Server and Program

Abstract

To reduce a time from start of registration processing to completion of accounting processing.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a commodity sales data processing device includes a commodity registration machine and an accounting machine. The commodity registration machine includes generation means, determination means, and recording means. The generation means generates registration information for performing accounting processing for a commodity to be purchased by a shopper. The determination means determines identification information for purchase of the commodity by the shopper before generation of the registration information for all commodities to be purchased by the shopper is completed. The recording means records the registration information in association with the identification information. The accounting machine includes reading means, accounting processing means, and receiving means. The reading means reads the identification information. The accounting processing means executes accounting processing according to an operation by the shopper when the identification information is read by the reading means. The receiving means receives the registration information with which the identification information read by the reading means has been associated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to system processing server of commercial sales data.

Background Art

[0002] A semi-self checkout system is known in which the processes of purchase registration and settlement in a supermarket or the like are performed by different product registration machines and accounting machines, respectively. In the checkout system, an employee (checker) operates the product registration machine, and a shopper operates the accounting machine.

[0003] In the checkout system, registration information about the products registered in the product registration machine is transferred from the product registration machine to the accounting machine. When the registration process is completed in the product registration machine, the shopper moves to the accounting machine and performs an accounting operation to pay for the product.

[0004] The semi-self checkout system divides the work for checkout by having an employee (checker) perform the scanning of products (product registration operation) and the shopper perform the accounting operation to pay for the product. This can shorten the waiting time at the cash register and reduce the burden on employees.

[0005] Normally, when a shopper performs the accounting operation by themselves, the time required for the accounting process tends to be longer than the time required for the registration process. For example, the shopper may spend a lot of time taking out coins or bills to be used as the product price or performing coupon processing to receive a discount on the product. Therefore, in the checkout system, multiple accounting machines are provided for one product registration machine to prevent the waiting time for the accounting process from becoming too long.

[0006] However, even if multiple checkout machines are provided for each product registration machine, shoppers cannot begin the checkout process at the checkout machine until the registration process is complete at the product registration machine. Therefore, the total time required to complete the checkout process is the sum of the time required for both the registration process and the checkout process. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-173292 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-184995 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5601159 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is the time from the start of the registration process to the completion of the accounting process. It is possible to shorten the time server The objective is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the embodiment, A server connected to the registration machine and the accounting machine via a network. teeth, Reception control means and Transmission control It has means. Reception control The means are, In the aforementioned registered machine Before the generation of registration information for all items purchased by a shopper is complete, The payment for the aforementioned goods Accounting machine Let it obtain The identification information for the registration information can be provided. The system performs control to receive the registration information from the registration device, which is received from the accounting machine and associated with the identification information. . Transmission control The means involves the registration information associated with the identification information, The accounting machine that performs accounting preparation processing in parallel with the generation of the registration information in the registration machine Send to Perform control . [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a product sales data processing device in the checkout system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of a checkout system (product sales data processing system) in this embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of a product registration machine in this embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of a cash register in this embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart for explaining the operation of the product registration machine in this embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart for explaining the operation of the cash register in this embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram for explaining the time required for registration processing and accounting processing in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The product sales data processing system of this embodiment is realized as a checkout system installed in a store such as a supermarket. The checkout system (product sales data processing system) includes at least one product registration machine, a plurality of cash registers, and a store computer (store server) connected to the product registration machine and the cash registers via a network. The product registration machine and the cash register constitute a product sales data processing device.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of a product sales data processing device (product registration machine, cash register) in the checkout system of this embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an example in which one product registration machine 10 (product registration register) and two cash registers 12 (12-1, 12-2) (cash registers) are provided.

[0013] The merchandise registration machine 10 is a device for registering information on merchandise that a shopper 4 (4-1) intends to purchase and generating registration information. The merchandise registration machine 10 is operated by an employee called a checker 2 to register merchandise. Note that the merchandise registration machine 10 can also be provided with a function to perform accounting processing similar to that of the cash register 12 based on the registration information and by the operation of the checker 2.

