Item sales data processing system

Abstract

To allow, without canceling transactions made halfway through with one item sales data processor, settlement to be completed with another item sales data processor.SOLUTION: An item sales data processing system includes: a first item sales data processor capable of performing settlement processing for transactions and corresponding to a first settlement method but not to a second settlement method; a second item sales data processor capable of performing the settlement processing and corresponding to the second settlement method; and transmission control means for allowing the first item sales data processor to transmit to the second item sales data processor takeover transaction information corresponding to the settlement processing performed by the first item sales data processor so that the second item sales data processor can perform the settlement processing taken over from the settlement processing performed by the first item sales data processor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A product sales data processing system is known that allows a user to specify a settlement device to perform settlement and then specify another settlement device in response to a situation where, for example, it takes some time for the specified settlement device to be able to perform settlement (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-006856 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, a customer may realize that he or she no longer has a credit card while making a payment (a concept that includes everything from product registration to settlement) at a fully self-service product sales data processing device that only accepts credit card payments. In such a case, the customer must cancel the transaction and start a new payment at another product sales data processing device that accepts cash payments. Even in the above-mentioned situation, in order to perform the transaction efficiently, it is preferable to be able to perform the transaction on another product sales data processing device without canceling the transaction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to enable a transaction that has been partially completed on one product sales data processing device to be processed on another product sales data processing device without being canceled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a sales data processing system having a first product sales data processing device that is capable of at least settlement processing as an accounting process corresponding to a transaction, supports a first payment method, and does not support a second payment method, and a second product sales data processing device that is capable of at least settlement processing as an accounting process and supports the second payment method, the product sales data processing system being equipped with a transmission control means for transmitting takeover transaction information corresponding to the accounting process that was executed under the first product sales data processing device from the first product sales data processing device to the second product sales data processing device so that the accounting process taken over from the accounting process that was executed under the first product sales data processing device can be executed on the second product sales data processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a POS terminal in the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk operation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an issuance confirmation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a bill in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk operation screen when issuing a receipt in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a start screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an issuance error screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk operation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a payment operation screen in this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an issuance confirmation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a payment operation screen when issuing a receipt in this embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a POS terminal set in a full self-service mode in the present embodiment in relation to issuing a bill. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure related to a transaction performed by a POS terminal in the present embodiment based on handover transaction information. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an unsettled list screen in the first modified example of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] <Embodiment> [Example of POS system configuration] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, a store controller 10, and a management device 30, which are communicatively connected to each other via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0009] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores, but in the following description, an example in which the POS system 1 is introduced into a convenience store will be described.

[0010] The store controller 10 is installed, for example, in the back yard of a store and stores a product master. The product master is information in which product information for each product sold in the store is registered. The POS terminal 20 uses information such as the product name and price of the product registered using the product master, for example, when performing product registration processing.

[0011] The management device 30 stores, for example, transaction results of the POS terminal 20. The management device 30 may also execute control to realize predetermined functions of the POS terminal 20 and the store controller 10. The management device 30 may be installed in the store, or may be provided as a cloud server outside the store.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the customer side. Fig. 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Fig. 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0014] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card reader 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0015] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0016] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated in the process (e.g., registration information generated in the registration process, settlement information generated in the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0017] The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing. Instead of the hard disk 204, a storage device such as an SSD may be provided.

[0018] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0019] Although the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if a product order button or the like is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the product.

[0020] Card reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and executing processing corresponding to payment. Card reader 208 is also capable of reading information from membership cards, point cards, etc. Card reader 208 of this embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that it includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0021] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins. It calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the output port.

[0022] The store clerk's display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, which displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for use by the store clerk, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to the name tags of store clerks.

[0023] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 212 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (e.g., a key corresponding to a sports newspaper, etc.) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the store clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210, the store clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0024] Printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. Printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be freely rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the store clerk side (direction of the medium issuing port). The orientation of printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0025] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (other POS terminals 20, the store controller 10).

[0026] [Overview of each operation mode] Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four types of operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, double scan mode, and semi-self-service mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode for counting and inquiring sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for when a store clerk or maintenance staff performs setting work or maintenance work, a training mode for when a new employee is trained, and the like. In this embodiment, the concept of "accounting" includes, for example, from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered product. In the following description, a mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes a product registration process may be referred to as a registration mode, and a mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes a payment process may be referred to as a payment mode, as a different approach from the above-mentioned four operation mode classifications.

[0027] [Normal mode] The normal mode is an operation mode in which the clerk side executes the registration process and the customer side executes the settlement process. That is, in the normal mode, the clerk side is in the registration mode and the customer side is in the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0028] In the normal mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0029] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208), etc.

[0030] The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is finalized), but may also insert money into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process.

[0031] The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), but may also register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer during the payment process. The store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0032] Furthermore, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and the change note to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and controls the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt after detecting by a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and the change note. This is the same in other operation modes. As described above, in normal mode (also in double scan mode), there may or may not be a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change. If a store clerk is present, the above-mentioned control does not necessarily have to be performed (i.e., the dispense of the change and the change note and the issue of the receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Furthermore, the timing of the dispense of the change and the change note and the issue of the receipt may be controlled depending on the current operation mode and the presence / absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of a store clerk is detected by a sensor).

[0033] [Full self mode] The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer side executes the registration process and the settlement process. That is, in the full self-service mode, the customer side is in both the registration mode and the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0034] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205).

[0035] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card reader 208 in the case of credit card payment. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0036] As described above, in the full self-service mode, the customer executes both the registration process and the settlement process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, the store clerk code can be scanned by the store clerk scanner unit 212. Also, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, various information can be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. For example, during operation in the full self-service mode, the clerk display unit 210 may display the same screen as that displayed on the customer display unit 205 in accordance with the registration process and settlement process being performed on the customer side. In other words, the clerk display unit 210 may display a mirrored version of the content displayed on the customer display unit 205. This allows the clerk to know what operations the customer is performing and the processing status of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode.

