Settlement device

Abstract

To ensure that articles to be checked can be checked by a clerk in a full self-service settlement system in which the articles to be purchased are registered by a customer.SOLUTION: A settlement device capable of operating in a first operation mode in response to customer operation and a second operation mode in response to clerk operation includes first display means and second display means. The first display means displays a check screen to call a clerk when an article to be checked is input in the first operation mode. The second display means displays, in the first operation mode, a selection screen to allow the clerk to select whether or not to sell the article to be checked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a payment device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, retail stores have increasingly introduced self-service payment systems. In self-service payment systems, customers are responsible for everything from registering purchased items to making payments. In stores where self-service payment systems have been introduced, payment devices compatible with the self-service system, so-called self-service POS terminals, are used.

[0003] Incidentally, some products sold in stores require confirmation by a store clerk. For example, there are age restrictions for tobacco and alcoholic beverages, and they can only be sold after the store clerk has confirmed the customer's age. In addition, some specific medicines require a doctor's certificate or prescription, and such medicines are confirmed by a store clerk who is licensed to sell them. Furthermore, there are cases where a store independently sets products, such as high-priced items, that require confirmation as to whether they can be sold or not.

[0004] Therefore, even in a fully self-service payment system in which the customer registers the purchased items, it is necessary to ensure that the store clerk can check the items to be checked, just as in a system in which the purchased items are registered by the store clerk. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-293763 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a payment device in a fully self-service payment system in which the customer registers the items they purchase, which allows a store clerk to reliably check the items to be checked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the payment device is operable in a first operation mode in which an operation is performed in response to an operation by a customer and a second operation mode in which an operation is performed in response to an operation by a store clerk, and includes a first display means and a second display means. In the first operation mode, the first display means displays a confirmation screen for calling a store clerk when a product to be confirmed is input. In the first operation mode, the second display means displays a selection screen for allowing the store clerk to select whether or not to sell the product to be confirmed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fully self-service payment system including a self-service POS terminal which is a payment device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the self-service POS terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal when option 2 is selected as the confirmation option for a product to be confirmed in the self-service mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structures stored in a transaction file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a no-button confirmation screen that is popped up on the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a button presence confirmation screen that is popped up on the product registration screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal when option 3 is selected as the confirmation option for a product to be confirmed in the self-service mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal when option 4 is selected as the confirmation option for a product to be confirmed in the self-service mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a fully self-service payment system including a self-service POS terminal which is a payment device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal when option 2 is selected as the confirmation option for a product to be confirmed in the self-service mode. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal when option 4 is selected as the confirmation option for a product to be confirmed in the self-service mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a payment device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] In this embodiment, a payment device of a full self-service payment system is illustrated as an example. Hereinafter, the payment device according to the first embodiment is referred to as a self-service POS terminal.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a payment system using the full self-service method. The payment system includes multiple self-service POS terminals 1 and a store server 2. The payment system connects each self-service POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 via a communication network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The store server 2 provides various services related to this payment system to each self-service POS terminal 1 connected via the communication network 3.

[0012] The multiple self-service POS terminals 1 are installed at the checkout area of ​​the store, and are operated by customers who have finished shopping. When a customer moves to the checkout area after placing purchased items in a shopping basket or a shopping cart in a sales area where items are displayed, the customer operates the self-service POS terminal 1 to pay for the purchased items, that is, to settle the transaction related to the transaction from registering the items to paying for them, by himself / herself. The self-service POS terminal 1 is an example of a fully self-service compatible payment device. The payment device can be referred to as a payment terminal, a payment device, a product registration device, a product registration terminal, etc.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a main body 10 installed on the floor and a scale unit 20 installed beside the main body 10. The main body 10 has a display pole 11 and a touch panel 12 attached to its upper portion. The main body 10 has a basket stand 30 installed in the center of the side opposite to the side where the scale unit 20 is installed. The basket stand 30 is for customers coming from the sales floor to place baskets containing purchased items. Customers stand on the front side of the main body 10 in FIG. 2 so that they can see the screen of the touch panel 12. Therefore, when viewed from the customer, the basket stand 30 is on the right side of the main body 10 and the scale unit 20 is on the left side. In the following description, the side where the customer stands is the front of the main body 10, the side where the scale unit 20 is installed is the left side of the main body 10, and the side where the basket stand 30 is installed is the right side of the main body 10.

[0015] The display pole 11 has a light-emitting unit 13 at its tip that selectively emits light, for example, in blue or red. The display pole 11 displays the status of the self-service POS terminal 1, for example, standby, operating, calling, error, etc., depending on the emitted color of the light-emitting unit 13.

[0016] The touch panel 12 is composed of a display for displaying various screens to an operator who operates the self-service POS terminal 1, and a touch sensor for detecting touch input to the screen by the operator. In the self-service POS terminal 1, the operator is usually a customer.

[0017] A reading window 141 for the scanner 14 (see FIG. 3), a card insertion port 151 for the card reader 15 (see FIG. 3), and an issuing port 161 for receipts printed by the printer 16 (see FIG. 3) are formed on the front of the main body 10. A coin insertion port 171, a coin dispensing port 172, a bill insertion port 173, and a bill dispensing port 174 for the automatic change machine 17 (see FIG. 3) are also formed on the front of the main body 10. Furthermore, a communication cable 181 extends from the right side surface of the main body 10 to the outside, and a reader / writer 18 for electronic money media is connected to the tip of this communication cable 181. The reader / writer 18 is placed on a stand 182 provided on the upper right side surface of the main body 10.

