Commodity sales data processor

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processor simultaneously performing transactions of a plurality of customers that causes no confusion on settlements of the plurality of customers.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processor that performs processing related to a first customer's transaction and processing related to a second customer's transaction performed subsequently to the first customer's transaction includes controlling means for controlling not to perform settlement processing on a commodity registered corresponding to the second customer until the completion of settlement processing on a commodity registered corresponding to the first customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A product sales data processing device capable of performing accounting operations by a single operator is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-108290 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of a product sales data processing device in which the customer himself performs the accounting process, rather than an operator (store clerk), there are cases in which the customer becomes confused for some reason during the payment process. Specifically, for example, an elderly person who cannot see the customer screen well or a customer who is not familiar with operating the customer screen may become confused and take a long time to complete the payment process.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a product sales data processing device that prevents confusion regarding customer payment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that performs processing related to a transaction by a first customer as well as processing related to a transaction by a second customer who makes a transaction after the first customer, and is configured to have a control means that controls so that settlement processing for the products registered corresponding to the second customer is not performed until settlement processing for the products registered corresponding to the first customer is completed.

[0007] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device as described above, which further includes a declaration means for declaring the start of a transaction corresponding to a second customer before the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed, and the control means may control a customer display unit configured to present information related to the transaction to customers so that the display of information related to the transaction of the second customer that was started in response to the declaration by the declaration means is prohibited until the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned product sales data processing device, wherein the control means may lift the prohibition on displaying information related to the second customer's transaction in response to a predetermined state being obtained after completion of the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer, and display information related to the second customer's transaction on the customer display unit.

[0009] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned product sales data processing device, wherein the control means may display information related to the transaction of the second customer on the customer display unit in response to a registration process for a product corresponding to a second customer being performed after a display has been made on the customer display unit notifying the completion of the settlement process corresponding to the first customer.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned product sales data processing device, wherein the control means may display information related to the transaction of a second customer on the customer display unit in response to completion of product registration corresponding to a second customer after a display is made on the customer display unit notifying the completion of the settlement process corresponding to a first customer.

[0011] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned product sales data processing device, wherein the control means may, when product registration corresponding to the second customer has been completed and a clerk display unit configured to present information related to the transaction to a clerk displays information indicating that the settlement process for the second customer is pending, display on the customer display unit notifying the completion of the settlement process for the first customer, and then display information related to the transaction for the second customer on the customer display unit.

[0012] In addition, one aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned product sales data processing device, wherein the control means may cause a store clerk display unit configured to present information related to customer transactions to the store clerk to display information related to the second customer's transaction and information related to the first customer's transaction until the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a product sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view of a product sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product sales data processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit for store clerks. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a customer display unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit for store clerks. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a customer display unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a customer display unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit for store clerks. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a customer display unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit for store clerks. [Figure 13] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing at which a checkout screen for a second customer is displayed on the customer display unit in the product sales data processing device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit for store clerks. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the product sales data processing device in the present embodiment with respect to display on the customer display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a product sales data processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view as seen from diagonally above the front on the customer side. FIG. 1 shows coordinate axes of a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ. The X-axis is a lateral axis of the product sales data processing device 1 that is parallel to the horizontal plane. The Y-axis is an axis that is parallel to the horizontal plane and extends in the depth direction of the product sales data processing device 1, in other words, toward the customer side. The Z-axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and extends in the height direction of the product sales data processing device 1.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the product sales data processing device 1 from another viewpoint. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a perspective view as seen from diagonally above the front of the store clerk. Fig. 2 shows a store clerk S (a product registrant) and a customer C facing each other across a counter table 80. The configuration of the product sales data processing device 1 will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0016] In Figures 1 and 2, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the product sales data processing device 1 includes a store clerk display unit 10, an operation reception unit 20, a scanner unit 30, a housing 40, a support unit 41, a customer display unit 50, a change dispenser 60, and a receipt issuing unit 70. The product sales data processing device 1 also includes a control unit (an example of a control means) not shown. The control unit executes a product registration process for registering the purchase of products and a settlement process (payment process) after money is deposited into the change dispenser 60.

[0017] The clerk display unit 10 is a display device that displays product registration display information associated with the product registration process and accounting display information associated with the settlement process. For example, the product registration display information includes information such as the product name, unit price, discount amount, and quantity of the purchased product. For example, the accounting display information includes information such as the total amount, the amount deposited, the difference (change amount), and the purchased quantity. The clerk display unit 10 presents this display information to the clerk S.

[0018] For example, the clerk display unit 10 is realized by a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel having an operation reception function. In this case, the control unit causes the clerk display unit 10 to display GUI (Graphical User Interface) buttons such as preset buttons. The touch panel then receives operation input of the GUI buttons and supplies operation information corresponding to the operation to the control unit. Also, the clerk display unit 10 displays product registration display information associated with product registration processing in transaction-related processing, information associated with payment processing, and the like.

[0019] The operation reception unit 20 includes an input unit such as keys. For example, the input unit includes numeric keys for inputting a sales price and a quantity, preset keys associated with predetermined processes, a subtotal key (product registration completion key) for causing the control unit to end the product registration process, and the like.

[0020] The scanner unit 30 is an optical reader that reads a barcode-like product code associated with a product during product registration processing by the control unit, and supplies product code information to the control unit. For example, the scanner unit 30 is realized by a handy scanner. The scanner unit 30 is hung on a base provided on the side of the housing 40. The scanner unit 30 may also be realized by a fixed scanner installed on the counter table 80 on the clerk S side.

[0021] The customer display unit 50 is realized, for example, by a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel having an operation reception function. In this case, the control unit displays GUI (Graphical User Interface) buttons such as preset buttons on the customer display unit 50. The touch panel then receives operation input of the GUI buttons and supplies operation information corresponding to the operation to the control unit. Also, the customer display unit 50 displays product registration display information associated with the product registration process, information associated with the payment process, and the like. The billing key operated by the customer C may be realized by a hardware key instead of a GUI button. In this case, a keyboard having a billing key is provided in the vicinity of the customer display unit 50 (for example, directly to the side of or immediately before the customer display unit 50). The customer display unit 50 displays a GUI button as a billing key (bill button) on the customer display unit 50.

[0022] The housing 40 is placed on the counter table 80. However, a placement surface 81 on which purchased goods are placed is provided on the counter table 80, in front of the clerk S from the housing 40. Furthermore, a customer display unit 50 is placed on the counter table 80, in front of the customer C from the housing 40, with the display surface facing the customer C. The customer display unit 50 may be provided so that the angle between its display surface and the installation surface of the customer display unit 50 can be changed. The installation surface of the customer display unit 50 and the placement surface 81 may be on the same plane or may be different. For example, the customer display unit 50 is placed above the placement surface 81 and in the vicinity of the change machine 60.