[0037] [Double scan mode] The double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is performed on both the clerk side and the customer side, and the settlement process is performed on the customer side. That is, in the double scan mode, both the clerk side and the customer side are in registration mode, and the customer side is in settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from registration to settlement.

[0038] In the double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk side (clerk scanner 212, clerk display 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer scanner 206, customer display 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the clerk's operation (scanning with clerk scanner 212, touching clerk display 210, pressing key operation unit 211, etc.) and the customer's operation (scanning with customer scanner 206, touching customer display 205).

[0039] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card reader 208 in the case of credit card payment. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0040] The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), but may also register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer during the payment process. Also, the store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0041] [Semi-selfie mode] The semi-self-service mode is an operation mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which the registration process is performed by the store clerk of at least one POS terminal 20, and the settlement process is performed by the customer of another POS terminal 20. That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more POS terminals 20 are in a registration-only mode, and the other one or more POS terminals 20 are in a settlement-only mode.

[0042] In the semi-self mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0043] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the payment by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208), etc.

[0044] When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, and the information necessary for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) is supplied to the destination POS terminal 20.

[0045] The destination POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that executes the settlement process) may be specified in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, a medium (a medium on which a barcode or the like for acquiring information required for the settlement process is printed) may be issued in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, and the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that has read the medium may be set as the destination POS terminal 20.

[0046] In the semi-self-service mode, after the store clerk has transmitted the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase. Also, after the store clerk has transmitted the registration information, the store clerk may not be present.

[0047] [About accounting transfer] The POS terminal 20 of this embodiment can be designed to be compatible with both cash payments (cash payments) and predetermined non-cash payments using, for example, credit cards, transportation cards, prepaid cards, etc. The POS terminal 20 can also be designed to be exclusive to non-cash payments, incapable of supporting cash payments but capable of supporting non-cash payments. In addition, depending on operational circumstances at the store, the multiple POS terminals 20 installed in the store may be a mixture of POS terminals 20 that can handle both non-cash and cash payments (multi-payment compatible) and POS terminals 20 that are exclusively for non-cash payments (compatible with non-cash payments but not cash payments).

[0048] In a store where POS terminals 20 set to full self-service mode are installed together, including POS terminals 20 that support multi-payment as described above and POS terminals 20 that are dedicated to non-cash payments, the following situation may arise. In other words, a customer who does not have a card or other device that supports non-cash payments and intends to settle the bill in full self-service mode with cash payment may mistakenly start the checkout on a POS terminal 20 that is set to full self-service mode exclusively for non-cash payments (a POS terminal 20 for non-cash payments only / full self-service mode) and then realize that they cannot settle the bill in cash, for example, while they are in the middle of registering a product or when product registration is complete and they are moving on to settlement.

[0049] When the above situation occurs, the customer can cancel the product registration that he / she has performed at the non-cash payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20. After that, the customer moves to a POS terminal 20 that supports multiple payments and is set to full self-service mode (a POS terminal 20 in the multiple payment / full self-service mode). The customer can then make a new payment from the beginning at the POS terminal 20 in the multiple payment / full self-service mode that he / she has been moved to. However, if a transaction is cancelled midway through as described above and then restarted from the beginning, the same transaction procedures will be repeated redundantly, which will take extra time for one transaction and is inefficient.

[0050] A similar problem to that described above can also occur, for example, when a store has a POS terminal 20 for non-cash payment only / full self-service mode and a POS terminal 20 for cash payment only / full self-service mode, and a customer who intends to pay by non-cash payment mistakenly pays using the POS terminal 20 for cash payment only / full self-service mode.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the fully self-service POS terminal 20 that has been used until now cannot settle the payment in the customer's desired payment type and the customer needs to settle the payment in another POS terminal 20 that can settle the payment in the customer's desired payment type, the previous transaction information (product registration results) is inherited and the transaction can be completed in the other POS terminal 20 as follows. For the purposes of the following explanation, we will use an example in which, as in the above example, a customer intends to complete a full self-service settlement using cash payment, but starts the transaction on a POS terminal 20 that is set to non-cash payment only / full self-service mode, and then ends up taking over the transaction on another POS terminal 20 that can handle cash payments.

[0052] A customer places the products he or she wishes to purchase in a shopping cart at a store and then goes to the POS terminal 20 to pay for the purchase. In this case, the customer does not have a medium such as a card that supports non-cash payments, such as a credit card, and intends to settle the bill by cash payment, completely by himself or herself. However, the customer mistakenly started the transaction at the non-cash payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20 instead of the full self-service POS terminal 20 that allows cash payment. The customer realized that before moving to settlement in the transaction (the stage from when product registration of the first product to be registered begins to when registration of all products to be registered is completed and immediately before the settlement transition instruction operation is performed) that the POS terminal 20 at which he was currently making the transaction was the non-cash payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20 and therefore could not make a cash payment.

[0053] In this case, the customer calls a store clerk to have the clerk come to the location where the non-cash settlement only / fully self-service POS terminal 20 where the transaction was previously performed is installed. In this case, the customer may call a store clerk by calling the store clerk who happens to be nearby in the store. Alternatively, the customer may perform a predetermined operation to call a store clerk on the non-cash settlement only / full-self POS terminal 20 where the customer has been performing the transaction. The POS terminal 20 where the store clerk call operation has been performed transmits a store clerk call notification request to, for example, the management device 30 (or the store controller 10).

