Systems, monitoring devices, programs

Abstract

To increase work efficiency at closing time, etc.SOLUTION: In a POS system including a plurality of settlement devices and a monitoring device, the monitoring device comprises: display means for displaying the one or more of settlement devices on a screen in a specifiable manner; instruction accepting means for accepting, via the screen, an execution instruction to execute settlement operation processing to be completed through a plurality of processes by the settlement devices; and control means for controlling the execution of the settlement operation processing in the one or more of settlement devices on the basis of the execution instruction accepted by the instruction accepting means. The instruction accepting means is capable of accepting the execution instruction for the one or more of settlement devices specified via the screen, and is also capable of accepting the execution instruction for all of the settlement devices displayed on the screen in the specifiable manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a monitoring device, a program Mu .

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a POS register equipped with a change dispenser (also simply referred to as a change machine; see Patent Document 1) is known. In a POS register equipped with a change dispenser, generally, as a closing process, the amount of money stored in the change dispenser (cash balance / cash on hand) is adjusted to a reference amount (collecting money from the change dispenser and storing it in a safe etc., taking out money from a safe etc. and replenishing the change dispenser) after closing or before opening the store.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the above adjustment is performed for each POS register, there is a problem that the work efficiency of the closing process deteriorates when the number of POS registers is large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a technique for improving work efficiency at the time of closing the store etc.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a POS system according to one aspect of the present invention is a POS system including at least a plurality of settlement devices capable of performing settlement processing and a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device includes a display means for displaying one or more of the settlement devices on a screen in a selectable manner, an instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction via the screen to cause the settlement device to perform settlement business processing that is completed through a plurality of steps, and a control means for controlling the execution of the settlement business processing in one or more of the settlement devices based on the execution instruction received by the instruction receiving means, and the progress of each step unit of the settlement business processing in the settlement device can be displayed for each settlement device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an example of a configuration diagram of POS system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an example of an external front view and side view of a POS register 2 included in POS system 1. [Figure 3] This is an example of a block diagram showing the electrical circuit configuration of POS register 2. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the closing procedures. [Figure 5] This is an example of a display screen. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the closing process for POS system 1. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as the first embodiment). [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as the first mode). [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the closing process operation in POS register 2 (an example of operation as a second mode). [Figure 11]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as a second mode). [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as a third mode). [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as a third mode). [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as the fourth mode). [Figure 15] This is an example of the screen displayed on monitoring device 3. [Figure 16] This is an example of the screen displayed on monitoring device 3. [Figure 17] This is an example of the screen displayed on monitoring device 3. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram that describes the display content and print content. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing the process of settlement operations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the POS system 1 consists of N POS registers 2-1, POS register 2-2, ..., POS register 2-N, and a monitoring device (also referred to as a management device) 3. Each device is connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). In addition to the above, a store controller 4 is also connected to the LAN. When no particular distinction is made between POS registers 2-1, POS register 2-2, ..., and POS register 2-N, they are collectively referred to as POS register 2.

[0009] The POS register 2 is mainly a device for performing a registration process of registering purchased goods and an accounting process (also referred to as an accounting process or a settlement process) mainly for settling the price of the registered goods. That is, the POS register 2 is a device that combines the functions of a registration device mainly performing the registration process and the functions of an accounting device mainly performing the accounting process.

[0010] The monitoring device 3 (for example, a personal computer) monitors, for example, the operating status of each POS register 2. For example, the monitoring device 3 monitors whether each POS register 2 is in the middle of an accounting process and whether there are unaccounted transactions (transactions for which the accounting process is incomplete) in each POS register 2. Details of the monitoring device 3 will be described later.

[0011] The store controller 4 (for example, a server) receives and stores a product master from the outside (for example, a server installed at the head office). The product master is a file that stores (holds) product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name, and selling price of each product. Also, the store controller 4 transmits the transaction information processed (generated) by the POS register 2 to the outside.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an example of a front view and a side view of the appearance of the POS register 2 included in the POS system 1. FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrical circuit of the POS register 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram regarding the closing process. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the entire POS register 2 and is connected to each of the other illustrated components. Details of the operation of the CPU 11 will be described later.

[0013] In Figure 3, reference numeral 12 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various types of information. ROM 12 stores, for example, a program executed by the CPU 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various types of information. RAM 13 stores, for example, information read from ROM 12 by the CPU 11 (for example, the program mentioned above), information processed by the CPU 11, etc. Reference numeral 22 denotes a hard disk that stores various types of information. Hard disk 22 stores, for example, information obtained from the store controller 4 (for example, a product master), information processed by the CPU 11, etc.

[0014] In Figures 2 and 3, reference numeral 14 denotes a staff display unit (touch panel) that functions as a display unit that shows information to staff members according to the control of the CPU 11, and also as an operation unit that accepts input operations from staff members. Reference numeral 15 denotes an operation unit for inputting numerical data such as the completion of product registration and the amount received from customers at the time of settlement. Reference numeral 16 denotes a customer display unit that displays information to customers according to the control of the CPU 11.

[0015] In Figures 2 and 3, reference numeral 17 indicates an automatic change dispenser that controls the deposit and withdrawal of money into and out of the storage compartment 30 (not shown in Figure 3) where currency (money) is stored. Regarding the relationship between the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17, in the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the automatic change dispenser 17 is built into the POS register 2, but the automatic change dispenser 17 may also be connected to the POS register 2. Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17, if there is no particular distinction between the automatic change dispenser 17 built into the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17 connected to the POS register 2, both will be referred to as the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2. Also, if there is no particular distinction between the POS register 2 that has the automatic change dispenser 17 built in and the POS register 2 to which the automatic change dispenser 17 is connected, both will be referred to as the POS register 2 that has the automatic change dispenser 17 built in, etc.

[0016] The automatic change dispenser 17 is used in the POS register 2 when settling the price of registered goods in cash. The automatic change dispenser 17 has a banknote slot (not shown) for inserting banknotes, a coin slot (reference numeral 17b in Figure 2) for inserting coins, a banknote discharge slot (not shown) for dispensing banknotes, a coin discharge slot (reference numeral 17a in Figure 2) for dispensing coins, a counting unit (not shown) for counting the inserted or dispensed money, and a money transport mechanism (not shown) between the insertion or discharge slot and the storage unit 30. The banknote slot and coin slot are also called deposit slots. The banknote discharge slot and coin discharge slot are also called change dispensers. The banknote slot and banknote discharge slot may be the same, and the coin slot and coin discharge slot may be the same.

[0017] The automatic change dispenser 17 counts the coins inserted into the change slot and stores them in the storage unit 30, according to the control of the CPU 11. The automatic change dispenser 17 also counts the coins to be dispensed and dispenses them from the change dispenser, according to the control of the CPU 11. For example, the automatic change dispenser 17 counts the coins received from the customer at the time of settlement and stores them in the storage unit 30, and counts the coins to be given as change to the customer at the time of settlement and dispenses them from the change dispenser.

[0018] Furthermore, the automatic change dispenser 17 counts the money replenished during closing procedures and stores it in the storage unit 30. The automatic change dispenser 17 counts the money to be dispensed during closing procedures and dispenses it from the change dispenser. Closing procedures refer to the process of adjusting the amount of money stored in the automatic change dispenser 17 (cash balance / cash amount) to a base amount after closing or before opening. Closing procedures include a money replenishment process to replenish the money in the automatic change dispenser 17 and a money collection process to collect money from the automatic change dispenser 17. In other words, the automatic change dispenser 17 performs a money collection process and / or a money replenishment process as closing procedures, in accordance with the control of the CPU 11.

[0019] A POS register 2 incorporating an automatic change dispenser 17 may execute closing procedures using the automatic change dispenser 17 in response to an operation on the POS register 2 (for example, an operation on the operation unit 15), or it may execute closing procedures using the automatic change dispenser 17 in response to a command from another device such as a monitoring device 3. Conditions may also be set for the execution of closing procedures. For example, the execution of closing procedures may be permitted when an employee (person in charge) to perform closing procedures is identified, or when the identified employee is authorized to perform closing procedures. In addition, execution conditions may be set for either the money replenishment process or the money collection process, or both, within the closing procedures. As an example, the automatic change dispenser 17 may execute closing procedures (at least the money collection process) when it receives closing procedure execution control information that controls the execution of closing procedures transmitted from the monitoring device 3, and employee identification information of the employee performing the closing procedures.

[0020] The POS register 2, which incorporates an automatic change dispenser 17, performs closing procedures (money replenishment and money collection) based on predetermined conditions. For example, the closing procedures are performed to satisfy all or part of the following conditions (Condition 1, Condition 2).

[0021] (Condition 1) Collect all banknotes of the highest denomination (currently 10,000 yen notes) (see Figure 4(a)). (Condition 2) The total amount of coins of all denominations recovered (total amount of coins recovered) shall be the fractional amount less than a specified amount from the total amount of coins of all denominations (total amount of coins) (see Figure 4(a)).

[0022] Therefore, for example, POS register 2 may, based on condition 1, collect all 10,000 yen bills in the automatic change dispenser 17 during the money collection process. For example, if POS register 2 has 30 10,000 yen bills remaining in the automatic change dispenser 17 when executing the money collection process, it will collect all 30 of those 10,000 yen bills during the money collection process. Alternatively, POS register 2 may, based on condition 2, collect coins during the money collection process so that there are no fractional amounts less than 1,000 yen in the total amount of coins after the money collection process, while prioritizing the collection of banknotes over the collection of coins. For example, when POS register 2 performs a money collection process and there is 153,038 yen worth of currency (151,000 yen in banknotes and 2,038 yen in coins) remaining in the automatic change dispenser 17, when collecting 53,038 yen, it will collect {53,000 yen in banknotes and 38 yen in coins} rather than {51,000 yen in banknotes and 2,038 yen in coins} or {52,000 yen in banknotes and 1,038 yen in coins}. According to condition 2, fewer coins are collected, making the work easier compared to collecting a large number of coins. In other words, since the amount (number) of coins collected is reduced compared to banknotes of the same value, it becomes easier to carry the collected coins, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, a POS register 2 that incorporates an automatic change dispenser 17 may perform closing procedures in lieu of, or in addition to, the above conditions (Condition 1, Condition 2), in such a way that it satisfies all or part of the following conditions (Condition 3, Condition 4, Condition 5).