[0018] The scale unit 20 has a structure in which a scale pan 22 is provided on the upper part of a housing 21, and a bag holder 23 is attached to the upper part of the scale pan 22. The upper surface of the scale pan 22 serves as a mounting surface 221. The bag holder 23 has a pair of holding arms 231, which hold a plastic bag or a shopping bag brought by a customer, known as a "my bag." The scale unit 20 measures the weight of an item placed in the plastic bag or my bag held by the holding arms 231 and placed on the mounting surface 221.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication interface 35, a touch panel 12, a light emitting unit 13, a scanner 14, a card reader 15, a printer 16, an automatic change dispenser 17, a reader / writer 18, a scale unit 20, and a system transmission path 36. The system transmission path 36 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 36 connects the processor 31 to each of the other units directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage device 33 are connected by the system transmission path 36 to form a computer for the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0020] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 31 may be, for example, an MPU (micro processing unit), an SoC (system on a chip), a DSP (digital signal processor), a GPU (graphics processing unit), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a PLD (programmable logic device), or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array). Alternatively, the processor 31 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0021] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processing for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 32 stores a transaction file 321. The transaction file 321 is a data file for storing data related to one commercial transaction processed by the self-service POS terminal 1. The details of this transaction file 321 will be described later. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the above application programs.

[0023] The clock 34 keeps track of the time. The processor 31 processes the time kept by the clock 34 as the current time.

[0024] The communication interface 35 performs data communication in accordance with a preset communication protocol with an external device connected via a network. The external device is, for example, the store server 2, a router, or another self-service POS terminal 1.

[0025] Scanner 14 reads a code symbol from a commodity held over reading window 141. Each commodity sold in a store is provided with a code symbol that encodes a commodity ID or the like for identifying the commodity. The code symbol is, for example, a barcode. The code symbol may also be, for example, a two-dimensional data code. Scanner 14 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0026] Card reader 15 reads card data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card, a point card, etc. Card reader 15 pulls the card medium inserted into card insertion slot 151 into main body 10, reads the card data, and then ejects the card from card insertion slot 151.

[0027] The printer 16 prints receipt data and the like showing the details of the commercial transaction on receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is discharged from an issuing port 161, cut by a cutter (not shown), and issued as a receipt or receipt certificate.

[0028] The automatic change machine 17 includes a coin unit 175 and a bill unit 176. The coin unit 175 sorts coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 171 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores the coins in the safe according to the denomination. The coin unit 175 takes out coins of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on, for example, the change data, and dispenses them to the coin dispensing outlet 172. The bill unit 176 sorts bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 173 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in the safe according to the denomination. The bill unit 176 takes out bills of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on, for example, the change data, and dispenses them to the bill dispensing outlet 174.

[0029] The reader / writer 18 reads and rewrites electronic money recorded on an electronic money medium. The electronic money medium is, for example, a contactless IC card. The electronic money medium may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0030] The operation of the self-service POS terminal 1 having such a configuration will be described below. Like conventional payment devices, the self-service POS terminal 1 in this embodiment can operate in two operation modes: a self-service mode, which is a first operation mode in which the operation is performed according to a customer's operation, and a store clerk mode, which is a second operation mode in which the operation is performed according to a store clerk's operation. For example, the self-service POS terminal 1 transitions from the self-service mode to the store clerk mode when the store clerk barcode printed as a code symbol on a card medium or the like carried by the store clerk is read by the scanner 14. In the store clerk mode, a confirmation option regarding store clerk confirmation of a product to be confirmed in the self-service mode can be selected.

[0031] As confirmation options in the self-service mode, the self-service POS terminal 1 in this embodiment also allows the user to select the following four options, similar to conventional payment devices.

[0032] Option 1: Allows registration of products to be checked. In this option 1, confirmation by a store clerk is not required and all products are allowed. In other words, there is no intervention by a store clerk.

[0033] Option 2: Do not allow registration of products to be confirmed (call a store clerk). With this option 2, confirmation by a store clerk is required each time a product is registered.

[0034] Option 3: Do not allow registration of items to be confirmed (call a store clerk for only one item). With this option 3, confirmation by a store clerk is required only when registering one item.

[0035] Option 4: Do not allow registration of items to be confirmed (press the checkout button to call a store clerk). With this option 4, after the items are registered, confirmation by a store clerk is required all at once at the time of checkout. The checkout button is located on the product registration screen that shows the registration status of purchased items displayed on touch panel 12, and is the button that is pressed when proceeding to payment after all purchased items have been registered.

[0036] When option 1 is selected, the store clerk does not check the product to be checked, so the description is omitted. Hereinafter, the operation of the self-service POS terminal 1 when options 2 to 4 are selected will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 9. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 31 of the self-service POS terminal 1 when option 2 is selected. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the transaction file 321. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen without a button that is popped up on the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 12. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen with a button that is popped up on the product registration screen. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 31 when option 3 is selected. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 31 when option 4 is selected.

[0037] It should be noted that the procedures shown in Figures 4, 8 and 9 are merely examples. The procedures are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained. The data structure shown in Figure 5 is also merely an example. The format is not particularly limited as long as the information required by the processor 31 can be obtained. Similarly, the screens shown in Figures 6 and 7 are also merely examples. The format is not particularly limited as long as the information required by the user can be obtained.

[0038] (1) If option 2 is selected In this case, as shown in Fig. 4, the processor 31 first waits for product registration as ACT201. A customer who uses the self-service POS terminal 1 to start self-registration of a purchased product first operates the touch panel 12 to input information required for self-registration. The information required for self-registration is, for example, information indicating whether or not a reusable bag will be used. When the information required for self-registration is input, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 12 to a product registration screen. The product registration screen will be described later.

[0039] After checking the product registration screen, the customer picks up one product at a time from the baskets or the like placed on the basket stand 30, holds it over the reading window 141 of the scanner 14 to have the code symbol read, and then places the purchased product on the placement surface 221 of the scale pan 22. For fresh food or other products that do not have a code symbol, the customer selects the product to be purchased from the list of products without barcodes displayed on the product registration screen of the touch panel 12, and then places the product on the placement surface 221.

[0040] By such a self-operation, the product code of the purchased product is input to the self-operated POS terminal 1. The processor 31 searches the product data file by the product code and acquires the product data of the purchased product. The product data file is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage device 33. The product data file may be stored in the store server 2, and the processor 31 may acquire the product data from the store server 2 by transmitting the product code to the store server 2. The product data includes information such as the product name, unit price, tax category, unit weight, and confirmation category. The tax category is information for identifying whether the data is for a tax-inclusive product whose unit price includes tax, or for a tax-exclusive product whose unit price does not include tax. The unit weight is the standard weight of one product. The confirmation category is information indicating whether confirmation by a store clerk is required and, if confirmation is required, the type of confirmation. The types of confirmation are minors, medicines, high-priced products, etc.