[0054] In response to the clerk call notification request, the management device 30 performs control so that a notification that a clerk is being called (clerk call notification) is made, for example, at a specific terminal in the store. The terminal that issues the clerk call notification may be, for example, the store controller 10, a terminal installed at a service counter, the POS terminal 20, a clerk mobile terminal carried by a clerk for business purposes, etc. In addition, when the store clerk call notification is made, information indicating the POS terminal 20 on which the store clerk call notification operation has been performed (for example, the terminal number assigned to the POS terminal 20) may be displayed. In addition, the POS terminal 20 on which the store clerk call operation has been made may notify the surroundings that a store clerk is being called by turning on a display such as a sign pole.

[0055] In response to the store clerk call, the store clerk goes to the non-cash payment-only / full-self POS terminal 20 where the customer had been performing the transaction, and performs an operation to have the POS terminal 20 at the destination read the store clerk's store clerk identification information. There are no particular limitations on the manner in which the store clerk identification information is read, but for example, the store clerk may have the scanner unit (customer side scanner unit 206 or store clerk side scanner unit 212) of the POS terminal 20 read the store clerk identification information recorded as a code (barcode or two-dimensional code) on the store clerk's store clerk ID card that the store clerk carries. Alternatively, if the store clerk ID card is configured to store the store clerk identification information by an IC chip, RFID tag, or the like, the store clerk may have the card reader 208 read the store clerk identification information from the store clerk ID card.

[0056] In response to reading the clerk identification information, the non-cash payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20 displays a clerk operation screen on the customer side display unit 205. The clerk operation screen is an operation screen on which various operations other than those performed by the clerk in response to normal transactions are performed. In the full self-service mode, since the customer-side display unit 205 is the main display unit, it is more convenient for the clerk operation screen operated by the clerk to be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. However, depending on various situations, for example, the clerk operation screen may be displayed not only on the customer-side display unit 205 but also on the clerk-side display unit 210. Alternatively, the clerk operation screen may be displayed on both the customer-side display unit 205 and the clerk-side display unit 210 simultaneously.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows an example of the clerk operation screen. In the clerk operation screen, an information display area AR11 and a button area AR12 are arranged. The information display area AR11 is an area where predetermined information is displayed as appropriate in response to operations on the clerk operation screen. The button area AR12 is an area where various buttons operated by the clerk are arranged.

[0058] In this case, the store clerk is called because the customer cannot settle the transaction at the non-cash settlement only / full self-service POS terminal 20 where the customer has previously made the transaction. When called for such reasons, the store clerk needs to be able to continue the transaction at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash settlement, taking over the product registration results that the customer has made in the previous transaction flow. For this reason, the store clerk operates the Receipt (registered trademark) button BT11 located in the button area AR12.

[0059] The Receipt (registered trademark) button BT11 is a button used to instruct the issuing of a receipt. The receipt is a receipt issued for transfer of transaction data from a previous transaction to another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments. The receipt in this embodiment may be printed on a medium such as paper with information that identifies the transaction corresponding to the current transaction, in order to transfer the product registration data. The "information that can identify the transaction" printed on the receipt may be transaction identification information that has been assigned to the current transaction, or the "information that can identify the transaction" may be member identification information if the customer is registered as a member of the store and has the non-cash payment only / full-self POS terminal 20 read the member identification information recorded on the member card when the transaction begins.

[0060] When the receipt button BT11 is operated, an issuance confirmation screen WD20 is displayed. Figure 6 shows an example of the issuance confirmation screen WD20. The issuance confirmation screen WD20 in the figure shows an example in which it is displayed as a dialog window superimposed on the store clerk operation screen. The issuance confirmation screen WD20 displays a message asking the store clerk whether or not to interrupt the current transaction and issue a receipt, and also displays a "Yes" button BT21 and a "No" button BT22.

[0061] If the store clerk wishes to issue a receipt, he or she presses the "Yes" button BT21, and if the store clerk wishes to not issue a receipt, he or she presses the "No" button BT22. When the "No" button BT22 is operated, the issuance confirmation screen WD20 is cleared, and the display returns to the state in which the store clerk operation screen is displayed. When the "Yes" button BT21 is operated, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt. At this time, the POS terminal 20 prints the contents of the receipt on paper using the printing unit 213, and ejects the printed paper.

[0062] 7A shows an example of a receipt. The receipt consists of a header area AR1, a date and time / person in charge area AR2, a receipt display area AR3, a transaction details area AR4, and a code CH. In the header area AR1, header information indicating the store etc. that handles the product is printed. In the date / time / person in charge area AR2, the date and person in charge information corresponding to the target transaction are printed. When the POS terminal 20 is in the full self-service mode, the person in charge information in the date / time / person in charge area AR2 may be, for example, information about the store clerk designated as the manager of the POS terminal 20 (e.g., name and store clerk identification information, etc.), or may be information about the customer as a member (e.g., name and member identification information). In the receipt display area AR3, a message is printed indicating that the paper is a receipt. Note that the name "receipt" given to the receipt for accounting transfer in this embodiment is only an example, and other names such as "receipt transfer ticket" may be given. The transaction details area AR4 prints the transaction details so far for the target transaction. The code CH is a coded printed transaction identification information (which may be member identification information) that can identify the target transaction. In the figure, the code CH is a barcode, but it may be a two-dimensional code.

[0063] The receipt in the same figure also shows the direction in which a medium should be inserted into the scanner unit when the code is to be read, in case the scanner unit of the POS terminal 20 is configured so that a medium is inserted into the medium insertion slot to read the code.

[0064] The header area AR1, the date and time / person in charge area AR2, and the transaction details area AR4 are also printed on normal receipts. In other words, the transaction ticket in the figure is an example of a receipt format.

[0065] Fig. 7(B) shows another example of a bill. In this figure, the same parts as in Fig. 7(A) are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The receipt in the figure corresponds to a case where a coupon, gift certificate, etc. is used in combination with cash payment when settling. The receipt details area AR4 of the receipt in the figure shows that the total amount of 276 yen has been discounted by 30 yen by using a coupon, so the amount to be paid by the customer in cash payment is 246 yen. The contents of this type of receipt details area AR4 are printed when the customer declares the use of a coupon on the POS terminal 20 at a certain stage in the payment process.