[0023] The clerk display unit 10 is attached via a support part 41 to the end (upper end) of the housing 40 placed on the counter table 80 on the opposite side to the installation surface side. In other words, the clerk display unit 10 is supported by the support part 41 fixed to the placement surface 81 at a position above the placement surface 81. The clerk display unit 10 is provided with its display surface facing the clerk S side. The operation receiving unit 20 is attached to the support part 41 or the clerk display unit 10, and provided with its input unit facing the clerk S side.

[0024] The clerk display unit 10 is rotatable about a vertical central axis (axis parallel to the Z-axis) of the support unit 41. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the clerk display unit 10 is swivelable within a range in which it does not collide with the housing 40. Note that, for example, the clerk display unit 10 may be provided so as to be rotatable approximately 180 degrees (including 180 degrees) from a front direction relative to the clerk S.

[0025] The clerk display unit 10 may be rotatable, for example, within a range of 0 degrees to approximately 120 degrees (including 120 degrees) about an axis that is perpendicular to the vertical center axis of the support unit 41 and parallel to the display surface. However, the axis parallel to the display surface here refers to, for example, an axis parallel to the display surface at a position where the display surface includes the vertical axis. For example, when the clerk display unit 10 is rotated 120 degrees about an axis that is perpendicular to the vertical center axis of the support unit 41 and parallel to the display surface, the clerk display unit 10 is installed upside down. Therefore, in this case, the control unit controls the clerk display unit 10 so that the scanning of the display screen is reversed, thereby preventing the display from being reversed.

[0026] An advertisement 42 is provided on the surface of the housing 40 facing the customer C. The advertisement 42 may be a paper medium or a resin medium, or may be a display device that displays video or still images.

[0027] The change machine 60 is an automatic change machine that accepts banknotes and coins inserted by a customer C, performs a deposit process, and ejects banknotes and coins when the banknotes are to be given change, refunded, or rejected. The change machine 60 includes a banknote management unit 61, a coin insertion port 64, a coin ejection port 65, and a rejection port 66. The banknote management unit 61 has a banknote insertion port 62 and a banknote ejection port 63. The banknote insertion port 62 is an opening for taking in banknotes inserted by a customer C. The banknote ejection port 63 is an opening for ejecting banknotes and rejected banknotes. The banknote insertion port 62 and the banknote ejection port 63 are configured in two stages. For example, in the banknote management unit 61, the upper stage is the banknote insertion port 62, and the lower stage is the banknote ejection port 63.

[0028] The coin insertion slot 64 is an opening for taking in coins inserted by customer C. The coin discharge slot 65 is an opening for discharging coins as change, coins that the coin recognition unit of the change machine 60 has failed to recognize, and coins that the coin recognition unit has recognized as counterfeit coins. The reject slot 66 is an opening for discharging coins when a cancellation operation is performed after depositing a coin. The coin insertion slot 64, the coin discharge slot 65, and the reject slot 66 are also collectively referred to as the coin management unit. The change machine 60 may be equipped with only the coin management unit.

[0029] The receipt issuing unit 70 prints information obtained by the control unit executing transaction-related processes onto receipt paper, which is a paper medium, and outputs this printed receipt (accounting receipt) from a receipt outlet.

[0030] The change machine 60 and receipt issuing unit 70 are protruding from the customer C side of the counter table 80 (a surface parallel to the XZ plane) with the banknote insertion slot 62, banknote discharge slot 63, coin insertion slot 64, coin discharge slot 65, reject slot 66, and receipt discharge slot facing the customer C side. This arrangement reduces the risk of customer C hitting the counter table 80 with his / her toes when standing close to the change machine 60. For example, the change machine 60 and receipt issuing unit 70 are housed in a single housing, and this housing is protruding from the customer C side of the counter table 80.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a front view of the product sales data processing device 1, with the customer side facing forward. In Fig. 3, the same components as in Fig. 1 are given the same symbols. Fig. 3 shows coordinate axes of a Cartesian coordinate system XZ. The X-axis is the lateral axis of the product sales data processing device 1, which is parallel to the horizontal plane. The width (horizontal width) of the product sales data processing device 1 is the size in the X-axis direction. The Z-axis is the height axis of the product sales data processing device 1, which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0032] The change machine 60 is disposed below the position where the customer display unit 50 is provided and in the vicinity of the customer display unit 50. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, when the surface on which the customer display unit 50 is provided and the placement surface 81 are on the same plane, the change machine 60 is disposed below the placement surface 81 and in the vicinity of the customer display unit 50.

[0033] In the change machine 60, the coin insertion slot 64 is disposed to the side of the banknote management unit 61 and below the banknote management unit 61. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the banknote management unit 61 is disposed on the left side and the coin insertion slot 64 is disposed on the lower right side of a plane including a line A that is perpendicular to the XZ plane and parallel to the Z axis. In addition, a coin ejection slot 65 is disposed below the banknote management unit 61. With this arrangement, when the product sales data processing device 1 is viewed from above, that is, in the field of view of the customer C, the coin insertion slot 64 is not blocked by the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 62 and the banknotes ejected from the banknote ejection slot 63. This makes it easy to insert banknotes and coins.

[0034] A reject port 66 is provided below the coin insertion port 64. A coin ejection port 65 is provided below the banknote management unit 61. For example, the coin ejection port 65 and the rejection port 66 are provided adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0035] The receipt issuing unit 70 is disposed near the customer display unit 50 and the change machine 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the receipt issuing unit 70 is disposed above the coin slot 64 on the right side of a plane that is perpendicular to the XZ plane and includes a line A that is parallel to the Z axis.

[0036] 1 to 3, the operation reception unit 20, the clerk display unit 10, and the customer display unit 50 on the side facing the customer C are arranged to fit substantially within the width of the change machine 60. By arranging the banknote management unit 61 and the coin discharge outlet 65 vertically in two stages, the width of the change machine 60 can be significantly narrowed, and therefore the product sales data processing device 1 can be realized in an exceptionally compact size.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product sales data processing device 1. In Fig. 4, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 4, the product sales data processing device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 120, a communication unit 130, a store clerk display unit 10, an operation reception unit 20, a scanner unit 30, a customer display unit 50, a change machine 60, and a receipt issuing unit 70. The CPU 100, the ROM 110, the RAM 120, the communication unit 130, the store clerk display unit 10, the operation reception unit 20, the scanner unit 30, the customer display unit 50, the change machine 60, and the receipt issuing unit 70 are connected via signal lines and a bus.

