Payment device and program

Abstract

To immediately perform adjustment in accordance with a situation of each adjustment device.SOLUTION: Provided is a POS system having a registration device for a shop clerk to register a commodity to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of adjustment devices to be operated by the customer by himself / herself based on registration data on the commodity to perform adjustment processing. The registration device includes selection means for selecting an adjustment device for performing the adjustment processing of the customer, transmission means for transmitting the registration data on the registered commodity such that the adjustment processing of the customer can be performed with the adjustment device selected by the selection means, and display means for displaying an icon for commodity selection. The adjustment device includes receiving means for receiving the registration data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a settlement device and a program. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Currently, there is a POS (Point Of Sales) system including a product registration device for registering products and a plurality of settlement devices for settling the registered products. In such a POS system, as a method for the customer to settle, when the registration operation is completed in the product registration device, the customer is handed an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, and the IC card is read by the settlement device for settlement (for example, see Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Utility Model Registration No. 2603807 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that a medium such as an IC card for handing to the customer is required. Therefore, a method of designating one of a plurality of settlement devices and transmitting transaction-related data from the product registration device to the designated settlement device without using a medium can be considered. In this method, for example, when the store becomes crowded and transaction-related data for a plurality of transactions is transmitted to one settlement device, even if another settlement device is available, the next customer cannot settle their transaction until the previous customer's settlement is completed. For this reason, when the settlement of the previous customer's transaction takes a long time, the next customer takes a long time to settle. Also, when a trouble occurs in the settlement device during the settlement of the previous customer, similarly, the settlement of the next customer is performed after the trouble of the settlement device, and the settlement cannot be performed quickly. 【0005】 The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a technology that enables quick settlement according to the status of each settlement device. [Means for solving the problem] 【0006】 One aspect of the present invention is a POS system having a registration device for which a store clerk registers products to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices which the customer operates themselves to perform payment processing based on the registered product data, wherein the registration device includes a selection means for selecting a payment device to perform the customer's payment processing, a transmission means for transmitting the registered product registration data so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at the payment device selected by the selection means, and a display means for displaying icons for product selection, and the payment device includes a receiving means for receiving the registration data. 【0007】 Another aspect of the present invention is a settlement device in a POS system having a registration device that registers products to be purchased by a customer, selects a settlement device that processes the customer's settlement, transmits the registration data of the registered products so that the customer's settlement can be processed by the selected settlement device, and displays icons for product selection, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to process the settlement based on the registration data of the products, the settlement device comprising a receiving means for receiving the registration data. 【0008】 Another aspect of the present invention is a registration device in a POS system having a store clerk register the products to be purchased by a customer, a payment processing device for the customer to be processed by the store clerk, and a plurality of payment processing devices operated by the customer themselves to settle the payment based on the product registration data, wherein the registration device is equipped with a display means for displaying icons for product registration. 【0009】 Another aspect of the present invention is a POS system program in which a first computer functions as a registration device for store employees to register products to be purchased by a customer, and a second computer functions as a plurality of payment devices that customers operate themselves to perform payment processing based on the registered product data, wherein the first computer functions as a selection means for selecting a payment device to perform the customer's payment processing, a transmission means for transmitting the registered product registration data so that the customer's payment processing can be performed at the payment device selected by the selection means, and a display means for displaying icons for product selection, and the second computer functions as a receiving means for receiving the registration data. 【0010】 Another aspect of the present invention is a program to cause a computer acting as a settlement device in a POS system, which includes a registration device that allows a store clerk to register products to be purchased by a customer, selects a settlement device to process the customer's payment, transmits the registration data of the registered products and displays icons for product selection so that the selected settlement device can process the customer's payment, and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to process the payment based on the registration data of the products, to function as a receiving means for receiving the registration data. 【0011】 Another aspect of the present invention is a program to cause a computer acting as the registration device in a POS system, which includes a registration device that transmits the registration data of the registered products so that a store clerk can register the products to be purchased by a customer, select a settlement device that processes the customer's payment, and enable the selected settlement device to process the customer's payment; and a plurality of settlement devices that the customer operates themselves to process the payment, each equipped with a display means for displaying a payment method, which is either cash or credit card, for settling the payment based on the registration data of the products. [Effects of the Invention] 【0012】 According to the present invention, settlement can be performed quickly according to the status of each settlement device. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0013】 [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a POS system in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data examples of the registration data table stored in the RAM of the product registration device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an image diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed by the product registration device in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of an unsettled transaction screen displayed by the product registration device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an image diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the product registration device in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data example of the transaction data table stored in the RAM of the settlement device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data example of the settlement status data table stored by the store controller in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the processing in the POS system in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the flow of the registration process in the product registration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the accounting process in the settlement device in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the flow of the change process in the product registration device in the first embodiment. [Figure 14]It is an image diagram showing an example of an outstanding settlement transaction screen displayed by the settlement device in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is an image diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the settlement device in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the flow of change processing in the settlement device in the second embodiment. 【Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0014】 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a POS system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 10, two merchandise registration devices 20, and four settlement devices 30. The store controller 10, the two merchandise registration devices 20, and the four settlement devices 30 are interconnected by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11. 【0015】 Note that the configuration of the POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and for example, the number of merchandise registration devices 20 and settlement devices 30 can be further increased or decreased. Also, the store controller 10, the merchandise registration devices 20, and the settlement devices 30 do not necessarily have to be connected by the LAN 11. In that case, data exchange can be performed using power line communication or the like that utilizes electrical wiring to achieve high-speed communication. It is also possible to omit the store controller 10 by having the merchandise registration device 20 have the functions of the store controller 10. 【0016】 The store controller 10 is a computer that controls the POS system 1 and manages various information such as the product master. The store controller 10 also transmits the latest product master to the product registration device 20 and each settlement device 30 as needed. Here, the product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information, product name, and sales price for each product, and is updated as needed. The store controller 10 also manages the settlement status of each transaction. For example, the store controller 10 stores a settlement status data table that shows the settlement status of each transaction and notifies each product registration device 20 of the settlement status of each transaction. 【0017】 The product registration device 20 processes data for products that a customer intends to purchase. Data registration is performed, for example, by reading the barcode attached to the product. Therefore, the product registration device 20 is equipped with a scanner that, for example, allows a store employee to read the barcode attached to the product the customer is purchasing. 【0018】 Furthermore, the product registration device 20 selects a settlement device 30 to settle the transaction for which the product data has been registered. The product registration device 20 then transmits transaction data to the selected settlement device 30. Transaction data includes a transaction number that identifies the transaction, the total amount of all products registered in that transaction, and the product codes of the registered products. The product code is identification information that identifies the product. The customer of the transaction can perform the settlement process themselves by operating the settlement device 30 to which the transaction data has been transmitted. Settlement is the process of paying for the goods to be purchased using cash, electronic money, credit card, etc., as selected. 【0019】 Furthermore, when the product registration device 20 transmits transaction data, it displays to the store clerk or customer which payment device 30 the transaction data has been sent to. For example, if it is displayed to the store clerk, the clerk can verbally inform the customer. The method of display in this case is arbitrary. For example, it can be done by highlighting the payment device 30 to which the data was transmitted on a touch panel installed on the product registration device 20 facing the store clerk. Alternatively, the product registration device 20 may display instructions indicating the recipient payment device 30 on a display unit facing the customer. Alternatively, a receipt (for example, a numbered receipt with the payment device 30 number printed on it) guiding the customer to the appropriate payment device 30 may be issued and handed to the customer. 【0020】 Furthermore, the product registration device 20 may be configured to print all the purchase details of the products purchased by the customer. In this case, the customer can confirm the registered information using the product registration device 20 by viewing the printed result before operating the payment device 30 to complete the payment process. 【0021】 Furthermore, the product registration device 20 can change the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction. The selection of the settlement device 30 is done manually by the store clerk. For example, the store clerk can assess the status of the settlement devices 30 and change the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction on the touch panel. This allows the customer to settle the transaction at another settlement device 30 if, for example, there is a queue of customers at the selected settlement device 30, or if the automatic change dispenser of the settlement device 30 malfunctions. 【0022】 On the other hand, the payment device 30 is a device that customers can operate themselves to perform payment processing, and is equipped with payment devices such as an automatic change dispenser, a card reader (for example, for credit cards and point cards), and an RF (Radio Frequency) reader (for example, for electronic money). 【0023】 Furthermore, when the payment device 30 receives data related to the above transaction from the product registration device 20, it notifies (i.e., guides) the customer so that they know to go to the payment device 30. An example of notification is to display predetermined number or other textual information on the entire screen of the display unit of the payment device 30. This number or other textual information is information that the product registration device 20 (or the store clerk operating the product registration device 20) has separately informed the customer of. The customer then goes to the payment device 30 that is displaying their number, for example. Another example of notification is to guide the customer by lighting up a predetermined lamp on the payment device 30. For example, it may light up in a specific color, and the customer should go to the payment device 30 of the specified color. It may also blink. Another example of notification is to display the membership card number on the screen of the payment device 30. This membership card number is read by the product registration device 20, for example. The customer will then go to payment machine 30, which displays their membership card number. 