[0041] Processor 31 calculates the weight of the product placed on placement surface 221 based on the amount of change in the weight data measured by scale unit 20. Processor 31 then determines whether or not this product weight is within the allowable range for the unit weight. If it is within the allowable range, processor 31 recognizes that the product registration has been performed normally.

[0042] If the difference is outside the allowable range, the processor 31 recognizes that the product registration is in error. In this case, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 12 to display an error message. Furthermore, the processor 31 controls the light-emitting unit 13 to be in a state indicating that an error has occurred.

[0043] When the processor 31 recognizes that the product registration has been performed normally, it judges YES in ACT201 and proceeds to ACT202. In ACT202, the processor 31 executes product sales data processing. That is, the processor 31 generates product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, tax category, confirmation category, sales points, sales amount, etc. of the purchased product. If a multiplier is input via the touch panel 12 before inputting the product code, the sales point is the multiplier. If a multiplier is not input, the sales point is "1". The processor 31 registers the product sales data in the transaction file 321. The processor 31 displays the product name, sales amount, etc. of the product sales data on the product registration screen of the touch panel 12.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the transaction file 321 stores data such as the transaction number, purchased item data, total number of items, total amount, discount amount, payment amount, adult confirmation flag, medicine confirmation flag, and high-priced item confirmation flag.

[0045] The transaction number is a series of numbers that is issued each time a transaction is processed at the self-service POS terminal 1. The purchased item data is record data created for each item bought and sold in a transaction identified by the transaction number. Here, the purchased item data is composed of items such as item code, item name, price, number of items, amount, confirmation category, etc. The number of items is the number of items purchased that is identified by the item code. The amount is the amount for the number of items purchased. The confirmation category is information that indicates whether confirmation by a store clerk is required and, if confirmation is required, the type of confirmation. The transaction file 321 can store multiple purchased item data.

[0046] The total number of points is the sum of the points of each purchased item data. The total amount is the sum of the amounts of each purchased item data. The discount amount is the discounted amount from the total amount. The payment amount is the total amount minus the discount amount.

[0047] The adult confirmation flag, drug confirmation flag, and high-value item confirmation flag are data that indicate the results of confirmation by the store clerk for each type of confirmation. These flags are initially set to null, and are set to "0" if the sale is permitted as a result of the confirmation by the store clerk, or "1" if the sale is not permitted. For example, if a store clerk confirms that a customer is a minor, the adult confirmation flag is set to "1", and the sale of tobacco and alcoholic beverages is prohibited. These flags are information used in option 3.

[0048] After completing the product sales data processing, the processor 31 checks whether the registered purchased product is a product to be confirmed as ACT 203. Specifically, the processor 31 checks whether any type of confirmation is stored as a confirmation category in the purchased product data of the purchased product newly registered in the transaction file 321.

[0049] If the purchased item is not a confirmation target item, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT203 and proceeds to ACT204. The processor 31 checks whether the next item has been registered, in ACT204. If no item has been registered, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT204 and proceeds to ACT205. The processor 31 checks whether the checkout button has been pressed, in ACT205. The checkout button is displayed on the touch panel 12, for example. If the checkout button has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT205 and returns to ACT204. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT204 and ACT205 for item registration to be performed or for the checkout button to be pressed.

[0050] When the processor 31 detects that a product has been registered in the standby state of ACT204 and ACT205, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT204 and returns to ACT202. That is, the processor 31 executes the above-mentioned product sales data processing. Therefore, the transaction file stores the product sales data of each product registered by the customer through self-operation.

[0051] When the processor 31 detects that the checkout button has been pressed, it determines YES in ACT 205 and proceeds to ACT 206. In ACT 206, the processor 31 executes the checkout process.

[0052] In this accounting process, the processor 31 acquires information related to the settlement of the transaction. The information related to the settlement of the transaction includes product sales data stored in the transaction file. The information related to the settlement of the transaction also includes the transaction date and time, register number, store number, transaction number, store data, etc. The transaction date and time is the date and time kept by the clock 34. The register number is terminal identification information set for each self-service POS terminal 1. The store number is store identification information set for each store in which the self-service POS terminal 1 is installed. The transaction number is transaction identification information that is issued for each settlement of a transaction. The store data is the store name, address, store telephone number, etc.

[0053] The processor 31 also displays a payment method selection screen on the touch panel 12. This payment method selection screen is a screen that allows the customer to select a payment method. When the customer selects a payment method, the processor 31 switches the screen of the touch panel 12 from the payment method selection screen to an accounting screen corresponding to the payment method. The accounting screen displays the total amount, the amount inserted and the amount of change if the payment is cash, and displays a settlement button for the customer to instruct the customer to settle the transaction using the selected payment method. When the customer operates the settlement button, the processor 31 executes a settlement process corresponding to the payment method. For example, if cash payment is selected, the processor 31 executes a settlement process using the cash payment. If credit card payment is selected, the processor 31 executes a settlement process using the credit card payment. If electronic money payment is selected, the processor 31 executes a settlement process using the electronic money payment. The same applies when another payment method is selected. Note that these settlement processes are well known, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0054] When the payment process is complete, the processor 31 controls the printer 16 to print a receipt. The processor 31 then transmits the transaction file 321 to the store server 2 via the communication network 3 for storage in the store server 2, and clears it from the main memory 32.

[0055] When the above-described transaction process is completed, processor 31 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0056] The above-described information processing procedure is for the case where no product to be checked has been purchased. In contrast, when a product to be checked is present, the following information processing procedure is performed.

[0057] That is, if the purchased product is a product to be confirmed, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT203 and proceeds to ACT207. In ACT207, the processor 31 pops up a confirmation screen without buttons on the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 12. Furthermore, the processor 31 controls the light-emitting unit 13 to bring the product to a state indicating that the product to be confirmed has been registered and confirmation by a store clerk is required.

