[0066] In response to touching the settlement instruction key KY1, the first registration device 200-1 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. That is, the first registration device 200-1 transmits a settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the first settlement device 300-1. The first settlement device 300-1, which has been in a standby state until now, receives the settlement instruction command together with the product registration information from the first registration device 200-1, that is, the first settlement device 300-1 accepts the settlement instruction from the first registration device 200-1.

[0067] When the first settlement device 300-1 receives the settlement instruction from the first registration device 200-1 as described above, the first settlement device 300-1 changes from a standby state to an in-use state. The in-use state is a state in which at least one settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement device 300 is not completed. At this time, the first settlement device 300-1 is in use, but the other two settlement devices, the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3, remain in standby because settlement instructions have not yet been received from the registration device 200.

[0068] In this case, on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1, the payment instruction key KY1 is displayed as in use, as shown as state 2 in Fig. 8. The in use display is a display of the payment instruction key KY in a manner in which a status notification image STA indicating the in use state is arranged. Specifically, the status notification image STA shown in the figure indicates the in use state by displaying the text "in use".

[0069] In addition, when the display is in use, an image NM of the number of outstanding settlement transactions is also displayed. The image NM of the number of outstanding settlement transactions is an image showing the number of outstanding settlement transactions among the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instructions received so far in the corresponding settlement device 300. In the case of the first settlement device 300-1 in state 2, immediately after receiving the settlement instruction for customer C1 from the first registration device 200-1, the settlement process corresponding to this settlement instruction has not been completed. Therefore, the image NM of the number of outstanding settlement transactions here shows that the number of outstanding settlement transactions is one by displaying the alphanumeric character "1."

[0070] Also, since the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 remain in standby state at this time, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 are displayed in standby state even in state 2, as in state 1.

[0071] When the first settlement device 300-1 goes from the standby state to the in-use state as described above, the first settlement device 300-1 sets the following state thereafter: In other words, the first settlement device 300-1 sets a state in which it accepts settlement instructions only from the first registration device 200-1 that issued the settlement instruction that transitioned to the in-use state, and does not accept settlement instructions from the other second registration device 200-2 and third registration device 200-3. In this way, when the settlement device 300 goes from the standby state to the in-use state, it accepts settlement instructions only from the registration device 200 that issued the settlement instruction that caused the in-use state, and does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices. In this way, the settlement device 300 in the in-use state exclusively accepts settlement instructions.

[0072] Therefore, the first settlement device 300-1, which has transitioned from a standby state to an in-use state as described above, notifies each of the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 of the prohibition of settlement instructions to the first settlement device 300-1 (settlement instruction prohibition notification). The second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 that have received the settlement instruction prohibition notification each prohibit the first settlement device 300-1 from issuing a settlement instruction. In this manner, the setting for prohibiting settlement instructions to the first settlement device 300-1 is reflected in the settlement instruction key KY1.

[0073] That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second registration device 200-2, the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 2 displays an exclusive display indicating an exclusive state. The exclusive state here indicates that the first settlement device 300-1 is being used exclusively by a registration device other than the second registration device 200-2, and settlement instructions from the second registration device 200-2 are prohibited. As for the exclusive display, as shown in the state 2 of the figure for the settlement instruction key KY1, the status notification image STA indicates that the key is in use, and a diagonal strikethrough line LTH is placed on the image portion of the settlement instruction key KY1. Also, in the exclusive display, the number of outstanding payments is indicated by the number of outstanding payments image NM.

[0074] By looking at the settlement instruction key KY that has been marked as exclusive as described above, the store clerk can see that the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY that has been marked as exclusive is in a state of being exclusively used by another registration device 200. Therefore, even if an operation is performed on the payment instruction key KY that is displayed as exclusive, this operation is invalid. Specifically, if an operation is performed on the payment instruction key KY that is displayed as exclusive by mistake, for example, a dialog box DLG1 shown in Fig. 11(a) is displayed on the clerk display unit 205.

[0075] The dialog box DLG1 displays a message notifying the user that a settlement instruction cannot be given because the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY for which the exclusive display has been made is exclusively used by another registration device 200. The dialog box DLG1 in the same figure also displays a message urging the user to give a settlement instruction to the other settlement device 300.

[0076] In addition, in state 2 of FIG. 9, since the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 remain in a standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are in a standby state even in state 2, as in state 1.

[0077] Similarly, in the third registration device 200-3, as shown in state 2 of FIG. 10, the payment instruction key KY1 is displayed as exclusive, and the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are displayed as standby.

[0078] Once the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C1 has been completed as described above, the store clerk OP1 at the first registration device 200-1 then performs the operation of registering the purchased items corresponding to customer C2, who was waiting in line after customer C1 to register the purchased items. When the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C2 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is displayed as in use, as shown as state 2 in Fig. 8. The in use display of the settlement instruction key KY1 indicates that a settlement instruction can be given to the first settlement device 300-1. Then, the store clerk OP1 operates the settlement instruction key KY1 for customer C2 in the same manner as for customer C1, and selects the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus that should carry out the settlement process for customer C2.

