Product sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an article sales data processor and a program capable of clarifying transaction contents for articles not registered in an article master.SOLUTION: The article sales data processor includes: an acquisition unit that acquires article identification information capable of identifying an article; a determination unit that determines whether the article identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in an article master that is registered by associating the article identification information with a name of the article corresponding to the article identification information; a receiving unit that receives input of a tax category of the article corresponding to the article identification information acquired by the acquisition unit when the determination unit determines that the article identification information is not registered; and an output unit that outputs a name corresponding to the input tax category as the name of the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product sales data processing device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In retail stores such as supermarkets and drugstores, there is provided a product sales data processing device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that performs a registration process for registering product information of products purchased by customers and an accounting process based on the registered product information. In such a product sales data processing device, a registration process is performed using a PLU table (hereinafter also referred to as a product master) that stores product information such as a product name, price, and tax classification in association with product identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a product code) that can identify a product.

[0003] For example, in a product sales data processing device, a product code is read from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to a product, and a registration process is performed based on the product information in the product master corresponding to the product code.

[0004] By the way, in a store, there may be cases where products not registered in the product master are displayed in the store as sales targets. Conventionally, in a product sales data processing device, when a product code of a product not registered in the product master is read, a store clerk manually inputs the tax classification and product price of the product to enable registration of the product. Also, conventionally, when a product not registered in the product master is read, a method has been proposed in which temporary product information composed of a classification code, unit price, tax classification, and identification flag of the unregistered product is created and the temporary product information is temporarily registered (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, in the above-described conventional method, although registration of a product not in the product master is possible, in terms of display (printing), a predetermined fixed name (for example, "product") is displayed regardless of the input content. Therefore, in the above-described conventional method, the transaction content becomes unclear, and further improvement is required.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that can clarify the transaction details of products not registered in the product master. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The product sales data processing device of the embodiment includes: an acquisition unit that acquires product identification information that can identify a product; a determination unit that determines whether the product information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in a product master in which product identification information and the name of the product corresponding to the product identification information are registered in association; a reception unit that accepts input of the tax classification of the product corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit if the determination unit determines that it is not registered; and an output unit that outputs the name corresponding to the input tax classification as the name of the product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of a product master according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of an additional PLU table according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the tax classification table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the display unit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a tax classification input screen displayed on the display unit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a tax classification input screen displayed on the display unit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of an amount input screen displayed on the display unit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the display unit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the display unit of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of receipt data generated by the payment processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration and accounting processes performed by a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration and accounting processes performed by a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the product sales data processing device and program with reference to the drawings. While the following embodiments describe an example applied to a product sales data processing system installed in a retail store such as a supermarket, the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the product sales data processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the product sales data processing system 1 includes a POS terminal 10 and a store server 20. Here, the POS terminal 10 and the store server 20 are connected to each other via a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The number of POS terminals 10 connected to the network N is not limited to the example shown.

[0011] POS terminal 10 is an example of a product sales data processing device. POS terminal 10 is operated by a store employee and performs processing related to the registration or payment of products purchased by a customer (hereinafter also referred to as a user).

[0012] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 may be a semi-self-service POS terminal equipped with a registration machine operated by a store employee to perform product registration processing and a payment machine operated by a user to perform payment processing for the product, or it may be a fully self-service POS terminal in which the user performs product registration and payment processing themselves.

[0013] The store server 20 is, for example, a server device installed in a store. Specifically, the store server 20 distributes the product master 142, described later, to the POS terminal 10 via the network N. The store server 20 also collects the additional PLU table 143, described later, from the POS terminal 10, merges the collected additional PLU table 143, and distributes it to the POS terminal 10.

[0014] Furthermore, in the payment processing described later, the store server 20 may acquire the registration data for a single transaction registered in the POS terminal 10 and the transaction ID assigned to each registration data for a single transaction via the network N and store them within the store server 20. Then, in response to a request from the accounting machine, the store server 20 may transfer the registration data to the accounting machine.

[0015] In addition, in this embodiment, the store server 20 is assumed to be realized by a single server device, but it is not limited to this, and it may be a cloud server realized by the cooperation of a plurality of server devices.

[0016] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the above-described POS terminal 10 will be described.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a memory unit 14, etc.

[0018] The CPU 11 comprehensively controls each part of the POS terminal 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for developing programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs.

[0019] The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15, and the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100 of a computer configuration. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control processing of the POS terminal 10 described later by operating according to the programs stored in the ROM 12 and memory unit 14 and developed in the RAM 13 by the CPU 11.

[0020] The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 14 has a control program unit 141 that stores a control program, a product master 142, an additional PLU table 143, a tax classification table 144, and a product registration file 145.