[0058] When the confirmation target product is registered as a purchased product, as shown in Fig. 6, a buttonless confirmation screen 122 is popped up on the product registration screen 121 displayed on the touch panel 12. Fig. 6 shows an example of a case where an age confirmation target product with an age limit of 20 years or older, such as alcoholic beverages, is registered. The buttonless confirmation screen 122 displays only a message and does not include any operation buttons. Operation buttons such as a barcode-less product list 123 and a checkout button 124 arranged on the product registration screen 121 become the background of the buttonless confirmation screen 122, and therefore input is not accepted even if these buttons are touched. In other words, when the buttonless confirmation screen 122 is displayed, the processor 31 prohibits the customer from performing any further operations.

[0059] When the buttonless confirmation screen 122 is displayed in this way, the processor 31 waits for the scanning of the store clerk barcode as ACT208. When the store clerk confirms that the light-emitting unit 13 is in a state indicating that the store clerk's confirmation is required, the store clerk rushes to the self-service POS terminal 1 of the light-emitting unit 13, reads the message displayed on the buttonless confirmation screen 122 displayed on the touch panel 12, and takes the necessary action. In the example of the buttonless confirmation screen 122 in FIG. 6, the store clerk confirms the customer's age. Then, the store clerk holds the store clerk barcode printed as a code symbol on a card medium or the like that the store clerk carries over the reading window 141 of the scanner 14 to have it read. Of course, the store clerk may confirm the customer after scanning the store clerk barcode.

[0060] If the store clerk barcode is scanned, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT208 and proceeds to ACT209. In ACT209, the processor 31 updates the no-button confirmation screen 122 displayed on the touch panel 12 to a button confirmation screen. Furthermore, the processor 31 controls the light-emitting unit 13 to cancel the state indicating that confirmation by a store clerk is required.

[0061] 7, when the store clerk barcode is scanned, the confirmation screen on the product registration screen 121 displayed on the touch panel 12 is updated from a buttonless confirmation screen 122 to a button-included confirmation screen 125. The button-included confirmation screen 125 includes a registration button 126 that permits sales, and a sales prohibited button 127 that prohibits sales. In other words, the processor 31 becomes capable of accepting the confirmation result.

[0062] Therefore, in ACT210, the processor 31 waits for a button operation on the button presence confirmation screen 125. If the registration button 126 or the not available for sale button 127 on the button presence confirmation screen 125 is operated, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT210 and proceeds to ACT211. Note that the operation of the registration button 126 or the not available for sale button 127 itself may be performed by a store clerk or a customer.

[0063] In ACT211, the processor 31 checks whether the operated button is the registration button 126. If the registration button 126 is operated, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT211 and proceeds to ACT204. That is, the processor 31 determines that the registration of the item to be confirmed has been approved, maintains the registration, and becomes able to accept the registration of the next purchased item.

[0064] On the other hand, if the unsaleable button 127 is operated, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT211 and proceeds to ACT212. In ACT212, the processor 31 cancels the registration of the item to be confirmed. That is, the processor 31 deletes the purchased item data last registered in the transaction file 321 from the transaction file 321, and recalculates the total points, total amount, etc., to update the contents of the transaction file 321. In this way, the processor 31 automatically cancels the registration of the item to be confirmed that is unsaleable while remaining in the self mode. After that, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT204, where the registration of the next purchased item becomes available.

[0065] The store clerk will collect any products to be checked whose registration has been cancelled. Also, if there is an identical product to be checked in a basket or the like placed on the basket stand 30, the store clerk will collect that as well. In addition, if there are other products of the same checking category, the store clerk will also collect those. Also, if the store clerk notices that there is a product to be checked of a different checking category in a basket or the like, the store clerk can have the customer carry out the product registration operation for that product to be checked, thereby enabling the confirmation operation for that product to be checked to be carried out immediately on the spot.

[0066] As described above, when option 2 is selected in self-service mode, a store clerk is called each time a product to be confirmed is registered. In conventional payment devices, the registered product must be cancelled in store clerk mode by a store clerk operation. In contrast, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment, the registered product can be cancelled in self-service mode without being cancelled in store clerk mode by a store clerk operation.

[0067] (2) If option 3 is selected 8, the processor 31 first waits for product registration in ACT 301. This is the same as ACT 201 in Option 2.

[0068] When the processor 31 recognizes that the product registration has been performed normally, it judges YES in ACT 301 and proceeds to ACT 302. In ACT 302, the processor 31 executes product sales data processing. This is the same as ACT 202 in Option 2.

[0069] Upon completing the product sales data processing, the processor 31 checks in ACT303 whether the registered purchased product is a product to be confirmed. This is the same as ACT203 in Option 2. If the purchased product is not a product to be confirmed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT303 and proceeds to ACT304.

[0070] In ACT304, the processor 31 checks whether the next product has been registered. This is the same as ACT204 in option 2. If a product has not been registered, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT304 and proceeds to ACT305. In ACT305, the processor 31 checks whether the checkout button 124 has been pressed. This is the same as ACT205 in option 2. If the checkout button 124 has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT305 and returns to ACT304. Here, in ACT304 and ACT305, the processor 31 waits for a product to be registered or for the checkout button 124 to be pressed.

[0071] In the standby state of ACT304 and ACT305, if processor 31 detects that a product has been registered, processor 31 determines YES in ACT304 and returns to ACT302. Furthermore, in the standby state of ACT304 and ACT305, if processor 31 detects that the checkout button 124 has been pressed, processor 31 determines YES in ACT305 and proceeds to ACT306. In ACT306, processor 31 executes the checkout process. This is the same as ACT206 in option 2.

[0072] In this way, if no product to be confirmed has been purchased, the process is the same as option 2. On the other hand, if a product to be confirmed has been purchased, the following information processing procedure is followed.

