System, registration device, settlement device, and program

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known an accounting system in which a product registration terminal (registration device) for registering products to be purchased and an accounting device (settlement device) for performing accounting on the purchased products registered by the product registration terminal are separately configured (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an accounting system, the accounting device can perform settlement of purchased products by a customer. Thereby, for example, the operation of receiving product prices is unmanned.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The registration device transmits product registration information based on the registration result of the product as a settlement instruction to the settlement device, and the settlement device performs settlement processing based on the received product registration information. For this reason, if the settlement processing has not been completed in the settlement device, the settlement device cannot receive the next settlement instruction, and thus the registration device cannot issue the next settlement instruction. In such a state where the next settlement instruction cannot be issued, it becomes impossible to register products corresponding to the next customer, and the flow of customers during accounting is stagnated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to smooth the flow of customers during accounting in a POS system in which a registration device and a settlement device are separated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a POS system having a plurality of registration devices for registering products, and one or more settlement devices that perform settlement processing for products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, wherein the POS system includes a settlement instruction receiving means that receives a new settlement instruction specifying the settlement device while there are outstanding settlement processes in the settlement devices, and a settlement processing means that executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means, and the settlement instruction receiving means enters an "in use" state in response to receiving a settlement instruction while in a standby state, and sets an exclusive state in which it accepts a settlement instruction from the registration device that issued the settlement instruction that caused the "in use" state, and does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices. Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is further provided with a display means that, when displaying the status of each payment device in the registration device, displays that a payment device is in use, and distinguishes between a payment device that has entered the use state because the registration device has issued a payment instruction and a payment device that has entered the use state because another registration device has issued a payment instruction. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is the above-described POS system, further comprising a notification means in the registration device that notifies the user that a settlement instruction is not possible when a settlement instruction is made to a settlement device that has become in use due to a settlement instruction made by another registration device. Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is configured such that the settlement instruction receiving means releases the exclusive state when there are no outstanding settlement processes. Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is configured such that, in the settlement device, if the number of outstanding settlement processes changes from zero to a value greater than zero in response to the receipt of a settlement instruction, the device notifies the registered device that has not issued the received settlement instruction that it is no longer able to accept any further settlement instructions. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a settlement device in a POS system having a plurality of registration devices for registering products and one or more settlement devices that perform settlement processing for products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, the settlement device comprising: a settlement instruction receiving means that receives a settlement instruction that newly designates the settlement device while there are outstanding settlement processes; and a settlement processing means that executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means enters an "in use" state in response to receiving a settlement instruction while in a standby state, and sets an exclusive state that accepts a settlement instruction from the registration device that issued the settlement instruction that caused the "in use" state, and does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a POS system having a plurality of registration devices for registering products and one or more settlement devices for performing settlement processing of products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, wherein a first computer functions as the registration device and a second computer functions as the settlement device, wherein the second computer is a settlement instruction receiving means that receives a settlement instruction that newly designates the settlement device while there are outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device, and a settlement instruction receiving means that, in response to receiving a settlement instruction while in a standby state, enters an occupied state, accepts a settlement instruction from the registration device that issued the settlement instruction that caused the occupied state, and sets an exclusive state that prevents it from accepting settlement instructions from other registration devices, and the settlement device functions as a settlement processing means that executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer, which is a settlement device in a POS system having a plurality of registration devices for registering products and one or more settlement devices that perform settlement processing for products registered by the registration devices in response to settlement instructions from the registration devices, to function as a settlement instruction receiving means that receives a new settlement instruction specifying the settlement device while there are outstanding settlement processes, and which, in response to receiving a settlement instruction while in a standby state, enters an occupied state, accepts a settlement instruction from the registration device that issued the settlement instruction that caused the occupied state, and sets an exclusive state in which it does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices, and a settlement processing means that executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the settlement device can receive new settlement instructions from the registration device even when there are outstanding settlement processes.

[0008] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above, wherein the settlement instruction receiving means may prohibit the registration device from specifying the settlement device and issuing a settlement instruction if the number of outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device exceeds a predetermined maximum value.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the settlement device will stop accepting new settlement instructions as the number of outstanding settlement processes reaches its maximum value. This prevents the settlement device from accepting an excessive number of settlement instructions.

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

[0011] According to the above configuration, the settlement device can be operated to accept settlement instructions again as the number of outstanding settlement processes decreases from its maximum value to a predetermined value smaller than the maximum value.

[0012] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above may further include setting operation receiving means for receiving an operation to set the maximum value.

[0013] With the above configuration, the maximum value can be set by the store staff. This allows the staff to set an appropriate maximum value according to factors such as the size of the store or the expected number of customers.

[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is configured such that, when there are no outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device, the settlement instruction receiving means, upon receiving a new settlement instruction from one registration device, notifies each of the registration devices other than the one registration device that setting a settlement instruction that specifies the settlement device is prohibited.

[0015] With the above configuration, the registration device that first issues a settlement instruction to the settlement device while it is in standby mode can exclusively issue subsequent settlement instructions. This prevents other registration devices from interrupting and issuing settlement instructions to the settlement device, allowing for efficient use of the settlement device.

[0016] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above is configured such that the settlement instruction receiving means may permit all registered devices to newly designate the settlement device and issue settlement instructions when there are no outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device.

[0017] With the above configuration, as outstanding settlement processes in one settlement device are eliminated, the settlement device is freed from being exclusively used by one registration device, allowing settlement instructions to be issued from any registration device, thus enabling efficient use of the settlement device.

[0018] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the POS system described above may further include a selection operation receiving means that accepts an operation to select one of the selection images corresponding to each of the multiple payment devices displayed on the registration device, as an operation to select a payment device from among the multiple payment devices that will perform payment processing corresponding to the product registered by the registration device.

[0019] According to the above configuration, a store employee can select a payment terminal that should perform the payment processing corresponding to the product registered by the registration device. This allows the store employee to appropriately select the payment terminal that should perform the payment processing, for example, according to the flow of customers at that time. Furthermore, the store employee can select the payment terminal that should perform the payment processing with a simple operation of selecting one of several selection images displayed on the registration device.

[0020] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a POS system as described above, which may further include an uncompleted settlement process count display control means that displays the number of uncompleted settlement processes in the corresponding settlement device in the selected image.

[0021] According to the above configuration, since the number of outstanding settlement processes in the selected image is displayed, the clerk can easily grasp the settlement status of each settlement device by observing the part of the selected image displayed on the registration device.