[0066] In addition, the bills of Figures 7(A) and 7(B) may be printed with information indicating, for example, that the corresponding billing handover is a change from settlement by non-cash payment to settlement by cash payment. The POS terminal 20 can also put a transaction on hold without continuing the transaction. For example, after a customer has started a transaction using the POS terminal 20, he or she may remember that there was an item that he or she forgot to buy, and may want to add the forgotten item to the product registration for this transaction. In such a case, for example, the customer (or a store clerk) performs an operation to put the transaction on hold. In response to the transaction being put on hold, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt corresponding to the put on hold transaction (a put on hold receipt). A code indicating transaction identification information (which may be the member identification information of the corresponding customer) indicating the put on hold transaction is printed on the put on hold receipt. In this way, the reserved receipt has a similar format to the receipt ticket in that the code is printed on it. Therefore, the format, appearance, etc. of the receipt ticket may be changed so that it is easy to distinguish it from the reserved receipt.

[0067] When issuing a receipt, the POS terminal 20 erases the issuing confirmation screen WD20 and displays the store clerk operation screen. At this time, the information display area AR11 of the store clerk operation screen displays, for example, "Receipt" as shown in Fig. 8, to indicate that the receipt is being issued.

[0068] Then, when the issuance of the bill is completed, the display on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 returns from the store clerk operation screen to the start screen (standby screen). 9 shows an example of a start screen. On the start screen in the figure, for example, "self-checkout" is displayed to indicate that the POS terminal 20 is set to the full self-service mode. Also, on the start screen in the figure, a registration start (account start) button BT31 is arranged. A customer who wishes to start product registration using the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode operates the registration start button BT31. In response to the operation of the registration start button BT31, the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode starts accepting product registrations in response to the customer's operation.

[0069] Also, in this case, the start screen displayed by the POS terminal 20 dedicated to non-cash payment may display information informing the customer that cash payment is not possible. Alternatively, in response to operating the registration start button BT31 on the start screen, a pop-up screen may be displayed to inform the customer that cash payment is not possible. In this case, the pop-up screen may have a payment transition instruction button that instructs the customer to proceed to non-cash payment and a payment cancellation button to return to the start screen without performing payment. If the customer wishes to pay by non-cash payment, he or she can operate the payment transition instruction button to transition to a payment screen (for example, a product registration screen). If the customer intended to pay by cash payment and would like to pay at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments, he or she can operate the payment cancellation button. In addition, in the case of a multi-payment compatible POS terminal 20, the start screen may display that settlement is possible for both cash and non-cash payments. In this case, if there is a card type that cannot be used for non-cash payments, a display showing the card types that can be used or the card types that cannot be used may also be displayed. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 20 is in a mode in which the clerk and the customer face each other to make a transaction, such as in normal mode or double scan mode, the clerk-side display unit 210 may also display, as in the start screen described above, a display indicating the support status for payment types and card types, etc. In this case, the clerk can also be strongly aware of the support status of the POS terminal 20 for payment types and card types, and can respond appropriately, for example by asking the customer which payment type they will use before the transaction.

[0070] The POS terminal 20 that issued the receipt stores transaction information indicating the product registration results performed in response to the issuance of this receipt as takeover transaction information. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 that issued the receipt may transmit the takeover transaction information to the management device 30. In this case, the management device 30 stores the transmitted takeover transaction information.

[0071] For example, when the "Yes" button BT21 is operated to instruct the issuance of a receipt, an error may occur because the receipt cannot be printed due to a lack of paper on which to print the receipt. In such a case, for example, a print error screen WD40 is displayed as shown in Fig. 10. On the print error screen WD40, a message is displayed informing the user that new paper has been loaded because the paper for printing has run out, and a confirmation button BT41 is also provided. In this case, the store clerk operates the confirmation button BT41. When the confirmation button BT41 is operated, a store clerk operation screen on which a start screen button BT51 is arranged is displayed, as shown in Fig. 11, for example. The clerk can issue a receipt by operating the reissue button BT12 located in the button area AR12 of the displayed clerk operation screen. After issuing the receipt, the clerk can operate the start screen button BT51 to clear the clerk operation screen and transition to the start screen.

[0072] When a customer calls a store clerk before performing the payment transition instruction operation during the checkout, the store clerk will display the store clerk operation screen as described above, and will issue a check by operating the displayed store clerk operation screen. However, when a customer performs a payment instruction operation and is about to make a payment, he or she may realize that the payment cannot be made by cash payment because the POS terminal 20 is in non-cash payment only / full self-service mode. In this case, the customer is also made to call a store clerk. In addition, when the store clerk is called and goes to the POS terminal 20 in the non-cash payment only / full self-service mode, the store clerk also makes the POS terminal 20 read the store clerk identification information recorded on the store clerk ID card, for example. In this way, when the store clerk identification information is read after the settlement transition instruction operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment operation screen instead of the store clerk operation screen shown in Fig. 5 etc. The payment operation screen is an operation screen where the store clerk can perform various operations related to the payment of the price.

[0073] An example of the payment operation screen is shown in Fig. 12. The payment operation screen in this figure has an information display area AR21 and a button area AR22 arranged therein. The information display area AR21 is an area in which predetermined information is displayed as appropriate in response to operations on the payment operation screen. The button area AR22 is an area where various buttons operated by a store clerk are arranged. Also, on the payment operation screen, a close button BT62 is arranged.

[0074] In this case, the store clerk is called because the customer cannot settle the bill at the non-cash settlement only / full self-service POS terminal 20 where the customer has previously made the payment. Therefore, the store clerk in this case operates the bill button BT61 located in the button area AR22.