[0014] The cash register 12 is a device that receives the registration information generated by the merchandise registration machine 10 and performs accounting processing based on this registration information. The cash register 12A is operated by the shopper 4 (4-2, 4-3). Note that the cash register 12 may also be operated by the checker 2.

[0015] The merchandise registration machine 10 is attached to the cash register stand 5. The cash register stand 5 has, for example, an L-shaped top plate. When the shopping basket 7 containing merchandise placed by the shopper 4-1 is placed on the cash register stand 5, the checker 2 performs a scanning operation (operation to read merchandise information) on the merchandise in the shopping basket 7.

[0016] In the merchandise sales data processing device in the present embodiment, before the registration process by the merchandise registration machine 10 is completed, the shopper 4-1 can move to the cash register 12 and start the accounting process. For this reason, the checker 2 places the shopping basket 7 for which the registration process has been completed near the cash register 12 on the cash register stand 5 so that it is easily accessible to the shoppers 4-2 and 4-3 who have moved near the cash register 12.

[0017] The cash register 12 is attached to, for example, a bagging stand 6 arranged near the cash register stand 5 to which the merchandise registration machine 10 is attached. FIG. 1 shows an example in which two cash registers 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, by arranging the cash registers 12-1 and 12-2 near the merchandise registration machine 10, when the checker 2 has operational leeway, the checker 2 can check the state of the shoppers 4-2 and 4-3 operating the cash registers 12-1 and 12-2.

[0019] In Figure 1, an example is shown where two accounting machines 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged for one product registration machine 10. However, three or more accounting machines 12 may be arranged for one product registration machine 10. Furthermore, the combination of product registration machine 10 and accounting machine 12 may be left unspecified. In other words, the registration information generated by multiple product registration machines 10 may be processed by any of the multiple accounting machines 12.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the checkout system (product sales data processing system) in this embodiment. The example shown in Figure 2 illustrates a configuration in which multiple (m) product registration machines 10-1, ..., 10-m and multiple (n) accounting machines 12-1, 12-n are installed. The product registration machines 10-1, ..., 10-m, accounting machines 12-1, 12-n, and store computer (server) 14 are connected via a network 16 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and can send and receive data from each other.

[0021] The store computer 14 manages all product registration machines 10 and accounting machines 1 included in the checkout system. The store computer 14 receives registration information generated by the product registration machines 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m) and transmits it to one of the accounting machines 12 (12-1, ..., 12-n2) where accounting processing is performed.

[0022] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the product registration machine 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m) in this embodiment. The product registration machine 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 20, ROM (read-only memory) 21, RAM (random-access memory) 22, hard disk drive (HDD) 23, interface unit 24, scanner 25, keyboard 26, touch panel 27, communication unit 28, printer 29, and card reader / writer 30.

[0023] The CPU 20 controls various parts to perform various operations as a product registration machine 10 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs recorded in the ROM 21 and RAM 22.

[0024] ROM21 and RAM22 record various programs executed by CPU20, as well as data that CPU20 references when performing various processes. When the process of registering product information is executed, RAM22 records a registration information list that associates the transaction ID issued for the purchase (transaction) of the product by shopper 4 (details will be described later) with the registration information based on the information read from each product.

[0025] The program executed by the CPU 20 includes a control program for performing tasks such as inputting product information (product code, etc.), generating registration information used for accounting based on the product information, determining identification information (transaction ID) to identify a single transaction (usually a purchase of goods by one shopper 4), accounting based on the registration information, and sending the registration information to the store computer 14 for recording.

[0026] HDD23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. HDD23 stores data used by the CPU20 for various processing tasks, or data generated by the processing performed by the CPU20. Note that an SSD (solid state drive) can be used instead of HDD23.

