Payment device, payment device data processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an adjustment device, a data processing method for the adjustment device, and a program that prevent reduction of customer turnover due to shortage of receipt to improve convenience of a customer and a shop.SOLUTION: An adjustment device 20 operated by a customer to perform adjustment processing based on adjustment information about a commodity transmitted from a commodity registration device 10 operated by a shop clerk to register the commodity to be purchased, includes: a detection unit 210 that detects a remaining amount of receipt paper on which a result of the adjustment processing is to be printed, and when the detected remaining amount becomes less than or equal to a second reference value, outputs a second notification signal to a terminal other than the commodity registration device 10; and an output unit 220 that, when the detected remaining amount becomes less than or equal to a first reference value, outputs a first notification signal to the commodity registration device 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement device, a product registration device, a data processing method and program for each device, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a display device that displays the status of a self-checkout terminal is described in Patent Document 1. The display device in Patent Document 1 obtains information indicating the status of the accounting device, and displays a message according to the obtained information in order of priority. The messages displayed here are, for example, messages indicating that the change is out, that receipts are out, that the terminal is near the end, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-162108 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The display devices described above transmit information about receipts running out or near-end to the POS server that manages the entire system and notify the administrator, so if there is a delay in on-site recognition or a delay in receipt replacement work due to a shortage of on-site store clerks, the settlement process will be delayed, which will result in a decrease in customer turnover.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in customer turnover rate due to running out of receipts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, each aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0007] The first aspect relates to a settlement device. A settlement device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: A payment device in which a customer operates the device to perform payment processing based on payment information of a product transmitted from a product registration device operated by a store clerk to register the product to be purchased, the payment device comprising: a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of receipt paper on which the result of the settlement process is printed; a lighting means that lights up in response to the remaining amount of receipt paper detected by the detection means; an output means for outputting a first notification signal for turning on the lighting means when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value, and outputting a second notification signal to the product registration device that is the transmission source of the settlement information or to a terminal other than the product registration device when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, The first reference value is a value set within a range in which the remaining amount of receipt paper allows printing on the receipt paper, and the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value.

[0008] A second aspect relates to a data processing method implemented by at least one computer. A data processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: A data processing method for a payment device in which a store clerk operates a product registration device that registers a product to be purchased, and performs a payment process according to a customer's operation based on payment information for the product transmitted from the product registration device, comprising: The settlement device, Detecting the remaining amount of receipt paper on which the settlement result is printed; turning on a lighting means according to the detected remaining amount of receipt paper; outputting a first notification signal for turning on the lighting means when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value; When the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, a second notification signal is output to the product registration device that is the transmission source of the settlement information or to a terminal different from the product registration device; The first reference value is a value set within a range in which the remaining amount of receipt paper allows printing on the receipt paper, and the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention may be a program for causing at least one computer to execute the method of the second aspect, or a computer-readable recording medium having such a program recorded thereon. This recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the data processing method on a settlement device.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, and any transformation of the present invention into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

[0011] Furthermore, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be independent entities, but may be formed as a single member by multiple components, one component may be formed from multiple components, one component may be a part of another component, or part of one component may overlap with part of another component, etc.

[0012] In addition, although the method and computer program of the present invention describe a number of steps in a sequential order, the order does not limit the order in which the steps are executed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the steps can be changed as long as it does not affect the content.

[0013] Furthermore, the steps of the method and computer program of the present invention are not limited to being executed at different times, and therefore a step may occur while another step is being executed, or the execution timing of a step may overlap partially or entirely with the execution timing of another step, etc. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the above aspects, it is possible to provide a payment device, a product registration device, a data processing method and program for each device, and an information processing system that prevent a decrease in customer turnover due to running out of receipts and improve convenience for customers and stores. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a layout diagram showing an example of the layout of a product registration device and a payment device in a store of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the hardware configuration of a merchandise registration device and a settlement device included in the information processing system in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of the settlement device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram for explaining the remaining amount of receipt paper in the settlement device of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of an accounting settlement process in the information processing system of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a correspondence table between a product registration device and a settlement device in the information processing system of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of a product registration device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen of the product registration device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the product registration device of the present embodiment. [Figure 12]1 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of a product registration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a candidate table of destinations of settlement information in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a process for transmitting settlement information in the product registration device of the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen of a settlement device in the product registration device of the present embodiment. [Figure 16] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a candidate table of destinations of settlement information in the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a process for transmitting settlement information in the product registration device. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen of a settlement device in the product registration device of the present embodiment. [Figure 19] A functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of the settlement device of this embodiment. [Figure 20] 1 is an oblique view showing an example of the appearance of a settlement device of the present embodiment. [Figure 21] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device of the present embodiment. [Figure 22] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device of the present embodiment. [Figure 23] 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. <System configuration> 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that in the following drawings, configurations of parts that are not related to the essence of the present invention are omitted and are not shown.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes at least one product registration device 10 and at least one settlement device 20. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates an example of the information processing system 1 including a plurality of product registration devices 10 and settlement devices 20, but is not limited to this. The information processing system 1 may further include a server device that relays communication between the product registration device 10 and the settlement device 20.

[0019] For example, the product registration device 10 and the settlement device 20 are connected to each other via a network 3. The communication between the product registration device 10 and the settlement device 20 may be wired or wireless. Note that relay communication devices are not shown. The figure also shows the identification information of each device (for example, T001, T002 for the product registration device 10, S001, S002 for the settlement device 20, etc.).

[0020] The product registration device 10 is a device used to register products to be settled, and generates settlement information including information on the products to be settled (hereinafter, referred to as product information). The product information includes at least one of the following: product code, product name, product unit price, number of each product, discount / discount information for each product, and total amount of registered products. The settlement information is information used when the settlement device 20 performs settlement processing to complete a product purchase transaction, and includes at least information on the total amount of the products registered as settlement targets. For example, the settlement information includes at least information on the unit price, number of registrations, and discount / discount information for each product acquired as described above, or information indicating the total amount of the products that can be calculated from these information. The settlement device 20 settles the products registered as settlement targets using the settlement information output from the product registration device 10. The settlement device 20 then prints a receipt indicating the details of the settlement.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a layout diagram showing an example of the layout of the product registration device 10 and the settlement device 20 in a store of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment. The product registration device 10 operates based on the operation of a store clerk UA. On the other hand, the settlement device 20 is a device separate from the product registration device 10, and operates based on the operation of a customer UB. The information processing system 1 of this embodiment is a so-called semi-self-service POS (Point Of Sales) system. However, the product registration device 10 may have a function of settling the products registered as settlement targets in the same way as the settlement device 20, for example, in response to a customer's request.

