Registration settlement apparatus and information processing program

Abstract

To easily switch between a full-self mode and a semi-self mode.SOLUTION: A registration settlement device includes first and second determination means, determination control means, and creation and settlement means. The first determination means determines a commodity according to an operation by a first operator. The second determination means determines the commodity according to an operation by a second operator. The determination control means controls the first and second determination means so as to validate either one of them, and validates the second determination means according to an instruction by a second operator when the first determination means is validated within a registration period relating to one transaction. The creation means creates a list of commodities determined as objects of transaction within the registration period by the first or second determination means validated by the determination control means. The settlement means determines a settlement amount on the basis of the list created by the creation means and performs settlement processing for settling the settlement amount according to an operation by the first operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registration settlement device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Self-service registration and settlement devices are known in which a customer performs both an operation for registering transaction details, such as registering purchased items in a product list, and an operation for settling the transaction. However, there are cases where a store clerk is required to perform the registration operation, such as when a customer is unfamiliar with the system and is unable to perform the registration operation, or when the purchased item is an item that cannot be sold by registering it manually by the customer. For these reasons, it was desirable to be able to easily switch between a so-called full-self system, in which all operations from registration to payment are performed by the customer, and a so-called semi-self system, in which registration operations are performed by a store clerk and payment operations are performed by the customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2010-86202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration settlement device and an information processing program that can easily switch between full-self and semi-self modes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A registered payment device according to an embodiment includes a first determination means, a second determination means, a determination control means, a creation means, and a payment means. The first determination means determines the items to be traded in response to an operation by a first operator. The second determination means determines the items to be traded in response to an operation by a second operator located on the opposite side of the registered payment device from the first operator. The determination control means controls the first determination means and the second determination means to validate one of them, and during a registration period for a transaction, the second determination means is validated in response to an instruction from the second operator when the first determination means is validated. The creation means creates a list of the items determined to be traded by the first determination means validated by the determination control means or the second determination means during the registration period. The payment means determines the payment amount based on the list created by the creation means and performs payment processing to settle the payment amount in response to an operation by the first operator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a POS terminal device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a keyboard screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a switching screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a call screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a POS (point-of-sale) terminal device will be described as an example of a registered payment device.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a POS terminal device 100 according to this embodiment. The POS terminal 100 is placed at a cash register counter that separates the clerk's workspace from the sales floor. The POS terminal 100 is operated by the clerk and the customer. The clerk who operates the POS terminal 100 is located on the right rear side in FIG. 1. The customer who operates the POS terminal 100 is located on the left front side in FIG. 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the right rear side and the left front side in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the clerk side and the customer side, respectively.

[0009] The POS terminal device 100 comprises a customer-side touch panel 1, a fixed scanner 2, a coin unit 3, a bill unit 4, a credit card reader 5, a proximity communication unit 6, a prepaid card reader / writer (prepaid card R / W) 7, a receipt printer 8, a store clerk-side touch panel 9, a sub-touch panel 10, a keyboard 11, and a lamp 12.

[0010] The customer-side touch panel 1 is provided facing the customer as shown in Figure 1. The customer-side touch panel 1 displays a screen for presenting information to customers. The customer-side touch panel 1 also inputs instructions by customers touching the screen.

[0011] The fixed scanner 2 has a reading window 2a facing the customer. The fixed scanner 2 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window 2a and recognizes the barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. The fixed scanner 2 then outputs the recognized barcode information to the processor 13, which will be described later. Note that the fixed scanner 2 may also be another type of well-known device that optically reads barcodes using the reflection of laser light. The fixed scanner 2 may also be a well-known device that has the function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing an image of the product.

[0012] The coin unit 3 includes a coin insertion slot 3a, a coin discharge slot 3b, and a coin tray 3c. The coin insertion slot 3a is configured to allow coins to be inserted from the customer side. The coin unit 3 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 3a and stores them in an internal storage. The coin unit 3 discharges coins stored in the storage to the coin tray 3c via the coin discharge slot 3b. The coin tray 3c is configured to allow coins to be removed from the customer side.

[0013] The banknote unit 4 has a banknote insertion slot 4a and a banknote ejection slot 4b. The banknote insertion slot 4a is formed so that banknotes can be inserted from the customer side. The banknote unit 4 counts the value of banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 4a and stores them in an internal storage. The banknote unit 4 ejects banknotes stored in the storage from the banknote ejection slot 4b. The banknote ejection slot 4b holds the ejected banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside. The banknote ejection slot 4b is formed so that the banknotes held as described above can be removed from the customer side.

[0014] The credit card reader 5 reads card information from a credit card that is slid along the slit 5a. The credit card reader 5 is positioned with the slit 5a facing the customer side so that a customer positioned on the customer side can easily slide their credit card through the reader.

[0015] The proximity communication unit 6 is provided to form a communication range on the customer side. The proximity communication unit 6 performs proximity wireless communication with a wireless tag brought close to the customer side, and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. The proximity communication unit 6 also writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag through the proximity wireless communication.

[0016] The prepaid card reader / writer 7 has a slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 reads card data magnetically recorded on a prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 also writes any data onto the prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a.

[0017] The receipt printer 8 prints a receipt image on receipt paper and ejects the receipt paper with the printed receipt image from the receipt ejection port 8a to the outside.