[0073] That is, if the purchased item is a confirmation target item, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 303 and proceeds to ACT 307. In ACT 307, the processor 31 determines whether the confirmation type of the confirmation target item is a single item to be confirmed. In other words, the processor 31 determines whether the confirmation type of the confirmation target item has already been confirmed by a store clerk. Specifically, the processor 31 checks whether the confirmation flag for the corresponding confirmation type in the confirmation results by type in the transaction file 321 is not set to "0" or "1", that is, is null.

[0074] If the confirmation flag is not set, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT307 and proceeds to ACT308. In ACT308, the processor 31 pops up a confirmation screen without buttons on the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 12. This is the same as ACT207 in option 2.

[0075] Once the no-button confirmation screen 122 has been displayed in this manner, the processor 31 waits for the store clerk barcode to be scanned in ACT 309. This is the same as ACT 208 in Option 2.

[0076] If the store clerk barcode is scanned, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT309 and proceeds to ACT310. In ACT310, the processor 31 updates the no-button confirmation screen 122 displayed on the touch panel 12 to a button confirmation screen 125. This is the same as ACT209 in option 2.

[0077] Then, in ACT311, the processor 31 waits for a button operation on the button presence confirmation screen 125. This is similar to ACT210 in option 2.

[0078] When a button on the button presence confirmation screen 125 is operated, the processor 31 confirms, in ACT 312, whether or not the operated button is the registration button 126. This is similar to ACT 211 in Option 2.

[0079] If the registration button 126 is operated, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 312 and proceeds to ACT 313. In ACT 313, the processor 31 sets the confirmation flag for the corresponding confirmation type in the transaction file 321 to "0". If the confirmation flag is set in this way, the processor 31 proceeds to the above ACT 304.

[0080] On the other hand, if the unsaleable button 127 is operated, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 312 and proceeds to ACT 314. In ACT 314, the processor 31 cancels the registration of the confirmation target product. This is the same as ACT 212 in Option 2.

[0081] In this way, when the registration of the confirmation target product that was automatically made unsellable in the self mode is cancelled, the processor 31 sets the confirmation flag for the corresponding confirmation type in the transaction file 321 to “1” in ACT 315. When the confirmation flag is set in this way, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 304.

[0082] Furthermore, if the confirmation type of the product to be confirmed is not the first item to be confirmed, that is, the confirmation type of the product to be confirmed has already been confirmed by a store clerk and the confirmation flag for the corresponding confirmation type in the transaction file 321 is set to "0" or "1", the processor 31 judges NO in ACT307 and proceeds to ACT315. In ACT315, the processor 31 confirms whether the confirmation type of the product to be confirmed is not available for sale. This confirmation can be performed by checking whether the confirmation flag for the corresponding confirmation type is set to "1" in the confirmation results by type in the transaction file 321.

[0083] If the corresponding confirmation flag is set to "0", the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 315 and proceeds to ACT 304. In other words, if the corresponding confirmation type is confirmed by the store clerk and the sale is permitted, the processor 31 maintains the registration of the confirmed product and accepts the registration of the next product to be purchased or the operation of the checkout button 124.

[0084] If the corresponding confirmation flag is set to "1", the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 315 and proceeds to the above ACT 308. That is, if the sales is prohibited after confirmation by the store clerk for the corresponding confirmation type, the processor 31 requests confirmation by the store clerk again when the same product is registered again, or when a different product is registered that is subject to confirmation and has the same confirmation type.

[0085] As described above, according to the self-service POS terminal 1 in this embodiment, in option 3 as in option 2, even if a product to be confirmed is registered and a store clerk is called, the registered product can be canceled in self-service mode without being canceled by a store clerk in store clerk mode.

[0086] Furthermore, in option 3, once a product type has been confirmed by a store clerk as being available for sale, it is possible to proceed with registration without a second confirmation by the store clerk.

[0087] In addition, in the conventional settlement device, when the confirmation target product is cancelled by the clerk operation in the clerk mode, the sales confirmation is completed by entering the clerk mode once, and even if the self-mode is returned to after the cancellation operation by the clerk, confirmation of subsequent confirmation target products is not performed. That is, when the first confirmation target product is registered, the confirmation screen is displayed, but when the second confirmation target product is registered, the confirmation screen is not displayed, and the product can be registered. If the confirmation target product cannot be sold, the clerk cancels the registered corresponding product in the clerk mode when confirming the first registration, and collects other target products if there are any. Therefore, the conventional settlement device cannot handle cases where a product is not collected or an additional product is brought in later. In contrast, in the self-POS terminal 1 of the present embodiment, the clerk reliably checks a type of product that has once been confirmed as unsellable by the clerk every time it is registered again, or every time a different product of the same type is registered, so such a problem does not occur.

[0088] (3) If option 4 is selected 9, the processor 31 first waits for product registration as ACT401. This is the same as ACT201 in option 2.

[0089] When the processor 31 recognizes that the product registration has been performed normally, it judges YES in ACT401 and proceeds to ACT402. In ACT402, the processor 31 executes product sales data processing. This is the same as ACT202 in Option 2.

[0090] Upon completing the product sales data processing, the processor 31 checks, in ACT403, whether or not the next product has been registered. This is the same as ACT204 in option 2. If no product has been registered, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT403 and proceeds to ACT404. The processor 31 checks, in ACT404, whether or not the checkout button 124 has been pressed. This is the same as ACT205 in option 2. If the checkout button 124 has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT404 and returns to ACT403. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT403 and ACT404 for a product to be registered or for the checkout button 124 to be pressed.

[0091] In the standby state of ACT403 and ACT404, if the processor 31 detects that a product has been registered, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT403 and returns to ACT402. Also, in the standby state of ACT403 and ACT404, if the processor 31 detects that the checkout button 124 has been pressed, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT404 and proceeds to ACT405.

[0092] The processor 31 checks whether or not there is a product to be checked among the registered purchased products in ACT 405. Specifically, the processor 31 checks the purchased product data registered in the transaction file 321 one by one to check whether or not there is any type of check stored as a check category.

[0093] If there is no item to be confirmed among the purchased items, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT405 and proceeds to ACT406. In ACT406, the processor 31 executes a checkout process. This is the same as ACT206 in Option 2.