[0075] When the receipt button BT61 is operated, an issuance confirmation screen WD70 is displayed. Figure 13 shows an example of the issuance confirmation screen WD70. The issuance confirmation screen WD70 in the figure shows an example in which it is displayed as a dialog window superimposed on the payment operation screen. The receipt issuance confirmation screen WD60 displays a message asking the store clerk whether or not to interrupt the current transaction and issue a receipt, and also displays a "Yes" button BT71 and a "No" button BT72.

[0076] If the store clerk wishes to issue a receipt, he or she presses the "Yes" button BT71, and if the store clerk wishes to not issue a receipt, he or she presses the "No" button BT72. If the "No" button BT72 is pressed, the issuance confirmation screen WD70 is cleared and the payment operation screen is displayed again. If the "Yes" button BT71 is pressed, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt. The receipt issued may be the same as that shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), for example.

[0077] When issuing a receipt, the POS terminal 20 erases the issuing confirmation screen WD70 and displays the payment operation screen. At this time, the information display area AR21 of the payment operation screen displays, for example, "receipt" as shown in Fig. 14, to indicate that the receipt is being issued. After the receipt has been issued, the store clerk can press the close button BT62 on the payment operation screen to return to the start screen.

[0078] Furthermore, if the payment operation screen is out of paper when the receipt button BT61 on the payment operation screen of Fig. 12 is operated, an issuance error screen is displayed in the same manner as in Fig. 10, for example. In this case, the store clerk operates the confirmation screen of the issuance error screen to display the payment operation screen. The store clerk can reissue a receipt by loading paper with the payment operation screen displayed and then operating the reissue button BT63 in the button area AR22 of Fig. 14. After issuing the receipt, the store clerk can operate the close button BT51 to erase the payment operation screen and transition to the start screen.

[0079] When the receipt is issued as described above, the customer takes the receipt and moves to a POS terminal 20 that is capable of cash payment and is set to a mode other than the full self-service mode. In this case, the "mode other than the full self-service mode" may be either the normal mode or the double scan mode. In order to take over the transaction that was initially being carried out at the POS terminal 20, the customer performs an operation to have the code CH printed on the receipt read by the POS terminal 20 at the next destination.

[0080] In this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 that can take over the transaction is a POS terminal 20 that is set to a mode other than the full self-service mode, and the POS terminal 20 that is set to the full self-service mode cannot take over the transaction. This is because a store clerk must confirm the transaction before the transaction can be taken over. As for the "modes other than the full self-service mode", the normal mode and the double scan mode are both modes in which a store clerk may assist a customer and operate the POS terminal 20. The registration-only mode of the semi-self-service mode cannot be used as a transfer destination because settlement cannot be performed.

[0081] Furthermore, the semi-self-service mode's settlement-only mode is a mode in which the customer settles the bill without the assistance of a store clerk. However, for example, if the transaction is interrupted at the stage when product registration is completed and a settlement transition instruction operation is performed at the POS terminal 20 from which the transaction is being handed over, the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode of the semi-self-service mode may also be included in the POS terminal 20 in the "mode other than the full-self-service mode." In this case, for example, when settlement is being carried out by handover at the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode of the semi-self-service mode, a store clerk may accompany the customer.

[0082] If the takeover destination POS terminal 20 is capable of cash settlement and is set to a mode other than the full self-service mode, it transmits a takeover transaction information request to the other POS terminal 20 in response to reading the code CH. The takeover transaction information request includes transaction identification information corresponding to the requested takeover transaction information. If the POS terminal 20 stores the same transaction identification information as that included in the received takeover registration information, the POS terminal 20 transmits the stored transaction identification information to the POS terminal 20 that transmitted the takeover transaction information request. In this way, the POS terminal 20 that transmitted the takeover transaction information request can obtain the takeover transaction information.

[0083] In addition, when the management device 30 stores the taking-over transaction information, the taking-over POS terminal 20 may obtain the taking-over transaction information from the management device 30 by sending a taking-over transaction information request to the management device 30 in response to reading the code CH. The takeover destination POS terminal 20 resumes processing (transaction processing) according to the transaction corresponding to the acquired takeover transaction information.

[0084] In the accounting process, if the transfer transaction information indicates that the settlement transfer instruction operation has not been performed, the transferee POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen on the customer side display unit 205. In the displayed product registration screen, the products registered in the non-cash payment only / full self-service mode POS terminal 20 before the transfer are reflected as registered products. Therefore, the customer can restart the product registration operation by registering products that have not yet been registered. Then, when the customer has completed the registration of all products to be registered, the customer can perform a payment transition instruction operation to make a payment by cash payment. In this case, the POS terminal 20 executes a settlement process corresponding to a cash settlement as the accounting process. That is, the POS terminal 20 accepts the deposit money inserted by the customer, and if change is required, dispenses cash as change. The POS terminal 20 issues a receipt indicating the accounting result of this transaction, and ends the accounting process for that transaction.

[0085] As a transaction process, if the handover transaction information indicates that a payment transfer instruction operation is being performed, the handover POS terminal 20 displays a payment screen on the customer side display unit 205. In this case, the customer does not register the product, but simply makes a payment by cash payment, and the POS terminal 20 executes a payment process corresponding to the cash payment.

[0086] For example, if a store clerk mistakenly causes a POS terminal 20 that is set to full self-service mode even though cash payment is possible to read the code CH of the receipt, the POS terminal 20 does not take over the transaction and notifies the user of an error, for example by displaying a message. In this case, the store clerk may move to another POS terminal 20 that is set to a mode other than full self-service mode and that is set to cash payment, and have the user read the code CH of the receipt again. Alternatively, the store clerk may switch the mode of the POS terminal 20 that notified the error from full self-service mode to a mode other than full self-service mode, and have the user read the code CH of the receipt again.