[0024] (Condition 3) After closing procedures, the sum of the total value of all banknotes (5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, and 1,000 yen notes, excluding the highest denomination) and the total value of coins (total value of banknotes and coins) must be equal to or greater than the standard total value of banknotes and coins (total remaining amount of banknotes and coins) (see Figures 4(a) and 4(b)). Alternatively, the amount may be set to be the minimum amount equal to or greater than the standard total value of banknotes and coins, while taking other conditions into consideration. (Condition 4) After closing procedures, the total amount of banknotes must be equal to or greater than the standard total amount of banknotes (total amount of banknotes remaining) (see Figures 4(a) and 4(b)). (Condition 5) After closing procedures, the total amount of 5,000 yen bills shall be equal to or greater than the standard amount of 5,000 yen bills (amount of 5,000 yen bills remaining) (see Figures 4(a) and 4(c)), the total amount of 2,000 yen bills shall be equal to or greater than the standard amount of 2,000 yen bills (amount of 2,000 yen bills remaining) (see Figures 4(a) and 4(d)), and the total amount of 1,000 yen bills shall be equal to or greater than the standard amount of 1,000 yen bills (amount of 1,000 yen bills remaining) (see Figures 4(a) and 4(e)). In other words, the total amount of each denomination of bills, excluding the highest denomination bill, shall be equal to or greater than the standard amount of each denomination of bill (amount of each denomination of bills remaining). Note that if 2,000 yen bills are not used as change, the standard amount of 2,000 yen bills shall be 0 yen.

[0025] In other words, if there are conditions 1 to 5 as predetermined conditions, the POS register 2 may perform closing procedures according to at least one of conditions 1 and 2 and at least one of conditions 3 to 5, or it may perform closing procedures according to at least one of conditions 1 and 2 (and may perform closing procedures without considering conditions 3 to 5), or it may perform closing procedures according to at least one of conditions 3 to 5 (and may perform closing procedures without considering conditions 1 and 2).

[0026] Therefore, for example, POS register 2 may perform closing operations based on conditions 2, 3, and 5, such that the total amount of coins does not contain any fractional amounts less than a predetermined amount, the total amount of banknotes and coins is equal to or greater than the standard total amount of banknotes and coins, and the total amount of each type of banknote, excluding the highest denomination banknote, is equal to or greater than the standard amount of each denomination (such that the total amount of 5,000 yen banknotes is equal to or greater than the standard amount of 5,000 yen banknotes, the total amount of 2,000 yen banknotes is equal to or greater than the standard amount of 2,000 yen banknotes, and the total amount of 1,000 yen banknotes is equal to or greater than the standard amount of 1,000 yen banknotes).

[0027] Furthermore, the automatic change dispenser 17 manages the current number of coins of each denomination (the number of coins currently stored) according to the control of the CPU 11. Specifically, the automatic change dispenser 17 manages the latest information regarding the current number of coins of each denomination (hereinafter referred to as current number information). For example, when coins are inserted, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates (adds) the current number information based on the number of coins inserted (deposit) of each denomination, and when coins are dispensed, it updates (subtracts) the current number information based on the number of coins dispensed (dispensed) of each denomination. In addition, when coins are inserted or dispensed, the automatic change dispenser 17 stores deposit history information, which includes information such as the number of coins inserted for each denomination, and withdrawal history information, which includes information such as the number of coins dispensed for each denomination.

[0028] The current number of bills, deposit history, and withdrawal history may be stored inside the automatic change dispenser 17 (for example, in a memory area provided by the automatic change dispenser 17 (not shown)) or outside the automatic change dispenser 17 (for example, on a hard disk 22).

[0029] In Figure 3, reference numeral 18 denotes a scanner unit that reads code information (barcode). The scanner unit 18 supplies the read data to the CPU 11. For example, the scanner unit 18 reads code information (e.g., JAN code) attached to a product and supplies that data to the CPU 11. Alternatively, the scanner unit 18 reads code information printed on an employee card and supplies that data to the CPU 11. Although the scanner unit 18 is not shown in Figure 2, the scanner unit 18 may be connected to the main unit of the POS register 2 by wire and transmit the read data to the main unit by wire, or it may be connected to the main unit by wireless and transmit the read data to the main unit by wireless.

[0030] In Figures 2 and 3, reference numeral 19 denotes a printing unit that issues printed materials according to the control of the CPU 11. For example, after the settlement process is completed, the printing unit 19 prints details of the purchased items on a printing medium and issues it as a receipt.

[0031] In Figure 3, reference numeral 20 denotes a communication unit that communicates with the outside world via LAN according to the control of the CPU 11. Specifically, the communication unit 20 receives product master data from the store controller 4 as needed. The communication unit 20 also transmits transaction information to the store controller 4 after the settlement process is completed.

[0032] Furthermore, the communication unit 20 transmits the processing status to the monitoring device 3. For example, when the registration process is completed, the communication unit 20 sends a notification to the monitoring device 3 indicating the completion of the registration process, and when the settlement process is completed, it sends a notification to the monitoring device 3 indicating the completion of the settlement process. In addition to the above, the communication unit 20 may also send notifications to the monitoring device 3 indicating the start of the registration process and the start of the settlement process.

[0033] Furthermore, the communication unit 20 transmits the current number of bills in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3. For example, if there is a change (increase or decrease) in the current number of bills in the POS register 2, the communication unit 20 transmits the current number of bills in the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3. Alternatively, for example, the communication unit 20 may transmit (respond to) the current number of bills in the POS register 2 to the monitoring device 3 when it receives a request for current number of bills information from the monitoring device 3. The communication unit 20 may similarly transmit current number of bills information to other POS registers 2. That is, the communication unit 20 may transmit current number of bills information to other POS registers 2 when there is a change in the current number of bills in the POS register 2 or when it receives a request for current number of bills information from another POS register 2. In other words, POS register 2 can receive current count information from another POS register 2 when there is a change in the current count of that other POS register 2, or it can receive current count information from another POS register 2 by sending a request for current count information to that other POS register 2.

[0034] Similarly, the communication unit 20 may transmit deposit history information and withdrawal history information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 to a monitoring device 3 or the like. For example, the communication unit 20 may transmit deposit history information and withdrawal history information to a monitoring device 3 or the like upon request.

[0035] Furthermore, the communication unit 20 may transmit information to the monitoring device 3 (or another POS register 2) indicating that the amount of money in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 (its own device) is close to zero (i.e., that the change is near-end) (hereinafter referred to as "near-end change information"), or information indicating that the amount of money in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 is close to the maximum number of coins that can be stored (i.e., that the change is near-full) (hereinafter referred to as "near-full change information").

[0036] In addition to the communication unit 20 that communicates with the outside via LAN, the POS register 2 may also include a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the outside via short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, RFID, infrared communication).

[0037] In Figure 3, reference numeral 21 denotes an imaging unit (camera) that takes images according to the control of the CPU 11. For example, the imaging unit 21 takes images of the store clerk operating the POS register 2 and the customer receiving product registration and payment from the POS register 2. Although the imaging unit 21 is not shown in Figure 2, the imaging unit 21 may be connected to the main body of the POS register 2 by a wire and transmit the captured images to the main body by the wire, or it may be connected to the main body by wireless and transmit the captured images to the main body by wireless.

[0038] Next, the monitoring device 3 will be described. The monitoring device 3 comprises at least a control unit (CPU) that controls the entire monitoring device 3, a storage unit (ROM, RAM) that stores various information, a display unit (display) that displays various information, and a communication unit that communicates with the outside.

[0039] The monitoring device 3 displays the processing status (e.g., settlement status) of the POS registers 2 on its display unit. For example, based on notifications sent from each POS register 2 (e.g., notifications indicating completion of registration processing, notifications indicating start of settlement processing, notifications indicating completion of settlement processing), the monitoring device 3 displays whether each POS register 2 is in the process of settlement processing, or whether there are any outstanding transactions in each POS register 2.

[0040] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen. The monitoring device 3 may display a list of the settlement status of all POS registers 2 (or a scrolling display if there are many POS registers 2). For example, if there are eight POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8) on the LAN, the monitoring device 3 may display the settlement status near each icon (for example, at the bottom as shown in the figure) along with an image (icon) that represents each POS register 2, as shown in Figure 5(a). In Figure 5(a), the text "In Use" below the icon for POS4 indicates that POS4 is in the process of settlement (settlement in progress), and the text "Unsettled" below the icon for POS6 indicates that there are unsettled transactions for POS6.

[0041] The monitoring device 3 may also display the settlement status grouped by transaction, as shown in Figure 5(b). In Figure 5(b), the icons for POS register 2 (POS4) currently being settled, POS register 2 (POS6) with unsettled transactions, and the icons for the other POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) are displayed in separate areas. Furthermore, if the POS registers 2 are pre-grouped into multiple groups, the monitoring device 3 may display the settlement status for each group, as shown in Figure 5(c). In Figure 5(c), the icons for POS registers 2 belonging to group 1 (POS1-POS4) and POS registers 2 belonging to group 2 (POS5-POS8 icons) are displayed in separate areas. The number of groups may be three or more.

[0042] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of closing procedures at the POS registers 2. Specifically, the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of closing procedures at one or more POS registers 2 via a screen that displays the settlement status.

[0043] (When the settlement status is displayed as shown in Figure 5(a)) If the "Close Processing" button is pressed without specifying a POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 transmits closing processing execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for POS register 2 (POS4) which is currently processing settlements and POS register 2 (POS6) which has outstanding transactions. Upon receiving the closing processing execution control information, each POS register 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) reads the employee identification information and then executes the closing processing according to the closing processing execution control information.