[0038] CPU 100 performs transaction-related processes such as product registration and payment processing by reading and executing programs stored in ROM 110. RAM 120 stores product information (information such as product code, product name, unit price, discount amount, etc.) read from a store computer installed in the store, for example. RAM 120 also stores product registration display information and accounting display information. In other words, the control unit is configured to include CPU 100, ROM 110, and RAM 120, and the function of the control unit is realized by CPU 100 executing the programs. Communication unit 130 is an interface that communicates with the store computer and other product sales data processing devices.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figs. 5 to 11, examples of displays on the clerk display unit 10 and the customer display unit 50 of the product sales data processing device 1 will be described along with an example of basic operations for settlement by one customer.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the store clerk display unit 10. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 10 during the product registration process. More specifically, Fig. 5 shows an example of the product registration screen when the third product "potage soup" is registered as the purchased product of the first customer. That is, the product registration screen in the figure has a registered product area 330. The registered product area 330 is an area in which products registered corresponding to one customer (one transaction) are displayed. In the registered product area 330 in the figure, it is shown that "Loco Moco Bowl" is registered as the first item at the first position, "Beef Bowl" is registered as the second item at the second position, and "Potage Soup" is registered as the third item at the third position.

[0041] A selection area (for example, selection area 300 for the first customer in FIG. 5) is provided for each customer (for each transaction) at the top of the product registration screen in FIG. 5. The selection area 300 is also called, for example, a tab. The selection area 300 for the first customer displays information 304 (value "1") indicating that the first customer is being displayed, the current deposit amount (the amount of change that the customer has deposited (inserted) into the change machine 60 up to now) 301, the current total amount (the total amount of all items registered as purchased items by the customer up to now) 302, and a character 303 (a cat in Figure 5) to distinguish the customer from other customers.

[0042] In addition to or instead of the above, the selection area 300 may display the difference between the deposit amount 301 and the total amount 302. Specifically, for example, if the deposit amount 301 does not reach the total amount 302, the shortfall obtained by subtracting the deposit amount 301 from the total amount 302 may be displayed as the difference amount. Furthermore, if the deposit amount 301 exceeds the total amount 302, the excess amount obtained by subtracting the total amount 302 from the deposit amount 301 may be displayed as the difference amount. Moreover, instead of or in addition to the above, status information indicating whether or not the transaction (payment) has been completed may be displayed in the selection area 300. The same applies to the selection area 320 (described later) for the second customer.

[0043] At the bottom of the product registration screen in FIG. 5, a deposit return key 305, a fishing machine status key 306, and a provisional closing key 308 are provided.

[0044] The deposit return key 305 is a key related to the return of money deposited in the change machine. By operating the deposit return key 305, money deposited in the change machine 60 can be paid out.

[0045] The change machine status key 306 is a key related to the status of the change machine 60. For example, the status of the change machine 60 may be displayed as "near end", "depositing", "dispensing change", etc. In the example of FIG. 5, a badge (or label, or tag) displaying "near end" 307 is attached to the change machine status key 306 to indicate that the change machine 60 is near end. Operating the change machine status key 306 displays detailed information about the state of the change machine (for example, details about the near end, such as the denomination that is near end and the number of coins remaining).

[0046] The provisional closing key 308 is a key for suspending (temporarily pausing) processing. By operating the provisional closing key 308, processing that is being executed can be suspended. For example, if a customer who has had a product registered leaves the product sales data processing device 1 and goes to the sales floor to add an additional product, if there is only a little receipt paper left or they have run out, or if there is only a little change left (near the end) or they have run out, the process will be suspended. Furthermore, the provisional closing is released by a predetermined operation. For example, the provisional closing may be released by operating the provisional closing key 308 again. That is, by operating the provisional closing key 308, all the products registered in the registered product area 330 are deleted, and the data of the products deleted from the registered product area 330 is temporarily stored. This causes the transaction to be temporarily suspended (i.e., provisionally suspended). Then, when a customer who has left the product sales data processing device 1 returns while waiting for the next customer's product registration, by pressing the provisional closing key 308 again, the product indicated by the product data stored corresponding to the returning customer is displayed again in the registered product area 330. This releases the suspension (provisional closing) of the transaction, and the transaction corresponding to the returning customer can be resumed. In addition, in a mode in which multiple processes are not prohibited from being provisionally fastened at the same time, when multiple processes are provisionally fastened, the provisional fastening of a specific process may be released by operating provisional fastening key 308 after identifying the process for which provisional fastening is to be released.

[0047] The next customer registration key 309 is a key that a store clerk operates to start a transaction for a second customer (next customer) before the processing related to the transaction of the first customer (transaction-related processing) is completed (i.e., before the settlement processing is completed). By operating the next customer registration key 309, the product sales data processing device 1 displays the product registration screen corresponding to the next customer on the top surface, and becomes ready to accept operations by the store clerk regarding the transaction of the next customer. Here, the transaction-related processing in this embodiment includes product registration processing, processing in response to completion of product registration in response to subtotal key operation, settlement processing, and the like. The next customer registration key 309 in this embodiment is included in the declaration means in this embodiment. The declaration means in this embodiment includes a function of a control unit that displays the next customer registration key 309 and declares the start of a transaction corresponding to a second customer in response to receiving an operation on the next customer registration key 309.

[0048] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the customer display unit 50. Specifically, Figure 6(B) shows an example of a checkout screen displayed on the customer display unit 50 when the product registration screen shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the store clerk display unit 10. That is, Figure 6(B) shows an example of a checkout screen displayed on the customer display unit 50 when a third product item is registered.

[0049] The checkout screen in FIG. 6(B) has a product column 400, a total column 401, and a deposit column 402. The product column 400 displays the number of items registered to date and information about the last registered product. In the case of FIG. 6(B), the number "3" at the top left corner of the product column 400 indicates that the number of items registered to date is three. Also, "Potage Soup 1 pc. 390 yen" in the center of the product column 400 indicates that the third product is "Potage Soup" which costs 390 yen.

[0050] The total amount up to now is displayed in the total column 401. In the case of Fig. 6(B), "3 items 1490 yen" in the total column 401 indicates that the total amount for the three items up to now is 1490 yen. The deposit column 402 indicates the amount currently held. In the case of Fig. 6(B), "500 yen" in the deposit column 402 indicates that the amount currently held is 500 yen.

[0051] A message is displayed below the deposit section 402. In the case of Fig. 6(B), the message "↓ Please insert money anytime" is displayed as guidance information for depositing money (or notification information for notifying that depositing money is possible). In other words, a customer can insert money into the change machine 60 either before or after the store clerk starts product registration.

[0052] If the current deposit amount is 0 yen (if no deposit has been made), "0 yen" is displayed in the deposit column 402, as shown in FIG. 6(A).

[0053] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the clerk display unit 10. Specifically, Fig. 7 shows an example of a display on the clerk display unit 10 when the subtotal key is operated while the product registration screen shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the clerk display unit 10 (while the checkout screen shown in Fig. 6(B) is displayed on the customer display unit 50). In other words, it shows an example of a display on the clerk display unit 10 when product registration is completed (when the subtotal key is operated).