【0024】 Furthermore, after the notification, the payment device 30 enters a standby state. That is, after making a notification, the payment device 30 enters a state where it waits for instructions to start the payment process corresponding to the received transaction data. An example of releasing the standby state is when a customer touches the display screen of the payment device 30 (or presses a button), and the payment process starts automatically. Nothing is displayed on the screen until it is touched, or only a number is displayed, as in the notification example above. Alternatively, the payment device 30 may use a human detection sensor to detect whether a customer is approaching and start the payment process. In this case as well, the screen can remain blank or display only a number until detection occurs. The payment device 30 starts the payment process when it detects a person approaching using the human detection sensor. Alternatively, a camera can be used instead of a human detection sensor. For example, cameras could be installed on the payment device 30 and the product registration device 20, and the payment process could be started only when the same person approaches using facial recognition. 【0025】 Furthermore, the settlement process for the settlement device 30 in standby mode can be carried out as follows: (1) First, the payment method is selected. The customer selects one of the following, or a combination of the following, according to their operation: cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. (2) Next, the settlement is executed. The settlement is executed by inserting cash into the banknote and coin slots of the settlement device 30, paying change, reading a card with a card reader, etc. (3) Next, a receipt is issued using the printing unit of the settlement device 30. The receipt will have, for example, a list of purchased items, the total purchase amount, the amount received, the amount of change, etc. printed on it. (4) Then, the settlement device 30 finishes the settlement process and becomes idle. 【0026】 The payment method for the settlement device 30 may also be declared in the product registration device 20. In this case, the product registration device 20 sends the payment method information to the settlement device 30, and the settlement device 30 starts processing from the operation described in (2) above. 【0027】 Next, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, an example of the configuration of the product registration device 20 and settlement device 30 in Figure 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration device 20. 【0028】 As shown in Figure 2, the product registration device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit (for staff) 205, a display unit (for customers) 205a, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, and a buzzer 208. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. 【0029】 ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores programs in advance. CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the product registration device 20 by reading and executing programs stored in ROM 202. For example, CPU (designation means) 201 displays a registration screen on the display unit (for staff) 205 for specifying a settlement device 30 to settle transactions in which products have been registered. CPU (transmission means) transmits transaction data to the settlement device 30 specified on the registration screen via the communication unit 207. CPU (acquisition means) acquires data indicating completed transactions from each settlement device 30 via the communication unit 207 and stores the acquired data in RAM 203. CPU 201 also displays an unsettled transaction screen on the display unit (for staff) (display means) 205, which allows selection of transactions for which a settlement device 30 has been specified and for which settlement has not yet been completed at the settlement device 30. Furthermore, the CPU (selection means) 201 displays a change screen on the display unit (for staff) 205, allowing the user to choose whether to cancel the transaction selected on the unsettled transaction screen or to change the settlement device 30 for that transaction. If the user selects to change the settlement device 30 via the change screen, the CPU (change means) 201 changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction. 【0030】 The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM (storage means) 203 stores the product master, a registration data file which contains data related to transactions in which the device registered products, settlement status data which shows the settlement status of transactions in which other product registration devices 20 registered products, and the product registration device number of the device itself. The product registration device number is a number that identifies each product registration device 20. In addition, for example, the RAM 203 may store a history of when the operation buttons have been operated. 【0031】 The display unit (for staff) 205 and the display unit (for customers) 205a display various information. For example, the display unit (for staff) 205 and the display unit (for customers) 205a display information obtained from the product master (e.g., product name, price, etc.). The display unit (for staff) 205 is a touch panel (e.g., an LCD touch panel) and displays various information for staff. Furthermore, the display unit (for staff) 205 accepts operation input for pre-set product information (product code, etc.) when operation buttons (preset buttons) displayed in the area of ​​the screen are operated. 【0032】 The operation unit 206 is equipped with various operation buttons (subtotal key, current total key, entry key, correction key, and preset key, etc.) for operating the product registration device 20. For example, when an operation button (preset key) is operated, the operation unit 206 accepts operation input for product information (product code, etc.) that has been pre-registered to that preset key. 【0033】 The communication unit 207 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. The buzzer 208 emits a buzzer sound when it is necessary for a store employee to confirm the operation. 【0034】 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment device 30. As shown in this figure, the payment device 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a sign pole 311, and a human detection sensor 312. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. 【0035】 ROM302 is a read-only memory that stores programs. CPU301 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the settlement device 30 by reading and executing programs stored in ROM302. 【0036】 RAM303 is a read-and-write memory that stores various types of information. For example, RAM303 stores product master data obtained from the store controller 10, transaction data files containing data related to transactions settled by the device, and the device's settlement device number. The settlement device number is a number that identifies each settlement device 30. 【0037】 The scanner unit 304 optically reads barcodes (member codes) attached to, for example, membership cards. 【0038】 The display unit 305 displays various information on the screen in response to control from the CPU 301. The display unit 305 also stores the operation history of the operation buttons displayed on the screen (e.g., number of operations, order of operations, etc.) in the RAM 303 for each operation button. 【0039】 The operation unit 306 is equipped with various operation buttons (correction keys, preset keys, etc.) for operating the settlement device 30. For example, the operation unit 306 accepts corrections to operation inputs when an operation button (correction key) is operated. 