[0018] The clerk-side touch panel 9 is provided facing the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 9 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 9 also allows the clerk to input instructions by touching the screen.

[0019] The sub-touch panel 10 is provided facing the store clerk. The sub-touch panel 10 displays a screen for presenting information to the store clerk. The sub-touch panel 10 also allows the store clerk to input instructions by touching the screen.

[0020] The keyboard 11 has many keys for easy operation by a store clerk located on the store clerk side, and inputs instructions from the store clerk by pressing these keys on the keyboard 11. The lamp 12 is turned on. The lamp 12 is provided above the store clerk touch panel 9 so that the light emitted when turned on can be seen by a person who is away from the POS terminal 100. The lamp 12 may be attached to the POS terminal 100 in any manner as long as the light emitted by the lamp is visible to a person as described above.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device 100. In Fig. 2, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0022] The POS terminal 100 includes a processor 13, a main memory unit 14, an auxiliary memory unit 15, a handy scanner 16, a buzzer 17, a communication unit 18, and a transmission path 19 in addition to the elements shown in FIG. The elements shown in FIG. 1, ie, the processor 13, the main memory unit 14, the auxiliary memory unit 15, the handy scanner 16, the buzzer 17, and the communication unit 18, are connected to a transmission line 19.

[0023] The processor 13, the main storage unit 14, and the auxiliary storage unit 15 are connected by a transmission line 19 to form a computer that executes information processing for controlling the POS terminal device 100. The processor 13 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 13 controls each part of the POS terminal 100 to realize various functions of the POS terminal 100 based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main storage unit 14 and the auxiliary storage unit 15.

[0024] The main memory unit 14 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 14 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory unit 14 stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory unit 14 may also store data required for the processor 13 to execute various information processes in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory unit 14 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 13 as needed.

[0025] The auxiliary storage unit 15 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 15 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 15 stores data used by the processor 13 when performing various types of information processing, and data generated by the processing in the processor 13. The auxiliary storage unit 15 may also store the information processing program.

[0026] The handy scanner 16 is held by the operator and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading port. The handy scanner 16 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 13. The buzzer 17 emits various sounds such as alarm sounds that can be heard by people around the POS terminal device 100 .

[0027] The communication unit 18 performs communication processing for the processor 13 to exchange various data with any device, such as a POS server, via the communication network 200. A LAN (local area network) is typically used as the communication network 200. However, other than a LAN, the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. can also be used as the communication network 200, either alone or in appropriate combination. A well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 200 can be used as the communication unit 18. The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The transmission path 19 transmits data and signals exchanged between the components connected thereto.

[0028] The basic hardware of the POS terminal 100 can be, for example, that of another existing POS terminal. In this case, the POS terminal 100 is generally transferred with an information processing program describing the information processing described below stored in the main storage unit 14 or the auxiliary storage unit 15. However, the hardware of the POS terminal 100 and the information processing program may be transferred separately without the information processing program being stored in the main storage unit 14 or the auxiliary storage unit 15. The information processing program may then be written to the main storage unit 14 or the auxiliary storage unit 15 in response to an operation by an administrator of the POS terminal 100, for example. The information processing program may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0029] Next, the operation of the POS terminal device 100 configured as above will be described. When the POS terminal device 100 is started up in the operation mode for registration and settlement, the processor 13 performs the information processing described below in accordance with the information processing program stored in the main storage unit 14 or the auxiliary storage unit 15.

[0030] 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts of information processing by the processor 13. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processing, omit some of the processing, or add other processing as appropriate.

[0031] In Act 1, the processor 13 clears the product list. The product list is data showing a list of products that have been registered as purchased products. The product list is stored in the main storage unit 14 or the auxiliary storage unit 15. In Act 2, processor 13 resets the mode flag and the hold flag. When the mode flag is in the reset state, it indicates that semi-self-service mode is applied, and when it is in the set state, it indicates that full-self-service mode is applied. When the hold flag is in the set state, it indicates that the registration of a prohibited product, described below, is on hold. The mode flag and the hold flag are stored in main memory unit 14 or auxiliary memory unit 15. In other words, processor 13 sets semi-self-service mode immediately after starting operation in the above-mentioned operating mode. As will be described later, semi-self-service mode does not restrict operations by store clerks compared to full-self-service mode.

[0032] In Act 3, the processor 13 displays a standby screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but it is assumed that the screen displays an advertisement, for example. The standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering the purchased item.

[0033] In Act 4, the processor 13 displays a home screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The home screen is a basic screen on which the clerk performs operations to register items for purchase. The clerk can perform operations to specify items for purchase on this home screen or on another screen that can be accessed from this home screen.

[0034] In Act 5, the processor 13 displays a keyboard screen on the sub-touch panel 10. The keyboard screen is a screen showing a software keyboard consisting of an array of multiple images (hereinafter referred to as buttons) each resembling a button. Various functions are assigned to each of the multiple buttons, and the buttons serve as operators for specifying the assigned functions.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows an example of a keyboard screen SC1. On the keyboard screen SC1, a plurality of buttons such as button BU1 and button BU2 are arranged. Note that although not designated by a reference numeral, items that are shown with the same shape as button BU1 or button BU2 are also buttons.