[0021] The product master 142 stores product information for each product, associating it with product identification information that identifies the product. The additional PLU table 143 stores product information for products not stored in the product master 142, associating it with product identification information that identifies the product, during the product registration process described later. The tax classification table 144 stores the tax rate and name for each tax rate of a product, associating it with a tax classification code. The data structure of the product master 142, additional PLU table 143, and tax classification table 144 will be described later. The product registration file 145 is a file used by the POS terminal 10 to record the product code, product information, etc., of registered products during the product registration process described later. The product registration file 145 includes, for example, the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, tax classification, etc., of the registered product.

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the display unit 17, operation unit 18, scanner 19, card reader 21, printer 22, and communication unit 23 via the bus 15 and controller 16. The communication unit 23 is also connected to external devices such as the store server 20 via the network N to enable communication.

[0023] The controller 16 connects to the display unit 17, the operation unit 18, the scanner 19, the card reader 21, and the printer 22. The controller 16 then controls each of the connected units based on commands from the control unit 100.

[0024] The display unit 17 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 17 displays various information under the control of the CPU 11. The operation unit 18 is an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device. The operation unit 18 outputs the operation content entered via the input device to the CPU 11. The operation unit 18 may also be a touch panel provided on the display unit 17.

[0025] Scanner 19 is a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and 2D codes. For example, scanner 19 reads product information from the code symbol attached to the product that the customer purchases.

[0026] The card reader 21 is a reading device that reads information from card media such as IC cards and magnetic cards. For example, the card reader 21 reads information registered on point cards, credit cards, electronic money cards, etc., that a customer possesses, such as attribute information such as the customer's age and gender.

[0027] The printer 22 is a printing device such as a thermal printer. Under the control of the control unit 100, the printer 22 issues a receipt that prints product information, payment information, etc., related to the processed payment.

[0028] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface that can be connected to a network N such as a LAN. The communication unit 23 communicates with the store server 20 located within the store via the network N. The communication unit 23 may also communicate with external devices such as an electronic payment server that provides electronic payment services.

[0029] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the data structure of the product master 142 will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the product master 142. The product master 142 is a data table or database that stores information about products to be sold. As shown in Figure 3, the product master 142 stores product information for products identified by each product code, associated with the product code of each product.

[0030] Here, the product code is an example of product identification information that can identify the type of product, and product identification information such as a JAN code can be used. Each product sold in a store is attached to a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code that holds the product code for that product. Furthermore, the product can be identified by reading the product code from the code symbol attached to the product.

[0031] Product information also includes information such as product name, unit price (price), and tax category code. The tax category code is a code that identifies the tax category to which the product corresponding to the product code belongs. Tax categories can be classified by the taxation method (inclusive / exclusive tax) and the tax rate. For example, tax categories include "8% tax-exclusive" and "8% tax-inclusive," as well as "tax-exempt," and each tax category is assigned a different code.

[0032] Furthermore, for certain goods such as food and beverages, depending on the form of consumption, either the tax corresponding to the standard tax rate or the tax corresponding to the reduced tax rate may be imposed. The reduced tax rate is a tax system defined by the government that reduces the consumption tax rate for goods that are the minimum necessary for daily life. For example, if purchased goods (food and beverages) are consumed in a place with dining facilities (eat-in), the consumption tax corresponding to the standard tax rate (e.g., 10%) is imposed. On the other hand, if purchased goods (food and beverages) are taken away (take-out), the consumption tax corresponding to the reduced tax rate (e.g., 8%) is imposed. In this embodiment, for certain goods, the tax rate for take-out is registered as the default tax classification code in the product master 142, and when eat-in is instructed, the tax rate for eat-in is applied.

[0033] Note that the data structure of the product master 142 is not limited to the example in Figure 3. For example, the product master 142 may store image data representing the product, weight, etc., as part of the product information.

[0034] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the data structure of the additional PLU table 143 will be explained. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the additional PLU table 143. The additional PLU table 143 is a data table or database for storing product information of products not stored in the product master 142 (hereinafter also referred to as unregistered products) in the product registration process described later, in association with product identification information that identifies the product. As shown in Figure 4, the additional PLU table 143 has a data structure similar to that of the product master 142, and stores product information of products identified by a product code in association with that product code. Product information includes information such as product name, unit price (price), and tax classification code. The tax rate indicates the consumption tax rate corresponding to the tax classification code.

[0035] Here, the additional PLU table 143 stores product information for products whose product codes are not registered in the product master 142. Specifically, the additional PLU table 143 functions as a temporary PLU table that stores manually entered product information associated with a product code that is not registered in the product master 142 when such a product code is read. However, as will be described later, the name of the tax category corresponding to the entered tax category code is automatically registered in the product name field.