【0040】 The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. For example, it connects to the store controller 10 and obtains the latest product master data from the store controller 10. 【0041】 The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound to notify the customer of an error if one occurs. The printing unit 309 prints and issues a paid receipt for the customer to take home once the settlement process (i.e., settlement of the purchase price of the goods) is completed. 【0042】 The settlement unit 310 is configured to include a change dispenser, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc., and their control units, and settlement processing is performed using cash, credit, and electronic money using the settlement unit 310. The settlement unit 310 executes cash settlements using the change dispenser and outputs the result of the settlement (for example, information indicating whether the settlement was completed or not) to the CPU 301 via the bus. The change dispenser is equipped with a banknote slot for inserting and ejecting banknotes, a coin slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection slot for ejecting change. The settlement unit 310 also executes credit settlements and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via ports and buses. The settlement unit 310 also executes electronic money settlements and outputs the result of the settlement to the CPU 301 via buses. 【0043】 The sign pole 311 has indicator lights of multiple colors, and by lighting or flashing these indicator lights, it notifies information that the payment device 30 is the selected device or that it is operable. The human detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects when a person (customer) is within a predetermined area in front of the payment device 30. 【0044】 Next, with reference to Figure 4, the registration data table stored in the product registration device 20 will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data examples of the registration data table stored in the RAM 203 of the product registration device 20. As shown in the figure, the registration data table has the following items: transaction number, product code, date and time, amount, settlement status information, and settlement device number. The transaction number is identification information that identifies each transaction. The product code is identification information of the product registered in that transaction. The date and time is the date and time when the registration of the product in that transaction was completed. The amount is the total amount of all the products to be purchased in that transaction. The settlement status information is a flag that indicates the settlement status of the transaction. For example, settlement status information "0" indicates that settlement has not been made (hereinafter referred to as "unsettled"), settlement status information "1" indicates that settlement is in progress (hereinafter referred to as "settling"), and settlement status information "2" indicates that settlement has been completed (hereinafter referred to as "settled"). The settlement device number is the identification information of the settlement device that settles the transaction in question. 【0045】 Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, the screens displayed by the product registration device 20 will be explained. Figure 5 is an image diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed by the product registration device 20. The registration screen shown in this figure is the screen displayed when the product registration device 20 registers a product. In this example, along with an icon for product selection (vegetables in this example), information such as the price and quantity, a settlement device key 501 for specifying the settlement device 30 and an unsettled transaction display button 506 for displaying unsettled transactions are displayed. For the sake of clarity, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to settlement device 30 with settlement device number "1" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 No. 1) will be designated as settlement device key 501a, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to settlement device 30 with settlement device number "2" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 No. 2) will be designated as settlement device key 501b, the settlement device key 501 corresponding to settlement device 30 with settlement device number "3" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 No. 3) will be designated as settlement device key 501c, and the settlement device key 501 corresponding to settlement device 30 with settlement device number "4" (hereinafter referred to as settlement device 30 No. 4) will be designated as settlement device key 501d. The settlement device key 501 displays the transaction number of the transaction to be settled by the corresponding settlement device 30 that is either unsettled or in the process of being settled. Furthermore, a payment device 30 for which the transaction number is not displayed on the payment device key 501 indicates that it is available (not being used by a customer). In other words, payment device 30 for payment device key 501 that displays a transaction number is in use, while payment device 30 for payment device key 501 that does not display a transaction number is not in use. The store clerk selects the payment device 30 to settle the transaction being registered by pressing one of the payment device keys 501. The payment device key 501 also serves as a button to declare that the registration of the product is complete. Therefore, when the payment device key 501 is pressed, the product registration device 20 terminates the registration of the product in that transaction. 【0046】 Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of an unsettled transaction screen displayed by the product registration device 20. The unsettled transaction screen shown in this figure is displayed when the unsettled transaction display button 506 is pressed on the registration screen shown in Figure 5. The unsettled transaction screen displays a list of transactions for which products have been registered on the device but have not yet been settled. In this example, the transaction number, amount, and date and time of the unsettled transaction are displayed. In the illustrated example, the transaction number "100002", amount "1000", and date and time of the transaction with settlement status information of "0" from the example data in the registration data table shown in Figure 4 are displayed. Each transaction displayed in the list is selectable. The store clerk selects a transaction by pressing the transaction number of the desired transaction from the list. 【0047】 Figure 7 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the product registration device 20. The change screen shown in this figure is displayed when a transaction is selected from the unsettled transactions screen shown in Figure 6. The change screen is used to change the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction selected on the unsettled transactions screen. In this example, the transaction number of the selected transaction, a change button 701 to change the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction, a cancel button 704 to cancel the transaction, an add button 705 to add a product to the transaction, and a cancel button 706 to return to the registration screen are displayed. The change button 701 displays the settlement device 30 other than the one specified on the registration screen shown in Figure 5. In this example, since settlement device 30 No. 1 is specified on the registration screen, the change button 701a corresponding to settlement device 30 No. 2, the change button 701b corresponding to settlement device 30 No. 3, and the change button 701c corresponding to settlement device 30 No. 4 are displayed. The store clerk changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction by selecting and pressing one of the change buttons 701. 