[0079] Here, as described above, when an operation is performed to select the first settlement device 300-1 as the settlement device that should perform the settlement process for customer C2, if the settlement process for customer C1 has not yet been completed at the first settlement device 300-1, the settlement instruction key KY will be displayed as follows. First, in the first registration device 200-1, the settlement instruction key KY1 remains displayed as in use, as shown in state 3 in Fig. 8. Also, in state 3 of the figure, the number displayed in the pending settlement transaction count image NM for the settlement instruction key KY1 changes from "1" in state 2 to "2." This indicates that as the first settlement device 300-1 accepts the settlement instruction for customer C2, the number of pending settlement instructions has increased by one, bringing the total to "2." In addition, in state 3, since the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 remain in a standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are also in a standby state in state 3.

[0080] 9, in state 3, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 continues to be displayed exclusively from state 2. However, in state 3, the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement transaction number image NM changes from "1" in state 2 to "2," similar to the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 3 of FIG. In addition, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3, respectively, are also in the standby display in state 3.

[0081] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, in state 3, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the third registration device 200-3 continues to be displayed exclusively from state 2, and the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement transaction count image NM has changed from "1" in state 2 to "2." In addition, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3, respectively, are also in the standby display in state 3.

[0082] As can be understood from the above explanation, the settlement device 300 in this embodiment is configured to accept a new settlement instruction even when there is an outstanding settlement process. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the settlement device 300 is not in a standby state where all settlements have been completed, the registration device 200 can issue the next settlement instruction. This, for example, makes it possible to prevent a queue of customers waiting to register their purchased items from becoming stuck, and to smooth the flow of customers who are currently paying. Note that "during payment" here refers to the period from when a customer lines up to register their purchased items at the registration device 200 until they finish paying at the settlement device 300.

[0083] However, if new settlement instructions were allowed to be accepted without limit, there is a possibility that the line of customers waiting to settle at the settlement device 300 may become congested. Therefore, in this embodiment, a maximum value is set for the number of pending settlement processes permitted in one settlement device 300. Then, when the number of pending settlement processes in the settlement device 300 reaches the maximum value, any further settlement instructions to this settlement device 300 are prohibited. As a specific example, when the maximum value is "3", the settlement device 300 can hold up to three uncompleted settlement processes. When the number of uncompleted settlement processes held by the settlement device 300 reaches three, even if the registration device 200 attempts to issue a new settlement instruction to the settlement device 300, this settlement instruction is not accepted and is rejected. As a result, the settlement device 300 does not hold four or more uncompleted settlement processes. A specific example of the operation of the POS system of this embodiment when the maximum number of outstanding settlement processes is "3" is as follows.

[0084] After completing the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C2, the store clerk OP1 at the first registration device 200-1 performs the operation of registering the purchased items corresponding to customer C3, who was next in line to register purchased items after customer C2. When registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C3 has been completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is displayed as in use, as shown in state 3 of Figure 8, and therefore, a settlement instruction can be given to the first settlement device 300-1. Therefore, the store clerk OP1 operates the settlement instruction key KY1 for customer C3 in the same manner as for customers C1 and C2, and selects the first settlement device 300-1.

[0085] Here, as described above, when the operation to select the first settlement device 300-1 as the settlement device to perform the settlement process for customer C3 is performed, the first settlement device 300-1 has not yet completed two settlement processes for customers C1 and C2. In such a situation, the settlement instruction key KY is displayed as follows.

[0086] If a new settlement instruction for customer C3 is issued while two settlement processes for customers C1 and C2 have not yet been completed at the first settlement device 300-1, the number of outstanding settlement processes at the first settlement device 300-1 will be 3. In other words, at this stage, the number of outstanding settlement processes at the first settlement device 300-1 has reached its maximum value. In response to this state, the payment instruction key KY1 in the first registration device 200-1 transitions from an in-use display to an in-use prohibited display, as shown by the change from state 3 to state 4 in FIG. In the figure, an example is given in which the use-prohibited display is in the same form as the exclusive display. That is, in this case, the use-prohibited display is such that a status notification image STA indicating that the settlement instruction key KY1 is in use is placed for the settlement instruction key KY1, and a strikethrough line LTH is placed. In addition, the number displayed in the pending settlement transaction number image NM corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY1 of the settlement instruction key KY1 changes from "2" in state 3 to "3."

[0087] By looking at the settlement instruction key KY1, which is displayed as disabled as described above, the store clerk OP1 can recognize that the number of outstanding settlement transactions at the first registration device 200-1 has reached its maximum value, and therefore no further settlement instructions can be given to the first registration device 200-1 (disabled state).

[0088] Furthermore, even if the settlement instruction key KY1, which is marked as prohibited from use, is operated, no settlement instruction corresponding to the operation is made and an error occurs, and for example, the dialog box DLG2 shown in Figure 11 (b) is displayed on the registration operation screen of the first registration device 200-1. The dialog box DLG2 shown in the same figure informs the user that new settlement instructions cannot be made to the first settlement device 300-1 until one settlement process is completed, and that if a settlement instruction is to be made, the settlement instruction should be made to a settlement device 300 other than the first settlement device 300-1.

[0089] In addition, in the same figure, an example is shown in which the prohibition display and the exclusive display are in the same form, but this does not cause any particular problems as it still means that settlement instructions to the corresponding settlement device 300 are prohibited. In addition, different display modes may be used for the use-prohibited display and the exclusive display. As an example, it is possible to use different display modes for the status notification image STA for the use-prohibited display and the exclusive display.

[0090] In addition, in state 4, since the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 remain in a standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 display standby.

[0091] 9, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 in state 4 continues to be displayed exclusively from state 3. However, in state 4, the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement transaction number image NM changes from "2" in state 3 to "3." In addition, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3, respectively, are also in the standby display in state 4.