[0036] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 may be configured to allow modification of the registered contents of the additional PLU table 143 from, for example, an administrator's settings screen. This allows for modification of the registered contents of the additional PLU table 143 to any desired setting if there is an error or if the registered contents need to be corrected.

[0037] Next, the tax classification table 144 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the tax classification table 144. The tax classification table 144 is a data table or database for storing the tax rate and name of goods in association with the tax classification code. As shown in Figure 5, the tax classification table 144 stores the tax rate and name in association with the tax classification code of each tax classification.

[0038] Here, the tax classification code is a code that identifies the tax classification. The tax rate is information indicating the tax rate and taxation method (i.e., tax classification) applicable to the tax classification corresponding to the tax classification code. The name registers information indicating the goods or consumption patterns subject to the tax classification corresponding to the tax classification code. Note that the string in parentheses in the tax rate field is for explanatory purposes only.

[0039] In the example in Figure 5, the tax category and name corresponding to tax category code "1" are set to "8% excluding tax" and "Food." The tax category and name corresponding to tax category code "2" are set to "10% excluding tax" and "Alcohol, Non-Food, Eat-in." The tax category and name corresponding to tax category code "3" are set to "8% including tax" and "Food." The tax category and name corresponding to tax category code "4" are set to "10% including tax" and "Alcohol, Non-Food, Eat-in." In addition, the tax category and name corresponding to tax category code "5" are set to "Tax-Exempt" and "Merchandise." Note that the combinations of "Tax Category Code," "Tax Category," and "Name" stored in tax category table 144 are not limited to the examples above.

[0040] Next, the functional configuration of the POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 10. As shown in Figure 6, the POS terminal 10 is equipped with a reading control unit 111, a registration processing unit 112, a display control unit 113, and a payment processing unit 114 as its functional configuration.

[0041] Specifically, the control unit 100 (CPU 11) of the POS terminal 10 realizes the above-described functional configuration by executing the control program unit 141 stored in the memory unit 14. In this embodiment, the above-described functional configuration is a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor and program of the POS terminal 10, but it is not limited to this, and a hardware configuration in which some or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like may also be used.

[0042] The reading control unit 111 is an example of an acquisition unit. The reading control unit 111 works in cooperation with the scanner 19 to read information from the code symbol. Specifically, the reading control unit 111 reads the product code from the code symbol attached to the product, thereby acquiring product identification information that can identify the product.

[0043] The registration processing unit 112 is an example of a determination unit, reception unit, and registration unit. The registration processing unit 112 performs the registration process for products purchased by a customer. Specifically, when the reading control unit 111 reads a product code, the registration processing unit 112 reads the product information corresponding to that product code from the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143, and registers (stores) the read product information as registration data in the product registration file 145 along with the product code, quantity, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, the registration processing unit 112, in cooperation with the display control unit 113 (described later), displays the product name, quantity, etc., of the products registered in the product registration file 145. Here, the quantity is the number of products (items) corresponding to the same product code, managed in units of registration data. For example, the quantity is entered via the operation unit 18 when the product code is read. Alternatively, the quantity may be calculated by the registration processing unit 112 adding 1 to the quantity associated with the product code each time a product with the same product code is read. The default value for the quantity is assumed to be 1.

[0045] Furthermore, if the product corresponding to the product code read by the reading control unit 111 is an unregistered product, the registration processing unit 112 prompts the operator to input information such as the tax classification for that product, and based on the input information, registers the registration data for that product in the product registration file 145. The registration processing unit 112 also registers the product information for that product in the additional PLU table 143 based on the input information. The reason for registering in the additional PLU table 143 is that in subsequent registration processes, the product information registered in the additional PLU table 143 will be used.

[0046] Specifically, the registration processing unit 112, based on the tax classification table 144, works in cooperation with the display control unit 113 (described later) to display a screen (the tax classification input screen described later) to assist in the input of tax classifications (tax classification codes). The registration processing unit 112 then registers the entered tax classification code, the name corresponding to the tax classification, etc., in the product registration file 145, thereby performing the registration process for products not yet registered in the product master 142 (and the additional PLU table 143).

[0047] The display control unit 113 is an example of an output unit. The display control unit 113 controls the screens displayed on the display unit 17. Specifically, the display control unit 113 works in cooperation with other functional configurations to display various screens on the display unit 17 to support the operation of the POS terminal 10. For example, the display control unit 113 displays a screen on the display unit 17 that shows the product name, quantity, price, etc., of each registered product, based on the registration data registered by the registration processing unit 112 (hereinafter also referred to as the product registration screen). Also, for example, the display control unit 113 works in cooperation with the payment processing unit 114 to display various screens related to product transactions on the display unit 17.