[0036] Each button on the keyboard screen SC1 is assigned a function in advance. The switch button BU3 is assigned a function that allows the operator to instruct switching to full self mode. The switch button BU3 displays the character string "SELF SWITCH" to indicate the assigned function. Each of the other buttons also displays a character string indicating the assigned function, but the character strings are not shown in FIG. 7.

[0037] In Act 6, the processor 13 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If no such designation has been made, the processor 13 determines the answer as No and proceeds to Act 7. In Act 7, the processor 13 checks whether the switching button BU3 has been touched. If the processor 13 cannot confirm that the switching button BU3 has been touched, the result is No, and the process returns to Act 6. Thus, in Act 6 and Act 7, the processor 13 waits for a product to be specified or for the switching button BU3 to be touched. In this standby state and other standby states described below, processor 13 may also check whether other instruction operations have been performed. If processor 13 checks that such an instruction operation has been performed, it proceeds to processing according to that operation.

[0038] A customer picks up an item to be purchased from the sales floor and brings it to the cash register. The store clerk operating the POS terminal device 100 is positioned on the workspace side, across the POS terminal device 100 from the customer positioned on the sales floor side. The store clerk performs an operation to designate the item that the customer has brought to the cash register counter as a purchased item using the store clerk touch panel 9 and handy scanner 16. The operation by the store clerk at this time may be the same as that performed on another existing POS terminal device. If an operation to designate the item as a purchased item has been performed, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 6 and proceeds to Act 8.

[0039] As described above, the standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering a product for purchase, and therefore no operation for designating a product as a product for purchase is performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, the processor 13 does not use the recognition results from the fixed scanner 2 to register the product for purchase. In other words, the processor 13 disables the customer-side touch panel 1 and the fixed scanner 2 in the semi-selfie mode. By disabling the customer-side touch panel 1 and the fixed scanner 2 in this way, it is possible to prevent a product from being mistakenly registered as a product for purchase by a customer's operation.

[0040] In Act 8, the processor 13 updates the product list to include the product specified by the above operation. Note that the product list is, for example, a list of product codes for identifying products. Therefore, the processor 13 adds the product code for identifying the specified product to the product list.

[0041] In Act 9, the processor 13 displays a summary screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The summary screen is a screen that shows an overview of the current status of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at that time. The summary screen shows, for example, the product name, unit price, and quantity of the product that was most recently registered as a purchased item, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total amount for the registered items. The summary screen does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items.

[0042] In Act 10, the processor 13 displays a details screen on the clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen is a screen that shows the current details of the registration of the purchased items according to the contents of the product list at that time. For example, the details screen shows a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as a purchased item, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total price of the registered items.

[0043] In Act 11, the processor 13 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If no such designation has been made, the processor 13 determines the answer as No and proceeds to Act 12. In Act 12, the processor 13 checks whether or not a payment instruction has been issued. If the processor 13 cannot confirm that a payment instruction has been issued, it determines the answer as No and returns to Act 11. Thus, in Act 11 and Act 12, the processor 13 waits for a product to be specified or for a payment instruction to be given.

[0044] When a customer brings multiple items to the cash register, the store clerk performs an operation to designate the second and subsequent items as purchased items while the processor 13 is in the standby state for Act 11 and Act 12. If such an operation is performed, the processor 13 determines Yes in Act 11 and executes Acts 8 to 10 as described above. As a result, the multiple items brought by the customer to the cash register are each added to the product list. Note that, as described above, the overview screen does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items, so an operation to designate an item as a purchased item is not performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, the processor 13 does not use the recognition results of the fixed scanner 2 to register the purchased items.

[0045] Thus, the processor 13 determines the product to be traded in response to the operation of the store clerk as the second operator who is positioned on the opposite side of the POS terminal device 100 from the customer as the first operator. Thus, the processor 13 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer having the processor 13 as its central part functions as a second determination means for making the above-mentioned determination.

[0046] When the clerk has finished specifying all the items brought by the customer to the cash register counter as items to be purchased, he / she instructs the payment by performing a predetermined operation on the clerk's touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, or keyboard 11. This operation is, for example, pressing a customer type key included in the keyboard 11. In response to the operation, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 12 and proceeds to Act 13.

[0047] In Act 13, the processor 13 displays a selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The selection screen is a screen for accepting an operation by a customer to select a payment method. For example, the selection screen may display multiple buttons, each associated with a different payment method. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 100 allows the customer to selectively use cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid as payment methods. Therefore, the selection screen includes four buttons, each associated with cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid. For electronic money and prepaid, multiple buttons may be included, each associated with a different payment service. Alternatively, when a button associated with electronic money or prepaid is touched, the processor 13 may display a lower-level selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1, displaying buttons associated with a different payment service that belongs to that payment method.

[0048] In Act 14, the processor 13 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If a payment method has not been specified, the processor 13 determines the result as No and proceeds to Act 15. In Act 15, the processor 13 checks whether an instruction to return to registering the purchased items has been given. If no such instruction has been given, the processor 13 determines the answer as No and returns to Act 14. Thus, in Act 14 and Act 15, the processor 13 waits for a payment method to be specified or for an instruction to return to registration.