[0054] When the subtotal key is operated, a window 500 is displayed in front of the product registration screen, as shown in Fig. 7. The window 500 shown in Fig. 7 has a total column 501, a change deposit column 502, a deposit cancellation key 505, a provisional closing key 508, and a next customer registration key 509. The total amount when the subtotal key is operated is displayed in the total column 501. In the case of Fig. 7, "1490 yen" in the total column 501 indicates that the total amount when the subtotal key is operated is 1490 yen. The deposit amount at the time of operating the subtotal key is displayed in the deposit amount column 502. In the case of Fig. 7, "500 yen" in the deposit amount column 502 indicates that the deposit amount at the time of operating the subtotal key is 500 yen.

[0055] The deposit cancellation key 505 is a key that is operated to cancel a deposit. When the deposit cancellation key 505 is operated, the control unit stops the settlement process and ejects the deposited money (500 yen in the example of FIG. 5) from the change machine 60, but the previous display in the registered product area 330 continues.

[0056] Next customer registration key 509 is a key that is operated to start processing a second customer before processing of a first customer is completed, similar to next customer registration key 309 on the product registration screen. When next customer registration key 509 is operated, the control unit displays the product registration screen for the second customer. The next customer registration key 509 in this embodiment is included in the declaration means in this embodiment. The declaration means in this embodiment includes a function of a control unit that displays the next customer registration key 509 and declares the start of a transaction corresponding to a second customer in response to receiving an operation on the next customer registration key 509.

[0057] The provisional closing key 508 is a key for suspending (temporarily interrupting) a process. By operating the provisional closing key 508, a process in progress can be suspended. That is, when the provisional closing key 508 is operated, the registered product that has been displayed in the registered product area 330 is erased, and the product data of the erased product is stored. That is, the transaction corresponding to the registered product is temporarily suspended (provisionally suspended). Also, in this case, the amount deposited by the customer (500 yen in the example shown in the figure) is dispensed from the change machine 60. Thereafter, when the provisional closing key 508 is operated again, the suspension of the transaction is released, and the registered product based on the product data of the corresponding transaction is displayed again in the registered product area 330.

[0058] Also, after operating the subtotal key, the deposit amount 301 and the total amount 302 are hidden in the selection area 300 as shown in FIG. 7, but the deposit amount 301 and the total amount 302 may be displayed as in FIG.

[0059] As explained above, when the subtotal key is operated, window 500 is displayed, and at that time, the next customer registration key 509 for starting product registration for the next customer, the payment cancellation key 505 for the previous customer, and the provisional closing key 508 become operable (enabled). In other words, after the subtotal key is operated, both operations for registering items for the next customer and operations for carrying out a transaction for the previous customer are enabled on window 500. This allows the store clerk to carry out operations related to product registration for the next customer even after the subtotal key is operated if the current customer is taking a long time to settle the bill, and also allows the store clerk to resume the transaction for the previous customer in cases where the previous customer, who has already completed product registration, adds more items. In the example shown in the figure, next customer registration key 509, deposit cancellation key 505 and provisional closing key 508 are arranged within window 500, and the store clerk can operate next customer registration key 509, deposit cancellation key 505 and provisional closing key 508 while window 500 is displayed. Each of next customer registration key 509, deposit cancellation key 505 and provisional closing key 508, which can be operated after operating the subtotal key, may be located in an area such as a window separate from window 500. Alternatively, the deposit cancellation key may be located at the bottom of the product registration screen together with provisional closing key 308 and next customer registration key 309, so that provisional closing key 308 and next customer registration key 309 continue to be valid even if the subtotal key is operated, and the deposit cancellation key becomes valid when the subtotal key is operated and window 500 is displayed.

[0060] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the customer display unit 50. Specifically, Figure 8(B) shows an example of an accounting screen displayed on the customer display unit 50 when the window shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the store clerk display unit 10. That is, Figure 8(B) shows an example of an accounting screen displayed on the customer display unit 50 when product registration is complete (when the subtotal key is operated).

[0061] The accounting screen in Figure 8 (B) has a total column 401, a deposit column 402, and a deficit column 403. The total column 401 displays the total amount when the subtotal key is operated. The deposit column 402 displays the deposited amount when the subtotal key is operated. The deficit column 403 displays the deficit amount when the subtotal key is operated. In the case of Figure 8 (B), "990 yen" in the deficit column 403 indicates that the deficit amount when the subtotal key is operated is 990 yen.

[0062] A message is displayed below the shortage column 403. In the case of FIG. 8(B), the message "Please check the amount and insert money" is displayed as guidance information to instruct the user to insert the shortage amount (or notification information to notify the user that there is an insufficient amount of money). In addition, an image that evokes the insertion of money is displayed to the right of the shortage column 403 etc. In the example of FIG. 8(B), an arrow to the insertion slot is displayed as an animation (video).

[0063] In addition, if the deposit amount at the time of operating the subtotal key is 0 yen (no deposit has been made), as shown in Figure 8 (A), only the total column 401 may be displayed without displaying the deposit column 402 and the deficit column 403.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the customer display unit 50. Specifically, FIG. 9(A) shows an example of an accounting screen displayed on the customer display unit 50 when the product registration screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the clerk display unit 10 (when the accounting screen shown in FIG. 8(B) is displayed on the customer display unit 50) and coins equal to or greater than the total amount are inserted into the change machine 60. That is, FIG. 9(A) shows an example of an accounting screen when coins equal to or greater than the total amount are inserted into the change machine 60 after product registration is completed (after the subtotal key is operated). However, if 1 yen or more is deposited after the subtotal key is operated, the display shown in FIG. 9(A) may be displayed, and the amount in the column corresponding to "Deposit" may show the deposited amount.

[0065] The accounting screen in FIG. 9(A) has a total column 401, a deposit column 402, and a change column 404. The total column 401 displays the total amount after coins are inserted. The deposit column 402 displays the amount of deposit after coins are inserted. The change column 404 displays the amount of change after coins are inserted. In the case of FIG. 9(A), "10 yen" in the change column 404 indicates that the amount of change after coins are inserted is 10 yen.

[0066] A message is displayed below the change column 404. In the case of Fig. 9(A), the message "You have change. Please wait a moment" is displayed as guidance information that provides guidance on receiving and receiving change (or notification information that notifies you that you have change).

[0067] It should be noted that if, after product registration is complete, an amount of coins equal to or greater than the total amount has been inserted into the change machine 60, the accounting screen of FIG. 9(B) may be displayed on the customer display unit 50 instead of the accounting screen of FIG. 9(A). The accounting screen of FIG. 9(B) has a "receipt available" button and a "receipt not required" button. The "receipt available" button indicates that a receipt is required (a button that instructs the issuance of a receipt). The "receipt not required" button indicates that a receipt is not required (a button that instructs the issuance of a receipt). It should be noted that a receipt may be issued by the receipt issuing unit 70.

[0068] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on the clerk display unit 10. Specifically, Fig. 10 shows an example of a display displayed on the clerk display unit 10 when the accounting screen shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the customer display unit 50. That is, Fig. 10 shows an example of a display when more coins than the total amount are inserted into the change machine 60 after product registration is completed (after the subtotal key is operated).