【0048】 Next, with reference to Figure 8, the transaction data table stored in the settlement device 30 will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data examples of the transaction data table stored in the RAM 303 of the settlement device 30. As shown in the figure, the transaction data table has data for each transaction number, consisting of the amount and settlement status information. The transaction number is the transaction number of the transaction to be settled by this device. The amount is the total amount of the transaction. The settlement status information is a flag indicating the settlement status of the transaction. 【0049】 Next, with reference to Figure 9, the settlement status data table stored by the store controller 10 will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure and data examples of the settlement status data table stored by the store controller 10. The settlement status data table shows the settlement status of each transaction. As shown in the figure, the settlement status data table has data for each item, settlement status information and settlement device number, for each transaction number. In addition, the settlement status table is stored separately for each product registration device 20. For example, the settlement status table shown in Figure 9(a) shows the settlement status of a transaction registered in product registration device 20 with product registration device number "10", and the settlement status table shown in Figure 9(b) shows the settlement status of a transaction registered in product registration device 20 with product registration device number "11". Here, the first two digits of the transaction number indicate the registration device number. Based on the first two digits of the transaction number, the store controller 10 determines which product registration device 20 registered the transaction. 【0050】 Next, the operation of the POS system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 13. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of processing in the POS system. The processing shown in this figure is performed when product registration is completed in the product registration device 20. First, the product registration device 20 transmits the transaction number of the transaction in which product registration has been completed to the settlement device 30 which settles the transaction (step S101). At this time, the product registration device 20 also transmits the amount of the transaction along with the transaction number. The settlement device 30 adds the received transaction number, the received amount, and the settlement status information "0" to the transaction data table and stores it. 【0051】 Next, the product registration device 20 transmits settlement status data for transactions in which product registration has been completed to the store controller 10 (step S102). The settlement status data includes the transaction number of the transaction in which the product was registered, the settlement status information "0" for that transaction, and the settlement device number of the settlement device 30 that settles that transaction. When the store controller 10 receives the settlement status data, it adds the received settlement status data to the settlement status data table and stores it (step S111). Next, the store controller 10 determines the product registration device 20 of the settlement status data based on the first two digits of the transaction number included in the received settlement status data. Then, the store controller 10 transmits the received settlement status data to product registration devices 20 other than the one determined (step S112). When the product registration device 20 receives the settlement status data from another product registration device 20, it stores the received settlement status data. 【0052】 When the settlement device 30 receives a transaction number from the product registration device 20, if settlement is not in progress, it sends a product data request signal to the product registration device 20 requesting product data (step S103). This product data request signal includes the transaction number received in step S101. If settlement is in progress, the settlement device 30 sends a product data request signal to the product registration device 20 once settlement is complete. Upon receiving the product data request signal, the product registration device 20 sends product data to the settlement device 30 (step S104). The product data includes a product code corresponding to the transaction number received in step S103. Upon receiving the product data, the settlement device 30 sends a settlement signal to the store controller 10 to notify it that the transaction is being settled (step S105). The settlement signal includes the transaction number of the transaction being settled and settlement status information "1". When the store controller 10 receives a settlement signal, it updates the settlement status data table by rewriting the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement signal to "1" (step S113). Subsequently, the settlement device 30 executes the settlement process for the transaction (step S106). 【0053】 Once the settlement process is complete, the settlement device 30 transmits settlement completion information to the product registration device 20 to notify it that the settlement of the transaction has been completed (step S107). The settlement completion signal includes the transaction number of the transaction that has been settled and settlement status information "2". When the product registration device 20 receives the settlement completion signal, it updates the registration data table by rewriting the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal to "2". Subsequently, the settlement device 30 transmits the settlement completion signal to the store controller 10 (step S108). 【0054】 When the store controller 10 receives a settlement completion signal, it updates the settlement status data table by rewriting the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal to "2" (step S114). Next, the store controller 10 determines the product registration device 20 of the settlement completion signal based on the first two digits of the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal. Then, the store controller 10 transmits the received settlement completion signal to the product registration devices 20 other than the product registration device 20 that was determined to be the settlement completion signal (step S115). When a product registration device 20 receives a settlement completion signal for a transaction registered by another product registration device 20, it updates the settlement status data of the other product registration device 20 by rewriting the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received settlement completion signal to "2". 【0055】 Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the registration process in the product registration device 20. First, the CPU 201 registers the product (step S201). Specifically, the CPU 201 displays the registration screen shown in Figure 5 on the display unit (for store staff) 205 and starts reading the barcode with the scanner unit 204. The store staff uses the scanner unit 204 to read the product's barcode. The scanner unit 204 reads the product code indicated by the barcode. The CPU 201 writes the read product code to the RAM 203 and registers the product. Also, when displaying the registration screen, the CPU 201 displays the transaction number on the settlement device key 501 based on the registration data file stored in the RAM 203 and the settlement status data of other product registration devices 20. For example, in the case of settlement device key 501a, CPU 201 displays the transaction number "100001" for the transaction with the most recent date and time among transactions where the settlement device number is "1" and the settlement status information is "0" or "1" on the settlement device key 501a. 