[0048] The settlement processing unit 114 is an example of an output unit. The settlement processing unit 114 calculates the total amount of goods based on the registration data registered in the product registration file 145. Specifically, in response to closing operations that instruct the start of accounting, the settlement processing unit 114 calculates the total amount of goods related to a single transaction from the transaction information of goods registered up to that point. Here, transaction information refers to the registration data for a single transaction, including the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, tax category, etc., registered in the product registration file 145.

[0049] Furthermore, the settlement processing unit 114 executes a settlement process to settle the calculated total amount with the amount paid by the customer (hereinafter referred to as the payment amount). There are no particular restrictions on the method of depositing (or paying) the payment amount; various methods such as cash, credit card payment, and code payment can be used. The settlement processing unit 114 may also display a screen on the display unit 17 for the customer to select a payment method during the settlement process.

[0050] Once the settlement process is complete, the settlement processing unit 114 associates the transaction with an identifiable transaction number and prints a receipt from the printer 22 that includes the transaction number and transaction data showing the breakdown of the transaction. Here, the transaction data includes, for example, the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, amount, tax rate, and total amount for each product registered in the transaction, as well as information such as the payment amount and change.

[0051] The receipt issued from the printer 22 is handed to the customer by the operator of the POS terminal 10 (for example, a store employee). In this embodiment, a paper receipt is provided to the customer, but the system is not limited to this, and an electronic receipt may also be provided to the customer. In this case, for example, customer identification information (for example, a membership number) that can identify the customer is entered into the POS terminal 10 during the transaction. Then, when the settlement processing is completed, the settlement processing unit 114 sends an electronic receipt containing the transaction number and data showing the breakdown of the transaction to a recipient such as an email address corresponding to the pre-stored customer identification information.

[0052] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the product registration screen displayed on the POS terminal 10 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the POS terminal 10. As shown in Figure 7, the product registration screen Ga has a first display area Fa, a second display area Fb, and a third display area Fc. The product registration screen Ga is also provided with an eat-in registration button Br for customers to select eat-in mode (a mode that changes the tax rate of a specific product) when using the eat-in area. Note that the product registration screen Ga may also have a screen configuration that omits the eat-in registration button Br.

[0053] The first display area Fa is for displaying information about the most recently registered product. Specifically, the first display area Fa displays the product name, quantity, unit price, and total amount of the registered product. The second display area Fb is for displaying a list of information about the registered product. Specifically, the second display area Fb has display fields for displaying the product name, quantity, unit price, total amount, and a mark corresponding to the tax category (for example, "Tax Included" for tax-inclusive, "No Input" for tax-exclusive, and "Non-taxable" for tax-exempt). The "No." column displays a number indicating the order in which the product was registered.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the state where the product name "Product A" is registered in "No. 1" of the second display area Fb. Here, Product A is a product registered in product master 142. Specifically, the product name included in the product information of the corresponding product registered in product registration file 145 is displayed.

[0055] After this, when the product name "Product B" is registered in product master 142, information about product B will be displayed in the first display area Fa. Next, when the product name "Product C" is registered in product master 142, the information about product B that was displayed in the first display area Fa will be moved to "No. 2" in the second display area Fb, and the newly registered information about product C will be displayed in the first display area Fa.

[0056] Furthermore, the movement from the first display area Fa to the second display area Fb is not limited to the registration of a new product. For example, the movement from the first display area Fa to the second display area Fb may be triggered by the operation of a subtotal key (not shown).

[0057] The third display area Fc is an area for displaying the total number of registered items, the total amount, and the consumption tax amount on the total amount. The calculation of the total number of items, the total amount, and the consumption tax amount on the total amount may be performed by the registration processing unit 112, or by other functional units such as the display control unit 113.

[0058] Next, with reference to Figure 8, an example of operation when a product code for an unregistered product not stored in the product master 142 and the additional PLU table 143 is read will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a tax classification input screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the POS terminal 10. As shown in Figure 8, the tax classification input screen Gb has a fourth display area Fd, tax classification input buttons Ba~Be for determining the tax classification of the product to be registered, and an input cancellation button Bf.

[0059] If the product corresponding to the product code read by the reading control unit 111 is an unregistered product not stored in either the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143, the registration processing unit 112 works in cooperation with the display control unit 113 to display a tax classification input screen Gb (see Figure 8) on the display unit 17 for inputting the tax classification of the unregistered product.