[0069] When more than the total amount of coins is inserted into the change machine 60, the window 500 has a total field 501, a change amount field 502, a change field 504, a deposit cancellation key 505, a temporary closing key 508, and a next customer registration key 509, as shown in FIG. 10. The total field 501 displays the total amount after the coins are inserted. The change amount field 502 displays the amount of money deposited after the coins are inserted. The change field 504 displays the amount of change after the coins are inserted. Note that if there is no change (if the total amount and the amount deposited match), the change field 504 does not need to be provided.

[0070] The deposit cancellation key 505 is a key that is operated to cancel a deposit. When the deposit cancellation key 505 is operated, the control unit stops the settlement process and dispenses the deposited money (1500 yen in the example of FIG. 10) from the change machine 60. When the deposited money is dispensed from the change machine 60, the registered products in the registered product area 330 may continue to be displayed.

[0071] Next customer registration key 509 is a key that is operated to start processing a second customer before processing of a first customer is completed. When next customer registration key 509 is operated, the control unit displays a product registration screen for another customer (second customer).

[0072] Accounting key 507 is a key that is operated to complete (end) the settlement process, which is the final process in the flow of processes related to a transaction. When accounting key 507 is operated, the control unit dispenses change (10 yen in the example of FIG. 10), and controls the issuance of a receipt if the "receipt not required" button has not been operated. Also, if the "receipt available" button has been operated, the control unit controls the issuance of a receipt.

[0073] The provisional closing key 508 is a key for suspending (temporarily interrupting) a process. By operating the provisional closing key 508, a process in progress can be suspended. When the provisional closing key 508 is operated, a transaction corresponding to a registered product is temporarily suspended (temporarily suspended) as in the case of FIG. 7. When the provisional closing key 508 is operated again after this, the suspension of the transaction is released, and the registered product area 330 is again displayed based on the product data related to the corresponding transaction. Also, in the case of the same figure, the amount deposited by the customer up to that point is dispensed from the change machine 60. When the provisional closing key 508 is operated again after this, the suspension of the transaction is released, and the registered product area 330 is again displayed based on the product data related to the corresponding transaction.

[0074] Also, as shown in Fig. 10, a message is displayed at the top of the product registration screen. In the case of Fig. 10, the message "Deposit has been completed" is displayed as guidance information that guides the user on the progress of transaction-related processing (or notification information that notifies the user that more money than the total amount has been inserted).

[0075] As explained above, even when the window 500 is displayed in a state corresponding to the case where more coins than the total amount are inserted into the change machine 60, it is possible (valid) to operate the next customer registration key 509 corresponding to the next customer, and the deposit cancellation key 505 and provisional closing key 508 corresponding to the previous customer, just as in the case of Figure 7.

[0076] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display displayed on customer display unit 50. Specifically, Fig. 11 shows an example of an accounting screen displayed on customer display unit 50 when accounting key 507 is operated while the window shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on staff display unit 10 (when the accounting screen shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on customer display unit 50).

[0077] The accounting screen in Figure 11 has a total column 401, a deposit column 402, and a change column 404. The total column 401 displays the total amount when the accounting key 507 is pressed. The deposit column 402 displays the amount of deposit when the accounting key 507 is pressed. The change column 404 displays the amount of change when the accounting key 507 is pressed.

[0078] A message is displayed below the change column 404. In the case of Fig. 11, the message "Please receive your change and receipt" is displayed as guidance information for providing guidance on receiving change, etc. (or notification information for notifying that change is available). In addition, an image that evokes receiving change, etc. is displayed to the right of the change column 404, etc. In the example of Fig. 11, an arrow from the discharge slot is displayed as an animation (video). Note that the information on the accounting screen shown in FIG. 11 that guides the customer how to receive their change and receipt is referred to as receipt reception guidance information.

[0079] According to the above explanation of FIGS. 5 to 11, the actions performed by the first customer up to the settlement of his / her transaction are as follows. That is, when a customer goes to the product sales data processing device 1 and hands over a product to be purchased to a store clerk, the store clerk starts to register the product. In response to the product being registered, an accounting screen is displayed on the customer display unit 50 as shown in FIG. 6(A). In response to the accounting screen being displayed in this manner, the change machine 60 in the product sales data processing device 1 is ready to accept a deposit from the customer. That is, even if the customer is at a stage before the subtotal key operation is performed and the total amount of the above products has not been determined, the customer can deposit the money while checking the total amount up to the present time displayed in the total column 401 of the accounting screen. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example in which a customer can deposit money into the change machine 60 after the first product has been registered. However, it may be possible to deposit money into the change machine 60 even when a product corresponding to the customer has not yet been registered. As the deposit is made, the current deposit amount in the deposit column 402 on the accounting screen changes according to the amount deposited, as shown in Figure 6(B). Therefore, the customer can confirm the amount he or she has deposited by looking at the amount shown in the deposit column 402.

[0080] Then, while the customer is making a payment, if the store clerk finishes registering all of the customer's purchased items and operates the subtotal key, the accounting screen on customer display unit 50 will change to, for example, as shown in FIG. 8(B). Then, when a customer deposits an amount equal to or greater than the total amount into the change machine 60, the accounting screen on the customer display unit 50 changes to the content shown in Figure 9(A) or Figure 9(B), and, if there is change, the customer is informed of the amount of change and that the change will be dispensed after a while. In this embodiment, when the display of Fig. 9(A) or Fig. 9(B) is being displayed on customer display unit 50, window 500 is displayed as shown in Fig. 10. The store clerk then operates accounting key 507 arranged in window 500 to end the payment process corresponding to window 500.

[0081] In response to operation of accounting key 507, the accounting screen on customer display unit 50 changes to the state shown in Fig. 11. Then, with the accounting screen shown in Fig. 11 displayed, change is dispensed from bill ejection slot 63 and coin ejection slot 65, and a receipt is dispensed from receipt issuing unit 70. As described above, when the dispense of change and receipt is completed, the settlement process is completed. In other words, the transaction-related process for one customer is completed. The customer takes out the dispensed change from the bill ejection port 63 and the coin ejection port 65, and receives a receipt from the receipt issuing unit 70.

[0082] The above explanation is an example of a case where transaction-related processing for one customer is started from a standby state in which no transaction-related processing was being performed in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, and the transaction-related processing for one customer is ended without the transaction-related processing for the next customer being started even in the middle of the transaction-related processing for the first customer. However, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, a store clerk can start transaction-related processing for the next customer (next customer or second customer) in the middle of transaction-related processing for one customer (previous customer or first customer). In other words, when a second customer appears while a product registration corresponding to a first customer is being performed, in order to start transaction-related processing for the second customer, the store clerk operates the next customer registration key 309 located on the product registration screen corresponding to the first customer, as shown in FIG. 5. In response to the operation of the next customer registration key 309, the staff display unit 10 switches to display a product registration screen corresponding to the second customer, as shown in Fig. 12. This makes it possible to register a product corresponding to the second customer. The figure shows an example of the product registration screen when the first product corresponding to the second customer, "Plump Loco Moco Bowl", is registered.