[0049] If the customer wishes to add an item to the purchase, the customer instructs the customer to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. This operation is, for example, touching the back button displayed on the selection screen. If there are still items left to purchase that have not been registered, the store clerk instructs the customer to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the store clerk-side touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, or keyboard 11. This operation is, for example, touching the back button displayed on the details screen or keyboard screen. In response to the operation, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 15 and executes the processing from Act 9 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0050] If the customer proceeds to payment, the customer specifies the payment method to be used by performing a predetermined operation on the selection screen. For example, the operation is to touch a button displayed on the selection screen as associated with the payment method to be used. In response to the operation, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 14 and proceeds to Act 38 in FIG. 6.

[0051] When the store clerk wants to switch the POS terminal device 100 to the full self-service mode, the store clerk touches the switch button BU3 displayed on the keyboard screen SC1 displayed on the sub-touch panel 10. If the switch button BU3 is touched in this manner while the store clerk is in the standby state for Acts 6 and 7, that is, while the store clerk is waiting for the start of registration of purchased items for one transaction, the processor 13 determines Yes in Act 7 and proceeds to Act 16 in FIG. In Act 16, the processor 13 changes the mode flag to the set state.

[0052] In Act 17, the processor 13 displays a guidance screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The guidance screen is a screen for informing the customer that the customer should perform operations to register the purchased items. The guidance screen may show what operations should be performed to register the purchased items.

[0053] In Act 18, the processor 13 displays a standby screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but it is assumed that the standby screen is a screen saver screen, for example. The standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering the purchased item. In Act 19, the processor 13 displays a switching screen on the sub-touch panel 10. The switching screen is a screen that displays switching buttons.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the switching screen SC2. The switching screen SC2 has an array of buttons such as a switching button BU11 and buttons BU12, BU13, etc. Although not designated by a reference numeral, items that have the same shape as the button BU13 are also buttons.

[0055] Each button on the switching screen SC2 is assigned a function in advance. The switching button BU11 is assigned a function that allows the operator to instruct switching to semi-self mode. The switching button BU11 displays the character string "Self Switch" to indicate the assigned function. Each of the other buttons also displays a character string indicating the assigned function, but the character strings are not shown in FIG. 8. The switching screen SC2 does not include an operation element for registering purchased items. The display area of ​​the switching button BU11 is larger than that of the switching button BU3 on the keyboard screen SC1. This is because the number of operations by store clerks that need to be accepted on the sub-touch panel 10 in the full self-service mode is smaller than in the semi-self-service mode, and therefore the number of buttons that need to be displayed on the switching screen SC2 is also smaller, allowing a larger area to be used to display the switching button BU3.

[0056] In Act 20, the processor 13 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If no such designation has been made, the processor 13 determines the answer as No and proceeds to Act 21. In Act 21, the processor 13 checks whether the switching button BU11 has been touched. If the processor 13 cannot check that the switching button BU11 has been touched, the result is No, and the process returns to Act 20. Thus, in Act 20 and Act 21, the processor 13 waits for a product to be specified or for the switching button BU11 to be touched.

[0057] When the store clerk wants to switch the POS terminal device 100 to the semi-self mode, he / she touches the switching button BU11 displayed on the switching screen SC2 displayed on the sub-touch panel 10. If such a touch on the switching button BU11 is made when the store clerk is in the standby state for Act 20 and Act 21, that is, when the store clerk is waiting for the start of registration of purchased items for one transaction, the processor 13 determines Yes in Act 21 and proceeds to Act 22. In Act 22, the processor 13 resets the mode flag, and then executes Act 3 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3 in the same manner as described above.

[0058] A customer who brings a product to the cash register performs an operation to designate the product as a purchased product using the customer-side touch panel 1 or the fixed scanner 2. The customer's operation at this time may be the same as that performed on other existing self-service POS terminal devices. If the operation to designate the product as a purchased product has been performed, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 20 and proceeds to Act 23 in FIG. 5.

[0059] As described above, the standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering a product for purchase, and therefore an operation to designate a product as a product for purchase will not be performed on the clerk-side touch panel 9. Furthermore, even if the keyboard 11 is operated, the processor 13 will not accept this as a designation of a product for purchase. Furthermore, as described above, the switching screen SC2 does not include any operation elements for registering a product for purchase, and therefore an operation to designate a product as a product for purchase will not be performed on the sub-touch panel 10. In other words, the processor 13 disables the clerk-side touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, and keyboard 11 in the full self-service mode. By disabling the clerk-side touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, and keyboard 11 in this way, it is possible to prevent a product from being mistakenly registered as a product for purchase by a clerk's operation.

[0060] In Act 23, the processor 13 checks whether the product specified as the purchased product is a product that is prohibited from being registered in response to an operation by a customer (hereinafter referred to as a registration-prohibited product). Which products are prohibited from being registered may be determined arbitrarily, for example, by an administrator of the POS terminal device 100. For example, products that are restricted in terms of purchaser, such as alcoholic beverages, are assumed to be prohibited from being registered. Alternatively, products that require special operations for discounts are assumed to be prohibited from being registered. For example, a list of product codes of prohibited from being registered is stored in advance, for example, in the main storage unit 14 or the auxiliary storage unit 15. If the product code of the product specified as the purchased product is included in the list, the processor 13 determines that the specified product is a registration-prohibited product. If the specified product is not a registration-prohibited product, the processor 13 determines No and proceeds to Act 24.

[0061] In Act 24, the processor 13 updates the product list to include the product specified by the above operation. In Act 25, the processor 13 displays a details screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The details screen is a screen that shows the current details of the registration of the purchased items according to the contents of the product list at that time. For example, the details screen shows a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as a purchased item, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total amount of the registered items.