[0060] In the tax classification input screen Gb shown in Figure 8, the fourth display area Fd is an area for displaying information indicating that a product code for the tax classification input screen Gb that is not stored in the product master 142 has been read. The fourth display area Fd is also provided with an input cancellation button Bf. The input cancellation button Bf is an operator used to interrupt the registration process for unregistered products and display the product registration screen Ga.

[0061] The tax category input buttons Ba to Be are operators used to determine the tax category of a product. As shown in Figure 8, for example, the tax category input button Ba is an operator used to set the tax category to 8% excluding tax. The tax category input button Bb is an operator used to set the tax category to 10% excluding tax. The tax category input button Bc is an operator used to set the tax category to 8% including tax. The tax category input button Bd is an operator used to set the tax category to 10% including tax. The tax category input button Be is an operator used to set the tax-exempt tax category. Here, the tax category input buttons Ba to Be are displayed based on the tax category table 144.

[0062] Here, when any tax category is selected via the tax category input button, the registration processing unit 112 registers the tax category code and tax category name corresponding to the selected tax category, associating them with the product code of the unregistered product, in the additional PLU table 143 and the product registration file 145. In addition, in this embodiment, since the tax rate for takeout (8%) is used as the default tax category code, when either the tax category input button Bb or the tax category input button Bd is selected, the registration processing unit 112 registers the tax category code and tax category name, with the 10% tax rate replaced by 8%, associating them with the product code of the unregistered product, in the additional PLU table 143.

[0063] Note that the tax classification input buttons displayed on the tax classification input screen Gb do not necessarily need to be the five types of tax classification input buttons Ba to Be mentioned above.

[0064] For example, in stores that do not offer eat-in service, a tax category input screen Gc may be displayed, as shown in Figure 9, which shows a tax category input button Ba for 8% excluding tax and a tax category input button Bc for 8% including tax.

[0065] The tax classification input screen Gc has a fourth display area Fd, tax classification input buttons Ba and Bc for determining the tax classification of the product to be registered, and an input cancellation button Bf. For example, the tax classification input button Ba is an operator for setting the tax classification to 8% excluding tax. The tax classification input button Bc is an operator for setting the tax classification to 8% including tax. The input cancellation button Bf is an operator for interrupting the registration process of an unregistered product and displaying the product registration screen Ga.

[0066] In this case as well, when any of the tax category input buttons is selected, the registration processing unit 112 associates the tax category code and tax category name corresponding to the selected tax category with the product code of the unregistered product and registers them in the additional PLU table 143 and the product registration file 145.

[0067] Furthermore, the tax classification input screen Gc in Figure 9 can also be used in stores that offer eat-in services. For example, after the eat-in tax rate of 10% is set by operating the eat-in registration button Br as explained in Figure 8, the tax classification input screen Gc in Figure 9 may be displayed to allow the customer to choose whether to apply the 10% tax rate excluding tax or including tax.

[0068] In this case, when either the tax category input button Ba or the tax category input button Bc is selected, the registration processing unit 112 registers the tax category code and tax category name corresponding to the selected application method and the 10% tax rate pair in the product registration file 145, associating them with the product code of the unregistered product. In addition, to use the take-out tax rate (8%) as the default tax category code, the registration processing unit 112 registers the tax category code and tax category name corresponding to the tax category selected on the tax category input screen Gc in Figure 9 in the additional PLU table 143, associating them with the product code of the unregistered product.

[0069] Alternatively, in stores that offer eat-in services, the tax rates displayed on the tax category input buttons Ba and Bc on the tax category input screen Gc may be changed to 10%.

[0070] In this case, when either the tax category input button Ba or the tax category input button Bc is selected, the registration processing unit 112 registers the tax category code and tax category name of the selected tax category in the product registration file 145, associating them with the product code of the unregistered product. In addition, to use the tax rate for takeout (8%) as the default tax category code, the registration processing unit 112 registers the tax category code and tax category name of the tax category with the tax rate of the selected tax category replaced with 8%, associating them with the product code of the unregistered product, in the additional PLU table 143.

[0071] Then, when any tax category input button is selected on the tax category input screen Gb (or Gc), the registration processing unit 112, in cooperation with the display control unit 113, displays the amount input screen Gd (see Figure 10) for entering the price of unregistered products on the display unit 17.

[0072] Figure 10 shows an example of a monetary input screen displayed on the display unit 17 of a POS terminal 10. As shown in Figure 10, the monetary input screen Gd has a fifth display area Fe and a monetary input field Fg.