[0044] Furthermore, if "Close Processing" is pressed without specifying a POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 may also send closing processing execution control information to POS register 2 (POS4) that is in the process of settlement and to POS register 2 (POS6) that has outstanding transactions. In other words, the monitoring device 3 may send closing processing execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8). In the case where closing processing execution control information is sent to all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8), POS register 2 (POS4) that is in the process of settlement and POS register 2 (POS6) that has outstanding transactions may ignore the closing processing execution control information, or they may send a notification (response information) to the monitoring device 3 indicating that closing processing cannot be performed. When the monitoring device 3 receives a notification from POS register 2 (POS4, POS6) that closing processing cannot be performed, it may notify the monitoring device 3 of this fact (for example, by displaying a message).

[0045] In the example in Figure 5(a), even before pressing "Close-up," the word "In Use" is displayed in association with the icon of POS register 2 (POS4) that is in the process of settlement, and the word "Unsettled" is displayed in association with the icon of POS register 2 (POS6) that has outstanding transactions. However, the words "In Use" and "Unsettled" may be displayed after pressing "Close-up." In the case where the words "In Use" or "Unsettled" are displayed after pressing "Close Processing", if "Close Processing" is pressed without specifying a POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 transmits closing processing execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8), and in response, based on a notification received from POS register 2 (POS4) that closing processing cannot be executed (that settlement processing is in progress), it displays the word "In Use" associated with the icon of POS register 2 (POS4) that is in the process of settlement, and in response, based on a notification received from POS register 2 (POS6) that has unsettled transactions that closing processing cannot be executed (that there are unsettled transactions), it displays the word "Unsettled" associated with the icon of POS register 2 (POS6) that has unsettled transactions. Alternatively, the monitoring device 3 may, instead of the above, transmit closing process execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for POS registers 2 that are currently processing settlements or POS registers 2 with outstanding transactions (POS4, POS6), and may also display the words "In Use" or "Outstanding" based on the information regarding the processing status that it has grasped (stored) at the time the "Closing Process" button is pressed. The same applies when the settlement status is displayed as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0046] Furthermore, in the configuration in which the words "In Use" or "Unsettled" are displayed after pressing "Close Processing," confirmation may be requested. For example, in both cases, where the words "In Use" or "Unsettled" are displayed after pressing "Close Processing" (i.e., when a POS register 2 in the process of settlement exists) and where the words "In Use" or "Unsettled" are not displayed after pressing "Close Processing" (i.e., when a POS register 2 in the process of settlement does not exist), the monitoring device 3 may resend the closing processing execution control information if "Close Processing" is pressed again after the initial pressing. In other words, all POS registers 2 (POS1 to POS8) may, upon receiving the first closing process execution control information from the monitoring device 3, send a response to the monitoring device 3 indicating whether or not they can perform the closing process, and then perform the closing process upon receiving the second closing process execution control information from the monitoring device 3. In this example, the second closing process execution control information from the monitoring device 3 is received by all POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for POS registers 2 that are in the process of settlement or POS registers 2 with outstanding transactions (POS4, POS6). The same applies when the settlement status is displayed as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0047] Furthermore, if "Close Processing" is pressed not only when POS register 2 is not specified, but also when POS register 2 is specified, the monitoring device 3 may control the execution of closing processing for the specified 1 or more POS registers 2. For example, one or more POS registers 2 may be made selectable by pressing an icon (for example, the selected state / unspecified state may be switched with each press), and when the button "Close Processing" is pressed, closing processing execution control information may be sent to the selected 1 or more POS registers 2.

[0048] Furthermore, if POS register 2 is not specified and only "Close Processing" is pressed, the state is the same as if all POS registers 2 were specified and "Close Processing" was pressed. Therefore, when the specified POS registers 2 include POS registers 2 that are in the process of settlement or POS registers 2 with outstanding transactions, the operation is the same as when there are POS registers 2 in the process of settlement or POS registers 2 with outstanding transactions and only "Close Processing" is pressed without specifying any POS registers 2. For example, when POS3, POS4, and POS5 are specified and "Close Processing" is pressed, the monitoring device 3 may send closing processing execution control information to POS3 and POS5 excluding POS4 which is in the process of settlement, or it may send closing processing execution control information to all of POS3, POS4, and POS5. Furthermore, regarding the display of the words "In Use" or "Unsettled" after pressing "Close Processing," the operation when "Close Processing" is pressed along with the specification of POS register 2 is the same as the operation when "Close Processing" is pressed without specifying POS register 2. For example, when POS3, POS4, and POS5 are specified and "Close Processing" is pressed, the monitoring device 3 may send closing processing execution control information to all of POS3, POS4, and POS5, and in response, based on the notification received from POS4, which is in the process of settlement, that closing processing cannot be executed (that settlement processing is in progress), it may display the words "In Use" associated with the icon of POS4, which is in the process of settlement. Alternatively, it may send closing processing execution control information to POS3 and POS5, excluding POS4, which is in the process of settlement, and display the words "In Use" based on the information regarding the processing status that it has grasped (stored) at the time "Close Processing" is pressed. Furthermore, regarding the manner in which confirmation is requested, the operation when "Close Processing" is pressed along with the specification of POS register 2 is the same as the operation when "Close Processing" is pressed without specifying POS register 2.For example, when POS3, POS4, and POS5 are selected and the "Close Processing" button is pressed, the monitoring device 3 sends the first closing processing execution control information to all three POS registers (POS3, POS4, and POS5). Each POS register 2 (POS3, POS4, and POS5) that receives the first closing processing execution control information sends a response to the monitoring device 3 indicating whether or not it can perform the closing processing. When the "Close Processing" button is pressed again, the monitoring device 3 sends the second closing processing execution control information to POS3 and POS5 that sent a response indicating that they can perform the closing processing. Each POS register 2 (POS3 and POS5) that receives the second closing processing execution control information should then perform the closing processing.

[0049] (When the settlement status is displayed as shown in Figure 5(b)) If no POS register 2 is specified and only "Close Processing" is pressed, the monitoring device 3 transmits closing processing execution control information to all POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8) except for POS register 2 (POS4) which is currently processing a settlement and POS register 2 (POS6) which has unsettled transactions, similar to when the settlement status is displayed as shown in Figure 5(a).

[0050] When "Close Processing" is pressed not only when POS register 2 is not specified but also when POS register 2 is specified within the display area of ​​POS register 2 other than POS register 2 which is currently processing a settlement or which has outstanding transactions, the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of closing processing for one or more POS register 2 specified from the above area. Note that the device may choose not to accept specifications from within the display area of ​​POS register 2 which is currently processing a settlement or which has outstanding transactions.

[0051] Furthermore, in relation to the display of the words "In Use" or "Out of Account" after pressing "Close Up," the settlement status may be displayed only when there is a POS register 2 that is in the process of settlement or a POS register 2 with outstanding transactions after pressing "Close Up." In other words, before pressing "Close Up," the settlement status may be displayed as shown in Figure 5(a) (the words "In Use" or "Out of Account" are not displayed), and after pressing "Close Up," the settlement status may be displayed as shown in Figure 5(b) when a notification is received from a POS register 2 indicating that the closing process cannot be executed (that settlement is in the process or that there are outstanding transactions), or based on the information regarding the processing status that is known (stored) at the time of pressing "Close Up." Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the settlement status may be displayed until a predetermined time has elapsed or until a predetermined operation is performed, and thereafter it may be returned to the original settlement status as shown in Figure 5(a).

[0052] (As shown in Figure 5(c), the settlement status is displayed.) When displaying the settlement status for each group, the monitoring device 3 may control the execution of the closing process for each group. For example, the display area of ​​group 1 may be switched between a specified state and an unspecified state each time it is pressed (the same applies to the display area of ​​group 2), and when the "Close Process" button is pressed, closing process execution control information may be sent to all POS registers 2 belonging to the group in the specified state (or POS registers 2 other than POS register 2 that is in the process of settlement or POS register 2 that has unsettled transactions). For example, in Figure 5(c), when the "Close Process" button is pressed, if group 1 is in the specified state and group 2 is in the unspecified state, the monitoring device 3 sends closing process execution control information to POS1 to POS4 (or POS1 to POS3). When the "Close Process" button is pressed, if group 2 is in the specified state and group 1 is in the unspecified state, the monitoring device 3 sends closing process execution control information to POS5 to POS8 (or POS5, POS7, POS8). When the "Closing Process" button is pressed, if Group 1 and Group 2 are in the specified state, the monitoring device 3 transmits closing process execution control information to POS1-POS8 (or POS1-POS3, POS5, POS7, POS8).

[0053] If "Close Processing" is pressed without specifying a group, an error message may be displayed, or closing processing execution control information may be sent to all POS registers 2 belonging to all groups (or POS registers 2 other than those currently processing settlements or those with outstanding transactions). Furthermore, if "Close Processing" is pressed along with specifying a POS register 2, the monitoring device 3 may control the execution of closing processing for one or more specified POS registers 2. When specifying multiple POS registers 2, this may be limited to specifying multiple POS registers 2 within the same group, or it may not be limited.

[0054] As described above, the control unit of the monitoring device 3 controls the execution of closing procedures for all of the multiple POS registers 2 in which there are no outstanding or ongoing transactions, or closing procedures for one or more POS registers 2 designated by the user in which there are no outstanding or ongoing transactions, or closing procedures for one or more POS registers 2 designated by the user as having no outstanding or ongoing transactions, or closing procedures for POS registers 2 included in each of the one or more groups designated by the user, or closing procedures for POS registers 2 included in each of the one or more groups designated by the user in which there are no outstanding or ongoing transactions.

[0055] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 displays the currency information of the POS register 2, as shown in Figure 5(d). Specifically, the monitoring device 3 displays the currency information of the POS register 2 based on the current number of bills information obtained (received) from the POS register 2. Figure 5(d) shows the current amount (currently stored amount) by denomination of a certain POS register 2 as displayed as currency information.