[0027] The I / F (interface) unit 24 transmits data exchanged between the CPU 20, ROM 21, RAM 22, HDD 23, scanner 25, communication unit 28, touch panel 27, printer 29, and card reader / writer 30. The I / F unit 24 can be a well-known one that includes various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses to each component.

[0028] The scanner 25 reads product information by optical scanning and inputs a product code unique to each product. The scanner 25 may be a fixed or handheld 2D code scanner, or it may be a type that identifies products using image recognition technology from images of the products. Furthermore, the scanner 25 may be of only one type or multiple types.

[0029] The keyboard 26 is equipped with number keys for entering amounts, arithmetic keys for performing calculations such as subtotals and totals, keys for entering various commands, and product keys to which multiple products can be assigned, and outputs commands according to the operation of each key.

[0030] The touch panel 27 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen. For example, the display device displays a list of registration information (product name, price, etc.) for products registered for purchase, a subtotal amount, various menus, and buttons for entering commands. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used. The touch sensor is placed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 20. As the touch sensor, a well-known device can be used.

[0031] The communication unit 28 communicates with the store computer 14 and the accounting machine 12 via the LAN 13.

[0032] The printer 29 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer, and issues receipts by printing various strings of characters, images, code patterns (such as 2D codes) onto receipt paper.

[0033] The card reader / writer 30 reads data recorded on a card and also writes data to the card. The cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various other cards that record information related to accounting, such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader / writer 30 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, and may include multiple types of devices.

[0034] Furthermore, the product registration machine 10 may also be equipped with a display (e.g., an LCD) to provide various information to the shopper 4.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the accounting machine 12 (12-1, ..., 12-n) in this embodiment. The accounting machine 12 includes a CPU 40, ROM 41, RAM 42, HDD 43, I / F (interface) unit 44, scanner 45, touch panel 46, change dispenser 47, communication unit 48, printer 49, and card reader / writer 50.

[0036] The CPU 40 controls various parts to perform various operations as an accounting machine 12, based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs recorded in the ROM 41 and RAM 42.

[0037] ROM41 and RAM42 store various programs as well as data that the CPU40 references when performing various processes.

[0038] The program executed by the CPU 40 includes control programs for performing various processes. These processes include, for example, receiving registration information generated by the registration process in the product registration machine 10 and performing accounting processing based on the shopper 4's actions. In this embodiment, the accounting processing can be started before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed.

[0039] HDD43 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. HDD43 stores data used by the CPU40 for various processing tasks, or data generated by the processing performed by the CPU40. Note that an SSD, for example, can be used instead of HDD43.

[0040] The I / F (interface) unit 44 transmits data exchanged between the CPU 40, ROM 41, RAM 42, HDD 43, scanner 45, touch panel 46, change dispenser 47, communication unit 48, printer 49, and card reader / writer 50. The I / F (interface) unit 44 can be a well-known one that includes various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses to each part.

[0041] The scanner 45 reads information by optical scanning and inputs codes. For example, the scanner 45 is used to read codes (e.g., 2D codes) on receipts printed by the printer 29 of the product registration machine 10. The receipt has a code printed on it that shows identification information (transaction ID) to identify one transaction (one shopper), issued by the product registration machine 10. The scanner 25 may be a fixed or handheld 2D code scanner, or it may be a type that identifies products using image recognition technology from images of products. Furthermore, the scanner 25 may be of only one type or multiple types.

[0042] The touch panel 46 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI screen. For example, the display device displays a list of registration information (product name, price, etc.) for products registered for purchase, a subtotal amount, various menus, and buttons for entering commands. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used. The touch sensor is placed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 40. As the touch sensor, a well-known device can be used.

[0043] The change machine 47 receives the coins and banknotes that are inserted. The change machine 47 also dispenses the coins and banknotes to be given as change.

[0044] The communication unit 48 communicates with the store computer 14 and the product registration machine 10 via the LAN 13.

[0045] The printer 49 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer, and issues receipts by printing various strings of characters or images onto receipt paper.