[0022] In this embodiment, one product registration device 10 is capable of communicating with multiple settlement devices 20, and stores identification information of these communicable settlement devices 20. On the other hand, the settlement device 20 may be capable of communicating with only one product registration device 10, or may be capable of communicating with multiple product registration devices 10. The settlement device 20 also stores identification information of the product registration devices 10 with which the settlement device 20 can communicate.

[0023] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the merchandise registration device 10 and the settlement device 20 included in the information processing system 1 in this embodiment.

[0024] <Product registration device 10> The product registration device 10 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 104, and a communication unit 105. The processor 101, the memory 102, the storage 103, the input / output interface 104, and the communication unit 105 are connected by a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data to and from each other.

[0025] The processor 101 is an arithmetic processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory 102 is a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The storage 103 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a memory card. The storage 103 may also be a memory such as a RAM or a ROM.

[0026] The storage 103 stores program modules that realize the functions of each processing unit included in the product registration device 10. The processor 101 executes each of these program modules to realize the functions of each processing unit (a receiving unit 110, a specifying unit 120, and a notifying unit 130 in FIG. 10, which will be described later). Here, when executing each of the above program modules, the processor 101 may read these program modules onto the memory 102 before executing them, or may execute them without reading them onto the memory 102.

[0027] The input / output interface 104 is connected to a display device 1041, an input device 1042, a reading device 1045, and the like. The display device 1041 is a device, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, that displays a screen corresponding to drawing data processed by the processor 101, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) (not shown), and the like. One or more display devices 1041 may be connected to the input / output interface 104. The input device 1042 is a device that accepts an operation input from an operator, and is, for example, a keyboard, a touch sensor, and a microphone for voice input. The display device 1041 and the input device 1042 may be integrated and realized as a touch panel.

[0028] The reading device 1045 may be a code reader equipped with a light source and a light receiving element such as a photodiode to detect a product code for identifying the product, or a camera equipped with a lens and an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor to capture an image including the appearance of the product.

[0029] The communication unit 105 transmits and receives data between the settlement device 20 and other external devices. For example, settlement information generated by the product registration device 10 is transmitted to the settlement device 20 via the communication unit 105. There are various methods for connecting the product registration device 10 and external devices via the communication unit 105. For example, this connection may be a network connection via a network line, or a bus connection via a bus line (e.g., a USB (Universal Serial Bus) line). The network line may be a wireless line or a wired line.

[0030] <Payment device 20> The settlement device 20 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage 203, an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 204, and a communication unit 205. The processor 201, the memory 202, the storage 203, the input / output interface 204, and the communication unit 105 are connected by a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data to and from each other. The hardware configuration of the settlement device 20 is substantially similar to the hardware configuration of the product registration device 10. The settlement device 20 is a device that mainly settles products, and therefore does not include a device equivalent to the reading device 1045. However, the settlement device 20 may include this device. The following mainly describes the parts that are different from the product registration device 10.

[0031] The storage 203 stores program modules that realize the functions of each processing unit included in the settlement device 20. The processor 201 executes each of these program modules to realize the functions of each processing unit (such as the detection unit 210 and output unit 220 in FIG. 4 described later). Here, when the processor 201 executes each of the above program modules, it may read these program modules onto the memory 202 and then execute them, or it may execute them without reading them onto the memory 202.

[0032] The printer 2043 includes a mechanism for feeding out receipt paper that has been set in advance, a mechanism for printing the details of one settlement on the receipt paper, and a mechanism for cutting the receipt paper into receipts for one settlement unit. Note that the mechanism for cutting receipts is not required. These mechanisms of the printer 2043 operate in accordance with output control commands sent from the processor 201. Specifically, the printer 2043 feeds out receipt paper and executes the printing process based on information that controls the print contents, which is included in the output control command from the processor 201, and controls the receipt cutting operation based on information that controls the cutting state, which is included in the output control command from the processor 201.

[0033] The hardware configuration of the product registration device 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. For example, a server device that relays the exchange of settlement information and the like may be included between the product registration device 10 and the settlement device 20.

[0034] <Processing configuration> FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of the settlement device 20 according to this embodiment. The settlement device 20 performs settlement processing to complete a purchase and sale transaction of a commodity registered as a settlement target in the commodity registration device 10, using the commodity settlement information transmitted from the commodity registration device 10. At that time, the settlement processing result is printed on receipt paper and output. The settlement device 20 has a detection unit 210 and an output unit 220. The detection unit 210 detects the remaining amount of receipt paper on which the settlement processing result is printed. The output unit 220 outputs a first notification signal to the commodity registration device 10 when the detected remaining amount falls below a first reference value.

[0035] 5 is a diagram for explaining the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 in the settlement device 20. This diagram shows a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the stalk 32 of the receipt paper 30. As one example, the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 in the settlement device 20 may be indicated by the distance n (mm) from the outer edge of the stalk 32 of the receipt paper 30 to the outer edge 34 of the receipt paper 30. Alternatively, the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 may be indicated by the distance (not shown) from the center O of the stalk 32 of the receipt paper 30 to the outer edge 34 of the receipt paper 30.

[0036] The first reference value may be the remaining length of paper at the position where a near-end mark printed on the edge of the roll paper of receipt paper 30 appears. The detection unit 210 may be provided with a mechanism for detecting the color of the near-end mark and configured to detect when the remaining amount of paper falls below the first reference value. The detection unit 210 may be, for example, an optical sensor (not shown) or an infrared sensor (not shown). In an example using an optical sensor, the detection unit 210 is configured to include an optical sensor and a window that receives reflected light. To detect when the roll paper is near the end, the detection unit 210 sends out light from the optical sensor, and a window attached to the sensor receives the reflected light from the roll paper. The detection unit 210 then performs near-end detection based on the timing of receiving the reflected light.

[0037] The first notification signal is a signal indicating that the remaining amount n (mm) of receipt paper 30 has fallen below a first reference value α (mm); for example, it is 1 (or True) if the remaining amount is below the first reference value, and 0 (or False) otherwise. The first notification signal may also include the remaining amount value (measured value), the first reference value, or time information. The first reference value α (mm) is, for example, the value when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is the amount of several receipts (for example, 4 to 5 receipts).

[0038] The output unit 220 transmits a first notification signal to the product registration device 10 via the network 3. The timing of the output is immediately after the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than the first reference value, or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The first notification signal may be output once, or multiple times at predetermined time intervals.

[0039] Furthermore, the settlement device 20 outputs a first notification signal to the merchandise registration device 10 corresponding to the settlement device 20 (ie, the merchandise registration device 10 that is the source of the settlement information).