[0087] In this manner, in this embodiment, the transaction can be interrupted at the POS terminal 20 in non-cash payment only / full self-service mode, and the transaction can be resumed from the interrupted stage at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments. This eliminates the need for a customer to restart the transaction from the beginning at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments, making it possible to improve the efficiency of the transaction.

[0088] [Example of processing procedure] An example of a procedure for processing executed by the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode in relation to issuing a bill will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S101: The POS terminal 20 displays a start screen in a standby state. Step S102: The POS terminal 20 waits in a standby state for a product registration start operation to be performed. The product registration start operation may be an operation on the registration start button BT31 arranged on the start screen.

[0089] Step S103: In response to the product registration start operation, the POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen on the customer display unit 205. That is, the POS terminal 20 starts accepting product registrations in the transaction process. A similar product registration screen may also be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.

[0090] Step S104: While the product registration screen is displayed, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not a product registration operation has been performed by the customer. The product registration operation may be, for example, an operation in which the customer causes the scanner unit of the POS terminal 20 to read a code (barcode or two-dimensional code) attached to the product. The code attached to the product indicates a product code (product identification information) that identifies the product. Step S105: In response to the product registration operation, the POS terminal 20 executes a product registration process.

[0091] Step S106: After the process of step S105, if it is determined in step S104 that the product registration operation is not performed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the store clerk identification information for displaying the store clerk operation screen has been read.

[0092] Step S107: When the store clerk identification information has been read, the POS terminal 20 displays a store clerk operation screen on the customer side display unit 205. Step S108: The store clerk performs some operation on the store clerk operation screen. When an operation is performed on the store clerk operation screen, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the operation was a receipt issuing operation. The receipt issuing operation is an operation on the receipt button BT11 on the store clerk operation screen and an operation on the "Yes" button BT21 on the issue confirmation screen WD20 that is displayed in response to the operation on the receipt button BT11. Step S109: When a receipt issuing operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt by the printing unit 213. At this time, the POS terminal 20 displays the store clerk operation screen of FIG. 8 as described above. Step S110: In addition, in response to completing the issuance of the bill, the POS terminal 20 transmits transaction information (transfer transaction information) indicating the processing results (product registration processing results) of this transaction so far. The transfer transaction information may be stored in the POS terminal 20 itself as described above, but here, the case where it is transmitted to the management device 30 is taken as an example. When the issuance of the accounting ticket and the transmission of the transfer transaction information in steps S109 and S110 are completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0093] Step S111: When an operation other than a receipt issuing operation is performed on the store clerk operation screen, the POS terminal 20 executes a process according to the operation. When the process according to the operation is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays a start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0094] Step S112: If it is determined in step S106 that the store clerk identification information has not been read, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a checkout instruction operation has been performed. If it is determined that a checkout instruction operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S104, and the POS terminal 20 waits for the next product registration operation.

[0095] Step S113: When the payment transition instruction operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment screen on the customer side display unit 205. Step S114: With the settlement screen displayed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the store clerk identification information has been read.

[0096] Step S115: If it is determined in step S114 that the store clerk identification information is not read, the POS terminal 20 executes the payment process. When the payment process is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays a start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0097] Step S116: If it is determined in step S114 that the store clerk identification information has been read, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment operation screen on the customer side display unit 205.

[0098] Step S117: The store clerk performs some operation on the payment operation screen. When an operation is performed on the payment operation screen, the POS terminal 20 judges whether the operation is a receipt issuing operation. A receipt issuing operation is an operation on the receipt button BT61 on the payment operation screen, and an operation on the "Yes" button BT71 on the issuance confirmation screen WD70 that is displayed in response to the operation on the receipt button BT61.

[0099] Step S118: When a receipt issuing operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt using the printing unit 213. At this time, the POS terminal 20 displays the payment operation screen of FIG. 14 as described above. Step S119: In addition, in response to the completion of issuing the receipt, the POS terminal 20 transmits to the management device 30 handover transaction information indicating the processing results so far of this transaction (the product registration processing result and the completion of the product registration processing). When the issuance of the accounting ticket and the transmission of the transfer transaction information in steps S118 and S119 are completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0100] Step S120: If an operation other than a receipt issuing operation is performed on the payment operation screen, the POS terminal 20 executes a process according to the operation. When the process according to the operation is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0101] An example of a processing procedure related to a transaction that the POS terminal 20 performs based on the handover transaction information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S201: The POS terminal 20 is in a standby state, waiting for the code on the accounting ticket to be read. Step S202: When the code on the bill is read, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the full self-service mode is currently set in the POS terminal 20.

[0102] Step S203: If a mode other than the full self mode is set, the POS terminal 20 transmits a request for taking over transaction information to the management device 30. Step S204: In response to the takeover transaction information request transmitted in step S203, the management device 30 transmits the corresponding takeover transaction information. The POS terminal 20 receives the transmitted takeover transaction information.

[0103] Step S205: The POS terminal 20 refers to the transaction processing result indicated in the received handover transaction information and determines whether or not the product registration processing has been completed for the transaction. Step S206: If the transaction is one for which product registration processing has not been completed, the POS terminal 20 marks the product for which product registration has been performed in the received handover transaction information as registered, and resumes the product registration processing in response to the product registration operation. At this time, the POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen on which the product for which product registration has been performed in the handover transaction information as registered, and starts accepting product registration operations. Step S207: If the product registration process in step S206 is completed and a payment instruction operation is performed, or if the product registration is completed in step S205 and a payment instruction operation has already been performed at the POS terminal 20 before movement, the POS terminal 20 executes the payment process.

[0104] Step S208: If it is determined in step S202 that the self mode is set in the own device, an error notification is executed.