[0062] In Act 26, the processor 13 displays a details screen on the clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen displayed on the clerk's touch panel 9 here shows the same information as that displayed in Act 10, and also indicates that the mode is full self-service mode. The details screen displayed on the clerk's touch panel 9 does not include operation elements for registering purchased items.

[0063] However, if the specified product is a registration-prohibited product, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 23 and proceeds to Act 27. In Act 27, the processor 13 displays a notification screen on the customer-side touch panel 1.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows an example of a notification screen SC3. The notification screen SC3 displays four lines of text. The first line of text displays the product name of the product most recently specified. The second line of text displays a message notifying the customer that assistance from a store clerk is required to purchase the most recently specified product. The third line of text displays a message notifying the customer that, if there are any unspecified products remaining, they should proceed with specifying those products and then touch the payment button on the details screen. The fourth line of text displays a message notifying the customer that a store clerk will assist them after touching the payment button. In Act 28, the processor 13 sets the hold flag.

[0065] When the processor 13 finishes Act 26 or Act 28, it proceeds to Act 29 in either case. In Act 29, the processor 13 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If no such designation has been made, the processor 13 determines the answer as No and proceeds to Act 30. In Act 30, the processor 13 checks whether or not a payment instruction has been issued. If the processor 13 cannot confirm that a payment instruction has been issued, it determines the answer as No and returns to Act 29. Thus, in Act 29 and Act 30, the processor 13 waits for a new product to be specified or for a payment instruction to be given.

[0066] If a customer brings multiple items to the cash register, the customer performs an operation to designate the second and subsequent items as purchased items while the processor 13 is in the standby state in Act 29 and Act 30. If such an operation is performed, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 29 and executes the processing from Act 23 onward in the same manner as described above. As a result, the multiple items brought by the customer to the cash register are each added to the product list.

[0067] As described above, the details screen displayed on the clerk-side touch panel 9 does not include any operation elements for registering a product for purchase, and therefore, an operation to designate a product as a product for purchase is not performed on the clerk-side touch panel 9. Furthermore, even if the keyboard 11 is operated, the processor 13 does not accept this as a designation of a product for purchase. Furthermore, as described above, the switching screen SC2 does not include any operation elements for registering a product for purchase, and therefore, an operation to designate a product as a product for purchase is not performed on the sub-touch panel 10. Thus, processor 13 determines the product to be settled in response to the operation of the customer as the first operator. Thus, by processor 13 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having processor 13 as its central part functions as first determination means for making the above determination.

[0068] When the customer has finished designating all the products brought to the cash register counter as products to be purchased, the customer instructs payment by performing a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. The customer also instructs payment in the same way when there are products for which registration is pending according to the guidance screen. This operation is, for example, touching the payment button included in the details screen displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. In response to the operation, the processor 13 determines Yes in Act 30 and proceeds to Act 31. In Act 31, the processor 13 checks whether the hold flag is set. If the hold flag is set, the processor 13 determines Yes and proceeds to Act 32.

[0069] In Act 32, the processor 13 executes a call operation to call a store clerk. The call operation may be, for example, displaying a call screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9, lighting or blinking the lamp 12, or sounding the buzzer 17. The processor 13 controls the store clerk's touch panel 9, the lamp 12, and the buzzer 17 to execute at least one of these operations. The call screen indicates that a store clerk's action is required to register the prohibited product.

[0070] FIG. 10 shows an example of a call screen SC4. The call screen SC4 displays two lines of text and a button BU21. The first line of text displays a message notifying the store clerk that there is a product whose registration through full-self-service operation is pending. The second line of text displays a message notifying the store clerk that the product whose registration is pending should be additionally registered through semi-self-service operation. The button BU21 is assigned a function that enables the operator to instruct switching to semi-self-service mode.

[0071] In Act 33, the processor 13 waits for an instruction to switch to the semi-self mode. For example, when the button BU21 displayed on the call screen SC4 is touched, the processor 13 determines that the instruction has been made. In this case, the processor 13 proceeds to Act 34. In Act 34, processor 13 resets the mode flag. Processor 13 then transitions to the standby state of Act 6 and Act 7 in FIG. 3. That is, processor 13 transitions to a state in which additional product specifications can be received in semi-self mode. At this time, processor 13 does not clear the product list. Therefore, when processor 13 executes Act 8 thereafter, it updates the product list that was created in full-self mode. That is, processor 13 carries over the product list even when switching modes.

[0072] As described above, processor 13 enables either product determination in response to an operation by a customer as a first operator or product determination in response to an operation by a store clerk as a second operator. When processor 13 is performing product determination in response to an operation by a customer as a first operator, it transitions to a state where it performs product determination in response to an instruction from a store clerk as a second operator. Thus, by processor 13 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer with processor 13 as its central part functions as determination control means.

[0073] If the pending flag is in the reset state when the customer instructs payment, the processor 13 determines No in Act 31 and proceeds to Act 35. In Act 35, the processor 13 displays a selection screen similar to that in Act 13 on the customer's touch panel 1.

[0074] In Act 36, the processor 13 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If a payment method has not been specified, the processor 13 determines the result as No and proceeds to Act 37. In Act 37, the processor 13 checks whether an instruction to return to registering the purchased items has been given. If no such instruction has been given, the processor 13 determines the answer as No and returns to Act 36. Thus, in Act 36 and Act 37, the processor 13 waits for a payment method to be specified or for an instruction to return to registration.