[0040] There are various possible methods for outputting the first notification signal, and examples thereof are given below, but the method is not limited to these. (a1) A first notification signal is transmitted via the network 3 to the IP address of the merchandise registration device 10 as a destination. (a2) An email including a first notification signal is sent to the email address of the product registration device 10. A predetermined header area or body of the email may include identification information of the settlement device 20 whose remaining receipt amount has fallen below the first reference value, and a message notifying the user that the remaining receipt amount is low. (a3) A predetermined signal is output to a signal line connected to the product registration device 10. Specifically, a signal output is instructed to an output port number corresponding to the signal line of the product registration device 10 as the output destination. (a4) A first notification signal including the identification information of the settlement device 20 is transmitted to the server device.

[0041] The output unit 220 stores the output destination information of the product registration device 10 in the memory 202 or the storage 203. For example, at least one of information such as an IP address, an email address, and an output port number of the product registration device 10 is associated with the identification information of the product registration device 10. The output unit 220 acquires at least one of an IP address, an email address, and an output port number associated with the identification information of the product registration device 10 that is the transmission source of the settlement information. The output destination information may be held by the server device, or may be acquired by the settlement device 20 from the server device based on the identification information of the product registration device 10 that is the output destination (transmission source).

[0042] The output destinations of the first notification signal may include multiple merchandise registration devices 10. In other words, it may include merchandise registration devices 10 other than the merchandise registration device 10 that transmitted the settlement information. The output unit 220 outputs to at least one of the multiple output destinations. The output destinations may be prioritized in advance, or may be automatically selected according to conditions (such as the merchandise registration device 10 being in use), and are not limited thereto.

[0043] <Example of operation> FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the accounting settlement process of the information processing system 1. The product registration device 10 recognizes the product to be settled using the reading device 1045, and includes the product information of the recognized product in the settlement information. As a result, the product recognized using the reading device 1045 is registered as a product to be settled (S11). When the registration of the product to be settled is completed, the operator of the product registration device 10 inputs that fact (YES in S12). For example, the product registration device 10 displays a button for confirming the completion of product registration on the display device and accepts the operation input from the operator. Then, in accordance with the operation input, the settlement information registered as the settlement target is transmitted to the settlement device 20 (step S13). Note that in step S13, the product registration device 10 selects the settlement device 20 to which the settlement information is transmitted, and this selection may be performed according to the operation of the operator or according to a predetermined priority order.

[0044] The method of transmitting the settlement information is not limited to this. For example, if the merchandise registration device 10 has a printing mechanism, the merchandise registration device 10 may transmit the settlement information to a server device (not shown) and output a portable medium (e.g., a paper medium on which a one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code including the identification information is printed) that can be read by the settlement device 20 and includes identification information that can identify the settlement information. In this case, the operator of the merchandise registration device 10 hands the output portable medium to the customer, and the customer has the portable medium read by any settlement device 20. The settlement device 20 can access the server device based on the identification information read from the portable medium and obtain the settlement information corresponding to the identification information from the server device.

[0045] When the settlement device 20 receives the settlement information output from the product registration device 10 (step S21), it displays on the display device 2041 a screen that prompts the customer to insert the payment for the products registered as the settlement target into the cash processing device 2044 (step S22), and obtains the amount of money inserted by the customer (step S23). When the payment from the customer is received, the settlement process is carried out (step S24). The printer 2043 outputs a receipt with the settlement result printed on it (step S25), and the cash processing device 2044 pays out the difference between the amount inserted by the customer and the total amount of the products included in the settlement information as change (step S26).

[0046] On the other hand, when the settlement device 20 detects that the receipt paper 30 is running low, it performs a predetermined process. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20 of this embodiment. The settlement device 20 detects the remaining amount of receipt paper on which the result of the settlement process is printed (step S101), and when the detected remaining amount falls below a first reference value (YES in step S103), it outputs a first notification signal to the product registration device 10 (step S105).

[0047] In detail, first, the detection unit 210 detects the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 on which the result of the settlement process is printed (step S101). As described above, the detection unit 210 detects whether the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is equal to or less than a first reference value (step S103). Then, when the detected remaining amount is equal to or less than the first reference value (YES in step S103), the output unit 220 outputs a first notification signal to the product registration device 10 corresponding to that settlement device 20 (i.e., the product registration device 10 that is the sender of the settlement information) (step S105). As described above, the first notification signal indicates that the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is low. The first notification signal may be, for example, a warning message that the receipt is about to run out.

[0048] <Program> In the settlement device 20 of the embodiment, the CPU (the processor 201 in FIG. 3) executes various processing operations corresponding to computer programs, thereby realizing various units in FIG. 4 as various functions.

[0049] The computer program of this embodiment is written to cause a computer (processor 201 in FIG. 3) for realizing the settlement device 20 to execute the steps of detecting the remaining amount of receipt paper on which the results of the settlement process are printed, and outputting a first notification signal to the product registration device 10 when the detected remaining amount falls below a first reference value.

[0050] The computer program of the present embodiment may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium is not particularly limited and may take various forms. The program may be loaded from the recording medium into the memory 202 (FIG. 3) of the computer, or may be downloaded to the computer via a network and loaded into the memory 202.

[0051] The recording medium for recording the computer program includes a non-transitory tangible computer usable medium in which computer readable program code is embedded. When the computer program is executed on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the above-mentioned data processing method for implementing the settlement device 20.

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 in the settlement device 20 falls below a first reference value, a first notification signal is output to the product registration device 10. Specifically, when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is low, the settlement device 20 sends a first notification signal to the product registration device 10, so that a store clerk or the like operating the product registration device 10 can know that the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 in the settlement device 20 is low.

[0053] This allows a store clerk to take appropriate action before the paper runs out and settlement processing comes to a halt. For example, the clerk can refill the receipt paper 30 or stop sending settlement information to the settlement device 20. By stopping the sending of settlement information to the settlement device 20, settlement processing is not performed at the settlement device 20, so receipt paper 30 is not used. This reduces the amount of time the settlement device 20 is down due to running out of receipt paper 30, prevents a drop in customer turnover, and improves convenience for both the store and customers.

[0054] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the above embodiment, a description has been given of the settlement device 20. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a merchandise registration device 10.

[0055] The merchandise registration device 10 stores a device correspondence table 230a shown in FIG. 8(a), and the settlement device 20 stores a device correspondence table 230b shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0056] In the device correspondence table 230a shown in Fig. 8(a), the identification information (e.g., T001, T002) of each product registration device 10 is associated with the identification information (e.g., S001, S002, etc.) of the settlement device 20. The product registration device 10 may store only the identification information of the settlement device 20 associated with itself in the device correspondence table 230a in Fig. 8(a), or may also store information of other product registration devices 10.