[0094] On the other hand, if the purchased items include a confirmation target item, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT405 and proceeds to ACT407. In this case, since the transaction process in ACT406 has not been started, the payment method selection screen and transaction screen are not displayed on the touch panel 12, and the product registration screen is still displayed. In ACT407, the processor 31 pops up a confirmation screen without buttons on the product registration screen displayed on the touch panel 12. This is the same as ACT207 in Option 2.

[0095] Once the no-button confirmation screen 122 has been displayed in this manner, the processor 31 waits for the store clerk barcode to be scanned in ACT 408. This is the same as ACT 208 in Option 2.

[0096] If the store clerk barcode is scanned, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT408 and proceeds to ACT409. In ACT409, the processor 31 updates the no-button confirmation screen 122 displayed on the touch panel 12 to a button confirmation screen 125. This is the same as ACT209 in option 2.

[0097] Then, in ACT410, the processor 31 waits for a button operation on the button presence confirmation screen 125. This is similar to ACT210 in option 2.

[0098] When a button on the button existence confirmation screen 125 is operated, the processor 31 confirms, in ACT411, whether or not the operated button is the registration button 126. This is similar to ACT211 in Option 2.

[0099] If the registration button 126 is operated, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 411 and proceeds to the above ACT 406. That is, the processor 31 determines that the sale of the confirmed product has been approved, and proceeds to the checkout process.

[0100] On the other hand, if the unsaleable button 127 is operated, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 411 and proceeds to ACT 412. In ACT 412, the processor 31 transitions from the self-service mode to the store clerk mode.

[0101] Once the mode has been switched to the store clerk mode in this way, the processor 31 executes a process to cancel the item to be checked by a store clerk in the store clerk mode as ACT413. Here, not only is the item to be checked different from the item registered immediately before, but there are also cases where multiple items to be checked are registered in the same confirmation category, making it difficult for the processor 31 to execute an automatic cancellation process. For this reason, a reliable cancellation operation is required from the store clerk. The product cancellation process by the store clerk in ACT413 ends with a specific store clerk operation.

[0102] When the product cancellation process by the store clerk operation is completed, the processor 31 returns from the store clerk mode to the self mode in ACT 414. Then, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 406.

[0103] As described above, when option 4 is selected in the self-service mode, the presence or absence of a confirmation target product is not confirmed when registering a purchased product, and even if the product is a confirmation target product, it is registered as is. Then, in response to pressing the checkout button 124 to proceed to payment, it is determined whether or not the confirmation target product is registered, and if the confirmation target product is present, a store clerk is called. In a conventional payment device, if the confirmation target product has already been registered and there is a response in the store clerk mode to perform some processing before pressing the checkout button 124, the sales confirmation is completed by entering the store clerk mode once. Therefore, in a conventional payment device, when the store clerk finishes responding in the store clerk mode and returns to the self-service mode and presses the checkout button 124, the confirmation screen for the confirmation target product is not displayed, and a product that cannot be sold is sold. In contrast, in the self-service POS terminal 1 of the present embodiment, even if there is a response in the store clerk mode to perform some processing before pressing the checkout button 124, the store clerk will reliably confirm the product, so such a problem does not occur.

[0104] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 1, which is a payment device according to the first embodiment, is a payment device that can operate in a self-service mode, which is a first operation mode in which the device operates according to an operation by a customer, and a second operation mode in which the device operates according to an operation by a store clerk, and in this self-service mode, when a product to be checked is input, the processor 31 of the self-service POS terminal 1 displays, on the touch panel 12, a confirmation screen without a button 122, which is a confirmation screen for calling a store clerk, and a confirmation screen with a button 125, which is a selection screen for allowing the store clerk to select whether or not to sell the product to be checked. Thus, in the first mode, the processor 31 constitutes a first display means for displaying a confirmation screen for calling a store clerk when a product to be checked is input, and a second display means for displaying a selection screen for allowing the store clerk to select whether or not to sell the product to be checked. In this way, according to the self-service POS terminal 1, which is the payment device of the first embodiment, in a fully self-service payment system in which the customer registers the items to be purchased, when the item to be checked is entered, a store clerk can be called and the store clerk can choose whether or not to sell it, thereby ensuring that the store clerk can check the item to be checked.

[0105] Furthermore, in the self-service mode, when a customer operates to register a purchased item, processor 31 registers the purchased item in transaction file 321. Thus, processor 31 constitutes a registration means for registering purchased items by a customer's operation in the first mode. When options 2 and 3 in the self-service mode are selected, processor 31 causes touch panel 12 to display button-less confirmation screen 122 when a product to be confirmed is registered by a customer's operation. Therefore, according to the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in the first embodiment, when the purchased item is registered, the store clerk can reliably check the item to be checked.

[0106] Furthermore, when options 2 and 3 in the self mode are selected, processor 31 cancels the registration of the item to be confirmed from transaction file 321 in response to the store clerk's operation of unsaleable button 127 on button-present confirmation screen 125. Thus, processor 31 constitutes a cancellation means for canceling the registration of the purchased item, which is the item to be confirmed, in response to the store clerk's selection of unsaleable for the item to be confirmed on the selection screen in the first mode. Therefore, the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in the first embodiment can prevent the confirmation target product from being sold to a customer who is not eligible for sales.

[0107] In addition, when option 3 in self mode is selected, the processor 31 also displays a button-less confirmation screen 122 on the touch panel 12 when a product to be confirmed that has been selected as unsellable by a store clerk is registered again as a product to be purchased. Therefore, according to the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in the first embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent a store clerk from failing to check a confirmation target product that has once been determined to be unsellable when registering the product again.

[0108] Furthermore, in the self-service mode, when a customer operates to register a purchased item, processor 31 registers the purchased item in transaction file 321, and in response to the customer operating checkout button 124, makes a payment for the purchased item registered in transaction file 321. Thus, in the first mode, processor 31 constitutes a registration means for registering purchased items operated by a customer, and a payment means for making a payment for the registered purchased items. When option 4 in the self-service mode is selected, processor 31 checks whether the purchased item to be confirmed is included among the purchased items to be paid for registered in transaction file 321, and if so, displays button-less confirmation screen 122 on touch panel 12. Therefore, according to the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in the first embodiment, when payment for purchased merchandise is to be made, the merchandise to be checked can be reliably checked by a store clerk.