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

[0023] According to the above configuration, in the settlement device, since the settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed is immediately displayed in response to the completion of the settlement process, a customer waiting for settlement can immediately start settlement without waiting for, for example, the transition from the standby screen to the settlement screen.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the present invention, in a POS system having a configuration in which a registration device and a settlement device are separated, an effect of smoothing the flow of customers during accounting can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the POS system in the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the registration device in the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an appearance example of the registration device in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the settlement device in the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an appearance example of the settlement device in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the state in which the registration device and the settlement device in the present embodiment are arranged in the store from the planar direction. [Figure 7]This figure shows an example of one aspect of the registration operation screen displayed in the registration device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the display transition of the settlement instruction key in the first registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the display transition of the settlement instruction key in the second registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the display transition of the settlement instruction key in the third registration device of this embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows examples of dialog boxes that display an error message in response to an operation on a settlement instruction key marked as "exclusive use" in the registration device of this embodiment, and dialog boxes that display an error message in response to an operation on a settlement instruction key marked as "not for use". [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a settlement screen that corresponds to the following settlement instruction, as displayed in the settlement device of this embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure that the registration device and the settlement device in this embodiment perform to set the maximum number of outstanding settlement processes. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration device in this embodiment when an operation to set a settlement instruction key is performed. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure for setting the permission or prohibition of a settlement instruction, which is executed by the settlement device in this embodiment in response to the receipt of a settlement instruction. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure for setting the permission or prohibition of settlement instructions, which is executed by the settlement device in this embodiment in response to the completion of the settlement process. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of the processing procedure performed by the registration device in this embodiment for setting whether or not to issue a settlement instruction and for displaying the settlement instruction key. [Figure 18] This figure shows another example of status notification of the settlement device using a status notification image in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] [Example of a POS system configuration] The following describes a Point of Sale (POS) system according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of the POS system 1 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the POS system 1 comprises a store controller 100, three first registration devices 200-1 to third registration devices 200-3, and three first settlement devices 300-1 to third settlement devices 300-3.

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

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

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

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

[0031] In the POS system 1 of this embodiment, the registration device 200 is placed in a predetermined location within the store. The payment device 300 is placed, for example, in a predetermined location along the path from the customer, who has had their purchased items registered by a store employee using the registration device 200, to the exit.

[0032] The registration device 200 is a device used by store employees (operators) to register products that customers purchase (purchased items). The registration device 200 generates product registration information in response to the registration of purchased items corresponding to a single transaction, performed by the store clerk. Furthermore, the registration device 200 issues a receipt ticket in accordance with the registration of purchased items for a single transaction. The receipt ticket has a receipt ticket number printed on it. The receipt ticket number is uniquely associated with the product registration information corresponding to the transaction. The receipt ticket number is given by the store clerk to the customer corresponding to the transaction. The customer has the receipt ticket number printed on the receipt ticket read by the settlement device 300. The settlement device 300 performs settlement processing on the product registration information associated with the read receipt ticket number. In this way, the settlement device 300 establishes a correspondence between the customer performing the settlement and the product registration information to be settled, preventing a customer from settling a purchase for a different customer.

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

[0034] The registration device 200 transmits the generated product registration information to the store controller 100 as part of the transaction information. The registration device 200 also transmits the product registration information to the settlement device 300 when instructing it to perform settlement. The registration device 200 may also transmit a product registration information identifier, which identifies the product registration information, to the settlement device 300 in place of the product registration information. In this case, the settlement device 300 can obtain the product registration information, for example, by requesting the product registration information indicated by the received product registration information identifier from the store controller 100.

[0035] The settlement device 300 is a device for customers to settle their purchases themselves. In this embodiment, a store employee selects the settlement device 300 that should handle the settlement of a transaction for which the registration of purchased items has been completed, via the registration device 200. The registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the selected settlement device 300. Specifically, as a settlement instruction, the registration device 200 sends a settlement instruction command along with the product registration information to the settlement device 300. The settlement device 300 performs settlement processing based on the product registration information received along with the settlement instruction command, in response to the customer's operation.

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

[0037] Each component is connected to the others via a bus and can communicate with each other. The scanner unit 204 may not be integrated with the registration device 200, but may be a separate (external) unit that can be attached to or removed from the registration device 200.

[0038] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a central processing unit that reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 202, thereby performing various processes to realize the functions of the registration device 200. CPU201 functions as a setting operation reception means. The setting operation reception means accepts operations to set the maximum allowable number of outstanding settlement processes. The CPU 201 functions as a selection operation reception means. The selection operation reception means accepts the operation of selecting one of the selection images corresponding to each of the multiple payment devices 300 displayed on the registration device 200 as an operation to select a payment device that performs payment processing corresponding to the product registered by the registration device 200. The CPU 201 functions as a control means for displaying the number of outstanding settlement processes. The control means for displaying the number of outstanding settlement processes is configured to display the number of outstanding settlement processes in the corresponding settlement device 300 in conjunction with the settlement instruction key. The CPU 201 functions as a payment device status display control means. The payment device status display control means displays a predetermined status in the corresponding payment device 300 along with the payment instruction key. The CPU 201 functions as a means for controlling the display of the settlement screen. When the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed in the settlement device 300, it displays the settlement screen corresponding to the next settlement process to be performed.

[0039] The memory unit 202 is an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 201, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the program mentioned above. RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is the main memory of CPU 201, and the results of calculations performed by CPU 201 are temporarily stored there.

[0040] The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The CPU 201, for example, uses information such as the product name and price obtained from the product master based on the barcode (product code) read by the scanner unit 204 to perform product registration processing.

[0041] The employee display unit 205 displays various information for employees. For example, the employee display unit 205 uses information obtained from the product master to display various information about the purchased product to be registered (e.g., product name, price, etc.). Furthermore, the staff display unit 205 has a function to display information to staff, as well as a function to receive input from staff. Specifically, the staff display unit 205 is configured as a touch panel that combines a display device and a touchpad.

[0042] The customer display unit 206 displays predetermined information for the customer. For example, the customer display unit 206 displays information related to the registration results of purchased items, such as the total amount of purchased items. The customer display unit 206 may be configured as a touch panel, similar to the employee display unit 205. For example, the customer display unit 206 may be configured to accept input for confirmation of certain information (e.g., age, total amount) when the customer touches a confirmation button related to that information.

[0043] The operation unit 207 consists of various keys for operating the registration device 200, as well as operation buttons such as a subtotal key, current total key, place key, correction key, and preset key. The communication unit 208 communicates with other devices (store controller 100, other registration devices 200, settlement device 300) via LAN2 (Figure 1). Buzzer 209 emits a buzzer sound to alert store staff.

[0044] The printing unit 210 prints information necessary for settlement processing in the settlement device 300 onto a predetermined printing medium, for example, by converting it into a two-dimensional code, and issues it as a receipt. Specifically, the two-dimensional code on the receipt includes the receipt number and information such as the purchased items and their quantities in the corresponding transaction, and the purchase amount (total amount). For example, a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) can be used as the two-dimensional code. Alternatively, a one-dimensional barcode may be used instead of a two-dimensional code.

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the registration device 200. This figure shows the registration device 200 from the perspective of the store clerk operating the registration device 200. In this figure, the same reference numerals are used as in Figure 2, and their explanations are omitted. The registration device 200 shown in the figure is installed on the counter CT. The registration device 200 is equipped with a display unit 205 for store employees, an operation unit 207, a scanner unit 204, and a printing unit 210 on the side corresponding to the store employee's standing position. The store clerk can operate the store clerk display unit 205 and the operation unit 207 while looking at the store clerk display unit 205. In addition, when registering a product, the store clerk can hold the product in their hand and hold the barcode printed on the label attached to the product in front of the scanner unit 204 so that the scanner unit 204 can read the barcode. The store clerk can also take the receipt printed from the printing unit 210 and hand it to the customer.