[0057] In the device correspondence table 230b shown in Fig. 8(b), the identification information of the product registration device 10 is associated with each identification information of the settlement device 20. The settlement device 20 may store only the identification information of the product registration device 10 associated with itself in the device correspondence table 230b in Fig. 8(b), or may also store information of other settlement devices 20.

[0058] Alternatively, the server device may hold either the device correspondence table 230a or 230b of Fig. 8(a) or Fig. 8(b) in a memory or storage, and each device may obtain it from the server device. Also, each device correspondence table 230a or 230b may be updated at any time.

[0059] <Processing configuration> 9 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of a product registration device 10 according to the present embodiment. The product registration device 10 includes a receiving unit 110, an identifying unit 120, and a notifying unit 130. The receiving unit 110 receives a notification signal indicating that the amount of receipts remaining in a settlement device 20 has fallen below a first reference value, together with identification information of the settlement device 20. The identifying unit 120 identifies the settlement device 20 that output the notification signal based on the identification information. The notifying unit 130 notifies a store clerk that the amount of receipt paper remaining in the identified settlement device 20 has fallen below the first reference value.

[0060] This will be explained in detail below. The notification signal received by the receiving unit 110 corresponds to the first notification signal described in the above embodiment. The method of receiving the notification signal can be a method corresponding to the output method of the first notification signal in the above embodiment. For example, the notification signal is received from the settlement device 20 via the network 3. The notification signal may also be received by email or via an electrical signal line.

[0061] The product registration device 10 associates the identification information of the settlement device 20 with the output source information and stores the information in the memory 102 or the storage 103. The output source information is at least one of the IP address, email address, and input port number of each settlement device 20. The output source information may be held by the server device, or the product registration device 10 may obtain the output source information from the server device based on the identification information of the settlement device 20.

[0062] Specifically, the method of receiving the notification signal and the method of identifying the settlement device 20 are exemplified below, but are not limited to these. (b1) The receiving unit 110 receives a notification signal via the network 3, and the identifying unit 120 acquires the IP address of the sender of the received notification signal, and acquires identification information of the settlement device 20 corresponding to the acquired IP address from the output source information to identify the settlement device 20. Alternatively, the identification information of the settlement device 20 may be included in the notification signal received from the network 3. (b2) The receiving unit 110 periodically receives an email including a notification signal, and the identifying unit 120 acquires the identification information of the settlement device 20 corresponding to the email address of the sender of the received email based on the output source information. Alternatively, the identifying unit 120 may extract the identification information of the settlement device 20 described in a predetermined header area or body of the email, and identify the settlement device 20. (b3) The receiving unit 110 receives a notification signal input from a signal line connected to the settlement device 20, and the identification unit 120 acquires the input port number to which the signal is input, and acquires identification information of the settlement device 20 corresponding to the input port number from the output source information to identify the settlement device 20. (b4) The server device transfers the notification signal received from the settlement device 20 to the settlement device 20, or the receiving unit 110 periodically queries the server device to receive the notification signal. Then, the identifying unit 120 obtains the identification information of the settlement device 20 contained in the notification signal and identifies the settlement device 20.

[0063] When the notification unit 130 receives the notification signal, it displays a notification screen 150 as shown in FIG.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 150 of the merchandise registration device 10. The notification screen 150 may be, for example, a pop-up display, or an icon displayed in a predetermined notification area of ​​the operation screen (not shown) of the merchandise registration device 10, and may be a screen displayed by an operator (store clerk) operating the icon. Alternatively, in another example, the email received by the receiving unit 110 may be displayed as is. The output unit 220 of the settlement device 20 may write the state of the receipt paper 30 and the identification information of the settlement device 20 in the body or title of the email sent as the first notification signal. When the merchandise registration device 10 receives an email, it may display an icon indicating that the email has been received in a predetermined area on the display device 1041, and the email may be viewed by the operator operating the icon.

[0065] The notification screen 150 displays information regarding the receipt shortage in a schematic manner. Information regarding the receipt shortage is displayed in stages according to the amount of receipts remaining. For example, the different stages are displayed in different colors. In this example, the three stages are displayed in different colors: "Normal," which indicates that there is sufficient paper remaining; "Low amount remaining," which indicates that the first notification signal has been received and the amount of receipt paper 30 remaining is below a first reference value; and "Paper out, need replacing," which indicates that the paper has run out. Note that if there is only a small amount remaining or the paper has run out, the display may be highlighted, such as by flashing. In this example, the notification screen 150 shows that the amount of paper remaining in the settlement device 20 S001 is below the first reference value, and that there is sufficient paper remaining in the settlement devices 20 S002 and S005.

[0066] <Example of operation> 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the product registration device 10 of this embodiment. The product registration device 10 receives a notification signal indicating that the amount of receipts remaining in a settlement device 20 has fallen below a first reference value together with the identification information of the settlement device 20 (step S201), identifies the settlement device 20 that output the notification signal based on the identification information (step S203), and notifies the identified settlement device 20 that the amount of receipt paper remaining in the identified settlement device 20 has fallen below the first reference value (step S205).

[0067] Specifically, when the receiving unit 110 receives a notification signal and the identification information of the settlement device 20 from the settlement device 20 (step S201), the identifying unit 120 identifies the settlement device 20 that received the notification signal based on the identification information (step S203). As described above, for example, when a notification signal is received from the settlement device 20 via the network 3, the identifying unit 120 obtains the IP address of the sender of the notification signal and identifies the corresponding settlement device 20 from the output source information. Then, for example, when a notification signal is received from the settlement device 20 of S001, the notification unit 130 displays the notification screen 150 of FIG. 10.

[0068] <Program> In the product registration device 10 of the embodiment, the CPU (the processor 101 in FIG. 3) executes various processing operations corresponding to computer programs, thereby realizing various units in FIG. 9 as various functions.

[0069] The computer program of this embodiment is written to cause a computer (processor 101 in FIG. 3) for realizing the product registration device 10 to execute the steps of receiving a notification signal indicating that the remaining amount of receipts in the settlement device 20 has fallen below a first reference value, along with identification information of the settlement device 20, identifying the settlement device 20 that output the notification signal based on the identification information, and notifying that the remaining amount of receipt paper in the identified settlement device 20 has fallen below the first reference value.

[0070] The recording medium for recording the computer program includes a non-transitory tangible computer usable medium in which computer readable program code is embedded. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the following data processing method for realizing the product registration device 10.