[0046] The card reader / writer 50 reads data recorded on a card and writes data to the card. The cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various other cards that record information related to accounting, such as membership cards or point cards. The card reader / writer 50 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, and may include multiple types of devices.

[0047] Furthermore, the cashier machine 12 may be equipped with a motion sensor or the like that can detect when a shopper 4 approaches. Next, the operation of the product sales data processing system in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the product registration machine 10 in this embodiment, and Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the accounting machine 12 in this embodiment.

[0048] First, we will explain the registration process in the product registration machine 10 (Figure 5). When the shopping basket 7 is placed on the checkout counter 5 by the shopper 4, checker 2 performs an operation to cause the product registration machine 10 to issue a transaction ID. For example, checker 2 instructs the issuance of a transaction ID by operating the keyboard 26 or the touch panel 27.

[0049] There are two methods for issuing a transaction ID: firstly, using a recording medium such as a membership card owned by the shopper 4; and secondly, issuing the ID independently by the product registration machine 10 without using a recording medium such as a membership card.

[0050] In the first method, checker 2 receives, for example, a membership card from shopper 4 and has the card reader / writer 30 read the data recorded on the membership card, for example, data indicating the member number unique to shopper 4. The CPU 20 determines the transaction ID based on the data (member number) read by the card reader / writer 30. For example, the transaction ID may be the member number itself, or it may be identification information generated to include the member number. Furthermore, it is also possible to generate other identification information that can be uniquely determined according to a predetermined rule based on the member number and use that as the transaction ID.

[0051] Furthermore, when using the first method, it is not limited to electronically recorded media such as membership cards, but also paper media printed with codes or characters, such as a two-dimensional code representing a membership number unique to the shopper 4. When using paper media, the product registration machine 10 optically reads the code or characters using the scanner 25.

[0052] The CPU 20 determines a transaction ID for shopper 4 (transaction) based on the data read from the membership card using the first method, and then issues this transaction ID (ActA1). Specifically, the CPU 20 records the transaction ID in the registration information list in association with the registration information, and also displays the transaction ID and a screen on the touch panel 27 to notify checker 2 that the transaction ID has been issued.

[0053] In the first method, the shopper 4 can initiate accounting processing for the registration information generated by the registration process of the product registration machine 10 by having the accounting machine 12 read a medium such as a membership card used to issue the transaction ID.

[0054] In the first method, by using existing cards such as membership cards, the consumption of receipt paper can be reduced, and shoppers 4 can be encouraged to use their membership cards for payment. Furthermore, in the first method, not limited to membership cards, any card that can have data written to it (recorded) can be used. When using this type of card, the CPU 20 records data indicating the transaction ID on the card.

[0055] On the other hand, the second method can be used for shoppers 4 who do not possess a membership card or the like. In the second method, checker 2 instructs the issuance of a transaction ID that does not require a membership card or the like by operating the keyboard 26 or touch panel 27.

[0056] The CPU 20 determines a transaction ID unique to the current transaction in response to instructions from the checker 2. In this case, the CPU 20 generates the transaction ID according to an algorithm that ensures it does not overlap with transaction IDs issued by other product registration machines 10.

[0057] When the CPU 20 determines a transaction ID for shopper 4 (transaction) using the second method, it issues this transaction ID (ActA1). That is, the CPU 20 records the transaction ID in the registration information list in association with the registration information, and also generates a two-dimensional code representing the transaction ID, for example, and prints it on receipt paper using the printer 29. The CPU 20 also displays the transaction ID and a screen on the touch panel 27 to notify the checker 2 that the transaction ID has been issued.

[0058] In the second method, the shopper 4 can initiate the accounting process for the registration information generated by the product registration machine 10 by having the accounting machine 12 read the receipt on which a two-dimensional code representing the transaction ID is printed. In addition to printing a two-dimensional code on the receipt paper, numbers, letters, symbols, or pictures may also be printed as information representing the transaction ID.