[0073] The fifth display area, Fe, is an area that displays a message prompting the user to enter the product price. The fifth display area, Fe, also displays the tax rate corresponding to the tax category selected on the previous tax category input screen, Gb (or Gc). The price input field, Fg, is an area for entering the price (unit price) of unregistered products.

[0074] Below, we will explain how to register an unregistered product, as shown in Figure 10, which has a price of 10,000 yen and a tax category code of "2," meaning a tax rate of 10% excluding tax (let's call this product X).

[0075] When the amount for product X is entered into the amount input field Fg via the operation unit 18 and the operation to confirm the amount is performed, the registration processing unit 112 registers the amount entered on the amount input screen Gd in association with the product code of the unregistered product in the additional PLU table 143 and the product registration file 145.

[0076] Then, the registration processing unit 112 works in cooperation with the display control unit 113 to display the product information registered in the product registration file 145 in the first display area Fa of the product registration screen Ga. Here, the product name of the unregistered product displayed on the product registration screen Ga will be the name corresponding to the tax category selected in the above operation, as shown in Figure 11.

[0077] Figure 11 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the POS terminal 10. Here, Figure 11 shows the state after registering an unregistered product (let's call it product X) from the product registration screen Ga of Figure 7. For example, when registering product X, if the tax category input button Bb (10% tax excluding tax, tax category code 2) is selected on the tax category input screen Gb of Figure 7, and then the amount of product X, 10,000 yen, is entered from the operation unit 18 on the amount input screen Gd of Figure 9, the product registration screen shown in Figure 11 will be displayed.

[0078] As shown in the product registration screen Ga of Figure 11, information (product information) based on the tax category selected by the operator and the price of the product entered is displayed in the first display area Fa. Specifically, the name of the tax category corresponding to tax category code 2, "Alcohol, Non-food, Eat-in," is displayed as the product name. In addition, the entered amount of 10,000 yen is displayed as the unit price.

[0079] Similarly, if any other tax category is selected, the name corresponding to the selected tax category will be displayed as the product name. For example, if tax category code 1 or 3 is selected, the corresponding tax category name "Food" will be displayed as the product name. If tax category code 5 is selected, the corresponding tax category name "Product" will be displayed as the product name.

[0080] In addition, the third display area Fc displays the total number of registered products, the total price, and the amount of consumption tax on the total price.

[0081] Furthermore, if multiple unregistered products are registered, the product information of the unregistered products will be displayed in the second display area Fb, as shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen displayed on the display unit 17 of the POS terminal 10. Here, Figure 12 shows the state in which multiple registrations of products not stored in the product master 142 have been made from the product registration screen Ga of Figure 7.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, when a product that is not registered in the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143 is registered, the name corresponding to the tax category of that product is displayed. Therefore, the POS terminal 10 can clearly display and output the transaction details of unregistered products that are not registered in the product master 142 (and the additional PLU table 143).

[0083] Next, with reference to Figure 13, the receipt data output from the POS terminal 10 will be explained. When the closing operation to start accounting is performed on the product registration screen Ga described above, the settlement processing unit 114 calculates the total amount of products related to a single transaction from the transaction information of the products registered up to that point. Then, once the settlement processing is completed, settling the calculated total amount with the customer's payment amount, the settlement processing unit 114 generates receipt data showing the breakdown of the transaction and prints it out as a receipt from the printer 22.

[0084] Figure 13 schematically shows an example of receipt data generated by the payment processing unit 114. Here, the receipt data is, for example, text data, and is used for printing by the printer 22.

[0085] As shown in Figure 13, the receipt data includes product sales data D1. Product sales data D1 is based on the registration data for one transaction registered in product registration file 145 and includes the name of the product subject to payment and its price, the total amount by tax category, the total consumption tax amount by tax category, the total amount for each product, the amount paid by the customer, the change amount, etc. In addition, in product sales data D1, products subject to the reduced tax rate, such as general food and beverages, are identified by adding a reduced tax rate mark "*" (asterisk), and a note to that effect is included at the end of the line.

[0086] Furthermore, the receipt data includes elements such as the company code (company name) D3, store code (store name) D4, store telephone number D5, address D6, transaction date and time D7, transaction number (receipt number) D8, register number D9, name of person in charge D10, and business registration number D11. Here, the business registration number D11 is the registration number held by a business that is capable of issuing qualified invoices (qualified invoice issuer).

[0087] Note that the elements included in the receipt data are not limited to the example in Figure 12; other elements such as industry / business type codes may also be included, and elements such as telephone number D5 and address D6 may be removed.

[0088] Here, the product names of unregistered products shown in the receipt data will be represented by the tax category names, similar to the product registration screen. Therefore, the payment processing unit 114 prints the receipt data to issue a receipt in which the product names of unregistered products are represented by the tax category names related to those unregistered products.