[0071] As described above, according to the product registration device 10 of this embodiment, a notification signal is received from a settlement device 20 when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 falls below a first reference value, the settlement device 20 is identified, and a notification is sent to the settlement device 20 that the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 in the settlement device 20 falls below the first reference value.

[0072] Specifically, even if the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 in the settlement device 20 becomes low, the product registration device 10 receives a notification signal from the settlement device 20, and this is displayed on the product registration device 10 together with information about the settlement device 20 in which the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is low, so that the operator (store clerk) operating the product registration device 10 can be notified.

[0073] This allows a store clerk to take appropriate action before the paper runs out and settlement processing comes to a halt. For example, the clerk can refill the receipt paper 30 or stop sending settlement information to the settlement device 20. By stopping the sending of settlement information to the settlement device 20, settlement processing is not performed at the settlement device 20, so receipt paper 30 is not used. This reduces the amount of time the settlement device 20 is down due to running out of receipt paper 30, prevents a drop in customer turnover, and improves convenience for both the store and customers.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Next, an information processing system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The information processing system 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the above embodiment except that the product registration device 10 executes a predetermined process when receiving a first notification signal. Note that since the configuration of the settlement device 20 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Note that the configuration of the present embodiment may be combined with other embodiments.

[0075] <Processing configuration> FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of the product registration device 310 according to the present embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the product registration device 10 of the above embodiment in FIG. 9, the product registration device 310 further includes a transmission unit 312. The transmission unit 312 identifies the settlement device selected from the candidates and transmits the settlement information for which the product has been registered to the identified settlement device.

[0076] Then, the transmission unit 312 performs any one of the following operations. (c1) The transmission unit 312 lowers the priority of the settlement device 20 identified by the identification unit 120 among the candidates. (c2) The transmission unit 312 removes the settlement device 20 identified by the identification unit 120 from the candidates.

[0077] The transmission unit 312 transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 20 via the network 3. The transmission destination may be selected by an operator (store clerk) from among a plurality of candidates for the settlement device 20 that are associated with the product registration device 10 in advance, or may be automatically selected. The transmission unit 312 can acquire the destination information (for example, IP address) of the selected settlement device 20 and transmit the settlement information.

[0078] <c1: Process for lowering the priority of candidates> First, the process for lowering the priority of the candidates in the above (c1) of the transmission unit 312 will be described. For example, the product registration device 310 holds a candidate table 320 as shown in FIG. 13 in the memory 102 or the storage 103.

[0079] The candidate table 320 holds the priority order of the settlement device 20 to which settlement information is sent for each product registration device 10. For example, in the example of Fig. 13(a), the settlement device 20 S001 has the first priority order, the settlement device 20 S002 has the second priority order, and the settlement device 20 S005 has the third priority order. Fig. 13(b) shows an example after the priority order of the settlement devices 20 has been changed from the state of Fig. 13(a).

[0080] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the payment information transmission process in the product registration device 10. When the product registration device 10 processes the registration of the payment target product (YES in step S12), the transmission unit 312 lowers the priority of the settlement device 20 identified by the identification unit 120 among the candidates (step S301). Here, for example, it is assumed that the reception unit 110 receives a notification signal from the settlement device 20 of S001, and the identification unit 120 identifies the settlement device 20 of S001. In other words, it is identified that the settlement device 20 of S001 has transmitted a notification signal. The transmission unit 312 lowers the priority of the settlement device 20 of S001 among the candidates from 1st to 3rd, and raises the priority of the settlement device 20 of S002 and the settlement device 20 of S005 by one each. As a result, the candidate table 320 is updated as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0081] Then, the transmission unit 312 displays the selection screen 340 of the settlement device 20 shown in Fig. 15(b) on the display device 1041 (step S303 in Fig. 14). The selection screen 340 in Fig. 15(a) is an example of the selection screen 340 before the priority order is changed.

[0082] 15, the selection screen 340 includes a selection button 344 for accepting the selection of a settlement device 20 on which the identification information of the settlement device 20 is described, and a send button 342 for accepting an instruction to send settlement information to the selected settlement device 20.

[0083] When the operator presses the selection button 344 of the settlement device 20 that transmits settlement information on the selection screen 340, the selection of the corresponding settlement device 20 is accepted (YES in step S305 of FIG. 14). Further, based on the operator pressing the transmission button 342, the transmission unit 312 transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 20 of the transmission destination accepted in step S305 (step S307).

[0084] Specifically, by the operator pressing the operation button (selection button 344) indicating the identification information of each settlement device 20 on the selection screen 340, the selection operation of the transmission destination of the settlement information can be accepted. The transmission unit 312 specifies the identification information of the settlement device 20 corresponding to the pressed operation button (step S305). Then, the transmission unit 312 acquires the destination information (for example, IP address) of the specified settlement device 20, and based on the operator pressing the transmission button 342, transmits the settlement information via the network 3 (step S307).

[0085] In this example, since the remaining amount of the receipt paper 30 becomes equal to or less than the first reference value and the priority of transmitting the settlement information to the settlement device 20 with less remaining can be lowered, the occurrence of out-of-paper can be delayed.

[0086] Also, in FIG. 14, the selection screen 340 is configured to display candidates and allow the operator to select the settlement device 20 that transmits the settlement information, but the transmission destination can be automatically selected. The transmission unit 312 may refer to the candidate table 320 and select and transmit the settlement device 20 as the transmission destination in descending order of priority. At this time, information indicating the processing status of the settlement process of the settlement device 20 may be acquired from the settlement device 20, and the transmission destination of the settlement information may be selected in descending order of priority among the settlement devices 20 that are not performing the settlement process.

[0087] <c2: Process of excluding from candidates> Next, the process of excluding from the candidates in (c2) of the transmission unit 312 will be described. For example, the product registration device 310 stores a candidate table 330 as shown in Fig. 16 in the memory 102 or the storage 103. The candidate table 330 stores, for each product registration device 10, a flag indicating whether or not settlement information can be transmitted to each settlement device 20 that is pre-registered as a transmission destination of the product registration device 10. For example, when the flag is 1 (or True), transmission is possible, and when the flag is 0 (or False), transmission is not possible.

[0088] The sending unit 312 can refer to the candidate table 330 and extract settlement devices 20 whose flags are 1 (or True) as candidates for the installation destination of settlement information.