[0056] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 calculates the amount of each denomination required for the cash replenishment process of the closing process, based on the current amount of each denomination in each of the one or more POS registers 2 that are subject to the closing process. For example, the monitoring device 3 calculates the amount of each denomination based on the current number of bills obtained (received) from each POS register 2. Alternatively, when calculating the amount, the monitoring device 3 may send a request for current number of bills information to each POS register 2 to obtain the current number of bills and then calculate the amount of each denomination, or it may calculate the amount of each denomination using the current number of bills information transmitted from each POS register 2 as appropriate (each time the current number of bills increases or decreases).

[0057] The monitoring device 3 may also transmit the store closing process execution control information and the current number of items information request simultaneously. For example, the monitoring device 3 may transmit the store closing process execution control information including the current number of items information request.

[0058] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the closing process for POS system 1. Note that the closing process for three POS registers 2 (POS1, POS2, POS3) is performed based on user specifications.

[0059] (Operation of monitoring device 3) Step S10: The monitoring device 3 sends closing process execution control information, including a request for current count information, to each POS register 2. Step S11: The monitoring device 3 displays the currency information (amount information by denomination) of each POS register 2 based on the current number of bills transmitted from each POS register 2. Step S12: The monitoring device 3 calculates, based on the currency information of each POS register 2, the amount collected by denomination at each POS register 2, the amount replenished by denomination at each POS register 2, and the amount of each denomination to be prepared when closing the store. Step S13: The monitoring device 3 transmits information regarding the amounts calculated in step S12. For example, the monitoring device 3 transmits information to each POS register 2 indicating the collected amount / replenishment amount by denomination. The monitoring device 3 also transmits information indicating the amount of reserves to the reserves device (for example, a device installed in an office to store sales revenue, reserves, etc.). Step S14: The monitoring device 3 displays a report indicating that the closing process has been completed, based on the closing process completion notification sent from each POS register 2. And with that, the flowchart for monitoring device 3 is complete.

[0060] (Operation of each POS register 2) Step S20: Each POS register 2 transmits the current number of items to the monitoring device 3 as a response to the request for current number of items information included in the closing process execution control information transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S10. Step S30: Each POS register 2 performs the closing procedure. Details will be described later. Step S40: Each POS register 2 sends a closing completion notification to the monitoring device 3. And with that, the flowchart for each POS register 2 is complete.

[0061] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the closing process (step S30 in Figure 6) at POS register 2 (an example of operation as the first embodiment). The closing process in Figure 7 is performed in the following order: cash collection at POS1 → cash collection at POS2 → cash collection at POS3 → cash replenishment at POS1 → cash replenishment at POS2 → cash replenishment at POS3. The employee first moves to POS1.

[0062] Step S31-1: POS1 determines whether or not employee information has been obtained. For example, POS1 determines that employee information has been obtained if the code information printed on the employee card has been read. If employee information has been obtained, proceed to step S32-1. Step S32-1: POS1 performs the money collection process. POS1 dispenses the money based on information transmitted from monitoring device 3 indicating the amount of money collected by denomination at POS1. The store clerk moves to POS2 with the money collected from POS1.

[0063] Step S31-2: POS2 determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved, similar to POS1. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S32-2. Step S32-2: POS2 performs the money collection process, just like POS1. The clerk moves to POS3 with the money collected from POS1 and POS2.

[0064] Step S31-3: POS3, like POS1 and POS2, determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S32-3. Step S32-3: POS3 performs the money collection process, similar to POS1 and POS2. The clerk moves to the reserve money device with the money collected from POS1, POS2, and POS3. The clerk stores the money collected from POS1, POS2, and POS3 in the reserve money device. Next, the clerk outputs the amount of money to be replenished in one of POS1, POS2, or POS3 from the reserve money device. The reserve money device outputs the required number of coins of each denomination for the money replenishment process, based on the reserve amount information transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S13, in response to operations by the clerk. The clerk moves to POS1 with the money output from the reserve money device.

[0065] Step S33-1: POS1 determines whether or not employee information has been obtained, just as before the cash collection process. If employee information has been obtained, proceed to step S34-1. Step S34-1: POS1 performs a money replenishment process. POS1 replenishes the money based on information transmitted from monitoring device 3 indicating the replenishment amount for each denomination in POS1. For example, the clerk may insert all the money output from the reserve device into POS1, and POS1 may store the replenishment amount (the number of coins of each denomination indicated by the information indicating the replenishment amount) from the inserted money and release the surplus money. The clerk then moves to POS2 with the money output from the reserve device that has not been replenished in POS1.

[0066] Step S33-2: POS2 determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved, similar to POS1. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S34-2. Step S34-2: POS2 performs the money replenishment process, just like POS1. The cashier takes the money dispensed from the reserve money device that has not been replenished in POS1 or POS2 and moves to POS3.

[0067] Step S33-3: POS3, like POS1 and POS2, determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S34-3. Step S34-3: POS3 performs the money replenishment process, just like POS1 and POS2. Then, the flowchart in Figure 7 (step S30 in Figure 6) is completed.

[0068] Furthermore, POS1 may display a message like that shown in Figure 5(e) in steps S30-1 and S33-1 until the employee code is read. The same applies to POS2 and POS3. Also, in step S32-1, POS1 may display a message like that shown in Figure 5(f) when money is dispensed. The same applies to POS2 and POS3.

[0069] Furthermore, POS1 determines whether or not employee information has been acquired both before the cash collection process and before the cash replenishment process (steps S31-1 and S33-1), but the above determination before the cash replenishment process may be omitted. The same applies to POS2 and POS3. The same also applies to the flowchart in Figure 10, which will be described later.

[0070] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as the first mode). Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) are examples of the current amounts of POS1, POS2, and POS3 at a given point in time. Figure 8(d) is an example of the base amounts related to the conditions for closing the store. According to Figure 8(d), the total base amount of banknotes and coins is 100,000 yen, the total base amount of banknotes is 80,000 yen, the base amount of 5,000 yen bills is 50,000 yen, the base amount of 2,000 yen bills is 0 yen, the base amount of 1,000 yen bills is 30,000 yen, and the maximum total amount of coins collected (fractional amount) is 999 yen. In the example shown in Figure 8(d), if all the conditions of the 5,000 yen base amount (50,000 yen), the 2,000 yen base amount (0 yen), and the 1,000 yen base amount (30,000 yen) are met, the condition of the total base amount of banknotes (80,000 yen) is also met, so it is not necessary to use the total base amount of banknotes (80,000 yen) as a condition.

[0071] If the various reference amounts are the amounts shown in Figure 8(d), and the current amounts of POS1 to POS3 at the start of the flowchart in Figure 7 are the amounts shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), then in the money collection process of POS1 (step S32-1 in Figure 7), the money collection process of POS2 (step S32-2 in Figure 7), and the money collection process of POS3 (step S32-3 in Figure 7), the money will be collected as shown in Figure 9(a).

[0072] For example, in the cash collection process of POS1, POS1 releases all 10,000 yen bills (20 bills: 200,000 yen) (Condition 1). Also, POS1 releases an amount (370 yen) that is less than a predetermined amount (999 yen) as the total amount of coins collected (Condition 2). In addition, POS1 releases 5,000 yen bills (2 bills: 10,000 yen) so that the total amount of banknotes and coins (excluding the 370 yen collected) is equal to or greater than the standard total amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen) and is the smallest amount (Condition 3). Note that in the example in Figure 9, POS1 releases 5,000 yen bills (2 bills: 10,000 yen) instead of 1,000 yen bills (10 bills: 10,000 yen) to minimize the number of bills collected. Note that the 370 yen collected in coins may be released in the minimum number of coins (or the denominations and quantities to be collected may be determined by considering the standard number of coins for each denomination).

[0073] After the cash collection process at POS1 described above, the following conditions are met: total amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ base amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen), total amount of 1,000 yen bills (45 bills: 45,000 yen) ≥ base amount of 1,000 yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen), total amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen) ≥ base amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen), and total amount of banknotes (85,000 yen) ≥ base amount of banknotes (80,000 yen). However, the condition that total amount of 5,000 yen bills (8 bills: 40,000 yen) < base amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen) is not met. Note that "OK" in the diagram indicates that the condition is met, and "NG" indicates that the condition is not met.

[0074] Furthermore, in the money replenishment process of POS1 (step S34-1 in Figure 7), the money replenishment process of POS2 (step S34-2 in Figure 7), and the money replenishment process of POS3 (step S34-3 in Figure 7), money is replenished as shown in Figure 9(b).

[0075] For example, in the cash replenishment process for POS1, POS1 is replenished with 5,000 yen bills (2 bills: 10,000 yen). After the cash replenishment process for POS1, the following conditions are met: Total amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen), Total amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ Base amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen), Total amount of 1,000 yen bills (45 bills: 45,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of 1,000 yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen), Total amount of banknotes and coins (110,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen), Total amount of banknotes (95,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of banknotes (80,000 yen).

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the amounts collected from POS1 (20 ten-thousand-yen bills: 200,000 yen, 2 five-thousand-yen bills: 10,000 yen, 0 two-thousand-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 one-thousand-yen bills: 0 yen, coins: 370 yen), the amounts collected from POS2 (29 ten-thousand-yen bills: 290,000 yen, 14 five-thousand-yen bills: 70,000 yen, 6 two-thousand-yen bills: 12,000 yen, 4 one-thousand-yen bills: 4,000 yen, coins: 820 yen), the amounts collected from POS3 (12 ten-thousand-yen bills: 120,000 yen, 0 five-thousand-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 two-thousand-yen bills: 0 yen, 0 one-thousand-yen bills: 0 yen, coins: 730 yen), and the amounts withdrawn from the office (14 five-thousand-yen bills: 70,000 yen, 6 one-thousand-yen bills: 12,000 yen) The amounts to be replenished to POS1 (two 5,000 yen bills: 10,000 yen, zero 2,000 yen bills: 0 yen, zero 1,000 yen bills: 0 yen), to POS2 (six 5,000 yen bills: 30,000 yen, zero 2,000 yen bills: 0 yen, zero 1,000 yen bills: 0 yen), and to POS3 (six 5,000 yen bills: 30,000 yen, zero 2,000 yen bills: 0 yen, six 1,000 yen bills: 6,000 yen) are calculated by the monitoring device 3 (step S12 in Figure 6) based on the current amounts of POS1 to POS3 shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c) and the conditions shown in Figure 8(d), and communicated to each device (POS1 to POS3, reserve device) (step S13 in Figure 6). The same applies to the examples in Figures 11, 13, and 14.