[0046] Furthermore, a customer display unit 206 is provided on the opposite side of the employee display unit 205, that is, on the side where the customer is standing to register their purchased items. Customers who have registered their purchased items can check the registration results of their purchased items by looking at the information displayed on the customer display unit 206.

[0047] [Example of a payment system configuration] Referring to Figure 4, an example of the configuration of the settlement device 300 will be described. The settlement device 300 shown in the figure comprises a CPU 301, a storage unit 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a currency exchange unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311.

[0048] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that reads and executes programs stored in the memory unit 302, thereby performing various processes to realize the functions of the settlement device 300. The CPU 301 functions as a means for receiving settlement instructions. The settlement instruction receiving means receives a settlement instruction that newly designates the settlement device 300, even when there are outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device 300. The CPU 301 functions as a settlement processing means. The settlement processing means executes settlement processing in the settlement device 300 that corresponds to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving means.

[0049] The memory unit 302 is an auxiliary memory device for the CPU 301, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the program mentioned above. RAM303 is the main memory of CPU301, and the calculation results of CPU301 are temporarily stored there.

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

[0051] The display unit 305 is configured as a touch panel. The display unit 305 displays various images related to payment and other operations in accordance with the display control of the CPU 301. It also outputs operation signals to the CPU 301 in accordance with the operation on the screen.

[0052] The control panel 306 displays a collection of various operation buttons for operating the settlement device 300. The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices (store controller 100, registration device 200, other payment devices 300) via LAN2 (Figure 1). The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound for warnings, calling store staff, etc., in accordance with the control of the CPU 301.

[0053] The printing unit 309 prints receipts, for example, corresponding to payments. The currency exchange unit 310 accepts the insertion of currency in accordance with the payment for purchased goods, and also dispenses change, refunds, and other payments that the customer is entitled to receive. The sign pole section 311 includes a light-emitting section that lights up or flashes in response to control by the CPU 301. For example, the CPU 301 controls the light-emitting section of the sign pole section 311 to light up or flash in response to a customer calling an employee via the operation unit 306.

[0054] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the payment device 300. As shown in the figure, the housing of the payment device 300 is equipped with a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a currency exchange unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311. Customers can hold their payment slip over the scanner unit 304 to have the scanner unit 304 read the barcode indicating the payment slip number. Customers can also make payments while looking at instructions displayed on the display unit 305, for example. Customers can also operate the display unit 305 or the operation unit 306 as needed. Furthermore, customers insert banknotes and coins for payment into the banknote slot and coin slot of the currency exchange unit 310. If change is due, customers can also receive the banknotes and coins as change from the banknote outlet and coin outlet of the currency exchange unit 310. Furthermore, a receipt showing the settlement result is discharged from the paper output section of the printing section 309. The customer can receive the discharged receipt.

[0055] [Overview of the operation of the registration device and settlement device] Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 12, the operational overview of the registration device 200 and settlement device 300 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 shows the arrangement of the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 and the first payment device 300-1 to the third payment device 300-3 in the store, viewed from the top. At each of the first payment device 300-1 to the third payment device 300-3, there are store employees OP1 to OP3 who perform the operation of registering the customer's purchased items. Furthermore, the figure shows four customers C1, C2, C3, and C4 lined up in order, corresponding to the first registration device 200-1, waiting to register their purchased items.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an example of the registration operation screen displayed on the staff display unit 205 when a customer's purchased items are being registered in the registration device 200. As shown in the figure, the registration operation screen has three settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 (an example of a selected image). The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 are keys used to select a settlement device 300 that will perform settlement for a particular transaction, in accordance with the completion of registration of purchased goods corresponding to that transaction with the customer.

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

[0058] When the settlement instruction key KY1 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. In other words, the registration device 200 sends a settlement instruction command along with the product registration information to the first settlement device 300-1. Similarly, when the settlement instruction key KY2 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the second settlement device 300-2. Also, when the settlement instruction key KY3 is operated, the registration device 200 issues a settlement instruction to the third settlement device 300-3. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 will also be referred to simply as settlement instruction key KY.

[0059] Furthermore, the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 each display whether a settlement instruction can be made to the corresponding settlement device 300, and the settlement processing status of the corresponding settlement device 300. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 8 to 10. Figure 8 shows an example of the display transitions for settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the first registration device 200-1. Figure 9 shows an example of the display transitions for settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the second registration device 200-2. Figure 10 shows an example of the display transitions for settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the third registration device 200-3.

[0060] At this stage, while the registration of purchased items corresponding to customer C1 in Figure 6 has not yet been completed by the first registration device 200-1, the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, and the third settlement device 300-3 are all in a standby state. In this context, the standby state refers to a state in which there are no pending settlement processes in the settlement device 300 and it is able to accept settlement instructions from any registration device 200.

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

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

[0063] Next, in accordance with the completion of the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C1 in Figure 6 by the first registration device 200-1, the store clerk OP1 selects a payment device from among the first payment device 300-1 to the third payment device 300-3 to process the payment for customer C1. For example, store employees make an effort to select the payment device 300 that is as close as possible to the registration device 200 they are operating from among the payment devices 300 that can issue payment instructions. This is because the closer the payment device 300 is, the shorter the distance the customer has to travel from the registration device 200 to the payment device 300, thus reducing the burden on the customer.

[0064] In this case, any of the first payment devices 300-1 to the third payment devices 300-3 can receive payment instructions from the first registration device 200-1. Of the first payment devices 300-1 to the third payment devices 300-3, the first payment device 300-1 is the closest to the first registration device 200-1. Therefore, in this case, employee OP1 should decide to select the first payment device 300-1.

[0065] Then, as described above, employee OP1, who has decided to select the first payment device 300-1, performs the following operations. In other words, store clerk OP1 touches the payment instruction key KY1, which corresponds to the first payment device 300-1, among the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 located on the registration operation screen P1 displayed on the first registration device 200-1. Touching the payment instruction key KY1 in this way selects the first payment device 300-1 as the payment device to be used for payment corresponding to the registered items purchased this time.

[0066] In response to the touch of the settlement instruction key KY1, the first registration device 200-1 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. That is, the first registration device 200-1 sends a settlement instruction command along with the product registration information to the first settlement device 300-1. The first settlement device 300-1, which had been in a standby state, receives the settlement instruction command along with the product registration information from the first registration device 200-1; in other words, the first settlement device 300-1 accepts the settlement instruction from the first registration device 200-1.

[0067] In response to the first settlement device 300-1 receiving a settlement instruction from the first registration device 200-1 as described above, the first settlement device 300-1 changes from a standby state to an in-use state. The in-use state means that at least one of the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement device 300 is incomplete. At this time, the first settlement device 300-1 is in use, but the other second settlement devices 300-2 and third settlement devices 300-3 remain in standby mode because they have not yet received a settlement instruction from the registration device 200.

[0068] Furthermore, in the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 in this case, as shown as state 2 in Figure 8, the settlement instruction key KY1 will display as "in use". The "in use" display is a representation of the settlement instruction key KY with a status notification image STA indicating that it is in use. Specifically, the status notification image STA shown in the figure indicates that it is in use by displaying the words "In Use".