[0059] In the second method, even shoppers 4 who do not possess a membership card or similar can use the product sales data processing device.

[0060] In the first and second methods described above, transaction IDs are issued in response to the operation of checker 2. However, transaction IDs may also be issued in response to the operation of shopper 4. In this case, the product registration machine 10 is equipped with a touch panel or keyboard to accept operations from shopper 4, and a card reader / writer that can read cards such as membership cards in response to the operation of shopper 4.

[0061] In this case, after the shopper 4 places the shopping basket 7 on the checkout counter 5, the registration process by the checker 2 begins. If the shopper 4 then wishes to process the payment themselves at the accounting machine 12, they will do so by operating the touch panel or keyboard, or by having the data read by the card reader / writer. As a result, the CPU 20 executes the process to issue a transaction ID, as described above.

[0062] In this way, since the shopper 4 can choose to process the payment at the checkout machine 12 by their own operation, the checker 2 can immediately start scanning the items in the shopping basket 7 placed on the cash register counter 5 for registration without having to perform any operations to issue a transaction ID. Therefore, the time required for registration can be reduced.

[0063] In the product sales data processing device of this embodiment, as described above, when a transaction ID is issued in the product registration machine 10, the shopper 4 can move to the checkout machine 12 and start the checkout process before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed. Details of the checkout process will be described later (Figure 6).

[0064] After issuing a transaction ID, when the scanner 25 reads the product information (product code) via the checker 2's scan operation (Act A2), the CPU 20 receives data related to the product corresponding to the product code (product name, list price, and other data) from the store computer 14 and generates registration information to be processed for accounting.

[0065] The CPU 20 adds registration information (product name, price, etc.) and subtotal amount related to the product registered for purchase to the list displayed on the touch panel 27. The CPU 20 also sends the registration information, associated with the transaction ID, to the store computer 14 for recording (Act A3).

[0066] Checker 2 repeatedly performs the scanning operation for each item placed in the shopping cart 7 that is intended for purchase, in the same manner as described above. CPU 20 generates registration information for each item and sends it sequentially to store computer 14.

[0067] Once checker 2 has finished scanning all items, it signals the completion of the registration operation via an operation on the keyboard 26 or touch panel 27 (for example, an operation on the close key). When CPU 20 receives a signal from checker 2 that the registration operation is complete (Yes in ActA4), it notifies store computer 14 that the registration process is complete and causes it to record the registration confirmation information.

[0068] In the explanation above, the transaction ID is issued before the scanning operation (product information reading operation) for the product is started. However, it is also possible to issue the transaction ID after the scanning operation has started (before the registration process is completed). For example, if the process of ActA1 shown in Figure 5 is omitted and the processes of ActA2 to A4 are executed, the CPU 20 will issue the transaction ID in the same manner as described above when it is instructed to issue a transaction ID by the checker 2's operation on the keyboard 26 or touch panel 27, or by reading the membership card, and will associate the transaction ID with the registration information and record it in the store computer 14.

[0069] For example, if there are no shoppers 4 waiting in line at the product registration machine 10, checker 2 can complete the accounting process at the product registration machine 10 in a shorter time, thus providing better service. For this reason, checker 2 may start the scanning operation without issuing a transaction ID. In this case, after the scanning operation has started, a transaction ID will be issued if, for example, shopper 4 requests to process the payment themselves using the checkout machine 12, or if the number of shoppers 4 waiting in line at the product registration machine 10 increases. This allows shopper 4 to move to the checkout machine 12 and start the payment process before the registration process is completed.

[0070] Next, we will explain the accounting process in accounting machine 12 (Figure 6). When a transaction ID is issued at the product registration machine 10, shopper 4 moves to the checkout machine 12 and begins the checkout process before the registration process is completed. If a transaction ID has been issued by the first or second method described above, shopper 4 can arbitrarily select an available checkout machine 12 that is not being used by another shopper 4 and begin the checkout process.