[0092] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, in state 4, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the third registration device 200-3 continues to be displayed exclusively from state 3, and the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement transaction count image NM has changed from "2" in state 3 to "3." In addition, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3, respectively, are also in the standby display in state 4.

[0093] Figure 6 shows a situation in which customer C4, who was waiting in line after customer C3 to register his / her purchased items at the first registration device 200-1, moves to the second registration device 200-2 along the way and has his / her purchased items registered at the second registration device 200-2. Here, we take as an example a case where the timing at which the registration of the purchased items of customer C4 at the second registration device 200-2 is completed corresponds to state 4. That is, in this case, when the registration of the purchased items of customer C4 at the second registration device 200-2 is completed, none of the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instructions corresponding to customers C1, C2, and C3 accepted by the first settlement device 300-1 have been completed.

[0094] In state 4, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 as shown in Fig. 9 indicates an exclusive state in which the first settlement device 300-1 is exclusively used by another registration device. For this reason, the second registration device 200-2 cannot issue a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. In contrast, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 in state 4 are both in a standby state. Therefore, from the second registration device 200-2, a settlement instruction can be issued to either the second settlement device 300-2 or the third settlement device 300-3. In this case, of the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3, the second settlement device 300-2 is the one located closer to the second registration device 200-2. Then, the store clerk OP2 operates the settlement instruction key KY2 to select the second settlement device 300-2 as the settlement device that should perform the settlement process for customer C4.

[0095] In response to the operation of the settlement instruction key KY2 in the second registration device 200-2, a settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C4 is issued to the second settlement device 300-2, and the second settlement device 300-2 accepts the settlement instruction. When the second settlement device 300-2 accepts a settlement instruction, the display of the settlement instruction keys (KY1, KY2, KY3) on the first registration device 200-1, the second registration device 200-2, and the third registration device 200-3) is shown as state 5 in Figures 8 to 10.

[0096] First, as shown in Fig. 9, in the second registration device 200-2 that issued the settlement instruction corresponding to customer C4, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from the standby display in state 4 to the in-use display. At this time, the second settlement device 300-2 is in a state where the settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction corresponding to customer C4 immediately after acceptance is not yet completed, so the uncompleted settlement process number image NM of the settlement instruction key KY2 in state 5 shows "1". At this time, the first registration device 200-1 is in a state where the second settlement device 300-2 is prohibited from use, but the exclusive state is maintained. Therefore, the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 5 continues to be in the exclusive state, as in state 4. In addition, since the third settlement device 300-3 continues to be in the same standby state as in state 4, the settlement instruction key KY3 in state 5 continues to display the standby state as in state 4.

[0097] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in state 5 in the first registration device 200-1, the payment instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first payment device 300-1 continues to display the prohibited use state from state 4. Additionally, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from a standby display of state 4 to an exclusive display of state 5. By looking at the settlement instruction key KY2 that has changed in this way on the first registration device 200-1, the store clerk OP1 can recognize the following: In other words, the store clerk OP1 can recognize that the second settlement device 300-2 has been exclusively used by a registration device other than the first registration device 200-1, and settlement instructions can no longer be given from the first registration device 200-1. In addition, the settlement instruction key KY3 corresponding to the third settlement device 300-3 continues to display the standby state as in state 4.

[0098] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, under state 5 in the third registration device 200-3, the settlement instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first settlement device 300-1 continues to be displayed as exclusive from state 4. In addition, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from the standby display of state 4 to the exclusive display of state 5. In addition, the settlement instruction key KY3 corresponding to the third settlement device 300-3 continues to display the standby state as in state 4.

[0099] In addition, for example, when the settlement process for customer C1 is completed in the first settlement device 300-1 where the number of uncompleted settlement processes has reached the maximum value, such as in state 4 or state 5, and the number of uncompleted settlement processes becomes smaller than the maximum value, the first settlement device 300-1 sends a settlement instruction permission notification to the first registered device 200-1 which has exclusive use of the first settlement device 300-1, indicating that a settlement instruction is permitted. The first registration device 200-1, which has received the settlement instruction permission notification, sets permission for the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1, which had been set as prohibited up until now.

[0100] The registration device 200 uses a settlement instruction permission flag when setting permission or prohibition of a settlement instruction to the settlement device 300. For example, if the settlement instruction permission flag is defined as "0" representing permission and "1" representing prohibition, the registration device 200 can set the settlement instruction permission by setting the settlement instruction permission flag to "0" and can set the settlement instruction prohibition by setting it to "1."

[0101] In addition, the first registration device 200-1 changes the state of the settlement instruction key KY1 from the prohibited state shown in state 4 or state 5 in FIG. 8 to the in-use state shown with the uncompleted settlement transaction number image NM indicating "2", as in state 3.

[0102] From this point on, if the settlement process for customer C2 is completed in the first settlement device 300-1 and there is no new settlement instruction after customer C3, the first registration device 200-1 maintains the state in which settlement instructions to the first settlement device 300-1 are permitted. Then, the first registration device 200-1 changes the settlement instruction key KY1 from the state shown in state 3 in Fig. 8 to a state in which the pending settlement process number image NM shows "1" and is in use, as in state 2.

[0103] Furthermore, if the first settlement device 300-1 finishes settlement processing for customer C3 without any new settlement instructions being given after customer C3, the first settlement device 300-1 will have no outstanding settlement processing. In response to this state in which there are no outstanding settlement processing, the first settlement device 300-1 releases the state in which it is exclusively used by one registered device. Then, the first settlement device 300-1 transmits an exclusive use release notification to each of the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3, notifying the effect that the first settlement device 300-1 has released the state in which the first settlement device 300-1 is exclusively used by one of the registration devices.