[0069] Furthermore, in the "In Use" display, an image NM showing the number of pending settlement processes is also displayed. The image NM shows the number of pending settlement processes among the settlement processes corresponding to settlement instructions received so far by the corresponding settlement device 300. In the case of the first settlement device 300-1 in state 2, immediately after receiving a settlement instruction corresponding to customer C1 from the first registration device 200-1, the settlement process corresponding to this settlement instruction is not yet completed. Therefore, the image NM showing the number of pending settlement processes here displays the alphanumeric character "1" to indicate that there is one pending settlement process.

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

[0071] As described above, when the first settlement device 300-1 changes from a standby state to an active state, the first settlement device 300-1 then sets the following state: In other words, the first settlement device 300-1 accepts settlement instructions only from the first registration device 200-1 that caused it to transition to the active state, and sets the first settlement device 300-1 to a state where it does not accept settlement instructions from the other second registration device 200-2 and third registration device 200-3. In this way, as the settlement device 300 changes from a standby state to a usage state, it accepts only settlement instructions from the registration device 200 that issued the settlement instruction that caused the usage state, and does not accept settlement instructions from other registration devices. Thus, the settlement device 300 in the usage state accepts settlement instructions exclusively.

[0072] Therefore, as described above, the first settlement device 300-1, which has transitioned from the standby state to the in-use state, sends a notification to the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 prohibiting them from issuing settlement instructions to the first settlement device 300-1 (settlement instruction prohibition notification). Upon receiving the payment instruction prohibition notice, the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 each prohibit payment instructions from the first payment device 300-1. This setting, which prohibits payment instructions to the first payment device 300-1, is reflected in the payment instruction key KY1.

[0073] In other words, as shown in Figure 9, in the second registration device 200-2, the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 2 becomes an exclusive indicator indicating the exclusive state. In this context, "exclusive use" means that the first settlement device 300-1 is being used exclusively by a registration device other than the second registration device 200-2, and settlement instructions from the second registration device 200-2 are prohibited. Furthermore, as an exclusive display, as shown in the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 2 of the same figure, the status notification image STA indicates that it is in use, and a diagonal strikethrough line LTH is placed over the image portion of the settlement instruction key KY1. In addition, the number of outstanding settlement processes is indicated by the outstanding settlement process count image NM in the exclusive display.

[0074] As described above, by looking at the payment instruction key KY which is marked as "exclusive," the store clerk can see that the payment device 300 corresponding to the payment instruction key KY is being exclusively used by another registration device 200. Therefore, even if an operation is performed on the payment instruction key KY, which is marked as reserved, this operation will be invalid. Specifically, if an operation is performed on the payment instruction key KY, which is marked as reserved, the dialog box DLG1 shown in Figure 11(a) will be displayed on the staff display unit 205.

[0075] The dialog box DLG1 displays a message informing the user that a settlement instruction cannot be given because the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY, which is marked as exclusive, is being used by another registration device 200. The dialog box DLG1 in the figure also displays a message prompting the user to give a settlement instruction to another settlement device 300.

[0076] In State 2 of Figure 9, the second payment device 300-2 and the third payment device 300-3 remain in standby mode. Therefore, the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 also display "standby" in State 2, just as they do in State 1.

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

[0078] As described above, once the registration of the purchased items for customer C1 is complete, the store clerk OP1 of the first registration device 200-1 then performs the operation to register the purchased items for customer C2, who was next in line to register the purchased items after customer C1. When the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C2 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is displayed as "in use," as shown in state 2 of Figure 8. The "in use" display of the settlement instruction key KY1 indicates that a settlement instruction can be given to the first settlement device 300-1. Therefore, clerk OP1 operates the payment instruction key KY1 for customer C2, just as he did for customer C1, and selects the first payment device 300-1 as the payment device that should perform the payment processing for customer C2.

[0079] Here, if, as described above, the operation to select the first settlement device 300-1 as the settlement device to perform settlement processing for customer C2, but the settlement processing for customer C1 has not yet been completed at the first settlement device 300-1, the settlement instruction key KY will be displayed as follows. First, in the first registration device 200-1, the settlement instruction key KY1 remains in use, as shown in state 3 of Figure 8. Also, in state 3 of the same figure, the number displayed in the image NM for the number of outstanding settlement processes changes from "1" in state 2 to "2" for the settlement instruction key KY1. This indicates that the number of outstanding settlement instructions has increased by one, bringing the total to "2", as the first settlement device 300-1 has received a settlement instruction corresponding to customer C2. In State 3, the second payment device 300-2 and the third payment device 300-3 remain in standby mode; therefore, the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 also display as standby mode in State 3.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in state 3, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed in the second registration device 200-2 continues to be displayed as exclusive from state 2. However, in state 3, similar to the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 3 in Figure 8, the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement processing count image NM changes from "1" in state 2 to "2". Furthermore, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3, corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 respectively, are in standby mode even in state 3.

[0081] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, in state 3, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed in the third registration device 200-3 continues to be displayed as occupied from state 2, and the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement processing count image NM changes from "1" in state 2 to "2". Furthermore, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3, corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 respectively, are in standby mode even in state 3.

[0082] As can be understood from the explanation so far, the settlement device 300 in this embodiment is configured to accept new settlement instructions even when there are outstanding settlement processes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the next settlement instruction can be issued from the registration device 200 even if the settlement device 300 is not in a standby state after all settlements have been completed. This makes it less likely for queues of customers waiting to register their purchased items to become congested, and the flow of customers during checkout can be made smoother. Here, "during checkout" refers to the period from when a customer lines up to register their purchased items at the registration device 200 until they complete the settlement at the settlement device 300.

[0083] However, if the system were to accept an unlimited number of new payment instructions, it could conversely cause congestion in the lines of customers waiting to pay at the payment device 300. Therefore, in this embodiment, a maximum number of outstanding settlement processes permitted in one settlement device 300 is defined. When the number of outstanding settlement processes in the settlement device 300 reaches this maximum value, further settlement instructions to the settlement device 300 are prohibited. As a specific example, if the maximum value is "3", the settlement device 300 can hold up to 3 pending settlement processes. When the settlement device 300 has reached 3 pending settlement processes, any attempt by the registration device 200 to issue a new settlement instruction to the settlement device 300 will be rejected without being accepted. As a result, the settlement device 300 will never hold more than 3 pending settlement processes. The following is a specific example of the operation of the POS system in this embodiment when the maximum number of outstanding settlement processes is "3".

[0084] Once the registration of the purchased items for customer C2 is complete, the store clerk OP1 in the first registration device 200-1 then performs the operation to register the purchased items for customer C3, who was waiting in line to register purchased items after customer C2. When the registration of the purchased items corresponding to customer C3 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is displayed as in use, as shown in state 3 of Figure 8, and therefore, it is possible to issue a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. Therefore, clerk OP1 operates the payment instruction key KY1 for customer C3, just as he did for customers C1 and C2, and selects the first payment device 300-1.

[0085] Here, we take an example where, as described above, the operation to select the first settlement device 300-1 as the settlement device that should perform the settlement process corresponding to customer C3, but the two settlement processes corresponding to customers C1 and C2 have not yet been completed by the first settlement device 300-1. In this situation, the settlement instruction key KY will be displayed as shown below.