[0083] Here, in FIG. 12, the product registration screen corresponding to the second customer is displayed in a manner that it is superimposed on the product registration screen corresponding to the first customer. That is, in the figure, first, a selection area 320 is arranged, which is a tab corresponding to the product registration screen for the second customer. In the selection area 320, information 324 (value "1") indicating that the second customer is being displayed, the current deposit amount 321, the current total amount 322, and a character 323 (a cow in FIG. 12) for distinguishing the second customer from the first customer are displayed. As a display priority order, "1" may be displayed in the information 324 of the selection area 320 corresponding to the second customer, and "2" may be displayed in the information 304 of the selection area 300 corresponding to the first customer.

[0084] Then, selection area 300, which is a tab corresponding to the product registration screen for the first customer, is arranged to the right of selection area 320. By arranging selection area 300 in this manner, it is clearly indicated that the product registration screen for the first customer is arranged below the product registration screen for the second customer. For example, when a store clerk performs an operation on the selection area 300, the product registration screen corresponding to the first customer is displayed on the store clerk display unit 10 in a manner that moves it from the state shown in Figure 12 to the front, and the product registration screen corresponding to the second customer is positioned below the product registration screen corresponding to the first customer. In other words, in the store clerk display unit 10 of this embodiment, when transaction-related processing between a first customer and a second customer has begun, transaction-related information for the second customer and transaction-related information for the first customer are displayed.

[0085] In this embodiment, the operation on the selection area 300 in the state of FIG. 12 (switching to the product registration screen for the first customer) is always valid. Alternatively, for example, when a product registration corresponding to a second customer is being performed, operation on the selection area 300 may not be accepted (switching to the product registration screen for the first customer may not be possible) in order to give priority to the product registration. Then, operation on the selection area 300 may be accepted in response to the operation of the subtotal key corresponding to the second customer to complete the product registration.

[0086] Here, for example, the subtotal key may be operated for the first customer and the payment process may begin, but for some reason the first customer may have difficulty in completing the payment, and the payment may not be completed. In such a case, for example, before the first customer has finished the payment, the subtotal key may be operated for the second customer, making the payment possible. In other words, a situation may arise in which both the first and second customers can complete the payment. In such a case, for example, when it becomes possible to settle a bill for the second customer, it is possible to have the customer display unit 50 display a bill screen for the second customer in addition to the bill screen for the first customer that has been displayed up until now. However, if the bill screen for the first customer and the bill screen for the second customer are displayed on the same customer display unit 50 in this way, for example, the first customer who is about to settle a bill may mistakenly carry out the settlement process on the bill screen for the second customer, causing confusion for the customers.

[0087] Therefore, as described above, even if payment is possible for the first and second customers, the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment prohibits the customer display unit 50 from displaying the accounting screen for the second customer until the payment process for the first customer is completed. Then, after the payment process for the first customer is completed and the accounting screen corresponding to the first customer is erased, if it is determined that a specified state is reached, the product sales data processing device 1 displays the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer.

[0088] Now, referring to Figure 13, we will explain an example of the timing for displaying the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer on the customer display unit 50 in response to the completion of the settlement process for the first customer and the lifting of the prohibition on displaying the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer. FIG. 13 shows that a transaction-related process for a first customer was carried out between time t1 and time t2. Here, the timing of the end of the transaction-related process for the first customer, indicated as time t2, corresponds to the time when a checkout screen including receipt reception guidance information (an example of a display notifying the completion of the settlement process for the first customer) is displayed, as shown in Figure 11. The checkout screen including receipt reception guidance information displayed corresponding to time t2 may be erased, for example, after a certain period of time has passed, and may be switched to, for example, a standby screen of a predetermined type.

[0089] In addition, the figure shows three patterns of transaction-related processing corresponding to the second customer. For the sake of simplicity, the figure shows the three patterns in which the transaction-related processing corresponding to the second customer starts at the same time t10. Time t10 is a certain time during the period in which the transaction-related processing corresponding to the first customer is being performed.

[0090] Each of the three transaction-related processing patterns corresponding to the second customer shows an example pattern of the state in which the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer should be displayed after time t2 when the settlement process for the first customer is completed. First, pattern 1 of the transaction-related processing for the second customer will be explained. In pattern 1, the first product is registered at time t11, a certain amount of time having elapsed since time t10, when the transaction-related processing was started, and the second product is registered at time t12, a certain amount of time having elapsed since time t11. The registration of the first and second products is performed before time t2, when the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed. Then, following the registration of a product at time t12, a third product is registered at time t13, which is a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t2. First, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, if product registration is performed after time t2, when the settlement process for the first customer is completed, as in the above-mentioned time t13, then the product sales data processing device 1 starts displaying the accounting screen for the second customer at the time when the product registration is performed.

[0091] Next, a second pattern of transaction-related processing for a second customer will be described. In pattern 2, the first to third products are registered in order at times t21, t22, and t23, which are prior to time t2 and are a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t10. After that, at time t24, which is a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t2, the subtotal key is operated. If the subtotal key is operated after the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed in this manner, the product sales data processing device 1 starts displaying the accounting screen for the second customer.

[0092] Next, a third pattern of transaction-related processing for a second customer will be described. In pattern 3, the first and second products are registered at times t31 and t32, which are a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t10, prior to time t2. Then, the subtotal key is operated at time t33, which is a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t22, prior to time t2. In this way, if the subtotal key for the second customer is operated before the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed, the product sales data processing device 1 will start displaying the accounting screen for the second customer at the following timing. In other words, the product sales data processing device 1 starts displaying the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer from time t34, which is the elapse of the display time T1 of the accounting screen (Figure 11) including receipt reception guidance information that began to be displayed on the customer display unit 50 corresponding to time t2. In addition, as in the case of pattern 3, if the subtotal key corresponding to the second customer is operated before the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed, the clerk display unit 10 will display a message window MSG (an example of a state in which information indicating that the settlement process is pending) informing the clerk to wait for the operation of the accounting key corresponding to the settlement for the second customer, as illustrated in Figure 14.

[0093] In this manner, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, depending on which of the above three patterns 1 to 3 is in effect, the customer display unit 50 starts displaying the accounting screen for the second customer. In other words, after the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed (i.e., the settlement processing is completed), the display of the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer begins, in accordance with the fact that product registration corresponding to the second customer has been completed (Pattern 1). In addition, after the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed, if the subtotal key corresponding to the second customer is operated, the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer begins to be displayed (Pattern 2). In addition, if the subtotal key corresponding to the second customer has already been operated before the transaction-related processing for the first customer has been completed (i.e., the settlement processing has been completed), the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer will begin to be displayed once the transaction-related processing for the first customer has been completed (Pattern 3).