[0105] <Modification> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be changed or modified as appropriate, for example, as in the following modified examples. In addition, the following modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0106] [First Modification] In the semi-self-service mode, when product registration for one transaction is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, a store clerk performs a settlement instruction operation. The settlement instruction operation is an operation of specifying a POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode to execute the settlement process, and then instructing the settlement at the specified POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. When the settlement transition instruction operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode transmits transaction information reflecting the product registration result to the designated POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. At this time, for example, the transaction information may be transmitted to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode via the management device 30. The POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode stores the received transaction information until a corresponding customer starts settlement, and executes settlement processing using the transaction information in response to the start of settlement by the customer. A transaction corresponding to transaction information for which settlement processing has not yet started is treated as an unsettled transaction, but in the semi-self-service mode, a store clerk can operate the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to recall the transaction information of the unsettled transaction and correct the transaction information. Corrections to transaction information can include, for example, deleting a registered product, adding a registered product, and integrating the recalled transaction information with the transaction information of a transaction for which a product is being registered in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode.

[0107] When recalling an unsettled transaction, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to display an unsettled transaction list screen on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. The store clerk designates the unsettled transaction to be recalled from among the unsettled transactions presented as a list on the displayed unsettled transaction list screen, and issues an instruction to execute the recall. In response to the operation of instructing to execute the recall, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode acquires the transaction information of the specified unsettled transaction from the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. The POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode that has acquired the transaction information of the unsettled transaction corrects the transaction information in response to the operation of the store clerk.

[0108] In this modified example, a transaction that has been partially settled at the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode that is the source of the transfer is also treated as an unsettled transaction. Then, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 at the destination of the transfer to recall the transaction to be transferred from the unsettled transaction list screen, so that the transaction can be taken over by the POS terminal 20 at the destination of the transfer.

[0109] In this case, the store clerk who receives the call performs an operation to hold the transaction results performed at the source POS terminal 20 for handover, for example, without issuing a bill. In response to the operation to hold the transaction results, the source POS terminal 20 stores transaction information (handover transaction information) indicating the transaction results that are subject to hold. In this modified example, the transaction corresponding to the handover transaction information stored in this manner is treated as an unsettled transaction.

[0110] Next, the store clerk goes to the destination POS terminal 20, reads the member identification information, and performs an operation to display an unsettled transaction list screen on the destination POS terminal 20. The list of unsettled transactions presented on the unsettled transaction list screen thus displayed includes unsettled transactions that correspond to the taken over transaction information stored in the source POS terminal 20. In addition, if there is a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self mode, unsettled transactions in that semi-self mode are also included in the list of unsettled transactions.

[0111] 17 shows an example of the unsettled transaction list screen. The unsettled transaction list screen in the figure shows an example in which unsettled transactions corresponding to the transfer transaction information stored in the transfer source POS terminal 20 and unsettled transactions in the semi-self mode are presented as a list.

[0112] The unsettled list screen shown in the figure includes a list display area 601 and an individual display area 602, and is also provided with a "recall" button 603, a cancel button 604, a previous button, a next button, a sort button, a lump-sum settlement button, and the like.

[0113] The list display area 601 is a display area that displays a list of transaction information for multiple unsettled transactions. Specifically, list items corresponding to each unsettled transaction are presented in the list display area 601. The list items are arranged, for example, in the order of registration time. In the list item corresponding to unsettled transaction 1, transaction information relating to the unsettled transaction is shown, such as the transaction time, transaction identification information, transaction points, total amount, member number (member identification information), elapsed time, settlement specifications, etc. The transaction time is, for example, the time when the corresponding unsettled transaction was initiated. The transaction identification information is identification information that indicates the corresponding unsettled transaction. The transaction quantity indicates the quantity of registered products. The total amount indicates the amount according to the registered product. The membership number indicates the customer corresponding to the unsettled transaction. The membership number is obtained by the customer having the POS terminal 20 read the membership number from the customer's membership card at the time of payment. The elapsed time indicates the time from the transaction time to the current time. The settlement specification content indicates the POS terminal 20 in settlement-only mode in which the execution of settlement processing has been specified in the case of an unsettled transaction in semi-self-service mode, and indicates that the transaction is to be handed over in the case of a corresponding unsettled transaction in the handover transaction information.

[0114] Specifically, the list item "1" in the first row of the list display area 601 in the same figure is a list item of unsettled transactions in semi-self mode. In the list item "1", the registration time "17:22:34", transaction identification information "TJ019", transaction points "27 points", total amount "2558 yen", membership number "10302", elapsed time "00:00:26", and settlement designation "Settlement machine 1" are displayed.

[0115] Additionally, the list item "2" in the next second row is a list item for unsettled transactions that are subject to transfer. List item "2" displays the registration time "17:21:05," transaction identification information "TJ018," transaction points "6 points," total amount "525 yen," elapsed time "00:01:55," and settlement designation "Transfer." The settlement designation "Transfer" indicates that this is an unsettled transaction that is subject to transfer.

[0116] In the list display area 601 in the figure, the list items of unsettled transactions are arranged in order of most recent transaction time, but by operating the sort button, for example, the items can also be displayed in order of oldest transaction time, largest or smallest amount, or largest or smallest number of transaction points. On the unsettled transaction list screen, the previous button and the next button are buttons for displaying in the list display area 601 transaction information of unsettled transactions that are not displayed in the list display area 601. In other words, when there is more than the maximum number of pieces of unsettled transaction information and the previous button or the next button is pressed, all or part of the transaction information of the unsettled transactions displayed in the list display area 601 is replaced. In the example shown in the list display area 601 in the figure, the maximum number of list items of unsettled transactions that can be displayed at one time (simultaneously) is five, but this is not particularly limited.