[0075] If the customer wants to add an item to the purchase, the customer can return to registration by performing a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. This operation is, for example, touching the back button displayed on the selection screen. In response to the operation, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 37 and executes the processing from Act 25 onward in the same manner as described above.

[0076] If the customer proceeds to payment, the customer specifies the payment method to be used by performing a predetermined operation on the selection screen. For example, the operation is to touch a button displayed on the selection screen as associated with the payment method to be used. In response to the operation, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 36 and proceeds to Act 38 in FIG. 6.

[0077] As described above, upon confirming that a payment method has been specified in Act 14 of Figure 3 when in semi-self mode, or in Act 36 of Figure 5 when in full-self mode, processor 13 proceeds to Act 38 of Figure 6.

[0078] In Act 38, processor 13 displays a payment screen on the customer's touch panel 1. The payment screen shows the amount to be paid and provides instructions on how to make the payment. There are multiple predefined payment screens, each corresponding to a different payment method. Processor 13 displays the payment screen associated with the specified payment method on the customer's touch panel 1. When displaying the payment screen, processor 13 determines the payment amount for the sale of the purchased item registered in the item list.

[0079] In Act 39, the processor 13 displays a details screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The details screen may be the same as the details screen displayed in Act 10 or Act 26. However, the details screen displayed in Act 39 is a screen indicating that the customer is making a payment.

[0080] In Act 40, the processor 13 activates a payment device according to the specified payment method. For example, if cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 activates the coin unit 3 and the bill unit 4. For example, if credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 activates the credit card reader 5. For example, if electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 activates the near-field communication unit 6. For example, if prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 activates the prepaid card reader / writer 7.

[0081] In Act 41, the processor 13 waits for a payment operation to be performed according to the specified payment method. For example, if cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 determines "Yes" when coins and banknotes are inserted into the coin unit 3 and banknote unit 4. For example, if credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 determines "Yes" when a credit card is slid through the slit 5a of the credit card reader 5. For example, if electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 determines "Yes" when a wireless tag for electronic money is brought into proximity with the near-field communication unit 6. For example, if prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 13 determines "Yes" when a prepaid card is inserted into the slot 7a of the prepaid card reader / writer 7. If the processor 13 determines "Yes" then it proceeds to Act 42.

[0082] In Act 42, the processor 13 performs a payment process. Specifically, the processor 13 executes a process for paying the payment amount determined in Act 38 using the specified payment method, for example, in a well-known manner. In this way, the processor 13 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer with the processor 13 as its central part functions as a payment means. Here, processor 13 settles the payment amount determined based on the product list at the time of proceeding to Act 38 in Figure 6. Processor 13 also starts updating the product list in response to confirming the product designation in Act 6 in Figure 3, or in response to confirming the designation of a product that is not a prohibited product in Act 20 in Figure 4 or Act 23 in Figure 5. In other words, processor 13 sets this period as the registration period and creates a list of products determined to be eligible for trading within this registration period. Thus, by processor 13 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer with processor 13 as its core functions as creation means.

[0083] In Act 43, the processor 13 stops the payment device activated in Act 40. In Act 44, the processor 13 controls the receipt printer 8 to issue a receipt on receipt paper, on which a receipt image showing the details of the transaction and the settlement result has been printed. In Act 45, the processor 13 clears the product list. In Act 46, the processor 13 displays an end screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The end screen is a screen that notifies the customer that the transaction has been completed.

[0084] In Act 47, the processor 13 checks whether the mode flag is in the reset state. If the mode flag is in the reset state, the processor 13 determines Yes and proceeds to Act 48. In Act 48, processor 13 checks whether the hold flag is set. If the hold flag is reset, processor 13 determines the answer as No and returns to Act 3 in Fig. 3. In other words, if semi-self-service mode is set but the mode has not been set by switching from full-self-service mode to deal with a prohibited product, processor 13 remains in semi-self-service mode and waits for the product to be the subject of the next transaction to be specified, or for an instruction to switch to full-self-service mode.

[0085] If the hold flag is set, the processor 13 determines "Yes" in Act 48 and proceeds to Act 49. In Act 49, the processor 13 sets the mode flag. In Act 50, the processor 13 resets the hold flag. Thereafter, processor 13 executes Act 17 and subsequent steps in Fig. 4 in the same manner as described above. If the mode flag is set, processor 13 determines No in Act 47, skips Acts 48 to 50, and executes Act 17 and subsequent steps in Fig. 4 in the same manner as described above. That is, if processor 13 has switched from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode to deal with a prohibited product, processor 13 returns to full self-service mode and waits for the product to be the subject of the next transaction to be specified or for an instruction to switch to semi-self-service mode to be given. If processor 13 has set full self-service mode, processor 13 remains in full self-service mode and waits for the product to be the subject of the next transaction to be specified or for an instruction to switch to semi-self-service mode to be given.