[0077] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the closing process at POS register 2 (an example of operation as a second mode). In Figure 7, an example was shown in which the closing process is performed in the order of money collection process → money replenishment process, but as shown in Figure 10, the closing process may also be performed in the order of money replenishment process → money collection process. That is, the closing process in Figure 10 is performed in the order of money replenishment process at POS1 → money replenishment process at POS2 → money replenishment process at POS3 → money collection process at POS1 → money collection process at POS2 → money collection process at POS3. The employee first moves to the reserve money device. In response to operations by the employee, the reserve money device outputs the required number of coins of each denomination needed for the money replenishment process based on the reserve amount information (reserve amount information calculated for the second mode) transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S13. The employee takes the coins output from the reserve money device and moves to POS1.

[0078] Step S131-1: POS1 determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S132-1. Step S132-1: POS1 performs the money replenishment process. For example, the clerk may put all the money output from the reserve device into POS1, POS1 may store the replenishment amount from the input money and release the surplus money. The clerk moves to POS2 with the money output from the reserve device that has not been replenished in POS1. The money replenishment process is then performed similarly in POS2 and POS3 (Steps S131-2, S132-2, S131-3, S132-3). The clerk moves to POS1.

[0079] Step S133-1: POS1 determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S134-1. Step S134-1: POS1 performs the money collection process. The clerk moves to POS2 with the money collected from POS1. The money collection process is then performed similarly at POS2 and POS3 (Steps S133-2, S134-2, S133-3, S134-3). The clerk moves to the reserve money device with the money collected from POS1, POS2, and POS3, and stores the collected money in the reserve money device. The flowchart in Figure 10 (Step S30 in Figure 6) then ends.

[0080] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the closing process operation in POS register 2 (an example of operation as a second mode). If the various reference amounts are the amounts shown in Figure 8(d), and at the start of the flowchart in Figure 10, the current amounts in POS1 to POS3 are the amounts shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), then in the money replenishment process for POS1 (step S132-1 in Figure 10), the money replenishment process for POS2 (step S132-2 in Figure 10), and the money replenishment process for POS3 (step S132-3 in Figure 10), POS1, POS2, and POS3 will be replenished with money as shown in Figure 11(a). The amount withdrawn from the office (six 5,000 yen bills: 30,000 yen, six 1,000 yen bills: 6,000 yen) is calculated from the amount replenished in POS3 (six 5,000 yen bills: 30,000 yen, six 1,000 yen bills: 60,000 yen).

[0081] Furthermore, in the money collection process (step S134-1 in Figure 10), the money collection process at POS2 (step S134-2 in Figure 10), and the money collection process at POS3 (step S134-3 in Figure 10), the currency is collected as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0082] For example, in the cash collection process of POS1, POS1 releases all 10,000 yen bills (20 bills: 200,000 yen) (Condition 1). Also, POS1 releases an amount (370 yen) that is less than a predetermined amount (999 yen) as the total amount of coins collected (Condition 2). Furthermore, POS1 releases 1,000 yen bills (10 bills: 10,000 yen) such that the total amount of banknotes and coins (excluding the collected 370 yen) is equal to or less than the standard total amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen) (Condition 3), and the total amount of 5,000 yen bills ≥ the standard amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 100,000 yen; Condition 5), and the total amount of 1,000 yen bills ≥ the standard amount of 1,000 yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen; Condition 5). After the cash collection process at POS1, all of the following conditions are met: Total amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen), Total amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ Base amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen), Total amount of 1,000 yen bills (35 bills: 35,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of 1,000 yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen), Total amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen), Total amount of banknotes (85,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of banknotes (80,000 yen).

[0083] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the closing process at POS register 2 (an example of operation as the third embodiment). POS register 2 may perform the closing process one unit at a time, as shown in Figure 12. That is, the closing process in Figure 12 is performed in the following order: cash collection and replenishment process at POS1 → cash collection and replenishment process at POS2 → cash collection and replenishment process at POS3. The employee first moves to the reserve money device. The reserve money device, in response to operations by the employee, outputs the required number of coins of each denomination for the cash collection and replenishment process based on the reserve amount information (reserve amount information calculated for the third embodiment) transmitted from the monitoring device 3 in step S13. The employee then moves to POS1 with the coins output from the reserve money device.

[0084] Step S231-1: POS1 determines whether or not employee information has been retrieved. If employee information has been retrieved, proceed to step S232-1. Step S232-1: POS1 performs the money collection and replenishment process. For example, the clerk may insert all the money output from the reserve device into POS1, POS1 may store the replenishment amount from the inserted money and release the surplus money (including the collected money). The clerk then moves to POS2 with the remaining money. The money collection and replenishment process is then performed similarly in POS2 and POS3 (steps S231-2, S232-2, S231-3, and S232-3). The clerk then moves to the reserve device with the remaining money and stores the remaining money in the reserve device. The flowchart in Figure 12 (step S30 in Figure 6) then ends.

[0085] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as a third mode). If the various reference amounts are the amounts shown in Figure 8(d), and at the start of the flowchart in Figure 12, the current amounts of POS1 to POS3 are the amounts shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), then in the money collection and replenishment process of POS1 (step S232-1 in Figure 12), the money collection and replenishment process of POS2 (step S232-2 in Figure 12), and the money collection and replenishment process of POS3 (step S232-3 in Figure 12), money will be released or replenished as shown in Figure 13. Note that if the processing is done in the order of POS1 → POS2 → POS3, there will be no withdrawal amount from the office.

[0086] For example, in the money collection and replenishment process of POS1, POS1 releases all 10,000 yen bills (20 bills: 200,000 yen) (Condition 1). Also, POS1 releases an amount (370 yen) that is less than a predetermined amount (999 yen) as the total amount of coins collected (Condition 2). Furthermore, POS1 releases 1,000 yen bills (10 bills: 10,000 yen) such that the total amount of banknotes and coins (excluding the collected 370 yen) is equal to or less than the standard total amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen) (Condition 3), and the total amount of 5,000 yen bills ≥ the standard amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 100,000 yen; Condition 5), and the total amount of 1,000 yen bills ≥ the standard amount of 1,000 yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen; Condition 5). After the money collection and replenishment process at POS1, all of the following conditions are met: Total amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of 5,000 yen bills (10 bills: 50,000 yen), Total amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen) ≥ Base amount of 2,000 yen bills (0 bills: 0 yen), Total amount of 1,000 yen bills (35 bills: 35,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of 1,000 yen bills (30 bills: 30,000 yen), Total amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of banknotes and coins (100,000 yen), Total amount of banknotes (85,000 yen) ≥ Base amount of banknotes (80,000 yen).

[0087] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the closing process in POS register 2 (an example of operation as the fourth mode). As the operation of the closing process corresponding to the flowchart in Figure 7, the operation of the closing process shown in Figure 14 (operation as the fourth mode) may be performed instead of the operation of the closing process shown in Figure 9 (operation as the first mode). That is, in the operation of the closing process shown in Figure 9, replenishment in the money replenishment process is not considered when the money collection process is executed, but as shown in Figure 14, replenishment in the money replenishment process may be considered when the money collection process is executed. Specifically, the denominations to be collected are selected in the preceding money collection process so that replenishment in the subsequent money replenishment process is unnecessary. In the example of the closing process in Figure 14, replenishment in the money replenishment process of POS1 and the money replenishment process of POS2 are unnecessary.

[0088] In summary, POS system 1 can improve the efficiency of closing procedures.

[0089] Furthermore, in POS system 1, cash collection processing may be performed using withdrawal slips. For example, monitoring device 3 may issue withdrawal slips with the number of bills dispensed (collected) for each denomination printed (recorded) using code information, and POS register 2 may read the withdrawal slips with scanner unit 18 and perform cash collection processing. Also, in POS system 1, cash replenishment processing may be performed using deposit slips. For example, monitoring device 3 may issue deposit slips with the number of bills to be replenished for each denomination printed (recorded) using code information, and POS register 2 may read the deposit slips with scanner unit 18 and perform cash replenishment processing. Furthermore, POS register 2 may read code information (e.g., two-dimensional barcode, e.g., QR code®) printed (recorded) on withdrawal slips or deposit slips using imaging unit 21. Also, monitoring device 3 may send a command to POS register 2 to print withdrawal slips or deposit slips, causing POS register 2 to print them. Furthermore, the withdrawal slip and the deposit slip may be on the same document.

[0090] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a process of replenishing money in the automatic change dispenser 17 (money replenishment process) is performed as a closing process, the money replenishment process may be performed in other situations. For example, when the change supply is near-end, the change supply near-end information may be transmitted to the monitoring device 3, and the money replenishment process may be performed according to the instructions of the monitoring device 3. Also, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a process of collecting money from the automatic change dispenser 17 (money collection process) is performed as a closing process, the money collection process may be performed in other situations. For example, when the change supply is near-full, the change supply near-full information may be transmitted to the monitoring device 3, and the money collection process may be performed according to the instructions of the monitoring device 3.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the closing process mainly involves adjusting the current number of banknotes (and collecting fractional amounts of coins), but the current number of coins may also be adjusted in the same way as banknotes. That is, a standard amount for the total amount of coins, a standard amount for 500 yen coins, a standard amount for 100 yen coins, ..., a standard amount for 1 yen coins, etc., may be set, and the current number of coins may also be adjusted in the closing process in the same way as banknotes.