[0109] Furthermore, when option 4 in self mode is selected, processor 31 temporarily transitions to clerk mode in response to the clerk's operation of unsaleable button 127 on button-containing confirmation screen 125, and in response to the clerk's operation in clerk mode, cancels the item to be confirmed from the transaction file 321 as a payment target. Thus, processor 31 constitutes a cancellation means that, when the clerk selects unsaleable for the item to be confirmed on the selection screen in the first mode, temporarily transitions to the second operation mode, and in response to the clerk's operation in the second operation mode, cancels the purchased item, which is the item to be confirmed, from the payment target. Therefore, according to the self-checkout POS terminal 1 in the first embodiment, it is possible to reliably cancel the confirmation target product in the store clerk mode.

[0110] [Second embodiment] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a payment system by the full self-service method in the second embodiment. The payment system includes an attendant terminal 4 in addition to a plurality of self-service POS terminals 1 and a store server 2. The attendant terminal 4 displays a list of purchased items registered for each self-service POS terminal 1 on a display device. In addition, the attendant terminal 4 notifies the self-service POS terminal 1 of error information when an error occurs. The store clerk who operates the attendant terminal 4, that is, the attendant, monitors each self-service POS terminal 1 based on the information displayed and notified on the attendant terminal 4. Note that, although the number of attendant terminals 4 is one in FIG. 10, a plurality of attendant terminals 4 may be connected to the communication network 3. In addition, at least one of the attendant terminals 4 may be installed on another floor of the same store, such as a back office, or on a help desk. An attendant terminal 4 located far away from such a self-service POS terminal 1 can also notify the error information from the self-service POS terminal 1 via the communication network 3. Therefore, even if a store clerk is in a place where he or she cannot directly check the self-check POS terminal 1, the self-check POS terminal 1 can be monitored.

[0111] The configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1, which is a payment device according to the second embodiment in such a payment system, is similar to that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] In addition, the self POS terminal 1 in this embodiment is capable of operating in three operation modes: the first operation mode, which is the self mode, and the second operation mode, which is the store clerk mode, as described in the first embodiment, as well as a third operation mode, which is the remote store clerk mode, in which the terminal operates in response to remote operation by a store clerk from the attendant terminal 4.

[0113] Hereinafter, the operation of the self-service POS terminal 1 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 31 of the self-service POS terminal 1 when option 2 is selected. Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 31 when option 4 is selected. Note that operations similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference symbols as those in Figs. 4 and 9, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0114] (1) If option 2 is selected As shown in FIG. 11, when the purchased product is a product to be checked, after displaying a pop-up of a no-button confirmation screen 122 on the touch panel 12 in ACT207, the processor 31 transmits a button confirmation screen to the attendant terminal 4 via the communication network 3 as ACT121. This button confirmation screen may be the same as the button confirmation screen 125. However, this button confirmation screen includes specific information for identifying the self-POS terminal 1 in part. The attendant terminal 4 that receives this button confirmation screen displays the button confirmation screen including the specific information for identifying the self-POS terminal 1 on the display device. Therefore, the button confirmation screen transmitted from the self-POS terminal 1 is one of the pieces of error information for notifying the occurrence of an error in the self-POS terminal 1. Note that, although a screen is transmitted here, it is also possible to transmit error information, analyze the error information in the attendant terminal 4, detect the occurrence of the registration of the product to be checked in the self-POS terminal 1, and generate and display the button confirmation screen on the attendant terminal 4 side.

[0115] After transmitting the button presence confirmation screen in this manner, the processor 31 waits, as ACT222, for reception of operation button information from the attendant terminal 4 via the communication network 3. The operation button information is transmitted from the attendant terminal 4 in response to an operation of the registration button or the non-sale button on the button presence confirmation screen by a store clerk at the attendant terminal 4.

[0116] The store clerk who has confirmed the button presence confirmation screen displayed on the display device of the attendant terminal 4 rushes to the corresponding self-service POS terminal 1 and confirms the items to be confirmed from the customer, such as the customer's age. After confirming the items to be confirmed, the store clerk returns to the attendant terminal 4 and operates the registration button or the non-sale button on the button presence confirmation screen based on the confirmation results.

[0117] If the check result indicates that the item cannot be sold, the clerk will collect the item before returning to the attendant terminal 4. If the same item is in a basket or the like placed on the basket stand 30, the clerk will collect that as well. In addition, if there are other items in the same check category, the clerk will collect those as well. If the clerk notices that there is another item in the basket or the like that is in a check category, the clerk will also check with the customer about that check category, and if it is confirmed that the item is not available for sale, he or she can collect those items as well.

[0118] If the operation button information has been received, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT222 and proceeds to ACT223.

[0119] The processor 31 checks whether the received operation button information is registered button information corresponding to the operation of a registered button in ACT 223. If the received operation button information is registered button information, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 223 and proceeds to ACT 204.

[0120] On the other hand, if the received operation button information is not registered button information, that is, if the received operation button information is non-sale button information corresponding to the operation of a non-sale button, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT223 and proceeds to ACT212.

[0121] As described above, when checking the confirmation category of the confirmation target product in response to the display of the button-equipped confirmation screen, if the clerk notices confirmation target products of other confirmation categories and checks those confirmation categories as well, and if it is confirmed that they cannot be sold, the clerk will also collect those products. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the confirmation target product can be sold, the confirmation target product is left with the customer, and when the product is registered, a button-equipped confirmation screen for the confirmation target product is displayed on the attendant terminal 4. In this case, since confirmation has already been made, the clerk can immediately operate the registration button without going to the self-service POS terminal 1, i.e., to the customer.