[0104] The first registration device 200-1, the second registration device 200-2, and the third registration device 200-3, which receive the exclusive use release notification from the first settlement device 300-1, each recognize that the first settlement device 300-1 is in a standby state. Therefore, the first registration device 200-1 maintains the state in which the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1 is permitted. In addition, the first registration device 200-1 changes the settlement instruction key KY1 from the in-use state to, for example, the standby state shown in state 1 of FIG. In addition, the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 each change the settlement instruction permission flag corresponding to the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1 from "prohibited" to "permitted." Then, the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 each change from the exclusive display to the standby display.

[0105] In a typical settlement device, when settlement processing according to one settlement instruction is completed, a standby screen with predetermined contents is displayed on the display unit 305. In contrast, in the settlement device 300 of this embodiment, when settlement processing according to one settlement instruction is completed and there is further settlement processing remaining to be performed, the following is displayed on the display unit 305. In other words, when the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed, the settlement device 300, instead of displaying a standby screen, displays a settlement screen that the customer uses to perform settlement operations corresponding to the uncompleted settlement process that is to be settled next. FIG. 12 shows an example of a state in which the settlement screen P2 is displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement device 300 in response to an uncompleted settlement process that is to be settled next.

[0106] By displaying the settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next customer as described above, the customer can perform operations for settlement without having to wait for the time it takes for the settlement operation screen to return from the standby screen, for example. This reduces the time it takes for the customer to settle the bill at the settlement device 300, further facilitating the flow of customers during the transaction.

[0107] [Example of processing procedure] Next, an example of a process executed by the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 to set the maximum value will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. The maximum value is the maximum number of uncompleted settlement processes allowed in the settlement device 300 as described above.

[0108] Step S101: Setting of a maximum value for one settlement device 300 is performed by operating the registration device 200. The store clerk operates the registration device 200 to specify one settlement device 300 for which a maximum value is to be set, and performs an operation to input the maximum value to be set in the specified settlement device 300. Note that setting of a maximum value for the settlement device 300 may be performed by operating each settlement device 300. In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 accepts the operation of designating one settlement device and inputting the maximum value, which is performed as described above.

[0109] Step S102: The CPU 201 notifies the settlement device 300 designated by the operation accepted in the same step S101 of the maximum value input in step S101.

[0110] Step S201: In the settlement device 300 designated by the operation in step S101, the CPU 301 receives the notification transmitted from the registration device 200 in step S102. Step S202: The CPU 301 stores in the storage unit 302 or the RAM 303 the maximum value notified by the registration device 200 in step S201. By storing the maximum value on the settlement device 300 side in this manner, the maximum value is set on the settlement device 300 in response to an operation on the registration device 200.

[0111] Next, an example of a process procedure executed by the registration device 200 in response to an operation on the settlement instruction key KY will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S301: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 waits for an operation to be performed on any one of the payment instruction keys KY on the registration operation screen displayed on the clerk display unit 205. Step S302: In response to an operation on any one of the settlement instruction keys KY, the CPU 201 judges whether the state of the settlement device 300 corresponding to the operated settlement instruction key KY is in one of the following states (1), (2), or (3). In other words, the CPU 201 judges whether the state is in (1) a standby state or a busy state, (2) an exclusive state, or (3) a prohibited state.

[0112] Step S303: (1) When in a standby state or an in-use state, the CPU 201 issues a settlement instruction to the settlement device 300 corresponding to the operated settlement instruction key KY. That is, the CPU 201 transmits a settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the settlement device 300 corresponding to the operated settlement instruction key KY.

[0113] Step S304: (2) If the state is exclusive, the CPU 201 does not issue a payment instruction, and displays an error message corresponding to the exclusive state on the store clerk display unit 205. Specifically, the error message corresponding to the exclusive state is displayed as, for example, the dialog box DLG1 shown in FIG. Step S305: (3) If the device is in a prohibited state, the CPU 201 does not issue a payment instruction and displays an error message corresponding to the prohibited state on the store clerk display unit 205. The error message corresponding to the prohibited state is specifically displayed as, for example, the dialog box DLG2 shown in FIG.

[0114] Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 15, an example of a process procedure for setting permission / prohibition of a settlement instruction, which is executed by the settlement device 300 in response to acceptance of a settlement instruction, will be described. Step S401: In an initial state, for example immediately after startup, the settlement device 300 has not yet accepted a settlement instruction, and therefore the settlement device 300 is in a standby state. Therefore, as one of the initial settings, the CPU 301 in the settlement device 300 transmits an exclusive use release notification to all the registration devices 200. By transmitting the exclusive use release notification in this manner, in each registration device 200, permission is set for settlement instructions to the settlement device 300, and the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 is set to standby display. Step S402: As one of the initial settings, the CPU 301 assigns an initial value of "0" to a variable m indicating the number of outstanding settlement processes.

[0115] Step S403: After the initial setting process in step S401, the CPU 301 waits for the receipt of a payment instruction issued by the registration device 200. That is, the CPU 301 waits for the receipt of a payment instruction command transmitted from the registration device 200 together with the product registration information.