[0094] As can be understood from the above description, the product sales data processing device 1 in this embodiment is capable of executing transaction-related processing for the first customer as well as transaction-related processing for the second customer. In addition, the product sales data processing device 1 prohibits the display of the accounting screen for the second customer on the customer display unit 50 until the settlement processing for the first customer is completed, and displays the accounting screen for the second customer at a predetermined timing after the settlement processing for the first customer is completed. As a result, even if, for example, while a first customer is confused about payment, product registration for a second customer is completed and the second customer is also able to make payment, the payment screen for the second customer will not be displayed on customer display unit 50. This prevents, for example, a customer from mistakenly making payment on a payment screen that is not suitable for them, making it possible to avoid confusion at the time of payment and improving the efficiency of customer handling.

[0095] Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the product sales data processing device 1 in this embodiment with respect to the display on the customer display unit 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The process shown in the figure is started when only the transaction-related process for the first customer is being performed. Therefore, when the process shown in the figure is started, the store clerk display unit 10 displays a product registration screen for the first customer only, such as one of Figures 5, 7, and 10, depending on the progress of the transaction-related process.

[0096] First, the control unit in the product sales data processing device 1 waits for an instruction to start a transaction-related process corresponding to the second customer (step S101-NO). Then, for example, when a store clerk operates next customer registration key 309 in FIG. 5 or next customer registration key 509 in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10, an instruction to start transaction-related processing for the second customer is obtained (step S101-YES). In this case, the control unit causes the store clerk display unit 10 to display the product registration screen for the second customer so as to overlap the product registration screen for the first customer (step S102), as described in Fig. 12. After the product registration screen for the second customer is displayed by the process of step S102, the control unit can perform registration processing for the product for the second customer in response to the product registration operation by the store clerk.

[0097] In the state where the transaction-related process for the second customer has been started as described above, the control unit waits for the completion of the payment of an amount equal to or greater than the total amount of the merchandise as the settlement process for the first customer (step S103-NO).

[0098] As described above, when it is determined that the payment for the first customer has been completed (step S103-YES), the control unit performs the following process. That is, the control unit causes the customer display unit 50 to display an accounting screen including receipt reception guidance information for the first customer, and dispenses the change and a receipt (step S104). Note that if the total price of the products is the same as the deposited amount, no change is dispensed. The process of step S104 ends when a certain display time for the accounting screen including the receipt reception guidance information, which is set based on the time it takes for the customer to receive their change and receipt, has elapsed and the accounting screen including the receipt reception guidance information is deleted. With the end of the process of step S104, the transaction-related process for the first customer is completed.

[0099] In response to the completion of the transaction-related process for the first customer, the control unit erases the product registration screen for the first customer on the store clerk display unit 10 (step S105). As a result, only the product registration screen for the second customer is displayed on the store clerk display unit 10.

[0100] Here, during the period from when the transaction-related process for the second customer is started in accordance with step S102 to when the transaction-related process for the second customer is completed in step S104, processes for the second customer, such as product registration process for the second customer and an instruction to complete product registration by operating a subtotal key, may be performed in parallel. However, even if the process for the second customer is executed, the accounting screen for the second customer will not be displayed on customer display unit 50 in response to the execution of the process for the second customer until the transaction-related process for the first customer is completed. In other words, the processing from steps S102 to S104 corresponds to display control that prohibits the display of the checkout screen for the second customer until the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed.

[0101] Thereafter, the control unit executes control to cause the customer display unit 50 to display a transaction-related process corresponding to the second customer in response to the state corresponding to any one of patterns 1 to 3 described with reference to FIG. Therefore, first, the control unit judges whether or not a subtotal key operation corresponding to the second customer has already been performed before the transaction-related processing corresponding to the first customer is completed (i.e., before the processing of step S104 is completed) (step S106). The judgment in step S106 is a judgment as to whether or not a state corresponding to pattern 3 described in FIG. 13 has been obtained.

[0102] If the subtotal key operation corresponding to the second customer has already been performed (step S106-YES), the control unit executes step S109, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the subtotal key operation corresponding to the second customer has not been performed yet (step S106-NO), the control unit determines whether or not the subtotal key operation corresponding to the second customer has been performed after the transaction-related process corresponding to the first customer has been completed (step S107). The determination in step S107 is a determination as to whether or not a state corresponding to pattern 2 described in FIG. 13 has been obtained.

[0103] If it is determined that the subtotal key corresponding to the second customer has been operated (step S107-YES), step S109 described below is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the subtotal key operation for the second customer has not been performed after the transaction-related process for the first customer is completed (step S107-NO), the control unit determines whether or not the product registration for the second customer has been performed (step S108). The determination in step S108 is a determination as to whether or not a state corresponding to pattern 1 described in FIG. 13 has been obtained. If it is determined that the product registration corresponding to the second customer has not been performed (step S108-NO), the control unit returns the process to step S107. As a result, the control unit waits for a subtotal key operation corresponding to the second customer or a product registration corresponding to the second customer to be performed after the transaction-related process corresponding to the first customer is completed.

[0104] If an affirmative (YES) determination result is obtained in any of steps S106, S107, and S108, the control unit executes the following process. That is, the control unit causes the customer display unit 50 to display a checkout screen for the second customer (step S109). If the process proceeds to step S109 assuming that product registration has been performed in step S108, the transaction-related process for the second customer is in a state in which product registration has been performed. In this case, the checkout screen showing the product registration results up to now, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), is displayed, for example, at time t34 in Figure 13. In addition, if step S109 is reached in response to a subtotal key operation after completion of the transaction-related processing for the first customer in step S107, the accounting screen of the type shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B) is displayed, for example, at time t24 in Figure 13. Furthermore, if step S109 is reached because a subtotal key operation corresponding to the second customer is performed before the transaction-related processing corresponding to the first customer is completed in step S106, then depending on the deposit status at that time, the accounting screen shown in FIG. 8 (when deposit of more than the total amount of the products has not been completed) or FIG. 9 (when deposit of more than the total amount of the products has been completed) will be displayed, for example at time t13 in FIG. 13. By executing the display-related processing as shown in the figure, the display of the accounting screen (screen related to the transaction-related processing) for the second customer is prohibited until the transaction-related processing for the first customer is completed. Then, when any one of patterns 1 to 3 described in Figure 13 is obtained, the accounting screen for the second customer is displayed on customer display unit 50.

[0105] In the above embodiment, it is possible to start a transaction-related process for a second customer when product registration processing is being performed for a first customer. However, for example, it is also possible to prohibit the start of a transaction-related process for a second customer when product registration processing is being performed for a first customer, and to start a transaction-related process for a second customer only after a subtotal key operation for the first customer is performed and product registration is completed. Even in this case, while the first customer is confused about the payment, the product registration for the second customer may be completed, and the payment process may be completed for both the first and second customers. Even in such a case, according to the present embodiment, the display of the payment screen for the second customer on the customer display unit 50 is prohibited until the transaction-related process for the first customer is completed, thereby preventing the customer from making a payment mistakenly using a payment screen that does not correspond to him / her.