[0086] In addition, when an event occurs that requires maintenance, such as replacing receipt paper or replenishing or collecting coins, processor 13 displays an error screen notifying the customer that maintenance is required. When the mode flag is reset, i.e., when the device is in semi-self-service mode, processor 13 displays an error screen for the clerk on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The clerk performs maintenance in response to this error screen. When the mode flag is set, i.e., when the device is in full-self-service mode, processor 13 displays an error screen for the customer on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, when the device is in full-self-service mode, processor 13 also displays an error screen for the clerk on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The error screen for the clerk includes a release key for canceling the display of the error screen. In response to the display of the error screen for the customer, the customer calls a clerk. The called clerk confirms the situation using the error screen for the clerk, performs maintenance as appropriate, and then uses the release key to instruct the device to cancel the display of each error screen. Processor 13 cancels the display of each error screen in response to the instruction.

[0087] As described above, in the POS terminal 100, the processor 13 registers the purchased items in Act 3 to Act 12, and then performs payment and related processes in Act 13 to Act 15 and Act 38 to Act 46. As a result, registration is performed in response to the store clerk's operation, and payment is performed in response to the customer's operation, respectively, thereby realizing semi-self-service mode. The processor 13 also registers the purchased items in Act 17 to Act 30, and then performs payment and related processes in Act 32 to Act 46. As a result, registration and payment are both performed in response to the customer's operation, respectively, thereby realizing full-self-service mode. The processor 13 switches between the semi-self-service mode and full-self-service mode in response to a touch operation on the switch button BU3 or the switch button BU11. In this way, the POS terminal 100 can easily switch between full-self-service and semi-self-service modes.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the POS terminal device 100, if a customer specifies a product in full-self-service mode that is prohibited from being registered by customer operation, the device allows switching to semi-self-service mode while the transaction is being registered. When the device switches to semi-self-service mode, the new product is registered by a store clerk's operation, adding it to the product list that had been created up to that point. Therefore, the transaction registration can be completed without having to start over from the beginning. In other words, the device can easily switch from full-self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, and the prohibited product can be quickly registered by a store clerk's operation.

[0089] Moreover, the POS terminal device 100 suspends the customer's registration of prohibited products and switches to semi-self-service mode after the customer has completed the registration of products that can be registered, thereby minimizing the work required by the store clerk for product registration.

[0090] Furthermore, the POS terminal device 100 switches to semi-self mode in response to the operation of button BU21 displayed on the call screen SC4, which indicates that a store clerk's intervention is required to register a prohibited product, so the operation of the store clerk to switch modes is kept to a minimum. Furthermore, when the POS terminal device 100 is set to semi-self-service mode to deal with prohibited products, it automatically switches back to full-self-service mode after the payment is completed. This eliminates the need for the store clerk to perform such mode changes. This not only reduces the burden on the store clerk, but also prevents a situation where a subsequent customer is unable to start a new registration due to forgetting to switch back to full-self-service mode.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the POS terminal device 100, in the semi-self mode, the purchased items are not registered in response to operations on the customer's touch panel 1 and fixed scanner 2, so that it is possible to prevent the purchased items from being erroneously registered in response to operations by the customer.

[0092] Furthermore, in the full self-service mode, the POS terminal device 100 does not register purchased items according to operations on the store clerk's touch panel 9, sub-touch panel 10, and keyboard 11, thereby preventing erroneous registration of purchased items according to operations by the store clerk.

[0093] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. 5 because the specified product is a registration-prohibited product, the processor 13 may wait for an instruction to switch to the semi-self mode, as in Act 33. Then, when the instruction is given, the processor 13 transitions to a standby state as in Act 11 and Act 12 in FIG.

[0094] In the standby state of Act 11 and Act 12 in Fig. 3, processor 13 may additionally check whether or not the switching button BU3 has been touched, as in Act 7. Then, in response to the switching button BU3 being touched, processor 13 transitions to the standby state of Act 29 and Act 30 in Fig. 5. In this way, at any timing during registration in semi-self-service mode, it is possible to switch to full-self-service mode and continue product registration in response to subsequent operations by the customer.

[0095] In the standby state of Act 29 and Act 30 in Fig. 3, the processor 13 may additionally check whether the switching button BU11 has been touched, as in Act 21. Then, in response to the switching button BU11 being touched, the processor 13 transitions to the standby state of Act 11 and Act 12 in Fig. 3. In this way, at any timing during registration in the full self-service mode, it is possible to switch to the semi-self-service mode and continue product registration in response to subsequent operations by the store clerk. In this modified implementation, if a registration-prohibited product is specified in the full self-service mode, a store clerk may be called and notified to touch the switching button BU11.

[0096] The same implementation as the above embodiment can also be carried out in other types of registration and settlement devices such as cash registers. The switching button for switching from the semi-selfie mode to the full selfie mode and the switching button for switching from the full selfie mode to the semi-selfie mode may be the same button.

[0097] The switching button may be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 9 on the store clerk side, or may be provided on the keyboard 11. 5, the processor 13 may additionally wait for the completion of registration of all products except for the prohibited products. The processor 13 may then proceed to Act 35 when, for example, a button displayed on the details screen displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 to declare that the registration of all products except for the prohibited products has been completed is touched. The processor 13 then proceeds from Act 30 to Act 32 when a payment instruction is given.

[0098] The processor 13 may switch from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode only when a responsible person is registered. When switching from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode, the processor 13 may record that fact in the electronic journal. At this time, the processor 13 may also record the name or identification code of the person in charge in the electronic journal.