[0089] Therefore, the POS terminal 10 can clearly print out transaction details for unregistered products that are not registered in the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143.

[0090] Next, with reference to Figure 14, we will explain the processes related to product registration and accounting performed by the POS terminal 10. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes related to product registration and accounting performed by the POS terminal 10.

[0091] First, the reading control unit 111 starts reading the code symbol via the scanner 19 by operating the scanner 19 in response to an operation instructing the start of a transaction (step S1). Also, the display control unit 113 displays the product registration screen Ga on the display unit 17 in response to the instruction to start a transaction.

[0092] Next, the reading control unit 111 determines whether or not it has read the product code from the code symbol (step S2). If it is not possible to read the product code (step S2; No), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0093] Furthermore, when the reading control unit 111 reads a product code (step S2; Yes), the registration processing unit 112 determines whether the product code read by the reading control unit 111 is stored in the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143 (step S3). If it is determined that the product code is stored in the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143 (step S3; Yes), the registration processing unit 112 proceeds to step S9.

[0094] Furthermore, if the product code read by the reading control unit 111 is not stored in either the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143 (step S3; No), the registration processing unit 112 works in cooperation with the display control unit 113 to display the tax classification input screen Gb on the display unit 17 (step S4).

[0095] Next, when the display control unit 113 receives an operation of the tax category input button based on the displayed tax category input screen Gb (step S5), it displays the amount input screen Gd on the display unit 17 (step S6). Then, when an amount corresponding to the price of the product is entered based on the amount input screen Gd (step S7), the registration processing unit 112 associates the product code read in step S2, the tax category (tax category code) corresponding to the tax category input button operated in step S5, and the amount (price) entered in step S7, and registers them in the additional PLU table 143 (step S8).

[0096] Next, the registration processing unit 112 reads the product information for the product corresponding to the product code read in step S2 from the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143, and registers the read product information, along with the product code and quantity, etc., in the product registration file 145 (step S9). Then, the display control unit 113 updates the product registration screen Ga by displaying the product registration data registered in step S9 on the product registration screen Ga (step S10).

[0097] Here, for products not registered in the product master 142 or the additional PLU table 143, the name displayed on the product registration screen Ga will be the name of the tax category registered in the product registration file 145. Also, if eat-in mode is selected, the eat-in tax category code will be registered in the product registration file 145.

[0098] Next, the settlement processing unit 114 determines whether it has received a closing operation via the operation unit 18 to instruct the completion of product registration or the start of accounting (step S11). If the closing operation is not received (step S11; No), the settlement processing unit 114 returns to step S2. If the settlement processing unit 114 receives the closing operation (step S11; Yes), it executes the settlement process based on the registration data for one transaction that has been registered in the product registration file 145 up to that point (step S12).

[0099] Then, once the settlement processing unit 114 has completed the settlement process, it prints a receipt detailing the transaction using the printer 22 based on the registration data registered in the product registration file 145 (step S13), and terminates this process. The reading control unit 111 may also stop the operation of the scanner 19 upon completion of the settlement process.

[0100] As described above, the POS terminal 10 of this embodiment acquires product identification information that can identify a product, and if the acquired product identification information is not registered in the product master 142, it accepts input for the tax category of the product corresponding to the acquired product identification information and outputs a name according to the input tax category.

[0101] As a result, in this embodiment, even when an unregistered product that is not registered in the product master is registered as a purchase item, the product sales data processing device can output a name corresponding to the tax category set for the unregistered product, rather than outputting a predetermined fixed name. Therefore, the product sales data processing device in this embodiment can clearly output the transaction details of the product in question.

[0102] The above-described embodiments can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of the above-described device. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the above-described embodiments, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0103] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 10 is operated by a store employee and performs the process of registering and paying for the products purchased by the customer. However, the configuration may also be such that the customer performs the process of registering or paying for the products they purchase themselves (for example, a fully self-checkout system).

[0104] In this modified configuration, when registering a product (let's call it product X) that is not stored in the product master 142, customers often do not know the correct price or tax classification of product X, so it is necessary for a store employee to take over the product registration process. Therefore, in the above embodiment, it is preferable to interrupt the product registration process between steps S3 and S4 in Figure 14, for example, and notify the customer to register the product again at a cash register with a store employee, or to display a message on the display unit 17 calling a store employee so that the employee can take over the product registration process up to step S9. This will achieve the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0105] (Modification 2) In the embodiment described above, the destination for the registration data for one transaction registered in the product registration file 145 transmitted from the POS terminal 10 was set to one accounting machine. However, it is also possible to set one or more accounting machines as destinations for the registration data and configure the system to send the registration data to an available accounting machine at the time of transmission. Alternatively, a server connected to network N may be set as the destination for the registration data, and the registration data and the transaction number for one transaction may be associated and stored on the server. Then, the customer may enter the transaction number at any accounting machine to obtain the registration data via the server.