[0092] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 are separate units, but the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 may be integrated. That is, the store controller 4 may also have the same functions as the monitoring device 3. When the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 are integrated, the integrated unit is also referred to as a management device. When the store controller 4 is integrated with the monitoring device 3, it is a component of the POS system 1, but when the store controller 4 is separate from the monitoring device 3, it is not necessarily a component of the POS system 1.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the POS system 1 was described as comprising a POS register 2, which is a device that combines the functions of a registration device that mainly performs registration processing and a settlement device that mainly performs settlement processing. However, instead of the POS register 2, the POS system 1 may also comprise a registration device that mainly performs registration processing and a settlement device that mainly performs settlement processing as separate components. The registration device may issue a printed slip (receipt) with transaction information (or information that can identify the transaction information) barcoded (e.g., a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, etc.) after the registration processing, and perform settlement processing by having the settlement device read the slip. Alternatively, the settlement device that performs settlement processing may be designated in the registration device, and the settlement processing may be performed in the designated settlement device. Note that when the registration device and settlement device are separate components, the registration device does not necessarily have to be a component of the POS system 1.

[0094] Furthermore, while it has been explained that the monitoring device 3 in an embodiment where the monitoring device 3 and the store controller 4 are separate entities, or the integrated device described above (a store controller equipped with the same functions as the monitoring device 3), is a management device, the POS register 2 may also be a management device. That is, a representative POS register 2 (or each of the POS registers 2) within the POS system 1 may also be equipped with the same functions as the monitoring device 3 in the above embodiment. Also, in a configuration where a registration device that mainly performs registration processing and a settlement device that mainly performs settlement processing are provided as separate entities, the settlement device (or registration device) may be a management device. That is, a representative settlement device (or each of the settlement devices) may be equipped with the same functions as the monitoring device 3 in the above embodiment, or a representative registration device (or each of the registration devices) may be equipped with the same functions as the monitoring device 3 in the above embodiment.

[0095] Next, we will describe application examples of POS system 1. Specifically, we will explain the settlement process, which is completed through multiple steps (described later). In the following explanation, monitoring device 3 will monitor the 10 machines shown in Figure 15: settlement machine 1, settlement machine 2, settlement machine 3, settlement machine 4, settlement machine 11, settlement machine 12, settlement machine 13, settlement machine 14, service counter settlement machine, and settlement machine 99 (main building entrance machine). Note that settlement process for settlement machine 99 (main building entrance machine) is assumed to have already been completed. Each of the 10 machines mentioned above is a specific example of the POS register 2 described above.

[0096] Figures 15 and 16 show examples of screens displayed on the monitoring device 3. The monitoring device 3 receives a request from the store clerk to specify the equipment to execute the settlement process. For example, when displaying a screen like the one shown in Figure 15, the device specification screen shown in Figure 16(a) is displayed in response to an operation from the "Main Menu" button, and the device specification screen accepts the request for the equipment to execute the settlement process.

[0097] The screen in Figure 15 displays various warning information for each machine (for example, that change is near-end, that change is near-full, that a stamp is required on the receipt, that there are few receipts left, and that payment is taking a long time). The machine selection screen in Figure 16(a) is used to specify which machine will perform the settlement process. The machine selection screen in Figure 16(a) displays checkboxes corresponding to the numbers (register numbers) of all monitored machines. The employee checks the machines to perform the settlement process and presses the "Execute" button to specify which machines will perform the settlement process. In the example in Figure 16(a), seven machines are specified: settlement machines 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

[0098] In Figure 16(a), the device selection screen displays all monitored devices, but it is also possible to display only devices whose settlement process is incomplete. Specifically, for example, if "Incomplete" is selected in the area for switching the display target (e.g., the pull-down list labeled A), the monitoring device 3 may display the device selection screen shown in Figure 16(b) instead of Figure 16(a). In Figure 16(a), both devices whose settlement process is incomplete and devices whose settlement process is already complete (Settlement Machine 99 Main Building Entrance Machine) are displayed, and the staff can specify which device to perform the settlement process from among the displayed devices whose settlement process is incomplete. In Figure 16(b), devices whose settlement process is already complete (Settlement Machine 99 Main Building Entrance Machine) are not displayed, and only devices whose settlement process is incomplete are displayed, and the staff can specify which device to perform the settlement process from among the displayed devices (devices whose settlement process is incomplete).

[0099] When monitoring device 3 receives a request from a store employee to specify which devices should perform the settlement process, it instructs each of the specified devices to perform the settlement process. Specifically, when one or more devices are checked on the device selection screen and the "Execute" button is pressed, monitoring device 3 sends information instructing each of the one or more devices to start the settlement process (settlement process start instruction information). After that, monitoring device 3 clears (closes) the device selection screen. Meanwhile, each device that has received the settlement process start instruction information starts its own settlement process. In other words, monitoring device 3 controls the execution of the settlement process on each device specified by the store employee (controls the start of execution).

[0100] Furthermore, monitoring device 3 may send payment processing commencement instruction information when, after one or more devices have been checked (specified) on the device selection screen, the "Execute" button is pressed and the employee identification information of the employee has been acquired. For example, payment processing commencement instruction information may be sent when one or more devices are selected, the "Execute" button is pressed, and the code information (employee code) printed on the employee card is read.

[0101] Furthermore, when the monitoring device 3 receives a designation from a store employee for a device to execute the settlement process, it transmits settlement start instruction information to each device that has received the designation, and also displays the processing status of each step of the settlement process in each device that has received the designation on its display unit. Specifically, the monitoring device 3 displays multiple process areas corresponding to each step of the settlement process, and displays the processing status of each step of the settlement process by changing the display manner of each process area according to the processing status of the corresponding step.

[0102] Figure 17 shows an example of a screen displayed on the monitoring device 3. Specifically, it is an example of a screen showing the processing status of each stage of the settlement process on seven settlement machines 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram that describes the displayed and printed content. Specifically, Figure 18(a) is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 17 (display content related to settlement machine 4) for the sake of explanation. Figure 18(b) is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 17 (display content related to settlement machine 14) for the sake of explanation. Figure 18(c) is an example of a report that is printed and issued at the end of the settlement process.

[0103] As shown in Figure 16, when the monitoring device 3 receives the designation of seven payment machines 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14 on the device designation screen, it displays the processing status of each process of the payment processing for each of the seven machines, as shown in Figure 17. In other words, when multiple machines are designated, the monitoring device 3 displays multiple process areas for each machine.

[0104] In this embodiment, the monitoring device 3 displays the processing status of the following processes included in the settlement process: re-examination of change, determination of actual balance, determination of remaining balance, collection of change, and opening of the cash register. Specifically, the monitoring device 3 displays the process area corresponding to re-examination of change (area labeled B1 in Figures 18(a) and (b)), the process area corresponding to determination of actual balance (area labeled B2 in Figures 18(a) and (b)), the process area corresponding to determination of remaining balance (area labeled B3 in Figures 18(a) and (b)), the process area corresponding to collection of change (area labeled B4 in Figures 18(a) and (b)), and the process area corresponding to opening the cash register (area labeled B5 in Figures 18(a) and (b)). The display mode of each process area is changed according to the processing status of the corresponding process (for example, by changing the color), thereby displaying the processing status of each process in the settlement process.

[0105] In Figures 17, 18(a), and 18(b), a blank process area indicates that the process area is displayed in the first display mode (e.g., the first color), and that the process has not yet been performed. A process area with dense dots indicates that the process area is displayed in the second display mode (e.g., the second color), and that the process is currently being performed. A process area with sparse dots indicates that the process area is displayed in the third display mode (e.g., the third color), and that the process has already been completed. In this embodiment, processes currently being performed and processes that have already been completed are distinguished and displayed in different display modes. However, processes currently being performed and processes that have already been completed may be displayed in the same display mode without distinction.

[0106] The following describes each step. The "change re-verification" step in the settlement process involves re-verifying the money in the machine. The "actual balance determination" step in the settlement process involves determining the actual balance in the machine as a result of the change re-verification. The "remaining balance determination" step in the settlement process involves adjusting and determining the remaining amount in the machine. If necessary, the "closing process" described above is performed to determine the remaining amount. The "change collection" step in the settlement process involves collecting the money in the machine using a collection box (cassette). The "cash register opening process" step in the settlement process involves transmitting the sales information of the machine to the store controller 4.

[0107] The monitoring device 3 displays the processing status of each step in the settlement process, allowing store employees to visually understand that the settlement process is carried out in the order of "re-checking change" → "determining actual balance" → "determining remaining balance" → "collecting change" → "opening the register," and that it is completed when the final "opening the register" is finished, as well as the progress of the settlement process at each machine. In the example in Figure 17, for example, it can be seen that for payment machine 4, "re-checking change" has been completed and "determining actual balance" has been performed (Figure 18(a)). Also, for example, for payment machine 14, it can be seen that up to "determining remaining balance" has been completed and "collecting change" has been performed (Figure 18(b)).

[0108] To display the processing status of each step in the settlement process, the monitoring device 3 receives information (processing status notification) regarding the processing status of each step from each device specified on the device selection screen. That is, each device specified on the device selection screen sends a processing status notification to the monitoring device 3 according to the processing status of each step (for example, when each step is completed), and the monitoring device 3 displays a screen as shown in Figure 17 based on the processing status notifications received from each device. The processing status notification includes information that allows the monitoring device 3 to identify which of the five steps ("re-examining change", "determining actual balance", "determining remaining balance", "collecting change", and "opening the cash register") has started or finished.