[0089] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the payment information transmission process in the product registration device 310. When the product registration device 310 processes the registration of the payment target product (YES in step S12), the transmission unit 312 removes the payment device 20 identified by the identification unit 120 from the candidates (step S311). Here, for example, it is assumed that the reception unit 110 receives a notification signal from the payment device 20 of S002, and the identification unit 120 identifies the payment device 20 of S002. In other words, it is identified that the payment device 20 of S002 has transmitted a notification signal. The transmission unit 312 resets the flag of the payment device 20 of S002 in the candidate table 320 from 1 (FIG. 16(a)) to 0 (FIG. 16(b)).

[0090] Then, the transmitting unit 312 displays a selection screen 340 of the settlement device 20 shown in FIG. 18(b) on the display device 1041 (step S303 in FIG. 17). The selection screen 340 in FIG. 18(a) is an example of the selection screen 340 before the settlement device 20 of S002 was excluded. The selection of the settlement device 20 to which the settlement information is to be transmitted is accepted (YES in step S305). Furthermore, based on the operator pressing the send button 342, the transmitting unit 312 transmits the settlement information to the destination settlement device 20 accepted in step S305 (step S307).

[0091] Specifically, the operator presses an operation button (selection button 344) on the selection screen 340 that indicates the identification information of each settlement device 20, thereby accepting a selection operation of the destination of the settlement information. The transmission unit 312 identifies the identification information of the settlement device 20 that corresponds to the pressed operation button (step S305). Then, the transmission unit 312 obtains destination information (e.g., IP address) of the identified settlement device 20, and transmits the settlement information via the network 3 (step S307).

[0092] In the example of Figure 18(b), the operation button (button 346) of the settlement device 20 of S002 is hidden (indicated by a dashed line in the figure) or is in an inactive state, i.e., is displayed in a state where operation is not accepted. As a result, settlement information cannot be sent to the settlement device 20 of S002 whose receipt paper 30 is below the first reference value.

[0093] 17, the selection screen 340 displays candidates to allow the operator to select the settlement device 20 to which the settlement information is to be transmitted, but in this example, the destination can also be selected automatically as in the example of Fig. 14. In this case, information indicating the processing status of the settlement process of the settlement device 20 is obtained from the settlement device 20, and the destination of the settlement information can be selected from among the settlement devices 20 for which the settlement process has been completed and for which the flag is set to 1.

[0094] As described above, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, when the product registration device 310 receives a notification signal from a settlement device 20, it identifies the settlement device 20 that sent the notification signal, and either lowers the priority of the identified settlement device 20 among the candidates for the destination of the settlement information, or performs the process of transmitting the settlement information excluding the identified settlement device 20 from the candidates. This makes it possible to stop transmitting settlement information or reduce the frequency of transmission for a settlement device 20 in which the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 falls below the first reference value, thereby extending the time until the paper runs out. Therefore, replacement work can be performed during that time, and it is possible to prevent a stagnation of the customer's settlement process due to a paper shortage. In this way, convenience for customers and the store is improved.

[0095] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 19 is a functional block diagram showing the logical configuration of the settlement device 20 of this embodiment. The settlement device 20 of this embodiment has the same configuration as the settlement device 20 of Fig. 4. It is the same as the settlement device 20 of Fig. 4 except that the output unit 220 outputs the first notification signal not to the product registration device 10 but to another device. The configuration of this embodiment may be combined with other embodiments.

[0096] 20 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the settlement device 20 of this embodiment. The settlement device 20 has a rotating light 40. The rotating light 40 has lights of three colors (green, yellow, and red), for example, and can change the combination of lights to be turned on and the combination of blinking methods depending on the notification content.

[0097] The operation of the settlement device 20 configured in this manner will be described. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20. The detection unit 210 detects the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 (step S101), and when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 falls below a first reference value (YES in step S103), the output unit 220 operates the rotating light 40, for example turning on a yellow light (step S401).

[0098] Furthermore, in the settlement device 20, the output unit 220 outputs a second notification signal when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 falls below a second reference value. Here, the second reference value is set to a value smaller than the first reference value (second reference value β (mm)<first reference value α (mm)).

[0099] The second reference value β is a value used to detect when the receipt paper 30 has run out and it is time to replace the receipt. The first reference value α is a value that indicates that about 4 to 5 receipts worth of receipt paper 30 remain, and the second reference value β is a value that indicates that the receipt paper 30 has run out of receipts. The second reference value β does not necessarily have to be 0 (mm) and may be any value smaller than the first reference value α, or a value that indicates that there is still receipt paper 30 remaining (a value greater than 0 (mm)).

[0100] The operation of the settlement device 20 configured in this manner will be described. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20. The detection unit 210 detects the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 (step S101), and when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 falls below the second reference value (YES in step S411), the output unit 220 operates the rotating light 40, for example turning on a red light (step S413).

[0101] Here, the first notification signal is a signal that turns on the yellow light of the rotating light 40, and the second notification signal is a signal that turns on the red light of the rotating light 40. The rotating light 40 is configured to turn on the yellow light when it receives the first notification signal, and turn on the red light when it receives the second notification signal. Note that the rotating light 40 can be turned off, for example, by an operator's operation or by detecting that paper has been replenished (for example, detecting that the remaining amount of paper is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), etc.

[0102] Furthermore, in the settlement device 20, the output unit 220 transmits the second notification signal to a store terminal different from the merchandise registration device 10 (or 310).

[0103] 23 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the store terminal is, for example, a store terminal 50 separate from the product registration device 10 connected to the settlement device 20 via the network 3, or a store clerk mobile terminal 60 carried by the store clerk UA.

[0104] The store terminal 50 may be a personal computer or the like. Communication between the settlement device 20 and the store terminal 50 may be either wired or wireless. The store clerk mobile terminal 60 may be, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. The connection between the settlement device 20 and the store terminal 50 and the store clerk mobile terminal 60 is not particularly limited, and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a mobile communication network, or the like may be used.

[0105] 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20. The detection unit 210 detects the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 (step S101), and when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 falls below the second reference value (YES in step S411), the output unit 220 sends a second notification signal to a store terminal 50 or a store clerk mobile terminal 60 that is different from the product registration device 10 (step S415).

[0106] The second notification signal is sent to at least one destination registered in advance, such as an email address, a telephone number, or an IP address. The destination may be set for each settlement device 20, for each product registration device 10, for each sales floor, or for each store. Alternatively, the second notification signal may be sent to a server device.

[0107] The store terminal need only have a configuration similar to the receiving unit 110, identification unit 120, and notification unit 130 of the product registration device 10 in the above embodiment, and can notify the store clerk of a message indicating that receipts are out, along with the identification information of the identified settlement device 20.