[0086] If a settlement instruction for customer C3 is issued while two settlement processes corresponding to customers C1 and C2 have not yet been completed in the first settlement device 300-1, the number of outstanding settlement processes in the first settlement device 300-1 will become three. In other words, at this stage, the number of outstanding settlement processes in the first settlement device 300-1 has reached its maximum value. In response to this situation, the settlement instruction key KY1 in the first registration device 200-1 transitions from an "in use" display to an "out of use" display, as shown in the change from state 3 to state 4 in Figure 8. In the diagram, an example is given where the "No Use" indication is the same as the "Exclusive Use" indication. In this case, the "No Use" indication is represented by a status notification image STA indicating that the key is in use, placed next to the settlement instruction key KY1, and a strikethrough line LTH is also placed therein. Furthermore, the number displayed in the "Number of Uncompleted Settlements" image NM, which corresponds to the settlement instruction key KY1, changes from "2" in state 3 to "3".

[0087] As described above, by seeing the settlement instruction key KY1 which is marked as "unusable," store clerk OP1 can recognize that the number of outstanding settlement processes in the first registration device 200-1 has reached its maximum value, and therefore no further settlement instructions can be issued to the first registration device 200-1 (it is in an unusable state).

[0088] Furthermore, even if the settlement instruction key KY1, which is marked as "not for use," is operated, no settlement instruction corresponding to the operation will be issued, resulting in an error. For example, the dialog box DLG2 shown in Figure 11(b) will be displayed on the registration operation screen of the first registration device 200-1. In the dialog box DLG2 shown in the figure, it is indicated that the first settlement device 300-1 cannot receive a new settlement instruction until one settlement process is completed, and that if a settlement instruction is to be given, it should be given to a settlement device 300 other than the first settlement device 300-1.

[0089] Although the diagram shows an example where the "No Use" sign and the "Exclusive Use" sign are in the same form, this does not pose any particular problem as it does not change the fact that payment instructions to the corresponding payment device 300 are prohibited. Furthermore, different display methods may be used for "no use" signs and "exclusive use" signs. For example, the display method for the status notification image STA may differ between "no use" signs and "exclusive use" signs.

[0090] In state 4, the second payment device 300-2 and the third payment device 300-3 remain in standby mode, so the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 display standby.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed in the second registration device 200-2 under state 4 continues to be displayed as exclusive from state 3. However, in state 4, the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement processing count image NM changes from "2" in state 3 to "3". Furthermore, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3, which correspond to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 respectively, are in standby mode even in state 4.

[0092] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, in state 4, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed in the third registration device 200-3 continues to be displayed as occupied from state 3, and the number displayed in the uncompleted settlement processing count image NM changes from "2" in state 3 to "3". Furthermore, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3, which correspond to the second settlement device 300-2 and the third settlement device 300-3 respectively, are in standby mode even in state 4.

[0093] Figure 6 shows that customer C4, who was waiting in line after customer C3 to register their purchased items at the first registration device 200-1, moved to the second registration device 200-2 midway through the process and had their purchased items registered at the second registration device 200-2. Here, we take the example of the time when the registration of customer C4's purchased items is completed in the second registration device 200-2, which corresponds to state 4. In other words, in this case, when the registration of customer C4's purchased items is completed in the second registration device 200-2, none of the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instructions for customers C1, C2, and C3 received by the first settlement device 300-1 have been completed.

[0094] Under state 4, the settlement instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2, as shown in Figure 9, indicates that the first settlement device 300-1 is occupied by another registration device. For this reason, the second registration device 200-2 cannot issue a settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1. In contrast, under state 4, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 are both in a standby state. Therefore, settlement instructions can be issued from the second registration device 200-2 to either the second settlement device 300-2 or the third settlement device 300-3. In this case, of the second payment device 300-2 and the third payment device 300-3, the second payment device 300-2 is located closer to the second registration device 200-2. Therefore, the store clerk OP2 operates the payment instruction key KY2 to select the second payment device 300-2 as the payment device to perform the payment processing corresponding to customer C4.

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

[0096] First, as shown in Figure 9, in the second registration device 200-2 that issued a settlement instruction corresponding to customer C4, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from a standby display in state 4 to an in-use display. At this time, since the settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction for customer C4 immediately after reception is incomplete in the second settlement device 300-2, the image NM of the number of uncompleted settlement processes for the settlement instruction key KY2 in state 5 shows "1". Furthermore, at this time, although the first registration device 200-1 is in a disabled state with respect to the second settlement device 300-2, it maintains its exclusive use status. For this reason, the settlement instruction key KY1 in state 5 remains in an exclusive use status, similar to state 4. Furthermore, since the third settlement device 300-3 remains in the same standby state as in state 4, the settlement instruction key KY3 in state 5 continues to display the standby status, just as it did in state 4.

[0097] Next, as shown in Figure 8, in state 5 of the first registration device 200-1, the settlement instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first settlement device 300-1 continues to display the "not for use" indication from state 4. Furthermore, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement device 300-2 changes from a standby display (state 4) to an occupied display (state 5). By observing the change in the settlement instruction key KY2 in the first registration device 200-1, the store clerk OP1 can recognize the following: In other words, the store clerk OP1 can recognize that the second settlement device 300-2 has been occupied by another registration device other than the first registration device 200-1, and that the first registration device 200-1 can no longer issue settlement instructions. Furthermore, the settlement instruction key KY3, which corresponds to the third settlement device 300-3, will continue to display a standby status, similar to state 4.

[0098] Next, as shown in Figure 10, under state 5 in the third registration device 200-3, the settlement instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first settlement device 300-1 continues to display as occupied from state 4. Furthermore, the settlement instruction key KY2, which corresponds to the second settlement device 300-2, changes from a standby display (state 4) to an occupied display (state 5). Furthermore, the settlement instruction key KY3, which corresponds to the third settlement device 300-3, will continue to display a standby status, similar to state 4.

[0099] Furthermore, for example, if the settlement process corresponding to customer C1 is completed in the first settlement device 300-1 when the number of outstanding settlement processes reaches the maximum value, as in state 4 or state 5, and the number of outstanding settlement processes becomes less than the maximum value, the first settlement device 300-1 sends a settlement instruction permission notice to the first registration device 200-1, which has exclusive use of it, granting permission to issue a settlement instruction. Upon receiving the settlement instruction permission notification, the first registration device 200-1 grants permission for the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1, which had previously been prohibited.

[0100] The registration device 200 uses a settlement instruction permission / denial flag to set whether to allow or deny settlement instructions to the settlement device 300. For example, if the settlement instruction permission / denial flag is defined as "0" indicating permission and "1" indicating prohibition, the registration device 200 can set the settlement instruction permission / denial flag to "0" and set it to "1" to deny settlement instructions.

[0101] Furthermore, the first registration device 200-1 changes the status of the settlement instruction key KY1 from the "Do Not Use" indication shown in status 4 or status 5 of Figure 8 to the "In Use" indication, where the number of outstanding settlement processes image NM is "2", similar to status 3.