【0056】 Next, the CPU 201 determines whether the settlement device key 501 on the registration screen was pressed and whether the settlement device 30 for settling the transaction was specified (step S202). If the settlement device key 501 was not pressed (step S202: No), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the settlement device key 501 was pressed (step S202: Yes), the CPU 201 transmits the transaction number of the transaction in which the product was registered in step S201 to the store controller 10 and to the settlement device 30 corresponding to the settlement device key 501 pressed (specified) in step S202 (step S203 (corresponding to S101 and S102 above)). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether it has received a product data request signal from the settlement device 30 (step S204). If it has not received a product data request signal (step S204: No), the process returns to step S204. 【0057】 On the other hand, if the CPU 201 receives a product data request signal (step S204: Yes), it reads the product data corresponding to the transaction number included in the received product data request signal from the registration data table and sends the read product data to the settlement device 30 that sent the signal (step S205 (corresponding to step 104 described above)). Then, on the registration screen displayed on the display unit (for store staff) 205, the CPU 201 displays the transaction number of the transaction in which the product was registered in step S201 on the settlement device key 501 that was pressed in step S202 (step S206), and returns to step S201. 【0058】 Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the accounting process in the settlement device 30. First, the CPU 301 receives the transaction number and the amount of that transaction number from the product registration device 20 (step S301). Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not its own device is in the process of settlement (step S302). If the CPU 301 is in the process of settlement (step S302: Yes), it writes the received transaction number and amount to the transaction data table for storage (step S303) and returns to step S302. 【0059】 On the other hand, if the CPU 301 is not in the process of settlement (step S302: No), it sends a product data request signal containing the transaction number received in step S301 to the product registration device 20 that sent the transaction number (step S304 (corresponding to step S103 above)). Subsequently, the CPU 301 receives product data from the product registration device 20 to which the product data request signal was sent (step S305 (corresponding to step S104 above)). Then, the CPU 301 executes the settlement process (step S306 (corresponding to step S106 above)). At this time, the CPU 301 sends a settlement in progress signal to the store controller 10 (step S307 (corresponding to step S105 above)). The settlement in progress signal includes the transaction number of the transaction being settled and settlement status information "1". Then, once the settlement process is complete, the CPU 301 sends a settlement completion signal to the product registration device 20 and the store controller 10 (step S308 (corresponding to steps S107 and S108 described above)), and returns to step S301. 【0060】 Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the change process in the product registration device 20. The change process shown in this figure is executed when the unsettled transaction display button 506 is pressed on the registration screen shown in Figure 5 (step S401). First, the CPU 201 displays the unsettled transaction screen shown in Figure 6 on the display unit 205 (step S402). Specifically, the CPU 201 reads the transaction number, date and time, and amount of transactions for which the settlement status information is "0" from the registration data table stored in RAM 203, and displays a list of the read transaction numbers, date and time, and amount pairs on the display unit (for staff) 205. Next, the CPU 201 accepts the selection input of a transaction number from the displayed list (step S403). The staff member selects the transaction number of the transaction for which they want to change the settlement device 30 from the list displayed on the display unit (for staff) 205. 【0061】 When a transaction number is selected from the list of unsettled transactions on the screen, the CPU 201 displays the change screen shown in Figure 7 on the display unit (for staff) 205 (step S404). Specifically, the CPU 201 reads the settlement device number corresponding to the selected transaction number from the registration data table stored in RAM 203, and displays the change button 701 corresponding to the settlement device number other than the read one, the selected transaction number, the cancel button 704, the add button 705, and the cancel button 706 on the display unit (for staff) 205. Next, the CPU 201 determines whether a settlement device number has been selected or not (step S405). Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether any of the change buttons 701 have been pressed on the change screen. 【0062】 If a settlement device number is selected (step S405: Yes), the CPU 201 sends a confirmation request signal to the store controller 10 to inquire whether the settlement status information for the selected transaction number is "0" (step S406). The confirmation request signal includes the selected transaction number. When the store controller 10 receives the confirmation request signal, it reads the settlement status information corresponding to the transaction number included in the received confirmation request signal from the settlement status data table and returns the read settlement status information. 【0063】 Next, when the CPU 201 receives settlement status information from the store controller 10, it determines whether the received settlement status information is "0" or not (step S407). If the received settlement status information is "0" (step S407: Yes), the CPU 201 transmits the selected transaction number and the amount corresponding to that transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number (step S408), and terminates this process. On the other hand, if the received settlement status information is not "0" (step S407: No), the CPU 201 displays on the display unit (for store staff) 205 that the selected transaction number is currently being settled and therefore cannot be settled with another settlement device 30 (the settlement device 30 cannot be changed) (step S409), and terminates this process. 【0064】 On the other hand, if no settlement device number is selected in step S405 (step S405: No), the CPU 201 determines whether the cancel button 704 has been pressed (step S410). If the cancel button 704 has been pressed (step S410: Yes), the CPU 201 executes a cancellation process to cancel the transaction of the selected transaction number (step S411) and then terminates the process. Specifically, the CPU 201 sends a cancellation signal to cancel the transaction number to the settlement device 30 and the store controller 10 corresponding to the settlement device number of the transaction number. The CPU 201 also deletes the record of the transaction number from the registration data table stored in RAM 203. 