[0109] In other words, as shown in Figure 17, it is possible to grasp the progress of multiple processes, so it is possible to grasp the approximate time until completion, and for example, since "fishing machine retrieval" requires each device to actually go out and perform tasks such as cash collection, if the process is located immediately before "fishing machine retrieval", it is possible to grasp that the necessary collection boxes for "fishing machine retrieval" must be prepared immediately or preparations for the retrieval work must be started. Furthermore, if an error occurs in the payment machine, the monitoring device 3 receives an error signal from the payment machine and displays an error in the display area of ​​the payment machine in Figure 17, or changes the background appearance (color, pattern, etc.) or the frame of the display area of ​​the payment machine from the normal appearance (normal color, normal pattern, normal frame, etc.) to a notification appearance for an error (a different color from the normal color, a different pattern from the normal pattern, a frame with a different color, thickness, etc. from the normal frame, etc.), thereby stopping the progress of the process at that point. This makes it easy to understand that the process has stopped due to an error, and also allows for understanding which process has been completed and the approximate reason (the nature of the error) for the process stopping due to some error, based on the progress status of the process described above. When the error that occurred in the payment machine is cleared, the monitoring device 3 receives an error clearing signal from the payment machine, the error display is erased, or the notification appearance is changed to the normal appearance, and thereafter, the display appearance for each process changes according to the progress of the process in the payment machine.

[0110] Furthermore, the degree of error that occurred in the payment machine can be determined, and the display of the error notification may differ depending on whether it is determined to be a serious error (an error that requires time and effort to recover from, or an error with a wide range of impact, etc.) or not. For example, in the case of a serious error, the error may be displayed in a more conspicuous manner (e.g., larger) than in the case of a non-serious error. The monitoring device 3 can determine the degree of the error by referring to information for determining the degree of the error (e.g., information that associates the type of error identified from the error signal with the degree of the error). The information for determining the degree of the error only needs to be stored in a location that the monitoring device 3 can access (e.g., the monitoring device 3 itself). This allows the monitoring device 3 to determine whether a serious error has occurred or whether it is a non-serious error that can be processed immediately. If the monitoring device 3 determines that a serious error has occurred, it may be configured to automatically proceed with the same processing as when the "Not Applicable for Payment" button described later is pressed.

[0111] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 has a function to interrupt (or cancel) settlement processing for equipment that is currently performing settlement processing. For example, if the button "Not subject to settlement (indicated as D in Figure 18(a)(b))" located within the display area of ​​each equipment is pressed, the monitoring device 3 interrupts the settlement processing on the corresponding equipment by transmitting information (settlement processing interruption instruction information) instructing the equipment to interrupt the settlement processing.

[0112] Furthermore, if the processing of a device has been interrupted, the settlement process may be resumed through an explicit operation (for example, by re-selecting it on the device selection screen). Also, if the settlement process of a device has been stopped for any reason (such as an error) and has been interrupted by an operation, the settlement process may be automatically resumed (without explicit operation) when the reason for interruption has ceased (for example, when the error has been resolved).

[0113] Furthermore, if the settlement process of a device belonging to a group consisting of multiple devices designated together (multiple devices that simultaneously sent settlement process start instruction information) is interrupted, the monitoring device 3 will exclude the processing status of each step of the settlement process for that device from the group and display it accordingly. For example, in the screen of Figure 17, settlement machines 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are displayed as the same group (Group 1), but if the button "Not subject to settlement" in the display area for settlement machine 4 is pressed, the monitoring device 3 may display settlement machine 4 in a different manner than Group 1 (at least by removing the "Group 1" notation).

[0114] Furthermore, if N units are initially specified on the equipment selection screen (and settlement process commencement instruction information is sent to these N units simultaneously), and then M units are immediately specified (and settlement process commencement instruction information is sent to these M units simultaneously), then two groups will exist (Group 1 consisting of N units, and Group 2 consisting of M units). In such cases, the settlement process for equipment belonging to the same group may be displayed together on the screen. For example, if, on the equipment selection screen, three payment machines 2, 12, and 14 are selected first, followed immediately by four more payment machines 3, 4, 11, and 13, then in Figure 17, the processing status of payment machines 2, 12, and 14 may be displayed at the top (or left) of the screen, and the processing status of payment machines 3, 4, 11, and 13 may be displayed at the bottom (or right) of the screen. In other words, the display position of each device when showing the processing status of each stage of the payment processing is not always fixed, but may change according to the situation when the devices are selected on the equipment selection screen.

[0115] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the settlement process. At the start of the flowchart in Figure 19, it is assumed that monitoring device 3 is displaying the screen shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 19 shows the operation of one of several devices designated to perform the settlement process (in this flowchart, the group consisting of these devices is referred to as Group A), and the operations of the other devices designated to perform the settlement process (other devices belonging to Group A) are omitted, but the same applies to the operations of the other devices.

[0116] (Operation of monitoring device 3) Step Sa1: In response to the store clerk's operation, the machine selection screen (for example, the screen shown in Figure 16) is displayed. Step Sa2: The device selection screen displayed in Step Sa1 accepts the device selection. Step Sa3: After the specified operation (for example, after pressing the "Execute" button), read the employee code. Step Sa4: Send settlement process commencement instruction information (information instructing the start of settlement processing) to the equipment specified in Step Sa2. Also, clear the equipment selection screen. Step Sa5: Display a screen showing the processing status of each step in the settlement process (for example, the screen in Figure 17). Each display area for each device should be labeled "Group A".

[0117] Step Sa6: Determine whether a processing status notification (information regarding the processing status of each process) has been received from the device that sent the settlement process commencement instruction information in Step Sa4. If a processing status notification is received, proceed to Step Sa7. If a processing status notification is not received, proceed to Step Sa8. Step Sa7: Update the processing status in response to the processing status notification. For example, if a processing status notification is received from a device indicating that "change collection" has been completed, the "change collection" process area on that device is changed to a predetermined display mode indicating that the process has already been completed. Step Sa8: Determine whether or not there was an instruction to interrupt the settlement process. If there was an instruction to interrupt, proceed to Step Sa9. If there was no instruction to interrupt, proceed to Step Sa11.

[0118] Step Sa9: Interrupt the settlement process for the specified device. For example, if the "Not subject to settlement" button located within the display area of ​​a device is pressed, the monitoring device 3 interrupts the settlement process on that device by transmitting settlement interruption instruction information (information instructing the device to interrupt the settlement process). Note that the transmission and reception of settlement interruption instruction information are not illustrated in this flowchart. Step Sa10: Remove the device from Group A. For example, remove the "Group A" label that was displayed for the device.

[0119] Step Sa11: Determine whether the settlement process for all equipment belonging to Group A has been completed. That is, determine whether the settlement process has been completed for all equipment specified in Step Sa2 that was not interrupted in Step Sa10. If a processing status notification is received from a certain piece of equipment indicating that the final step of the settlement process, "cash register closing process," has been completed, then it is sufficient to determine that the settlement process for that piece of equipment has been completed. If the settlement process for all equipment belonging to Group A has not been completed, return to Step Sa6. If it has been completed, proceed to Step Sa12. Step Sa12: Print and issue a report related to settlement processing (for example, a report like the one shown in Figure 18(c)). Then, the flowchart for monitoring device 3 is completed.

[0120] In step Sa12, as shown in Figure 18(c), information on all devices belonging to group A may be printed and issued on a single report (including those with perforations), or separate reports may be printed and issued for each individual device. In the case where separate reports are printed and issued for each individual device, the reports may be printed and issued sequentially as the settlement process for each device is completed, but reports corresponding to settlement machines for which the "Not subject to settlement" button has been pressed will not be issued. In other words, if closing procedures are initially performed for the same group of machines, and an error occurs in one of the machines preventing processing, pressing the "Exclude from Settlement" button will remove the machine with the error from the group. Settlement operations will then be completed and reports issued for the remaining machines in the group. Therefore, even if an error occurs in one machine, the settlement process on the other machines will not be affected, and the report output can be completed. The report may be printed on paper or, for example, output electronically.

[0121] (Operation of monitored equipment that performs settlement processing) Step Sb1: Receive settlement operation start instruction information (information instructing the start of settlement operation processing) from monitoring device 3. Step Sb2: Perform (start) the "re-examine change". Step Sb3: Send a processing status notification to the monitoring device 3 indicating that the "change re-examination" is complete. The processing status notification may explicitly include information to identify the sender (e.g., register number), or it may not be necessary to explicitly include it if the sender can be identified from the IP address, etc. The same applies when sending processing status notifications for other processes. Step Sb4: Perform (start) "Determine Actual Balance". Note that "Determine Actual Balance" is the result of the "Re-examine Change" mentioned above, so it does not take much time to process. Step Sb5: A processing status notification is sent to the monitoring device 3 indicating that the "actual value determination" process is complete. Step Sb6: Perform (start) "Determine remaining balance". Step Sb7: Send a processing status notification to monitoring device 3 indicating that the "determination of remaining balance" has been completed. Step Sb8: Perform (start) "Fishing Machine Retrieval". Step Sb9: A notification is sent to the monitoring device 3 indicating that the "fishing gear retrieval" has been completed. Step Sb10: Perform (start) the "Register Closing Process". Step Sb11: A notification of the processing status is sent to the monitoring device 3 indicating that the "cash register closing process" has been completed. Step Sb12: Turn off the power. The power may be turned off immediately after executing Step Sb11, or after receiving a response from the monitoring device 3 indicating that the processing status notification for Step Sb11 has been received. Then the flowchart for the monitored device that performs the settlement operation is finished.

[0122] As mentioned above, the transmission and reception of settlement process interruption instruction information (information instructing the interruption of settlement process) are not shown in the diagram. However, if settlement process interruption instruction information is received from monitoring device 3, the processing of steps Sb1 to Sb12, which are currently being executed, will be interrupted. However, if settlement process interruption instruction information is received during the execution of transmission processing (steps Sb2, Sb4, Sb6, Sb8, Sb10), the processing may be interrupted after the execution of that processing. This is because transmission processing is not settlement process, and interrupting transmission midway may make the processing status unclear.