[0106] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the POS terminal 10 is configured to register products and handle payment, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, there is a checkout system called a semi-self-service type in which a store employee operates the POS terminal 10 (registration machine) to register products, and the customer operates a separate payment machine to pay for the products. The configuration of the above-described embodiment can also be applied to such a checkout system.

[0107] The following describes the product registration and accounting processes performed by the POS terminal 10 in this modified example, with reference to Figure 15. Steps common to Figure 14 will be omitted.

[0108] First, when the settlement processing unit 114 receives the closing operation (step S11; Yes), it sends the registration data for one transaction registered in the product registration file 145 to the separate accounting machine (step S20). Subsequently, the accounting machine receives the registration data from the POS terminal 10 (step S21) and executes the settlement process (step S12).

[0109] Here, with respect to the receipt issued in the settlement process of step S12, the product name of the unregistered product shown in the receipt data is represented by the tax category name, as in the embodiment described above.

[0110] Furthermore, the destination of the registration data for a single transaction transmitted from the POS terminal 10 is not limited to the accounting machine. For example, the destination of the registration data for a single transaction and the transaction ID assigned to each registration data for a single transaction transmitted from the POS terminal 10 may be the store server 20. In this case, the store server 20 compares the transaction ID transmitted from the POS terminal 10 and stored within the store server 20 with the transaction ID transmitted from the accounting machine, and transfers the registration data for a single transaction corresponding to the matching ID to the accounting machine. This achieves the same effects as the embodiment described above.

[0111] (Modification 4) In the embodiment described above, the tax classification code of the unregistered processed product and the name of the tax classification corresponding to that tax classification code are registered in the product registration file 145. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and a configuration in which only the tax classification code is registered is also possible.

[0112] In this case, when the registration processing unit 112 receives a selection (input) operation for a tax classification code for an unregistered product, it associates the received tax classification code with the product code of the unregistered product and registers it in the product registration file 145. Furthermore, when the display control unit 113 and the settlement processing unit 114 output the product name of the unregistered product registered in the product registration file 145, they read the name of the tax classification corresponding to the tax classification code from the tax classification table 144 and output it. This makes it possible to achieve the same effects as in the embodiment described above.

[0113] By adopting the above configuration, even a POS terminal 10 that only has a product registration function can achieve the same effects as the embodiment described above.

[0114] The program executed by the POS terminal 10 in this embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0115] Furthermore, the program executed by the POS terminal 10 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the POS terminal 10 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0116] Alternatively, the program to be executed by the POS terminal 10 of this embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like.

[0117] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1. Product Sales Data Processing System 10 POS terminals 17 Display section 20 Store Servers 111 Reading Control Unit 112 Registration Processing Unit 113 Display Control Unit 114 Payment Processing Unit 142 Product Master 143 Additional PLU Table 144 Tax Classification Table 145 Product Registration File [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0119] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 04-065795

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires product identification information that can identify a product, A determination unit determines whether the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in a product master in which product identification information and the name of the product corresponding to the product identification information are registered in association; If the determination unit determines that the product is not registered, the reception unit accepts input of the tax classification of the product corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An output unit that outputs the name corresponding to the entered tax category as the product name, A product sales data processing device equipped with the following features.

2. If the determination unit determines that the product is not registered, the system further includes a registration unit that registers the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and the tax classification received by the reception unit in an additional master different from the product master, in association with the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. The determination unit determines whether the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the product master or the additional master. Product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. If the determination unit determines that the product is registered, the output unit outputs the name of the product corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, based on the registered information. Product sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The reception unit displays a screen on its display unit that allows the user to select one tax category from several tax categories, and accepts input of the tax category selected from the screen. Product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

5. The determination unit determines whether the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in the product master or the additional master, If the determination unit determines that the product is registered, the output unit will display or print the product name as the product name, which is either the product name registered in the product master or the name corresponding to the tax category registered in the additional master. Product sales data processing device according to claim 2.

6. The computer for the product sales data processing device An acquisition unit that acquires product identification information that can identify a product, A determination unit determines whether the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is registered in a product master in which product identification information and the name of the product corresponding to the product identification information are registered in association; If the determination unit determines that the product is not registered, the reception unit accepts input of the tax classification of the product corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An output unit that outputs the name corresponding to the entered tax category as the product name, A program that makes a computer function.

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