[0071] If a transaction ID has been issued by the first method, shopper 4 uses a card reader / writer 50 to read data recorded on the membership card, such as a membership card, which was used to issue the transaction ID. For example, data indicating a unique member number for shopper 4. The CPU 40 determines the transaction ID based on the data (member number) read by the card reader / writer 50 (ActB1).

[0072] When the CPU 40 determines the transaction ID, it sends the transaction ID to the store computer 14 and reads the registration information corresponding to the transaction ID (ActB2). If the registration information corresponding to the transaction ID is recorded in the store computer 14, the CPU 40 receives the relevant registration information. Based on the registration information received from the store computer 14, the CPU 40 displays information about the product registered as a purchase target (product name, price, subtotal amount, etc.) in the list on the touch panel 46.

[0073] Furthermore, CPU 40 checks whether registration confirmation information has been set in the store computer 14. If registration confirmation information has not been set (if the registration process has not been completed) (No in ActB3), CPU 40 repeats the process of reading the registration information from the store computer 14 in the same manner (ActB2).

[0074] Therefore, when product information is read by scanning in the product registration machine 10, the checkout machine 12 can immediately receive registration information about the scanned product via the store computer 14. The touch panel 46 displays product information sequentially in a list according to the registration information received from the store computer 14. As a result, the shopper 4 can check the status of the registration process in the product registration machine 10, that is, the registered products and subtotal amounts, in real time.

[0075] During this time, shopper 4 can perform operations necessary for accounting preparation. CPU 40 executes accounting preparation operations in response to the operations performed by shopper 4 (ActB5).

[0076] For example, when paying with cash, shopper 4 can specify cash payment to the cashier 12, then take coins and banknotes from their wallet and insert them into the change dispenser 47. Since the information of registered items is displayed in real time on the touch panel 46, shopper 4 can estimate the total amount and insert the necessary amount in advance. In this case, the CPU 40 stores the coins and banknotes inserted into the change dispenser 47 and displays the inserted amount on the change dispenser 47.

[0077] Furthermore, if the subtotal amount of registered items exceeds the amount already inserted, the CPU 40 can also output a message prompting the shopper 4 to insert additional cash (such as a display on the touch panel 46 or an audio message from a speaker, which is not shown).

[0078] Furthermore, if shopper 4 uses a payment card such as a credit card, debit card, electronic money card, or prepaid card, they can specify card payment to the accounting machine 12, select the card to be used for accounting, and insert it into the card reader / writer 50 in advance.

[0079] Furthermore, if shopper 4 possesses a coupon that allows them to receive a discount on a product, they can process the coupon. For example, if input is required to receive a discount using a coupon, shopper 4 can perform the input operation based on the registered product information displayed on the touch panel 46.

[0080] In addition, the accounting machine 12 can perform the necessary accounting preparation processes in advance before the registration process at the product registration machine 10 is completed. Note that the content of the accounting preparation processes described above is just one example, and other processes can also be performed.

[0081] When CPU40 confirms that the registration confirmation information has been set in the store computer 14 (registration process complete) (Yes in ActB3), it executes the payment process (ActB4). In other words, CPU40 executes the payment for the total amount based on the registration information of all products registered as purchase targets.

[0082] For example, if cash payment is specified, CPU 40 subtracts the total amount from the amount already inserted and dispenses the change from the change dispenser 47. If payment by payment card is specified, CPU 40 performs payment processing for the total amount according to the card used. If a coupon is applied, CPU 40 settles the payment for the discounted items at the predetermined discounted amount.

[0083] Furthermore, if the accounting preparation process has not been completed at the time the registration confirmation information is set (when the registration process is completed), CPU40 will execute the settlement process after the accounting preparation process is completed.

[0084] Once the payment processing is complete, the CPU 40 prints a receipt using the printer 49, thus ending the accounting process for one transaction (one shopper 4).

[0085] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the time required for registration processing and accounting processing in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment.