[0123] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 may notify the customer that a store employee's work is required during the settlement process. For example, as shown in Figures 18(b) and 18(d), the display mode of the display area (background portion) of each device may be changed from the display mode for the non-call state (a state in which store employee work is not required) to the display mode for the call state (a state in which store employee work is required). In Figures 17 and 18(a) and 18(b), a plain background portion indicates that the device is displayed in the non-call state display mode (for example, the first color as the background portion), and a diagonal background portion indicates that the device is displayed in the call state display mode (for example, the second color as the background portion).

[0124] Furthermore, the monitoring device 3 may display messages regarding the processing status of settlement operations and calls for store staff in a predetermined area (area labeled C in Figure 18). For example, in the example shown in Figure 17, a message is displayed for settlement machine 2 indicating that automatic settlement will begin, for settlement machine 3 indicating that the change is being re-examined, for settlement machine 4 indicating that discrepancies are being checked, for settlement machine 11 indicating that sales should be collected (to move the money in the drawer), for settlement machine 12 indicating that cash recycling withdrawal (i.e., the "closing process" described above) should be performed, for settlement machine 13 indicating that the actual balance should be entered, and for settlement machine 14 indicating that the money in the change machine should be collected.

[0125] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of the invention. The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above POS system.

[0126] (Note 1) A POS system comprising multiple payment devices, characterized by including a display means for displaying the payment status of the payment devices on a screen, and a control means for controlling the execution of closing procedures in one or more of the payment devices from the screen displaying the payment status. (Note 2) The POS system according to Appendix 1, wherein the settlement device includes an automatic change dispenser that performs a cash collection process and / or a cash replenishment process as the closing process, and the automatic change dispenser performs at least the cash collection process as the closing process when employee identification information of the employee performing the closing process is obtained. (Note 3) The POS system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the control means controls the execution of closing procedures in all of the plurality of settlement devices in which there are no outstanding or ongoing transactions, or closing procedures in one or more settlement devices designated by the user in which there are no outstanding or ongoing transactions, or closing procedures in one or more settlement devices designated by the user as settlement devices in which there are no outstanding or ongoing transactions, or closing procedures in settlement devices included in each of the one or more groups designated by the user. (Note 4) The POS system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the control means controls the execution of closing procedures in the settlement devices included in each of the one or more groups specified by the user, where there are no unsettled or in-progress transactions. (Note 5) The aforementioned payment device is a POS system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, characterized in that it prioritizes the collection of banknotes over the collection of coins. (Note 6) The POS system described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, characterized in that the total amount of coins collected from all denominations is the fractional amount less than a predetermined amount from the total amount of coins, which is the sum of all denominations. According to the POS system described above, fewer coins are collected, making the operation easier compared to collecting a large number of coins. Furthermore, the total amount of collected coins will have no fractional amounts, simplifying management. (Note 7) The settlement device is a POS system according to any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, which performs the closing process such that the total amount of banknotes (the sum of all banknotes excluding the highest denomination) and the total amount of coins (the sum of all denominations) are equal to or greater than the standard total amount of banknotes and coins, and that the sum of each banknote (excluding the highest denomination) is equal to or greater than the standard amount of each denomination of banknote. According to the above POS system, the collection and replenishment of currency can be appropriately performed based on the total standard amount of banknotes and coins and the standard amount of banknotes by denomination. (Note 8) The POS system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, characterized in that the display means displays on the screen that there are transactions that are unsettled or in the process of being settled as the settlement status. (Note 9) The POS system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the control means controls the execution of settlement operations that are completed through multiple steps, and the display means displays the processing status of each step of the settlement operations in the settlement device specified by the user. (Note 10) The POS system according to Appendix 9, characterized in that the display means displays a plurality of process areas corresponding to each process of the settlement business process, and changes the display mode of each process area according to the processing status of the corresponding process, thereby displaying the processing status of each process of the settlement business process. (Note 11) The POS system according to Appendix 10, characterized in that the display means displays a plurality of process areas for each settlement device specified by the user, thereby displaying the processing status of each process of the settlement business process in a plurality of settlement devices. (Note 12) The POS system described in Appendix 11 displays, when multiple settlement devices are specified together, the settlement process of the settlement devices belonging to the same group, grouped together on the screen. (Note 13) The POS system as described in Appendix 12, wherein the control means includes an interruption control means for interrupting the settlement device while it is executing the settlement process, and the display means displays the status of each step of the settlement process of the settlement device, excluding the interruption control means when the settlement process of the settlement device belonging to a certain group is interrupted by the interruption control means. (Note 14) The POS system according to any one of Appendix 9 to Appendix 13, characterized in that the display means displays a designation screen that allows the designation of the settlement device for which the settlement process has not been completed. (Note 15) The POS system according to any one of Appendix 9 to Appendix 14, characterized in that the display means displays the processing status of each step of the settlement process after acquiring employee identification information of an employee. (Note 16) The POS system according to any one of Appendix 9 to Appendix 15, characterized in that the display means displays a message indicating that the money in the drawer is to be moved during the settlement process. (Note 17) The POS system according to any one of Appendix 9 to Appendix 16, characterized in that the settlement process includes a process of re-examining the money in each settlement device, a process of collecting the money in each settlement device into a collection box, and a process of transmitting sales information from each settlement device to a higher level.

[0127] (Note 18) A monitoring device comprising: a designation means for designating a settlement device that executes settlement operations that are completed through multiple processes; a control means for controlling the execution of the settlement operations; and a display means for displaying the processing status of each process of the settlement operations in the settlement device designated by the user. (Note 19) The monitoring device according to Appendix 18, characterized in that the display means displays a plurality of process areas corresponding to each process of the settlement business process, and changes the display mode of each process area according to the processing status of the corresponding process, thereby displaying the processing status of each process of the settlement business process. (Note 20) The monitoring device according to Appendix 19, characterized in that the display means displays a plurality of process areas for each settlement device specified by the user, thereby displaying the processing status of each process of the settlement business process in a plurality of settlement devices. (Note 21) The POS system described in Appendix 20 displays, when multiple settlement devices are specified together, the settlement process of the settlement devices belonging to the same group, grouped together on the screen. (Note 22) The control means includes interruption control means for interrupting the settlement device while it is executing the settlement process, and the display means displays the status of each step of the settlement process of the settlement device, excluding the processing status of each step of the settlement process of the settlement device belonging to a certain group, as described in Appendix 21. (Note 23) The monitoring device according to any one of Appendix 18 to Appendix 22, characterized in that the display means displays a designation screen that allows the designation of the settlement device for which the settlement process has not been completed. (Note 24) The monitoring device according to any one of Appendix 18 to Appendix 23, characterized in that the display means displays the processing status of each step of the settlement process after acquiring employee identification information of an employee. (Note 25) The monitoring device according to any one of Appendix 18 to Appendix 24, characterized in that the display means displays a message indicating that the money in the drawer is to be moved during the settlement process. (Note 26) The monitoring device described in any one of Appendix 18 to Appendix 25 is characterized in that the settlement process includes a process of re-examining the money in each settlement device, a process of collecting the money in each settlement device into a collection box, and a process of transmitting sales information from each settlement device to a higher level.

[0128] Furthermore, the various processes described above related to each process of the POS system 1 (or monitoring device 3, POS register 2) may be performed by recording a program for executing each process of the POS system 1 (or monitoring device 3, POS register 2) on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing it. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Also, if a WWW system is used, the "computer system" shall also include the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage device such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, writable non-volatile memory such as ROM, flash memory, portable media such as a CD-ROM, or a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0129] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" includes volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a memory device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Moreover, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0130] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1…POS system 2…POS register 3…Monitoring device 4…Store controller 11…CPU 12…ROM 13…RAM 14…Employee display unit 15…Operation unit 16…Customer display unit 17…Automatic change dispenser 17a…Coin dispenser 17b…Coin slot 18…Scanner unit 19…Printing unit 20…Communication unit 21…Imaging unit 30…Storage unit

Claims

1. In a system including at least multiple settlement devices capable of performing settlement processing, and a monitoring device, The aforementioned monitoring device is A display means that allows monitoring of the status of each of the aforementioned settlement devices, Instruction receiving means that receives an execution instruction to cause the settlement device to execute a settlement process that is completed through multiple steps, Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is Before the execution instruction is received by the instruction receiving means, the status of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices. After receiving the execution instruction via the instruction receiving means, the progress of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices currently executing the settlement process. A system characterized by the following features.

2. Control means for controlling the execution of the settlement process in one or more settlement devices based on the execution instruction received by the instruction receiving means. Equipped with The system according to feature 1.

3. The display means is A monitoring screen is displayed that allows monitoring of the status of each of the aforementioned payment devices. In the aforementioned monitoring screen, The control means displays the status of the settlement device, which controls the execution of the settlement process, as the progress of the settlement process. The control means will display at least the status of the settlement process as the status of the settlement device in which the execution of the settlement process was not controlled. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that it does so.

4. A monitoring device for monitoring a settlement device in a system that includes at least multiple settlement devices capable of performing settlement processing, A display means that allows monitoring of the status of each of the aforementioned settlement devices, Instruction receiving means that receives an execution instruction to cause the settlement device to execute a settlement process that is completed through multiple steps, Equipped with, The aforementioned display means is Before the execution instruction is received by the instruction receiving means, the status of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices. After receiving the execution instruction via the instruction receiving means, the progress of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices currently executing the settlement process. A monitoring device characterized by the following features.

5. A program that causes a computer to function as a monitoring device for monitoring settlement devices in a system that includes at least a plurality of settlement devices capable of performing settlement processing, The aforementioned computer, Display means for monitoring and displaying the status of each of the aforementioned settlement devices, Instruction receiving means for receiving an execution instruction to cause the settlement device to execute settlement operations that are completed through multiple steps. To make it function as, Before the execution instruction is received by the instruction receiving means, the status of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices. After receiving the execution instruction via the instruction receiving means, the progress of the settlement process is displayed for each of the settlement devices currently executing the settlement process. A program characterized by the following features.

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