[0122] (2) If option 3 is selected In this case, ACT309 to ACT312 in FIG. 8 are simply replaced with the operations of ACT221 to ACT223 in FIG. 11, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] (3) If option 3 is selected 12, if the purchased items include a confirmation target item, the processor 31 displays a pop-up no-button confirmation screen 122 on the touch panel 12 in ACT407, and then transmits a button confirmation screen to the attendant terminal 4 via the communication network 3 in ACT421. This is the same as ACT221 in Option 2.

[0124] After transmitting the button presence confirmation screen in this manner, the processor 31 waits for reception of operation button information from the attendant terminal 4 via the communication network 3 as ACT422. This is the same as ACT222 in option 2.

[0125] The store clerk who has confirmed the button presence confirmation screen displayed on the display device of the attendant terminal 4 rushes to the corresponding self-service POS terminal 1 and confirms the items to be confirmed from the customer, such as the customer's age. After confirming the items to be confirmed, the store clerk returns to the attendant terminal 4 and operates the registration button or the non-sale button on the button presence confirmation screen based on the confirmation results.

[0126] If the check result indicates that the item cannot be sold, the clerk will collect the item before returning to the attendant terminal 4. If the same item is in a basket or the like placed on the basket stand 30, the clerk will collect that as well. In addition, if there are other items in the same check category, the clerk will collect those as well. If the clerk notices that there is another item in the basket or the like that is in a check category, the clerk will also check with the customer about that check category, and if it is confirmed that the item is not available for sale, he or she can collect those items as well.

[0127] If the operation button information has been received, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT422 and proceeds to ACT423.

[0128] In ACT423, the processor 31 checks whether the received operation button information is registered button information corresponding to the operation of a registered button. This is the same as ACT223 in option 2. If it is registered button information, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT423 and proceeds to ACT406.

[0129] On the other hand, if the received operation button information is not registered button information, that is, if the received operation button information is non-sale button information corresponding to the operation of the non-sale button, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 423 and proceeds to ACT 424. In ACT 424, the processor 31 transitions from the self mode to the remote store clerk mode.

[0130] Once the mode has been switched to the remote clerk mode, the processor 31 executes a remote clerk-operated product cancellation process as ACT425. This remote clerk-operated product cancellation process is a process in which a clerk operates the attendant terminal 4 to cancel a purchased product at the self-service POS terminal 1. The remote clerk-operated product cancellation process of ACT425 ends with a predetermined clerk operation at the attendant terminal 4.

[0131] When the product cancellation process by the remote store clerk operation is completed, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT414.

[0132] As described above, in the first embodiment, if the product to be confirmed was not available for sale, the cancellation was performed by the store clerk at the self-service POS terminal 1, which is the payment device, but in the second embodiment, this can be performed at the attendant terminal 4.

[0133] Although the embodiment of the payment device has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, even in option 2, confirmation flags such as the adult confirmation flag, the medicine confirmation flag, and the high-value item confirmation flag are not used, but they may be stored as in the case of option 3.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the product to be confirmed as a product to be checked is a product to be checked for saleability, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when offering a discount to elderly people, a store clerk must confirm the age of the customer. In this way, a product to be checked as a discounted product may be determined as a product to be checked, and the necessity of a discount may be determined based on the confirmation result, instead of whether the product is to be sold.

[0135] In the second embodiment, a button confirmation screen is sent to and displayed on the attendant terminal 4, and the operation of the registration button or non-registration button by the clerk at the attendant terminal 4 is accepted, and in option 4, the attendant terminal 4 performs the cancellation process in the remote clerk mode, but the attendant terminal 4 may simply only display a buttonless confirmation screen. That is, an attendant terminal 4 may be added in the first embodiment, and when there is a product to be confirmed, a confirmation request to the clerk may be sent to the attendant terminal 4 together with a confirmation request to the clerk by the light-emitting unit 13.

[0136] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1...self-service POS terminal, 2...store server, 3...communication network, 4...attendant terminal, 10...main body, 11...display pole, 12...touch panel, 13...light emitting unit, 14...scanner, 15...card reader, 16...printer, 17...automatic change dispenser, 18...reader / writer, 20...scale unit, 21...housing, 22...scale pan, 23...bag holder, 30...basket stand, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage device, 34...clock, 35...communication interface, 36...system transmission path, 121...product registration screen, 122...no button confirmation screen, 123...product list, 124...checkout button, 125...button confirmation screen, 126...registration button, 127...non-sale button, 141...reading window, 321...Transaction file.

Claims

1. A payment device that can operate in a first operation mode in which an operation is performed in response to an operation by a customer and a second operation mode in which an operation is performed in response to an operation by a store clerk, In the first mode of operation: a first display means for displaying a confirmation screen for calling the store clerk when the confirmation target product is input; a second display means for displaying a selection screen for allowing the store clerk to select whether or not the confirmation target product is available for sale; A payment device comprising:

2. The system further includes a registration means for registering purchased items by an operation of the customer in the first operation mode.

2. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the first display means displays the confirmation screen when the confirmation target commodity is registered as the purchased commodity by the registration means.

3. 3. The payment device according to claim 2, further comprising a cancellation means for cancelling the registration of the purchased product which is the product to be confirmed in response to the store clerk selecting not to sell the product to be confirmed on the selection screen displayed by the second display means in the first operating mode.

4. The payment device according to claim 3, wherein the first display means displays the confirmation screen even when the product to be confirmed for which the sales clerk has selected the product as unsellable is again registered as the product to be purchased by the registration means.

5. In the first mode of operation: a registration means for registering purchased items by an operation of the customer; a payment means for making a payment for the purchased item registered by the registration means; Further comprising: The payment device according to claim 1 , wherein the first display means displays the confirmation screen when the purchased items to be paid for by the payment means include the item to be confirmed.

6. 6. The payment device according to claim 5, further comprising a cancellation means for temporarily switching to the second operation mode when the store clerk selects that the product to be confirmed is not for sale on the selection screen displayed by the second display means in the first operation mode, and canceling the purchased product, which is the product to be confirmed, from the items to be paid for in response to the operation of the store clerk in the second operation mode.

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