[0116] Step S404: The sender of the settlement instruction accepted in step S403 is the registration device 200 (exclusive registration device) that can exclusively use the settlement device 300 to send the settlement instruction. In response to the settlement instruction being accepted in step S403, the CPU 301 transmits a transmission instruction response to the exclusive registration device. If the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the first one from the exclusive registration device, the settlement device 300 has transitioned from the standby state to the in-use state. In this case, the exclusive registration device changes the display of the corresponding settlement instruction key KY from standby to in-use in response to receiving the transmission instruction response. In addition, if the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the second settlement instruction by the exclusive registration device, the exclusive registration device maintains the in-use display for the corresponding settlement instruction key KY in response to receiving the transmission instruction response. Then, the exclusive registration device displays a number incremented by 1 from the previous value in the uncompleted settlement transaction number image NM.

[0117] Step S405: Furthermore, in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction, the CPU 301 increments the number of pending settlement transactions m. Step S406: Since the number m of outstanding settlement processes was incremented in step S405, the number m of outstanding settlement processes has been updated. Therefore, the CPU 301 notifies each registration device 200 of the incremented (updated) number m of outstanding settlement processes.

[0118] Step S407: Next, the CPU 301 determines which of m = 1, 1 < m < max, and m ≥ max the number m of outstanding settlement processes incremented in step S404 is. Here, max is the maximum value stored by the settlement device 300 in step S202 of FIG. 13.

[0119] Step S408: When the number m of outstanding settlement processes is m = 1, the CPU 301 sends a settlement instruction prohibition notice to the registration devices other than the exclusive registration device. The registration device 200 that has received the settlement instruction prohibition notice changes the waiting display to the exclusive display for the corresponding settlement instruction key KY. After the process of step S408, the CPU 301 returns the process to step S403.

[0120] Also, when the number m of outstanding settlement processes is within the range of 1 < m < max (the maximum value), it means that the second and subsequent settlement instructions have been issued by the exclusive registration device. In this case, in the exclusive registration device, the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300 that executes the process of this figure is permitted. On the other hand, in the registration devices other than the exclusive registration device, the settlement instruction to the settlement device 300 that executes the process of this figure is prohibited. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 301 returns the process to step S403 without performing any particular process.

[0121] Step S409: When the number m of outstanding settlement processes is greater than or equal to the maximum value (m ≥ max), the settlement device 300 has reached the maximum value of the number of outstanding settlement processes due to receiving the current settlement instruction in step S403, and is in a state where it can no longer receive further settlement instructions. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 301 sends a usage prohibition notice to the exclusive registration device. In response to receiving the usage prohibition notice, the exclusive registration device sets "prohibited" for the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the process in the figure, and changes the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the process in the figure to a usage prohibition display.

[0122] Subsequently, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16, a processing procedure example for permitting or prohibiting settlement instructions, which the settlement device 300 executes in response to the end of the settlement process, will be described. Step S501: In the settlement device 300, the CPU 301 waits for one settlement process to end. Step S502: In response to one settlement process ending, the CPU 301 decrements the number m of outstanding settlement processes. Step S503: Since the number m of outstanding settlement processes is decremented in step S503, the number m of outstanding settlement processes has been updated. Therefore, the CPU 301 notifies each registration device 200 of the updated number m of outstanding settlement processes.

[0123] Step S504: Next, the CPU 301 determines which of m = max - 1, 1 ≤ m < max - 1, and m = 0 the number m of outstanding settlement processes is after being decremented (updated) in step S503. Here, max is also the maximum value.

[0124] Step S505: When the number m of outstanding settlement processes is m = max - 1, it indicates that the number m of outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device 300 has become less than the maximum value due to one settlement process ending. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 301 sends a settlement instruction permission notice to the exclusive registration device. The proprietary registration device that has received the actuarial instruction permission notice updates the actuarial instruction permission flag for the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure from "prohibited" to "permitted". Further, the proprietary registration device changes the display of the actuarial instruction key KY corresponding to the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure from "prohibited from use" to "in use".

[0125] Step S506: Then, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display an actuarial screen P2 corresponding to the next actuarial process. The CPU 301 can display the actuarial screen P2 based on the corresponding product registration information. Also, when the number m of outstanding actuarial processes is within the range of 1 ≦ m < max - 1, in the proprietary registration device, the actuarial instruction permission flag corresponding to the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure is set to "permitted". Therefore, also in this case, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display an actuarial screen P2 corresponding to the next actuarial process by step S506.

[0126] Step S507: When the number m of outstanding actuarial processes is 0, since one actuarial process has ended, the number m of outstanding actuarial processes in the actuarial device 300 becomes "0". Therefore, in this case, the CPU 301 sends a proprietary release notice to each registration device including the proprietary registration device. The proprietary registration device that has received the proprietary release notice maintains the state where the actuarial instruction permission flag corresponding to the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure is "permitted". Moreover, the proprietary registration device changes the display of the actuarial instruction key KY corresponding to the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure from the previous "in use" display to a standby display. Also, registration devices other than the proprietary registration device that has received the proprietary release notice update the actuarial instruction permission flag corresponding to the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure from the previous "prohibited" to "permitted". Also, registration devices other than the proprietary registration device change the display of the actuarial instruction key KY corresponding to the actuarial device 300 that executes the processing in the figure from the previous proprietary display to a standby display.