[0108] This embodiment has the same effects as the above embodiment, and furthermore, when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is equal to or less than the first reference value, an alarm output means such as a rotating light 40 provided on the settlement device 20 can be activated. Therefore, when selecting a settlement device 20 to transmit settlement information as viewed from the product registration device 10 side, the settlement device 20 with the rotating light 40 activated can be avoided. Also, other store clerks can easily notice that the receipt paper 30 has run out, and replacement work can be performed quickly. Furthermore, when a customer selects a settlement device 20, the use of a settlement device 20 with the rotating light 40 activated can be avoided.

[0109] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is equal to or less than a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value, a second notification signal is output, so when the receipt paper 30 runs out, it is possible to have the rotating light 40 turn red, for example, in order to perform an operation different from the rotating light 40 turning yellow when the receipt paper 30 is about to run out (when the amount is equal to or less than the first reference value). This makes it easy for store clerks and customers to recognize that the alarm levels are different.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is equal to or less than the second reference value, a second notification signal is sent to a store terminal other than the product registration device 10 (the store terminal 50 or the store clerk mobile terminal 60). This allows a store clerk who is not near the product registration device 10 or the settlement device 20 to know that the receipt paper 30 has run out and can quickly take action such as replacing the receipt paper 30.

[0111] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted. For example, in the above embodiment, the settlement information is transmitted from the product registration device 10 to the settlement device 20, and the product registration device 10 is configured to change the priority of candidates for the destination of the settlement information or to remove the settlement device 20 from the candidates. However, as described above, in a configuration in which the settlement information is recorded on a portable medium and the customer takes the portable medium to the settlement device 20 to have the settlement information read by the settlement device 20, the following configuration may be further included. The following configuration may be combined with the above embodiment.

[0112] That is, after the priority order is changed or a settlement device 20 is deleted from the candidates, the identification unit 120 of the merchandise registration device 10 automatically identifies the settlement device 20 that will perform the settlement process, and the merchandise registration device 10 may further have an instruction unit (not shown) that transmits an instruction to activate the green light of the rotating light 40 so as to notify the identified settlement device 20 that it is the device that should perform the settlement process. A customer can have the settlement device 20 with the green light on read the portable medium from among the multiple settlement devices 20 and perform the settlement process.

[0113] Alternatively, the settlement device 20 may further have a control unit (not shown) that stops the operation of the portable medium reading mechanism when the detection unit 210 of the settlement device 20 detects that the remaining amount of receipt paper 30 is equal to or less than the first reference value or the second reference value. If a customer attempts to have the portable medium read, it will not be possible, so the customer will end up using another settlement device 20.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and examples. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. In the present invention, when information about a user is acquired and used, this shall be done lawfully.

[0115] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A payment device that is operated by a store clerk and that registers products to be purchased and that is operated by a customer based on payment information for the products transmitted from the product registration device, and that performs payment processing, a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of receipt paper on which the result of the settlement process is printed; an output means for outputting a first notification signal to the product registration device when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value; A settlement device comprising: 2. In the settlement device described in 1., The output means is a settlement device that identifies a merchandise registration device that is a source of the settlement information, and outputs the first notification signal to the identified merchandise registration device. 3. In the settlement device according to 1. or 2., The output means outputs a second notification signal when the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, The second reference value is smaller than the first reference value. 4. In the settlement device described in 3., The output means transmits the second notification signal to a payment terminal different from the product registration device. 5. In the settlement device according to any one of 1. to 4., Further comprising an alarm output means, The output means is a settlement device that activates the alarm output means when the remaining amount falls below the first reference value. 6. A product registration device that is operated by a store clerk to register products to be purchased, in communication with at least one settlement device; a receiving means for receiving a notification signal indicating that the remaining amount of receipts of the settlement device has fallen below a first reference value together with identification information of the settlement device; an identification means for identifying the settlement device that output the notification signal based on the identification information; and a notification means for notifying a store clerk that the remaining amount of receipt paper at the identified settlement device has fallen below the first reference value. 7. In the product registration device according to 6., a transmitting means for identifying a settlement device selected from the candidates and transmitting settlement information in which the product is registered to the identified settlement device; The sending means lowers the priority of the settlement device identified by the identifying means among the candidates. 8. In the product registration device according to 6., a transmitting means for identifying a settlement device selected from the candidates and transmitting settlement information in which the product is registered to the identified settlement device; The sending means excludes the settlement device identified by the identifying means from the candidates. 9. A product registration device that is operated by a store clerk to register products to be purchased; a payment device in which a customer performs a payment process based on the payment information of the product transmitted from the product registration device, The settlement device includes: a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of receipt paper on which the result of the settlement process is printed; an output means for outputting a first notification signal to the product registration device when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value; having The product registration device includes: a receiving means for receiving the first notification signal indicating the remaining amount of receipts at the settlement device together with identification information of the settlement device; An identification means for identifying the settlement device that output the first notification signal based on the identification information; and a notification means for notifying that the remaining amount of receipt paper in the identified settlement device has fallen below the first reference value. 10. In the information processing system according to 9., The output means of the settlement device identifies a merchandise registration device that is the source of the settlement information, and outputs the first notification signal to the identified merchandise registration device. 11. In the information processing system according to 9. or 10., The output means of the settlement device outputs a second notification signal when the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, The second reference value is smaller than the first reference value. 12. In the information processing system according to 11., An information processing system in which the output means of the settlement device transmits the second notification signal to a store terminal different from the product registration device. 13. In the information processing system according to any one of 9. to 12., The settlement device further includes an alarm output means, An information processing system in which the output means of the settlement device activates the alarm output means when the remaining amount falls below the first reference value. 14. In the information processing system according to any one of 9. to 13., The product registration device includes a transmission means for identifying a settlement device selected from among candidates and transmitting settlement information in which the product is registered to the identified settlement device; An information processing system in which the transmission means of the product registration device lowers the priority of the settlement device identified by the identification means among the candidates. 15. In the information processing system according to any one of 9. to 13., The product registration device includes a transmission means for identifying a settlement device selected from among candidates and transmitting settlement information in which the product is registered to the identified settlement device; An information processing system in which the transmission means of the product registration device excludes the settlement device identified by the identification means from the candidates. 16. A data processing method for a payment device in which a store clerk operates a product registration device that registers products to be purchased, and the payment device performs a payment process according to a customer's operation based on payment information for the products transmitted from the product registration device, comprising: The settlement device, Detecting the remaining amount of receipt paper on which the settlement result is printed; A data processing method for a settlement device, comprising: outputting a first notification signal to the product registration device when the detected remaining amount falls below a first reference value. 17. In the data processing method of the settlement device described in 16., The settlement device, A data processing method for a settlement device, comprising: identifying a merchandise registration device that is the source of the settlement information; and outputting the first notification signal to the identified merchandise registration device. 18. In the data processing method of the settlement device according to 16. or 17., The settlement device, When the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, a second notification signal is output. A data processing method for a settlement device, wherein the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value. 19. In the data processing method for the settlement device according to 18., The settlement device, A data processing method for a payment device, comprising: transmitting the second notification signal to a store terminal different from the product registration device. 20. In the data processing method of the settlement device described in any one of 16 to 19, The settlement device, The data processing method of a settlement device, which activates an alarm output device when the remaining amount falls below the first reference value. 21. A data processing method for a product registration device in which a store clerk operates to register a product to be purchased, comprising the steps of: The product registration device, communicate with at least one settlement device in which a customer performs an operation based on the settlement information of the product transmitted from the product registration device and a settlement process is performed; receiving a notification signal indicating that the receipt remaining amount of the settlement device has fallen below a first reference value, together with identification information of the settlement device; Identifying the settlement device that output the notification signal based on the identification information; A data processing method for a product registration device that notifies the user that the remaining amount of receipt paper in the identified settlement device has fallen below the first reference value. 22. In the data processing method for the product registration device according to 22., The product registration device, Identifying a selected settlement device from among the candidates; Lowering the priority of the identified settlement device among the candidates; Transmitting payment information in which the product is registered to the specified payment device; A data processing method for a product registration device. 23. In the data processing method of the product registration device according to 22., The product registration device, Identifying a selected settlement device from among the candidates; The identified settlement device is removed from the candidates. Transmitting payment information in which the product is registered to the specified payment device; A data processing method for a product registration device. 24. A computer that realizes a payment device that communicates with a product registration device that is operated by a store clerk and registers products to be purchased, and performs payment processing according to customer operations based on payment information for the products transmitted from the product registration device, A step of detecting a remaining amount of receipt paper on which the settlement result obtained by the settlement process is printed; a program for executing a procedure for outputting a first notification signal to the product registration device when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value. 25. In the program according to 24., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of identifying a merchandise registration device that is the source of the settlement information, and outputting the first notification signal to the identified merchandise registration device. 26. In the program according to 24. or 25., a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for outputting a second notification signal when the remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value; 27. In the program according to 26., A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for transmitting the second notification signal to a store terminal different from the product registration device. 28. In the program according to any one of 24. to 27., a program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for activating an alarm output device when the remaining amount falls to or below the first reference value; 29. A computer that realizes a product registration device that is operated by a store clerk to register a product to be purchased, a step of communicating with at least one settlement device which performs settlement processing by a customer's operation based on the settlement information of the product transmitted from the product registration device, and receiving a notification signal indicating that the receipt remaining amount of the settlement device has fallen below a first reference value together with identification information of the settlement device; a step of identifying the settlement device that output the notification signal based on the identification information; A program for executing a procedure for notifying that the remaining amount of receipt paper in the identified settlement device has fallen below the first reference value. 30. In the program described in 29., a step of identifying a settlement device selected from the candidates and transmitting settlement information in which the product is registered to the identified settlement device; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for lowering the priority of the identified settlement device among the candidates. 31. In the program described in 29., a step of identifying a settlement device selected from the candidates and transmitting settlement information in which the product is registered to the identified settlement device; A program for causing a computer to execute a procedure for removing the identified settlement device from the candidates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Information Processing Systems 3. Network 10 Product registration device 20 Payment device 30 Receipt Paper 32 Mandrel 34 Outer Edge 40 Rotating Light 50 Store terminals 60 Store clerk mobile terminal 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Storage 104 Input / Output Interface 105 Communication unit 1041 Display device 1042 Input Device 1045 Reading device 110 Receiving unit 120 Specific section 130 Notification Department 150 Notification screen 201 Processor 202 Memory 203 Storage 205 Communication Unit 2041 Display device 2043 Printing device 2044 Money handling equipment 210 Detection unit 220 Output section 230 Equipment Correspondence Table 310 Product registration device 312 Transmitter 320, 330 Candidate Table 340 Selection Screen 342 Send button