[0106] Furthermore, the product sales data processing device 1 in this embodiment may be configured to include a change dispenser 60 and a customer display unit 50 corresponding to a first customer and a second customer, respectively. In such a case, for example, the customer display unit 50 corresponding to the second customer may be prohibited from displaying the accounting screen corresponding to the second customer until the settlement process for the first customer is completed.

[0107] As described above, the product sales data processing device 1 in this embodiment is a product sales data processing device that performs processing related to the transaction of a first customer as well as processing related to the transaction of a second customer who makes a transaction after the first customer, and is equipped with a control means that controls so that the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the second customer is not performed until the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed. According to the above configuration, the payment process for the second customer cannot be completed until the payment process for the first customer is completed. In other words, the payment process for the second customer is not completed in parallel with the payment process for the first customer. This prevents customers from being confused about which payment process is appropriate for them, either the first or second customer, or from making a payment according to a payment process that is not appropriate for them, improving the efficiency of customer handling.

[0108] In addition, the product sales data processing device 1 in this embodiment is further provided with a declaration means for declaring the start of a transaction corresponding to a second customer before the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed, and the control means controls the customer display unit 50, which is arranged to present information related to the transaction to the customer, so that the display of information (checkout screen) related to the transaction of the second customer, which was started in response to the declaration by the declaration means, is prohibited until the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed. According to the above configuration, the customer display unit 50 is prohibited from displaying information related to the transaction of the second customer until the payment process for the product registered for the first customer is completed, so that when the first customer attempts to make a payment, he or she will make the payment while looking at only the screen that corresponds to him or her. In other words, the above configuration can more reliably prevent mistakes such as making a payment according to a payment process that does not correspond to him or her.

[0109] In addition, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control means lifts the prohibition on displaying information related to the second customer's transaction when a predetermined state is obtained after the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed, and displays information related to the second customer's transaction on the customer display unit 50. According to the above configuration, after the payment process for the products registered corresponding to the first customer has been completed, information related to the transaction of the second customer (checkout screen) can be displayed on the customer display unit 50 under appropriate circumstances.

[0110] In addition, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, when a registration process for a product corresponding to a second customer is performed after the settlement process for a first customer is completed on the customer display unit 50, the control means displays information related to the transaction of the second customer (accounting screen) on the customer display unit 50. According to the above configuration, if the prohibition on displaying information related to the second customer's transaction is lifted when product registration for the first customer has not yet been completed, information related to the second customer's transaction (accounting screen) is displayed according to when the product registration is completed. This makes it easy for the second customer, for example, who is about to settle their bill to know that the accounting screen corresponding to them has been displayed, because the accounting screen related to their transaction is displayed at the time their product is registered.

[0111] In addition, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, when product registration corresponding to a second customer is completed after the settlement process corresponding to a first customer is completed on the customer display unit 50, the control unit displays information related to the transaction of the second customer on the customer display unit 50. According to the above configuration, when the prohibition on displaying information related to the second customer's transaction is lifted when product registration for the first customer has not yet been completed, information related to the second customer's transaction (accounting screen) is displayed in response to completion of product registration (operation of the subtotal key). This makes it easy for the second customer, for example, who is about to settle their bill to know that the accounting screen corresponding to them has been displayed, because the accounting screen related to their own transaction is displayed at the time the subtotal key is operated in response to completion of their own product registration.

[0112] In addition, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, when information indicating that product registration corresponding to the second customer has been completed and settlement processing corresponding to the second customer is pending is displayed, the control unit displays information related to the second customer's transaction on the customer display unit after the settlement processing corresponding to the first customer has been completed on the customer display unit. According to the above configuration, when the subtotal key corresponding to a second customer is operated before the settlement process corresponding to a first customer is completed and the settlement process for the second customer is put on hold, once the settlement process for the first customer is completed, information related to the transaction for the second customer (accounting screen) is immediately displayed.

[0113] In addition, in the product sales data processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit controls the clerk display unit 10, which is configured to present information related to customer transactions to the clerk, to display information related to the second customer's transaction and information related to the first customer's transaction until the settlement process for the product registered corresponding to the first customer is completed. According to the above configuration, until the settlement process for the first customer is completed, not only the product registration screen for the second customer but also the product registration screen for the first customer is displayed on the clerk display unit 10. This allows the clerk to perform operations related to the transaction-related processes for the first and second customers.

[0114] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned product sales data processing device 1 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the above-mentioned product sales data processing device 1. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer that can be accessed from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by a terminal device. That is, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as the program can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a program that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1 Product sales data processing device, 10 Display unit for store clerk, 20 Operation reception unit, 30 Scanner unit, 40 Housing, 41 Support unit, 42 Advertisement, 50 Display unit for customer, 60 Change machine, 61 Bill management unit, 62 Bill insertion slot, 63 Bill ejection slot, 64 Coin insertion slot, 65 Coin ejection slot, 66 Reject slot, 70 Receipt issuing unit, 80 Counter table, 81 Placement surface, 100 CPU, 110 ROM, 120 RAM, 130 Communication unit

Claims

1. A customer-side display unit with a display surface facing a customer and a store clerk-side display unit with a display surface facing a store clerk who performs operations according to product registration are arranged in a positional relationship in which their backs face each other, a change dispenser having a deposit receiving section for receiving deposits of currency and a discharge port for discharging currency, the change dispenser being located below the customer side display section and the store clerk side display section; The lower end of the customer-side display unit and the upper end of the change machine are at the same position in the height direction, The bill insertion slot and the coin insertion slot provided in the deposit acceptance unit are disposed at different positions in the left-right direction, A receipt outlet for discharging receipts is located above the coin slot, The display control means controls the customer-side display unit to display a total amount and an operator for starting a transaction for the next customer in response to an operation declaring the completion of product registration, and to display a display instructing the customer to receive change in response to an operation to end the settlement process. Product data processing device.

2. A customer-side display unit with a display surface facing a customer and a store clerk-side display unit with a display surface facing a store clerk who performs operations according to product registration are arranged in a positional relationship in which their backs face each other, a change dispenser having a deposit receiving section for receiving deposits of currency and a discharge port for discharging currency, the change dispenser being located below the customer side display section and the store clerk side display section; The lower end of the customer-side display unit and the upper end of the change machine are at the same position in the height direction, The bill insertion slot and the coin insertion slot provided in the deposit acceptance unit are disposed at different positions in the left-right direction, A receipt outlet for discharging receipts is located above the coin slot. A display control means for controlling the display of the total amount and an operator for starting a transaction for the next customer in response to an operation declaring the completion of the product registration, and for controlling the display of a display instructing the customer to receive change on the customer side display unit in response to an operation for terminating the settlement process. A program to function as a

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