[0127] 16 is sent when the number of outstanding settlement processes m becomes one less than the maximum value. However, for example, the sending of the settlement instruction permission notice in step S505 may be performed when the number of outstanding settlement processes m becomes a predetermined value less than 2 from the maximum value. That is, the sending of the settlement instruction permission notice in step S505 may be performed when the number of outstanding settlement processes m falls to a predetermined value less than the maximum value. The following advantages can be obtained, for example, by sending a settlement instruction permission notice when the number of outstanding settlement transactions m drops from the maximum value to a predetermined value smaller than 2. That is, in a situation where there is a large number of customers waiting to settle, it is possible to reduce the chances of a wasteful state transition occurring, such as when the settlement device 300 returns from a disabled state to an in-use state and then immediately reverts to a disabled state.

[0128] Next, an example of a process procedure executed by the registration device 200 for setting whether or not a settlement instruction can be given to the settlement device 300 and for displaying the settlement instruction key KY will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S601: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction permission flag associated with each settlement device to "permitted" as an initial setting. Specifically, for example, as described above, the value of the settlement instruction permission flag is set to "0" indicating "permitted". Moreover, as an initial setting, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction keys KY corresponding to the respective settlement devices to a standby display.

[0129] Step S602: After the initial setting in step S601, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a settlement instruction response has been received from the settlement device 300 that accepted the settlement instruction made in step S303 of FIG.

[0130] Step S603: When a settlement instruction response is received, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the settlement instruction response received in step S602 is from a settlement device 300 that has been in a standby state up until now.

[0131] Step S604: If the settlement instruction response is from a settlement device 300 that was in standby until now, the registration device 200 becomes the exclusive registration device of the settlement device 300 by transmitting a settlement instruction corresponding to this settlement instruction response. Therefore, the CPU 201 in this case displays "in use" for the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that transmitted the settlement instruction response. After the process of step S604 ends, the process returns to step S602. On the other hand, if the settlement instruction response is not from a settlement device 300 that was in standby until now, the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction response is already in use and exclusively occupied by the registration device 200. In this case, the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction response is already displaying "in use." Therefore, in this case, the CPU 201 skips step S604 and returns the process to step S602.

[0132] Step S605: If the settlement instruction response is not received in step S602, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a use prohibition notice is received. The use prohibition notice is transmitted from the settlement device 300 in a state of being exclusively used by the registration device 200 in step S409 of FIG. Step S606: When a use prohibition notice is received, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that has transmitted the use prohibition notice from the previous "permitted" to "prohibited." Step S607: Furthermore, in response to receiving the use prohibition notice, the CPU 201 displays, as use prohibited, the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that has transmitted the use prohibition notice. After the process of step S607, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

[0133] Step S608: If the use prohibition notice is not received in step S605, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a settlement instruction permission notice is received. The settlement instruction permission notice is transmitted from the settlement device 300 in a state of being exclusively used by the registration device 200 in step S505 of FIG.

[0134] Step S609: The settlement device 300 exclusively used by the registration device 200 transmits a settlement instruction permission notice when the number of outstanding settlement processes falls below the maximum value from a state where it had reached the maximum value. The registration device 200 sets the settlement instruction permission flag of the exclusive settlement device 300 to "prohibited" until the settlement instruction permission notice is received. Therefore, in response to receiving the settlement instruction permission notification, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction permission notification from the previous "prohibited" to "permitted." After updating the settlement instruction availability flag in step S609, the CPU 201 displays the corresponding settlement instruction key KY as being in use in step S604, and returns the process to step S602.

[0135] Step S610: If the settlement instruction permission notice is not received in step S608, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a settlement instruction prohibition notice is received. The settlement instruction prohibition notice is transmitted in step S408 of FIG. 15 from the settlement device 300 that has become exclusive to another registration device 200.

[0136] Step S611: When a settlement instruction prohibition notice is received in step S610, the settlement device 300 that is the sender of the settlement instruction prohibition notice is in a standby state before being exclusively used by another registration device 200. Correspondingly, the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that is the sender of the settlement instruction prohibition notice has been set to "permitted" up until now. Therefore, in response to receiving the settlement instruction prohibition notice in step S610, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that is the sender of the settlement instruction prohibition notice to "prohibited".

[0137] Step S612: In response to receiving the settlement instruction prohibition notice, the CPU 201 displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that has transmitted the settlement instruction prohibition notice as exclusive. After completing the process of step S612, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

[0138] Step S613: If the settlement instruction prohibition notice is not received in step S610, the CPU 201 further judges whether or not an exclusive use release notice is received. The exclusive use release notice is sent in step S507 of FIG. 16 in response to a transition to a standby state in a settlement device 300 that was exclusively used by a certain registered device 200 because there is no more outstanding settlement processing.

[0139] Step S614: In response to receiving the exclusive use release notification, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that has transmitted the exclusive use release notification to "permitted". However, if the registration device 200 executing the process in the figure has previously exclusively owned the settlement device 300 that sent the exclusive use release notification, the settlement instruction permission flag associated with this settlement device 300 is already set to "permitted" in the registration device 200 executing the process in the figure. Therefore, if the registration device 200 executing the process in the figure has previously exclusively owned the settlement device 300 that sent the exclusive use release notification, the process in step S614 may be omitted. On the other hand, if a registration device 200 other than the registration device 200 executing the process in the figure has previously monopolized the settlement device 300 that sent the exclusive release notification, the settlement instruction permission flag associated with this settlement device 300 is set to "prohibited" in the registration device 200 executing the process in the figure. Therefore, in this case, the process of step S614 should be executed.