Claims

1. A payment device in which a customer operates the device to perform payment processing based on payment information of a product transmitted from a product registration device operated by a store clerk to register the product to be purchased, the payment device comprising: a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of receipt paper on which the result of the settlement process is printed; a lighting means that lights up in response to the remaining amount of receipt paper detected by the detection means; an output means for outputting a first notification signal for turning on the lighting means when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value, and outputting a second notification signal to a product registration device or a store terminal that is a source of the settlement information when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, the first reference value is a value set within a range in which the remaining amount of the receipt paper allows printing on the receipt paper, and the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value; Payment device.

2. The settlement device according to claim 1, The detection means detects that the remaining amount of the receipt paper is equal to or less than the first reference value by detecting a near-end mark of the receipt paper.

3. In the settlement device according to claim 1 or 2, Further comprising an alarm output means, The output means is a settlement device that activates the alarm output means when the remaining amount falls below the first reference value.

4. In the settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The store terminal is a settlement device including a store clerk mobile terminal carried by a store clerk.

5. In the settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the remaining amount of receipt paper falls below the second reference value, the output means, in addition to outputting to the product registration device or the store terminal, operates the lighting means in a different manner than when the remaining amount of receipt paper falls below the first reference value.

6. A data processing method for a payment device that communicates with a product registration device that is operated by a store clerk and registers a product to be purchased, and performs payment processing according to a customer's operation based on payment information for the product transmitted from the product registration device, comprising: The settlement device, Detecting the remaining amount of receipt paper on which the settlement result is printed; turning on a lighting means according to the detected remaining amount of receipt paper; outputting a first notification signal for turning on the lighting means when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value; When the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value, a second notification signal is output to the product registration device or the store terminal that is the source of the settlement information, the first reference value is a value set within a range in which the remaining amount of the receipt paper allows printing on the receipt paper, and the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value; A data processing method for a settlement device.

7. a computer that realizes a payment device that communicates with a product registration device that is operated by a store clerk and registers products to be purchased, and that performs payment processing according to operation by a customer based on payment information for the products transmitted from the product registration device; A step of detecting a remaining amount of receipt paper on which the settlement result obtained by the settlement process is printed; a step of turning on a lighting means in accordance with the remaining amount of receipt paper detected in the step of detecting; a step of outputting a first notification signal for turning on the lighting means when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a first reference value; a program for executing a procedure of outputting a second notification signal to the product registration device or the store terminal that is the source of the settlement information when the detected remaining amount becomes equal to or less than a second reference value; the first reference value is a value set within a range in which the remaining amount of the receipt paper allows printing on the receipt paper, and the second reference value is smaller than the first reference value; program.

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