【0065】 On the other hand, if the cancel button 704 is not pressed (step S410: No), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the add button 705 has been pressed (step S412). If the add button 705 is pressed (step S412: Yes), the CPU 201 executes an additional process to register the product to the transaction number (step S413) and then terminates the process. Specifically, the CPU 201 displays the registration screen on the display unit (for store staff) 205 and accepts the registration of the additional product. 【0066】 On the other hand, if the add button 705 is not pressed (step S412: No), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cancel button 706 has been pressed (step S414). If the cancel button 706 has been pressed (step S414: Yes), the CPU 201 terminates this process. On the other hand, if the cancel button 706 has not been pressed (step S414: No), the CPU 201 returns to step S405. 【0067】 Thus, according to this embodiment, the product registration device 20 designates the settlement device 30 and transmits transaction data, and the settlement device settles the transaction using the transmitted transaction data. Therefore, there is no need to transfer transaction data between the product registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 via an intermediary. Furthermore, depending on the settlement status, for example, if the previous customer at the designated settlement device 30 is taking a long time to settle, the designated settlement device 30 can be changed to another settlement device 30 from among the multiple settlement devices 30, thus enabling quick settlement. In addition, in this embodiment, the settlement device 30 to be settled can be changed at the product registration device 20 operated by the store clerk, so the store clerk can quickly change the settlement device 30 to which settlement should be made according to the status of each settlement device 30. 【0068】 [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the product registration device 20 changes the settlement device 30 that settles transactions, but in this embodiment, the settlement device 30 changes the settlement device 30 that settles transactions. The configuration of the POS system 1 in this embodiment is the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 3. However, in this embodiment, the CPU 301 of the settlement device 30 displays an unsettled transaction screen on the display unit (display means) 305, which displays transactions to be settled by the device. The CPU (change means) 301 also changes the settlement device 30 for a transaction by stopping the settlement of the transaction selected on the unsettled transaction screen in the device and specifying another settlement device 30 to instruct the other settlement device 30 to settle the transaction. 【0069】 Next, the screens displayed by the settlement device 30 will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of the unsettled transaction screen displayed by the settlement device 30. The unsettled transaction screen shown in this figure is displayed when the unsettled transaction display button, which is always displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement device 30, is pressed. The unsettled transaction screen displays a list of transactions that the device is settling but have not yet settled. In this example, the transaction number and amount of the unsettled transactions are displayed. In the illustrated example, the transaction number "100002" and amount "1000" of a transaction with settlement status information of "0" from the transaction data table example shown in Figure 8 are displayed. Each transaction displayed in the list is selectable. The store clerk or customer selects a transaction by pressing the desired transaction from the list. 【0070】 Figure 15 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a change screen displayed by the settlement device 30. The change screen shown in this figure is displayed when a transaction is selected from the unsettled transactions screen shown in Figure 14. The change screen is used to change the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction selected on the unsettled transactions screen. In this example, the transaction number of the selected transaction, a change button 901 to change the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction, a cancel button 904 to cancel the transaction, and a cancel button 905 to return to the settlement screen are displayed. The change button 901 displays the one that corresponds to the settlement device 30 other than the current device. In this example, since the current device is settlement device 30 number 1, the change button 901a corresponding to settlement device 30 number 2, the change button 901b corresponding to settlement device 30 number 30, and the change button 901c corresponding to settlement device 30 number 4 are displayed. The store clerk changes the settlement device 30 that will settle the transaction by selecting and pressing one of the change buttons 901. 【0071】 Next, with reference to Figure 16, the operation of the POS system in this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the change process in the settlement device 30. The change process shown in this figure is executed when the unsettled transaction display button displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement device 30 is pressed (step S501). First, the CPU 301 displays the unsettled transaction screen shown in Figure 14 on the display unit 305 (step S502). Specifically, the CPU 301 reads the transaction number and amount of transactions for which the settlement status information is "0" from the transaction data table stored in the RAM 303, and displays a list of the read transaction number and amount pairs on the display unit 305. Subsequently, the CPU 301 accepts the selection input of a transaction number from the displayed list (step S503). The store clerk or customer selects the transaction number of the transaction for which they want to change the settlement device 30 from the list displayed on the display unit 305. 【0072】 When a transaction number is selected from the list of unsettled transactions on the screen, the CPU 301 displays the change screen shown in Figure 15 (step S504). Specifically, the CPU 301 displays a change button 901 corresponding to a settlement device 30 other than its own device, the selected transaction number, a cancel button 904, and a cancel button 905 on the display unit 305. Next, the CPU 301 determines whether a settlement device number has been selected (step S505). Specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether any of the change buttons 901 have been pressed on the change screen. 【0073】 If a settlement device number is selected (step S505: Yes), the CPU 301 transmits the selected transaction number and the amount corresponding to that transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number (step S506), instructing the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number to settle the transaction for that transaction number. As a result, the CPU 301 changes the settlement device 30 that settles the transaction for that transaction number to the settlement device 30 of the selected settlement device number. Then, the CPU 301 deletes the record of that transaction from the transaction data file stored in RAM 303, canceling the settlement of that transaction on its own device (step S507), and terminates this process. 