[0140] Step S615: In response to receiving the exclusive use release notification, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that has transmitted the exclusive use release notification to a standby display. After completing the process of step S615, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

[0141] Step S616: If an exclusive release notification is not received in step S613, the CPU 201 further determines whether a notification of the number of outstanding settlement transactions m has been received. The number of outstanding settlement transactions m is notified from the settlement device 300 in step S406 of Fig. 15 in response to the number of outstanding settlement transactions m being updated (incremented) as the settlement device 300 accepts a new settlement instruction. The number of outstanding settlement transactions m is also notified from the settlement device 300 in step S503 of Fig. 16 in response to the number of outstanding settlement transactions m being updated (decremented) with the completion of one settlement process.

[0142] Step S617: In response to receiving a notification of the number of outstanding settlement transactions m, the CPU 201 displays the notified number of outstanding settlement transactions m on the image NM of the number of outstanding settlement transactions placed on the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the number of outstanding settlement transactions m. As a specific example, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, when the received number of uncompleted settlement transactions m is 1 or more, the CPU 201 displays a number indicating the number of uncompleted settlement transactions m in the uncompleted settlement transaction number image NM. On the other hand, when the received number of uncompleted settlement transactions m is 0, the CPU 201 does not display the uncompleted settlement transaction number image NM itself. After completing the process of step S617, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602. Also, if the number of uncompleted settlement transactions m is not notified in step S616, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

[0143] [Other examples of status notification images] As explained in Figures 8 to 10, the status notification image STA placed on the settlement instruction key KY indicates a standby state by displaying the word "standby", for example, and indicates an in-use state or a prohibited state by displaying the word "in use". However, the status notification image STA may notify of a status related to the settlement device 300 other than the above-mentioned standby status, in-use status, or prohibited status. Therefore, four examples will be described as other examples of status notification of the settlement device 300 by the status notification image STA with reference to Fig. 18.

[0144] First, in the case of the settlement instruction key KY in Figure 18 (a), an example is shown in which the status notification image STA, which indicates that the key is in use or prohibited from use, is highlighted in a color different from normal (for example, red). The status notification image STA shown in the figure indicates that the settlement process has not been completed even after a certain amount of time has passed since the start of the settlement process, triggered by, for example, the reading of an accounting ticket, in the corresponding settlement device 300. This type of state occurs, for example, when a customer is confused because he or she does not know how to operate the settlement device 300. By looking at the status notification image STA shown in the figure, the store clerk operating the registration device 200 can know that there is a customer in front of the payment device 300 who is having trouble with the payment operation, and can take appropriate action.

[0145] 18(b), the settlement instruction key KY is shown with the status notification image STA displaying "CALL." This type of status notification image STA indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in a store clerk call mode. When a customer is making a payment at the payment device 300, some cause may cause a problem in the operation of the payment device 300 regarding the payment process. In such a case, the customer can perform an operation to call a store clerk (a store clerk call operation) on the payment device 300. In response to the store clerk call operation, the payment device 300 enters a store clerk call mode. In the store clerk call mode, the store controller 100 and each registration device 200 are notified that a store clerk has been called. In addition, in the store clerk call mode, the acceptance of new payment instructions is prohibited. Accordingly, a strikethrough line LTH is placed on the payment instruction key KY, indicating that a payment instruction cannot be given.

[0146] Upon receiving the above notification, the registration device 200 changes the settlement instruction key KY and status notification image STA corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the notification to the state shown in the same figure in response to being notified by the settlement device 300 that a store clerk has been called. By seeing the status notification image STA shown in the figure, the store clerk operating the registration device 200 knows that a customer who is making a payment at the corresponding settlement device 300 is calling the store clerk, and can take an appropriate action in response to the call of the store clerk. In addition, by seeing the status notification image STA shown in the figure, the store clerk can also know that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in a state where it is not possible to issue a settlement instruction.

[0147] In the settlement instruction key KY in Fig. 18(c), the status notification image STA is displayed as "Maintenance." The status notification image STA in this manner indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in the maintenance mode. The maintenance mode is a mode that is set when a store clerk or a maintenance worker from the manufacturer of the settlement device 300 performs maintenance or changes to settings on the settlement device 300. In the maintenance mode, acceptance of settlement instructions from the registration device 200 is prohibited. Accordingly, a strikethrough line LTH is placed on the settlement instruction key KY, indicating that settlement instructions cannot be given.

[0148] In response to the maintenance mode being set, the settlement device 300 notifies the registration device 200 and the like that it is in the maintenance mode. Upon receiving this notification, the registration device 200 changes the settlement instruction key KY and the status notification image STA corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the notification to the state shown in the figure. A store clerk operating the registration device 200 can see the status notification image STA shown in the figure to know that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in maintenance mode and cannot issue settlement instructions.

[0149] FIG. 18(d) shows an aspect in which the status notification image STA displays "pause." The status notification image STA in this aspect indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in a paused state. For example, when there are few customers, there may be cases in which it is not necessary to keep all of the settlement devices 300 installed in the store operating. In such cases, therefore, taking into consideration, for example, power consumption savings, some of the settlement devices 300 are operated and the remaining settlement devices 300 are paused. The settlement device 300 in the suspended state cannot accept a settlement instruction. Therefore, in this case, a strikethrough line LTH is placed on the settlement instruction key KY, indicating that a settlement instruction cannot be given.