[0099] When switching from semi-selfie mode to full selfie mode, processor 13 may display a message such as "Switching to full selfie mode. Are you sure?" and may also pop up a confirmation screen showing a "Yes" button and a "No" button on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 or sub-touch panel 10. Processor 13 may then switch modes if the "Yes" button is touched, or may not switch modes if the "No" button is touched.

[0100] The processor 13 may not switch modes if the error is that the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4 are disconnected. In this case, the processor 13 may display a screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9 or the sub-touch panel 10 showing a warning message such as "Mode switching is not possible because the change dispenser is not connected."

[0101] When switching from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode, the processor 13 may automatically input a predetermined number, such as "999," as the person in charge number. The processor 13 may turn off the automatic person in charge cancellation function when switching from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode. The automatic person in charge cancellation function is a function that erases the set person in charge number and automatically cancels the person in charge registration status if no operation is performed for a certain period of time.

[0102] Before or after switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, processor 13 may display a screen on clerk-side touch panel 9 or sub-touch panel 10 to prompt the clerk to input the person in charge number. Processor 13 then inputs the person in charge number in response to an operation by the clerk on this screen.

[0103] When switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the processor 13 may record that fact in the electronic journal. At this time, the processor 13 may also record the name or identification code of the person in charge in the electronic journal.

[0104] When switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, processor 13 may display a message such as "Switching to semi-self-service mode. Are you sure?" and may pop up a confirmation screen showing a "Yes" button and a "No" button on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 or sub-touch panel 10. Processor 13 may then switch modes if the "Yes" button is touched, or may not switch modes if the "No" button is touched.

[0105] When switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, the processor 13 may check the status of the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4. If there is a separation error, the processor 13 may display a screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9 or the sub-touch panel 10 showing a message such as "Drawer in operation."

[0106] The processor 13 may be configured to display on the screen on the store clerk touch panel 9 in the semi-selfie mode a message indicating that the mode is the semi-selfie mode. The processor 13 may turn on the automatic responsible person release function when switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode.

[0107] In full self-service mode, processor 13 may print "Self" as the name of the responsible person on the receipt. In the full self mode, the processor 13 may record a predetermined number such as "999" as the responsible person number in the electronic journal. In this case, the processor 13 may set the responsible person name to "self" when referencing the journal.

[0108] The processor 13 may display "self" as the name of the person in charge on the screen displayed on the store clerk touch panel 9 or the sub-touch panel 10 in the full self-service mode. The processor 13 may prohibit the use of the person in charge number used in the full self mode as the person in charge number in the semi self mode.

[0109] In the full self-service mode, the processor 13 may use a predetermined customer demographic as the customer demographic information. In the semi-self-service mode, the processor 13 may use, as customer demographic information, the customer demographic corresponding to the customer demographic key pressed by the store clerk after the product has been registered.

[0110] Some or all of the functions realized by the processor 13 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0111] Although several 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 embodied 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1...customer-side touch panel, 2...fixed scanner, 3...coin unit, 4...banknote unit, 5...credit card reader, 6...proximity communication unit, 7...prepaid card reader / writer, 8...receipt printer, 8a...receipt outlet, 9...clerk-side touch panel, 10...sub-touch panel, 11...keyboard, 12...lamp, 13...processor, 14...main memory unit, 15...auxiliary memory unit, 16...handheld scanner, 17...buzzer, 18...communication unit, 19...transmission path, 100...POS terminal device, 200...communication network.

Claims

1. A registered payment device, a first determination means for determining a commodity to be traded in response to an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the product to be the subject of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator located on the opposite side of the registered settlement device from the first operator; a determination control means for controlling the first determination means and the second determination means so as to enable either one of them, and for enabling the second determination means in response to an instruction from the second operator when the first determination means is enabled during a registration period for one transaction; a creating means for creating a list of products determined to be eligible for the transaction within the registration period by the first determining means or the second determining means validated by the determining control means; a payment means for determining a payment amount based on the list created by the creation means and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount in response to an operation by the first operator; A registered payment device comprising:

2. the creation means does not include the product in the list if the product determined by the first determination means is a predetermined prohibited product; the determination control means accepts an instruction from the second operator to enable the second determination means when the product determined by the first determination means is the registration-prohibited product; The registration and payment device according to claim 1 .

3. the determination control means continues to enable the first determination means even if the product determined by the first determination means is the registration-prohibited product, and starts accepting an instruction to enable the second determination means, which is given by the second operator, in response to an instruction from the first operator. The registration and settlement device according to claim 2.

4. When the commodity determined by the first determination means is the registration-prohibited commodity, the determination control means enables the second determination means in response to an instruction from the second operator, and then enables the first determination means in response to the payment means performing the payment process. The registration and settlement device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the determination control means enables the first determination means in response to an instruction from the second operator while the second determination means is enabled; The registered payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer that controls the registered payment device, a first determination means for determining a commodity to be traded in response to an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the product to be the subject of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator located on the opposite side of the registered settlement device from the first operator; a determination control means for controlling the first determination means and the second determination means so as to enable either one of them, and for enabling the second determination means in response to an instruction from the second operator when the first determination means is enabled during a registration period for one transaction; a creating means for creating a list of products determined to be eligible for the transaction within the registration period by the first determining means or the second determining means validated by the determining control means; a payment means for determining a payment amount based on the list created by the creation means and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount in response to an operation by the first operator; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

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