[0102] From this point onward, if the settlement process for customer C2 is completed in the first settlement device 300-1 and there are no further settlement instructions from customer C3 onward, the first registration device 200-1 maintains the state in which it has authorized settlement instructions to the first settlement device 300-1. Then, the first registration device 200-1 changes the state of the settlement instruction key KY1 from the state shown in state 3 of Figure 8 to the state in use, where the number of outstanding settlement processes image NM is "1", similar to state 2.

[0103] Furthermore, if no further settlement instructions are issued after customer C3, and the settlement process for customer C3 is completed by the first settlement device 300-1, the first settlement device 300-1 will be in a state where there are no outstanding settlement processes. In response to this state where there are no outstanding settlement processes, the first settlement device 300-1 will release itself from being exclusively used by one registration device. Then, the first settlement device 300-1 sends a notice of release of exclusive use to each of the first registration devices 200-1 to the third registration devices 200-3, indicating that it has released itself from being exclusively used by one registration device.

[0104] Upon receiving a notification of release of exclusive use from the first settlement device 300-1, the first registration device 200-1, the second registration device 200-2, and the third registration device 200-3 each recognize that the first settlement device 300-1 is in a standby state. Therefore, the first registration device 200-1 maintains the state in which permission has been set for settlement instructions to the first settlement device 300-1. In addition, the first registration device 200-1 changes the status of the settlement instruction key KY1 from the previously used state to the standby display shown, for example, state 1 in Figure 8. Furthermore, the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 will each change the settlement instruction permission flag corresponding to the settlement instruction to the first settlement device 300-1 from "prohibited" to "permitted". In addition, the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 will each change from the previously used "exclusive use" display to a "standby" display.

[0105] In a typical payment device, once the payment process corresponding to one payment instruction is completed, a standby screen with predetermined content is displayed on the display unit 305. In contrast, in the payment device 300 of this embodiment, if there is still another payment process to be performed after the payment process corresponding to one payment instruction has been completed, the display unit 305 displays the following: In other words, when the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed, the settlement device 300, instead of displaying a standby screen, displays a settlement screen that the customer uses to perform the settlement operation, corresponding to the next outstanding settlement process that needs to be settled. Figure 12 shows an example of how the settlement screen P2, which is displayed in the display unit 305 of the settlement device 300 in response to an outstanding settlement process that should be processed next, is displayed.

[0106] As described above, by displaying the settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next customer, customers can perform the settlement operation without having to wait for time to return from, for example, the waiting screen to the settlement operation screen. This reduces the time required for customers to settle their accounts at the settlement device 300, further streamlining the flow of customers during checkout.

[0107] [Example of processing procedure] Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 13, an example of the processing procedure performed by the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 to set the maximum value will be described. As mentioned above, the maximum value is the maximum number of outstanding settlement processes allowed in the settlement device 300.

[0108] Step S101: The maximum value for one payment device 300 is set by an operation on the registration device 200. The store clerk operates on the registration device 200 to specify one payment device 300 for which the maximum value is to be set, and also inputs the maximum value to be set for the specified payment device 300. Alternatively, the maximum value for each payment device 300 may be set by an operation on each payment device 300. In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 accepts an operation to specify one settlement device as described above and to input the maximum value.

[0109] Step S102: The CPU 201 notifies the settlement device 300, which was specified by the operation received in the same step S101, of the maximum value entered in step S101.

[0110] Step S201: In the settlement device 300 specified by the operation in step S101, the CPU 301 receives the notification sent from the registration device 200 in step S102. Step S202: The CPU 301 stores the maximum value notified by the registration device 200 in step S201 in the storage unit 302 or RAM 303. In this way, the maximum value is stored on the settlement device 300, and the maximum value is set on the settlement device 300 in response to operations on the registration device 200.

[0111] Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 14, an example of a processing procedure that the registration device 200 performs in response to an operation on the settlement instruction key KY will be described. Step S301: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 waits for an operation to be performed on one of the payment instruction keys KY on the registration operation screen displayed on the employee display unit 205. Step S302: When an operation is performed on any one of the settlement instruction keys KY, the CPU 201 determines which of the following states (1), (2), or (3) the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY that was operated on is in. In other words, the CPU 201 determines whether it is in (1) standby or in use, (2) occupied, or (3) prohibited.

[0112] Step S303: (1) If the CPU is in standby or in use, the CPU 201 issues a settlement instruction to the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY that was operated. In other words, the CPU 201 sends a settlement instruction command along with the product registration information to the settlement device 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY that was operated.

[0113] Step S304: (2) If the machine is occupied, the CPU 201 displays an error message corresponding to the occupied state on the staff display unit 205 without issuing a settlement instruction. Specifically, the error message corresponding to the occupied state is displayed as a dialog box DLG1, for example, as shown in Figure 11(a). Step S305: (3) If the device is in a prohibited state, the CPU 201 displays an error message corresponding to the prohibited state on the employee display unit 205 without issuing a settlement instruction. Specifically, the error message corresponding to the prohibited state is displayed as a dialog box DLG2, for example, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0114] Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 15, an example of a processing procedure for setting the permission or prohibition of a settlement instruction, which the settlement device 300 executes in response to receiving a settlement instruction, will be described. Step S401: For example, in the initial state immediately after startup, the settlement device 300 has not yet received a settlement instruction, and therefore the settlement device 300 is in a standby state. Therefore, as one of its initial settings, the CPU 301 in the settlement device 300 sends a release notification to all registered devices 200. Upon receiving this release notification, each registered device 200 sets permission to issue settlement instructions to the settlement device 300 and displays a standby status for the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300. Step S402: As part of the initial setup, CPU301 assigns the initial value "0" to the variable m, which indicates the number of outstanding settlement processes.

[0115] Step S403: After the initial setup process in step S401 is completed, the CPU 301 waits for the settlement instruction made by the registration device 200 to be received. In other words, the CPU 301 waits for the settlement instruction command sent from the registration device 200 along with the product registration information to be received.

[0116] Step S404: The source of the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the registration device 200 (exclusive registration device) which has exclusive use of the settlement device 300 to send settlement instructions. In response to the receipt of the settlement instruction in step S403, the CPU 301 sends a transmission instruction response to the exclusive registration device. If the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the first one from the dedicated registration device, the settlement device 300 will transition from the standby state to the active state. In this case, the dedicated registration device will change the indicator for the corresponding settlement instruction key KY from standby to active upon receiving the transmission instruction response. Furthermore, if the settlement instruction received in step S403 is the second settlement instruction from the dedicated registration device, the dedicated registration device maintains the "in use" indicator for the corresponding settlement instruction key KY upon receiving the transmission instruction response. Then, the dedicated registration device displays a number in the uncompleted settlement processing count image NM that is one value greater than the previous value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0127] In Figure 16, the transmission of the settlement instruction permission notification in step S505 is performed when the number of outstanding settlement processes m becomes one less than the maximum value. However, for example, the transmission of the settlement instruction permission notification in step S505 may be performed when the number of outstanding settlement processes m becomes a predetermined value less than 2 from the maximum value. That is, the transmission of the settlement instruction permission notification in step S505 should be performed when the number of outstanding settlement processes m decreases to a predetermined value less than the maximum value. If a notification of permission to issue a settlement instruction is sent when the number of outstanding settlement processes m falls to a predetermined value less than 2 from the maximum value, the following advantages can be obtained, for example: In situations where there is a congestion of customers waiting to settle, the opportunity for unnecessary state transitions to occur, such as when the settlement device 300 returns from a disabled state to a usable state and then immediately returns to a disabled state again, can be reduced.