[0086] Figure 7(A) shows the case where accounting processing is performed after waiting for the registration process in the product registration machine 10 to be completed. In Figure 7(A), the product registration machine 10 performs registration process (1) for the first shopper 4, and after registration process (1) is completed, the accounting machine 1 performs accounting process (1) on the registration information registered by registration process (1).

[0087] For the next shopper 4, after the registration process (1) is completed in the product registration machine 10, the registration process (2) is executed. Then, after the registration process (2) is completed, the accounting machine 2 executes the accounting process (2) for the registration information registered by the registration process (2).

[0088] As shown in Figure 7(A), if accounting processing is performed only after waiting for the registration process in the product registration machine 10 to be completed, the total time required to complete the accounting process will be equal to the time required for both the registration process and the accounting process.

[0089] Figure 7(B) shows the time required for registration and accounting processing in the product sales data processing device in this embodiment. In Figure 7(B), the product registration machine 10 performs the registration process (1) for the first shopper 4, while the accounting machine 1 performs the accounting process (1) in parallel. The accounting machine 1 can perform accounting preparation processing while the registration process (1) is being completed. Then, as soon as the registration process (1) is completed, it immediately performs the settlement process and terminates the accounting process (1).

[0090] For the next shopper 4, after the registration process (1) is completed in the product registration machine 10, the registration process (2) is executed. Similarly, the accounting process (2) is executed in parallel with the registration process (2), so that the accounting preparation process can be completed while the registration process (1) is still in progress. As soon as the registration process (2) is completed, the settlement process is executed to terminate the accounting process (2).

[0091] In this way, the product sales data processing device in this embodiment issues a transaction ID before the registration process in the product registration machine 10 is completed, allowing the shopper 4 to perform accounting processing (accounting preparation processing) at the accounting machine 12 in parallel with the registration process in the product registration machine 10. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from the start of the registration process to the completion of the accounting process.

[0092] In addition, the above explanation states that the product registration machine 10 issues a transaction ID, and the customer 4 reads the transaction ID at the checkout machine 12. However, it is also possible to eliminate the need for the customer 4 to read the transaction ID.

[0093] In this case, the checker 2 operating the product registration machine 10 selects a checkout machine 12 that has not yet been operated by the shopper 4 for payment processing, and notifies the shopper 4 of the number assigned to this checkout machine 12, prompting them to proceed with payment. For example, the store computer 14 monitors the operating status of multiple checkout machines 12 and identifies the checkout machines 12 that are not currently processing payments. The store computer 14 displays a button on the touch panel 27 of the product registration machine 10 for selecting a checkout machine 12 that is not currently processing payments. Basically, the button is displayed in such a way that it prioritizes the selection of a checkout machine 12 located near where the product registration machine 10 is installed.

[0094] When a checkout machine 12 is selected by the checker 2, the product registration machine 10 notifies the store computer 14 of the selected checkout machine 12. The product registration machine 10 may also generate a transaction ID and notify the store computer 14 of it. As a result, the store computer 14 stores the registration information registered by the registration process performed by the product registration machine 10, associating it with data indicating the product registration machine 10 (such as the machine number) and the transaction ID notified from the product registration machine 10.

[0095] Furthermore, the store computer 14 instructs the accounting machine 12 selected by the product registration machine 10 to perform accounting processing. The accounting machine 12, instructed by the store computer 14 to perform accounting processing, enters an accounting processing waiting state. When a shopper 4 performs a predetermined operation, for example, on the touch panel 46, the accounting machine 12 performs accounting processing (accounting preparation processing) in parallel with the registration processing in the product registration machine 10, as described above.

[0096] Furthermore, the accounting machine 12 may not only process payments when a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 46, but may also start processing payments when it detects, for example, that a shopper 4 has moved nearby using a motion sensor. When a shopper 4 approaches, the accounting machine 12 notifies the shopper 4 by displaying a screen on the touch panel 46 indicating that it is in a state of waiting for payment processing. As a result, even if there are multiple accounting machines 12 that are available, only the accounting machine 12 selected by the product registration machine 10 will respond when a shopper 4 approaches, so the shopper 4 can easily identify which accounting machine 12 should process their payment.