[0150] When transitioning from an operating state to a suspended state, the settlement device 300, for example, notifies the registration device 200 that it will be in a suspended state. By receiving this notification, the registration device 200 recognizes that the settlement device 300 has entered a suspended state. Alternatively, instead of receiving a notification, for example, the registration device 200 may periodically inquire of each registration device 200, and recognize a settlement device 300 from which no response is obtained as being in a suspended state. The registration device 200, which recognizes the settlement device 300 in the inactive state, changes the settlement instruction key KY and the status notification image STA corresponding to the inactive settlement device 300 to the state shown in the figure. A store clerk operating the registration device 200 can see the status notification image STA shown in the figure to know that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in a suspended state and cannot issue settlement instructions.

[0151] The display manner of the settlement instruction key KY, and the display manner of the status notification image STA and the uncompleted settlement processing number image NM added to the settlement instruction key KY are not limited to those exemplified in FIGS. For example, the image NM of the number of uncompleted transactions may represent the number of uncompleted transactions by a meter display or the number of objects symbolizing the uncompleted transactions.

[0152] In the explanation so far, the settlement device 300 is responsible for managing the number of outstanding settlement transactions m, and for notifying status settings such as prohibition of settlement instructions, prohibition of use, permission of settlement instructions, and release of exclusive right based on the number of outstanding settlement transactions m. However, for example, it is possible to configure the registration device 200 to manage the number m of uncompleted settlement transactions for each settlement device 300 and to set the status of the settlement device 300 based on the number m of uncompleted settlement transactions. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by the registration device 200 receiving from each settlement device 300 a notification that a settlement instruction has been accepted and a notification that the settlement process has been completed, and managing the number of outstanding settlement processes m based on the received notifications. In addition, the management of the number of outstanding settlement transactions m by the registration devices 200 and the setting of the status of the settlement devices 300 may be performed by one registration device 200 serving as a master. In this case, the registration devices 200 other than the master may be configured to operate upon receiving a notification from the master registration device 200 regarding the number of outstanding settlement transactions m and the setting of the status for each settlement device 300.

[0153] Further, in the above description, a configuration has been given as an example in which direct communication is performed between the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300, and processing related to limiting settlement instructions to the settlement device 300 is executed. However, for example, the store controller 100 may be interposed between the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300, and control regarding prohibition / permission of settlement instructions may be performed. In this case, the store controller 100 may manage the number m of uncompleted settlement transactions in each settlement device 300 in response to a settlement instruction command transmitted by the registration device 200 and a notice of completion of settlement processing from the settlement device 300. By managing the number m of uncompleted settlement transactions, the store controller 100 may determine whether or not each settlement device 300 can accept a settlement instruction, and may issue a settlement instruction prohibition notice, a use prohibition notice, a settlement instruction permission notice, an exclusive release notice, or the like to each registration device 200 based on the result of the determination.

[0154] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned store controller 100, the registration device 200, the settlement device 300, etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the above-mentioned processing of the store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the settlement device 300. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, the recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer system that can be accessed from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by a terminal device. That is, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as the program can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a storage medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that is a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned 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). [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 100 store controller, 200 registration device, 201 CPU, 202 memory unit, 203 RAM, 204 scanner unit, 205 clerk display unit, 206 customer display unit, 207 operation unit, 208 communication unit, 209 buzzer, 210 printing unit, 300 settlement device, 301 CPU, 302 memory unit, 303 RAM, 304 scanner unit, 305 display unit, 306 operation unit, 307 communication unit, 308 buzzer, 309 printing unit, 310 currency transfer unit, 311 sign pole unit

Claims

1. A system having a registration device that registers products in response to an operation by a store clerk, and a plurality of payment devices that perform payment processing for the products registered by the registration device in response to a payment instruction from the registration device in response to an operation by a customer, A settlement instruction means for instructing a new settlement process when there is an outstanding settlement process in the settlement device to be designated and the settlement process is instructed by the designated settlement device; a display means for displaying, in a status notification display showing the status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, the number of uncompleted settlement processes of the corresponding settlement device, and a message indicating that instructions for new settlement processes are prohibited when the number of uncompleted settlement processes of the corresponding settlement device is a maximum value determined based on a predetermined value of "2" or more; A system comprising:

2. A registration device in a system having a registration device that registers products in response to an operation by a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that perform settlement processing of the products registered by the registration device in response to a settlement instruction from the registration device in response to an operation by a customer, the registration device comprising: A settlement instruction means for instructing a new settlement process when there is an outstanding settlement process in the settlement device to be designated and the settlement process is instructed by the designated settlement device; a display means for displaying, in a status notification display showing the status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, the number of uncompleted settlement processes of the corresponding settlement device, and a message indicating that instructions for new settlement processes are prohibited when the number of uncompleted settlement processes of the corresponding settlement device is a maximum value determined based on a predetermined value of "2" or more; A registration device comprising:

3. A system having a registration device which registers products in response to an operation by a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices which perform settlement processing of the products registered by the registration device in response to a settlement instruction from the registration device in response to an operation by a customer, comprising: a computer as the registration device; a settlement instruction means for instructing a new settlement process when there is an outstanding settlement process in the settlement device to be designated, when the settlement process is instructed by designating the settlement device; a display means for displaying, in a status notification display showing the status of each of the plurality of settlement devices, the number of uncompleted settlement processes of the corresponding settlement device, and a message indicating that instructions for new settlement processes are prohibited when the number of uncompleted settlement processes of the corresponding settlement device is a maximum value determined based on a predetermined value of "2" or more; A program to function as a

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