[0128] Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 17, an example of the processing procedure performed by the registration device 200 for setting whether or not to issue a settlement instruction to the settlement device 300 and for displaying the settlement instruction key KY will be described. Step S601: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction permission flag associated with each settlement device to "permitted" as an initial setting. Specifically, for example, the value of the settlement instruction permission flag is set to "0" as described above, indicating "permitted". Additionally, as an initial setting, CPU201 will display a standby status for each payment instruction key KY corresponding to each payment device.

[0129] Step S602: After the initial setup in step S601, the CPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a settlement instruction response sent from the settlement device 300 that received the settlement instruction in step S303 of Figure 14.

[0130] Step S603: When a settlement instruction response is received, the CPU 301 determines whether the settlement instruction response received in step S602 was from a settlement device 300 that had been in a standby state.

[0131] Step S604: If the settlement instruction response is from a settlement device 300 that was previously in a standby state, the registration device 200 becomes a newly dedicated registration device for settlement device 300 by transmitting a settlement instruction corresponding to this settlement instruction response. In this case, the CPU 201 displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction response as in use. After the processing in step S604 is completed, the process returns to step S602. On the other hand, if the settlement instruction response was not from a settlement device 300 that had been in standby mode, then the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction response is already occupied by the registration device 200 and in use. In this case, the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction response is already displayed as in use. Therefore, in this case, CPU201 skips step S604 and returns to step S602.

[0132] Step S605: If no settlement instruction response is received in step S602, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a usage prohibition notice has been received. The usage prohibition notice is transmitted from the settlement device 300, which is occupied by the registration device 200, in step S409 of Figure 15. Step S606: If a usage prohibition notice is received, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that sent the usage prohibition notice from "permitted" to "prohibited". Step S607: In addition, upon receiving a usage prohibition notice, the CPU 201 displays a usage prohibition indicator for the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the usage prohibition notice. After processing in step S607, the CPU 201 returns to step S602.

[0133] Step S608: If no usage prohibition notice was received in step S605, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a settlement instruction permission notice has been received. The settlement instruction permission notice is transmitted from the settlement device 300, which is occupied by the registration device 200, in step S505 of Figure 16.

[0134] Step S609: The settlement device 300, which is exclusively used by the registration device 200, sends a settlement instruction permission notice when the number of outstanding settlement processes falls below the maximum value. The registration device 200 then sets the settlement instruction permission flag of the exclusive settlement device 300 to "prohibited" until it receives the settlement instruction permission notice. Therefore, in response to receiving the settlement instruction permission notification, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement device 300 that sent the settlement instruction permission notification from "prohibited" to "permitted". After updating the settlement instruction availability flag in step S609, CPU201 displays the corresponding settlement instruction key KY as in use in step S604, and then returns to step S602.

[0135] Step S610: If no settlement instruction permission notification is received in step S608, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a settlement instruction prohibition notification has been received. The settlement instruction prohibition notification is sent from the settlement device 300 that has become exclusively used by another registered device 200 in step S408 of Figure 15.

[0136] Step S611: If a payment instruction prohibition notice is received in step S610, the payment device 300 that sent the payment instruction prohibition notice is in a standby state before it is occupied by another registered device 200. Correspondingly, the payment instruction permission flag associated with the payment device 300 that sent the payment instruction prohibition notice has been set to "permitted" until now. Therefore, in step S610, when the CPU 201 receives a payment instruction prohibition notification, it updates the payment instruction permission flag associated with the payment device 300 that sent the payment instruction prohibition notification to "prohibited".

[0137] Step S612: In addition, upon receiving a payment instruction prohibition notice, the CPU 201 displays the payment instruction key KY corresponding to the payment device 300 that sent the payment instruction prohibition notice as exclusive. After completing the process in step S612, the CPU 201 returns to step S602.

[0138] Step S613: If no settlement instruction prohibition notice is received in step S610, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a reservation release notice has been received. A reservation release notice is sent in step S507 of Figure 16 when a settlement device 300 that was reserved by one of the registration devices 200 transitions to a standby state because there are no more outstanding settlement processes.

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

[0140] Step S615: In addition, upon receiving a release notification, the CPU 201 displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the release notification as "waiting". After completing the process in step S615, the CPU 201 returns to step S602.

[0141] Step S616: If no release notification is received in step S613, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a notification of the number of outstanding settlement processes m has been received. The number of outstanding settlement processes m is notified by the settlement device 300 in step S406 in Figure 15 as the number of outstanding settlement processes m is updated (incremented) when the settlement device 300 receives a new settlement instruction. The number of outstanding settlement processes m is also notified by the settlement device 300 in step S503 in Figure 16 as the number of outstanding settlement processes m is updated (decremented) upon the completion of one settlement process.

[0142] Step S617: In response to receiving notification of the number of outstanding settlement processes m, the CPU 201 displays the number of outstanding settlement processes image NM, which is located on the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the number of outstanding settlement processes m, so that it shows the notified number of outstanding settlement processes m. As a specific example, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, if the number of outstanding settlement processes m received is 1 or greater, the CPU 201 displays a number indicating the number of outstanding settlement processes m in the outstanding settlement process count image NM. On the other hand, if the number of outstanding settlement processes m received is 0, the CPU 201 hides the outstanding settlement process count image NM itself. After completing the process in step S617, the CPU201 returns to step S602. Furthermore, if the number of outstanding settlement processes m is not notified in step S616, the CPU 201 returns to step S602.

[0143] [Other examples of status notification images] As explained in Figures 8 to 10, the status notification image STA located on the settlement instruction key KY indicated that the state was in standby mode by displaying the word "Standby," and indicated that the state was in use or prohibited by displaying the word "In Use." However, the status notification image STA may also notify of other states of the settlement device 300 besides the standby state, in-use state, or prohibited state described above. Therefore, with reference to Figure 18, four other examples of status notification of the settlement device 300 by the status notification image STA will be explained.

[0144] First, in Figure 18(a), the settlement instruction key KY is shown as an example where the status notification image STA, which indicates whether the key is in use or prohibited from use, is highlighted with a different color than usual (for example, red). The status notification image STA shown in the figure indicates that in the corresponding payment device 300, the payment process has not been completed even after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the payment process was started, for example, triggered by the reading of a payment slip. This situation can occur, for example, when a customer is confused because they do not know how to perform the payment using the payment device 300. The store clerk operating the registration device 200 can see the status notification image STA shown in the diagram and realize that there is a customer who is having trouble with the payment process in front of the payment device 300, allowing them to take appropriate action.