[0097] Hereafter, in the same manner as described above, the accounting machine 12 can receive the registration information registered in the product registration machine 10 via the store computer 14 and perform accounting processing.

[0098] In addition, while the above explanation states that the registration information for products scanned by the product registration machine 10 is transmitted in real time to the accounting machine 12 via the store computer 14 and added to the list sequentially, other methods can also be used.

[0099] For example, the product registration machine 10 records the registration information for each product generated by the scanning operation, and when the registration process is complete, it sends the registration information to the store computer 14 all at once. After the store computer 14 receives the registration information for all products from the product registration machine 10, it sends the registration information for all products to the accounting machine 12 all at once. Based on the registration information received from the store computer 14, the accounting machine 12 displays the information for all products in a single list.

[0100] In this way, by sending and receiving registration information for multiple products in a single batch between the product registration machine 10, the store computer 14, and the accounting machine 12, network traffic (data communication volume) on the 16 can be reduced.

[0101] In the explanation above, the registration information created in the product registration machine 10 is transmitted to the accounting machine 12 via the store computer 14. However, it is also possible to transmit the registration information, which is associated with a transaction ID, directly from the product registration machine 10 to the accounting machine 12 without going through the store computer 14. Furthermore, registration confirmation information (notification of completion of registration process) can also be transmitted directly from the product registration machine 10 to the accounting machine 12.

[0102] Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which no transaction ID is issued as described above, the product registration machine 10 notifies the accounting machine 12 selected by the checker 2 to execute accounting processing before the registration process is completed. This allows the accounting machine 12 to start accounting preparation processing in the same manner as described above before the registration process is completed.

[0103] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10 (10-1, ..., 10-m) ... Product registration machine, 12 (12-1, 12-n) ... Accounting machine, 14 ... Store computer, 16 ... Network, 20, 40 ... CPU, 21, 41 ... ROM, 22, 42 ... RAM, 23, 43 ... Hard disk drive (HDD), 24, 44 ... I / F (interface) unit, 25, 45 ... Scanner, 26 ... Keyboard, 27, 46 ... Touch panel, 28, 48 ... Communication unit, 29, 49 ... Printer, 30, 50 ... Card reader / writer, 47 ... Change machine.

Claims

1. A server connected to a registration machine and an accounting machine via a network, A receiving control means that controls the receiving control to receive identification information corresponding to the registration information from the accounting machine, and to receive the registration information associated with the identification information from the registration machine, before the registration machine has finished generating registration information for all products purchased by the shopper. A transmission control means that controls the transmission of the registration information associated with the identification information to the accounting machine, which performs accounting preparation processing in parallel with the generation of the registration information in the registration machine. A server.

2. The receiving control means controls the receiving of the registration information associated with the identification information from the registration machine each time the registration information is generated for each product in the registration machine, The transmission control means, each time it receives the registration information associated with the identification information from the registration machine, performs the transmission to the accounting machine which performs the accounting preparation process in parallel with the generation of the registration information in the registration machine. The server according to claim 1.

3. The receiving control means performs control to receive registration confirmation information from the registration machine indicating that registration information has been generated for all products purchased by the shopper, The transmission control means performs control to transmit the registration confirmation information to the accounting machine. The server according to claim 1.

4. A computer on a server connected to the registration machine and the accounting machine via a network, A receiving control means that controls the receiving control to receive identification information corresponding to the registration information from the accounting machine, and to receive the registration information associated with the identification information from the registration machine, before the registration machine has finished generating registration information for all products purchased by the shopper. A transmission control means that controls the transmission of the registration information associated with the identification information to the accounting machine, which performs accounting preparation processing in parallel with the generation of the registration information in the registration machine. A program to make it work.

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