【0074】 On the other hand, if no settlement device number is selected in step S505 (step S505: No), the CPU 301 determines whether or not the cancel button 904 has been pressed (step S508). If the cancel button 904 has been pressed (step S508: Yes), the CPU 301 executes a cancellation process to cancel the transaction of the selected transaction number (step S509) and then terminates this process. Specifically, the CPU 301 sends a cancellation signal to all product registration devices 20 and store controllers 10 to cancel the transaction number. The CPU 301 also deletes the record of the transaction number from the transaction data table stored in RAM 303. 【0075】 On the other hand, if the cancel button 904 is not pressed (step S508: No), the CPU 301 determines whether or not the cancel button 905 has been pressed (step S510). If the cancel button 905 has been pressed (step S510: Yes), the CPU 301 terminates this process. On the other hand, if the cancel button 905 has not been pressed (step S510: No), the CPU 301 returns to step S505. 【0076】 Thus, according to this embodiment, since the settlement device 30 that settles a transaction can be changed, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the store clerk or customer can quickly change the settlement device 30 to which settlement should be made according to the status of each settlement device 30. 【0077】 While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of this invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the store controller 10 is a single device, but the store controller 10 may be divided into a management device and a backup server. In this case, the management device stores only the settlement status data table, and the backup server stores all transaction data other than the settlement status data. For example, the backup server receives and stores the total transaction amount, the product code, quantity, unit price, etc. of the products purchased in the transaction from each product registration device 20. 【0078】 Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, unsettled transactions are displayed in a list for selection, but instead of selecting from a list, the transaction number, amount, and date and time of each unsettled transaction may be displayed one by one in either the newest or oldest order each time a button is pressed. Also, in the embodiment described above, the transaction number of the transaction being settled (or unsettled) by each settlement device 30 is displayed on the settlement device key 501, but this is not limited to this, and the settlement device key 501 may be displayed in a way that allows the user to determine whether each settlement device 30 is being used by a customer, for example, by displaying "In Use" or "Not In Use" on the settlement device key 501. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment shows an example of changing the payment device to be used for settlement via the product registration device 20 or the payment device 30, it is not limited to this. For example, an attendant terminal that can communicate with the product registration device 20 and the payment device 30, is operable by a store employee, and particularly monitors the settlement status at the payment device 30, or a mobile terminal carried by a store employee may have the same functionality as the product registration device 20 or the payment device 30 in changing the payment device, so that the payment device to be used for settlement can be changed using the attendant terminal or mobile terminal. 【0079】 Alternatively, the program for implementing the POS system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the execution process. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. 【0080】 Furthermore, "computer system" includes the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is being used. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to storage devices such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, flash memory and other writable non-volatile memory, portable media such as CD-ROMs, and hard disks built into computer systems. 【0081】 Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" includes volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time. The program may also be transmitted from the computer system storing it to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be intended to implement only a part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0082】 10…Store Controller 11…LAN 20…Product registration device 30…Payment device 201…CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Scanner section 205...Display section (for clerk) 205a...Display section (for customers) 206...Operation unit 207... Communications Department 208... Buzzer 301…CPU 302...ROM 303...RAM 304...Scanner section 305...Display section 306...Operation unit 307... Communications Department 308... Buzzer 309…Printing Department 310...Payment Department 311... Barber pole 312... Human detection sensor

Claims

[Claim 1] A system comprising a registration device operated by a store employee to register products, multiple payment devices operated by customers themselves to complete payment, and a store controller, The aforementioned store controller, Processing means that, after the registration device transmits information about the transaction to a settlement device that settles the transaction, receives information from the registration device indicating that the transaction is unsettled, and transmits to other registration devices that the transaction is unsettled, Upon receiving a signal from the settlement device indicating the completion of settlement of a transaction, the determination means determines the registration device that registered the transaction. The device includes a transmitting means for transmitting a signal to other registration devices indicating that the settlement of the transaction has been completed. A system characterized by the following features. [Claim 2] A store controller in a system having a registration device operated by a store employee to register products, multiple payment devices operated by customers to complete payment, and a store controller, The aforementioned store controller is, After the registration device transmits information about the transaction to a settlement device that settles the transaction, the processing unit receives information from the registration device indicating that the transaction is unsettled and transmits to other registration devices that the transaction is unsettled. Upon receiving a signal from the settlement device indicating the completion of settlement of a transaction, the determination unit determines the registration device that registered the transaction. The device includes a transmitting unit that transmits a signal to other registration devices indicating that the settlement of the transaction has been completed. A store controller characterized by the following features. [Claim 3] A program that enables a computer acting as a store controller in a system having a registration device operated by a store employee to register products, multiple payment devices operated by customers to complete transactions, and a store controller, to function as a store controller. The aforementioned store controller, Processing means that, after the registration device transmits information about the transaction to a settlement device that settles the transaction, receives information from the registration device indicating that the transaction is unsettled, and transmits to other registration devices that the transaction is unsettled, Upon receiving a signal from the settlement device indicating the completion of settlement of a transaction, the determination means determines the registration device that registered the transaction. To function as a transmitting means for transmitting a signal to other registration devices indicating that the settlement of the transaction has been completed. A program characterized by the following features.

Images