[0145] In Figure 18(b), the payment instruction key KY is shown with the status notification image STA displaying "CALL". This type of status notification image STA indicates that the corresponding payment device 300 is in staff call mode. While a customer is making a payment at the payment terminal 300, there may be instances where the payment terminal 300 malfunctions for some reason. In such cases, the customer can perform an operation to call a store employee (employee call operation) at the payment terminal 300. Upon receiving the employee call operation, the payment terminal 300 enters employee call mode. In employee call mode, the system notifies, for example, the store controller 100 and each registration device 200 that an employee has been called. Furthermore, in employee call mode, the system prohibits the acceptance of new payment instructions. Accordingly, the strikethrough line LTH is placed on the payment instruction key KY to indicate that a payment instruction cannot be made.

[0146] Upon receiving the above notification, the registration device 200, in response to receiving notification from the payment device 300 that a store employee has been called, changes the payment instruction key KY and status notification image STA corresponding to the payment device 300 that sent the notification to the manner shown in the figure. A store employee operating the registration device 200 can see the status notification image STA shown in the figure and know that a customer currently paying at the corresponding payment device 300 has called for assistance, enabling them to respond appropriately to the customer's request. Furthermore, the employee who sees the status notification image STA can also know that they are unable to issue a payment instruction to the corresponding payment device 300.

[0147] In Figure 18(c), the settlement instruction key KY is shown with the status notification image STA displaying "Maintenance". This type of status notification image STA indicates that the corresponding settlement device 300 is in maintenance mode. Maintenance mode is set when store employees or maintenance workers from the manufacturer of the payment device 300 perform maintenance or change settings on the payment device 300. In maintenance mode, the acceptance of payment instructions from the registration device 200 is prohibited. Accordingly, the strikethrough line LTH is placed on the payment instruction key KY to indicate that a payment instruction cannot be made.

[0148] When maintenance mode is set, the settlement device 300 notifies the registration device 200 or the like that it is in maintenance mode. Upon receiving this notification, the registration device 200 changes the settlement instruction key KY and status notification image STA corresponding to the settlement device 300 that sent the notification to the configuration shown in the figure. A store employee operating the registration device 200 can see the status notification image STA shown in the figure and learn that the corresponding payment device 300 is in maintenance mode and cannot issue payment instructions.

[0149] Figure 18(d) shows a state notification image STA in which "Paused" is displayed. This state notification image STA indicates that the corresponding payment device 300 is in a paused state. For example, in cases where there are few customers, it may not be necessary to keep all the payment devices 300 installed in the store running. In such cases, some of the payment devices 300 are kept running, taking into consideration, for example, saving power consumption, while the remaining payment devices 300 are kept in a paused state. The payment device 300, which is in a dormant state, cannot accept payment instructions. Therefore, in this case, the payment instruction key KY is marked with a strikethrough line LTH to indicate that a payment instruction cannot be made.

[0150] When transitioning from an operational state to a dormant state, the settlement device 300 notifies the registration device 200, for example, that it is entering a dormant state. The registration device 200 recognizes that the settlement device 300 has entered a dormant state upon receiving this notification. Alternatively, instead of receiving notification, the registration device 200 may periodically query each registration device 200 and recognize that a settlement device 300 that does not respond is in a dormant state. When the registration device 200 recognizes the payment device 300 in a dormant state, it changes the payment instruction key KY and status notification image STA corresponding to the dormant payment device 300 to the configuration shown in the figure. A store employee operating the registration device 200 can see the status notification image STA shown in the figure and know that the corresponding payment device 300 is in a idle state and is unable to issue payment instructions.

[0151] The display method for the settlement instruction key KY, and the display methods for the status notification image STA and the uncompleted settlement count image NM attached to the settlement instruction key KY, are not limited to those exemplified in Figures 8 to 10. For example, the number of outstanding settlements in the image NM may be represented by a meter display or by the number of objects symbolizing outstanding settlements.

[0152] In addition, as explained above, the management of the number of outstanding settlement processes m and notifications regarding the setting of statuses such as prohibition of settlement instructions, prohibition of use, permission of settlement instructions, and release of exclusive use based on the number of outstanding settlement processes m are to be performed by the settlement device 300. However, for example, the registration device 200 can be configured to manage the number of outstanding settlement processes m for each settlement device 300 and to set the status of the settlement device 300 based on the number of outstanding settlement processes m. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by having the registration device 200 receive notifications from each settlement device 300 that a settlement instruction has been received and notifications that the settlement process has been completed, and then managing the number of outstanding settlement processes m based on the received notifications. Furthermore, the management of the number of outstanding settlement processes m by the registration device 200 and the setting of the status of the settlement device 300 may be performed by a single master registration device 200. In this case, the other registration devices 200s besides the master should be configured to operate upon receiving notifications from the master registration device 200 regarding the number of outstanding settlement processes m and the setting of the status for each settlement device 300.

[0153] Furthermore, up to this point, the explanation has been given using as an example a configuration in which the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 communicate directly with each other and process related to restricting settlement instructions to the settlement device 300 is executed. However, for example, a store controller 100 may be interposed between the registration device 200 and the settlement device 300 to control the prohibition or permission of settlement instructions. In this case, the store controller 100 can manage the number of outstanding settlement processes m in each settlement device 300 in response to settlement instruction commands transmitted by the registration device 200 and notifications of the completion of settlement processing from the settlement device 300. By managing the number of outstanding settlement processes m, the store controller 100 can determine whether or not to accept settlement instructions in each settlement device 300, and based on the determination result, can send settlement instruction prohibition notices, usage prohibition notices, settlement instruction permission notices, exclusive use release notices, etc., to each registration device 200.

[0154] Alternatively, the functions of the store controller 100, registration device 200, and settlement device 300 described above may be implemented by recording the program for implementing these functions on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, the recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is irrelevant, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that can be executed on the terminal device. Furthermore, the program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, and each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Moreover, the above program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 100 Store Controller, 200 Registration Device, 201 CPU, 202 Memory Unit, 203 RAM, 204 Scanner Unit, 205 Staff Display Unit, 206 Customer Display Unit, 207 Operation Unit, 208 Communication Unit, 209 Buzzer, 210 Printer Unit, 300 Payment Device, 301 CPU, 302 Memory Unit, 303 RAM, 304 Scanner Unit, 305 Display Unit, 306 Operation Unit, 307 Communication Unit, 308 Buzzer, 309 Printer Unit, 310 Currency Exchange Unit, 311 Sign Pole Unit

Claims

1. In a POS system comprising a product registration device that registers products through the operation of store staff, multiple payment devices that accept customer operations and process payments, and a management device, The product registration device includes a transmission means for transmitting transaction data registered by the product registration device as a settlement instruction to a settlement device. The management device includes control means that can communicate with the product registration device and the settlement device and perform control regarding the prohibition or permission of the settlement instruction, The control means notifies the product registration device that the settlement instruction is prohibited. A POS system characterized by the following.

2. A program that enables a computer to function as a POS system comprising a product registration device that registers products through the operation of a store employee, multiple payment devices that accept customer operations and process payments, and a management device. The computer, which serves as the product registration device, functions as a transmission means for sending transaction data registered in the product registration device as a settlement instruction to a settlement device. The computer, which serves as the management device, is configured to function as a control means capable of communicating with the product registration device and the settlement device, and to perform control regarding the prohibition or permission of the settlement instructions. The control means notifies the product registration device that the settlement instruction is prohibited. program.

Images