[0117] The individual display area 602 is an area for displaying detailed information about one of the unsettled transactions presented in the list display area 601 . In the individual display area 602, the transaction date and time, transaction identification information, registration device identification information (in the case of semi-self mode), membership number, registered product information (product identification information, product name, price, etc.), discount information, etc. are displayed.

[0118] In the individual display area 602 of the figure, consumption bond information regarding the unsettled transaction "1" in the first row of the list display area 601 is displayed. Note that because the unsettled transaction "1" in the first row of the list display area 601 has a high transaction amount of 27 items, only some of the registered product information is displayed in the individual display area 602. In this case, the store clerk can display the registered product information that is not displayed by operating the scroll button (the button showing an inverted triangle mark) or the page button (the button showing the next page).

[0119] Immediately after the unsettled list screen is displayed, the individual display area 602 initially displays transaction information for the unsettled transaction corresponding to the unsettled transaction "1" in the first row of the list display area 601. The store clerk can select an unsettled transaction by, for example, touching the list item of the unsettled transaction in the list display area 601. Detailed information about the unsettled transaction selected by operating the list item in the list display area 601 is displayed in the individual display area 602.

[0120] The "Recall" button 603 is a button for instructing the execution of a recall of an unsettled transaction. The store clerk operates to select the list item of the unsettled transaction to be recalled from among the list items of unsettled transactions shown in the list display area 601. Then, the store clerk operates the "Recall" button 603. In response to the operation of the "Recall" button 603, the POS terminal 20 obtains transaction information of the unsettled transaction corresponding to the list item selected in the list display area 601.

[0121] When the store clerk performs the recall operation on the transfer destination POS terminal 20 as described above and causes the transfer destination POS terminal 20 to acquire the transaction information of the unsettled transaction to be transferred this time (transfer transaction information), the transfer destination POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen or a settlement screen on the customer side display unit 205 according to the acquired transfer transaction information. This allows the customer to carry out the transaction after inheriting the transaction results performed at the transfer origin POS terminal 20. In other words, in this modified example, even without issuing a bill, the transfer destination POS terminal 20 can carry out the transaction inheriting the transaction results from the transfer origin POS terminal 20 by the store clerk performing the operation to call up the unsettled transaction from the unsettled transaction list screen.

[0122] [Second modified example] The accounting handover of this embodiment may also be applied as follows to a product sales data processing system in which a customer registers products using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a store rental terminal, and then settles the payment for the registered products at a settlement device. In this case, the customer can register products by, for example, having a mobile terminal read the product code. Transaction information corresponding to the product registration results is sent to, for example, a management device (server). When the registration of all items is complete, the customer performs an operation to end the product registration. When the operation to end the product registration is performed, the mobile terminal displays a two-dimensional code (which may be a barcode) indicating the transaction identification information of the current transaction. The customer goes to a settlement device and has the settlement device read the two-dimensional code. The settlement device obtains from the management device the transaction information of the transaction indicated by the transaction identification information obtained from the read two-dimensional code, and displays a settlement screen corresponding to the obtained transaction information.

[0123] The customer intended to pay in cash, but when he or she tried to pay at the payment device that displayed the payment screen as described above, he or she realized that the payment device did not support cash payments. In this case, the customer calls a store clerk.

[0124] The store clerk who responds to the call has the settlement device read the store clerk identification information, for example, display a payment operation screen, and issue a receipt by operating the payment operation screen. A code of transaction identification information is printed on the receipt. When the store clerk or customer moves to a settlement device that can handle cash payments and is to take over from the settlement device, the store clerk or customer has the code on the receipt read by the settlement device of the transfer destination. The settlement device of the transfer destination obtains the transaction information corresponding to the read code and displays the settlement screen. The customer can then begin settlement by cash payment. Alternatively, the store clerk who responds to the call may perform an operation to hold the transaction for handover without issuing a bill. In this case, the customer displays the two-dimensional code of the transaction identification information again on the mobile device and has the displayed two-dimensional code read by the settlement device at the handover destination. The settlement device at the handover destination obtains the corresponding handover transaction information and displays a settlement screen according to the obtained transaction information. This allows the customer to start settlement by cash payment. In addition, for example, in the above case, the clerk may have a clerk terminal carried by the clerk communicate with the management device or the customer's mobile terminal to obtain transaction identification information of the transaction to be handed over and display a two-dimensional code of the obtained transaction identification information. In this case, the clerk may have the settlement device at the handover destination read the two-dimensional code displayed on the clerk terminal.

[0125] [Third Modification] The accounting handover of this embodiment may be applied as follows in a product sales data processing system including a registration device where a store clerk performs product registration operations and a payment device where a customer performs payment. In this case, the customer goes to the registration device with the product he / she wants to purchase and has a store clerk register the product. Once product registration is complete, the customer goes to the payment device with the registered product to begin payment. In this case, after starting payment, the customer realizes that the payment type he / she intended to use cannot be used at the payment device he / she is currently using. In this case, the customer performs an operation on the settlement device to call a store clerk, for example. A store clerk is called in response to the operation, and in response to the store clerk's call, the store clerk goes to the settlement device. The store clerk operates the settlement device to carry out the receipt. The store clerk takes the issued receipt together with the customer to a settlement device that can settle the payment for the payment type used by the customer, and has the code on the receipt read. The settlement device that reads the code starts the settlement process by taking over the settlement process that was being carried out by the previous settlement device. Considering security and ensuring a smooth handover of the transaction, it is preferable that the operations for handing over the transaction (the operations for issuing the receipt and reading the code on the receipt) be performed by a store clerk, as described above. In this case, the original settlement device may be configured so that the operation of issuing a receipt cannot be performed unless the store clerk allows the original settlement device to read the member identification information. Also, the POS terminal 20 at the destination of the transfer may be configured so that the code on the receipt cannot be read unless the store clerk allows the original settlement device to read the member identification information. Alternatively, the settlement device that takes over may select another settlement device that can handle the payment type that it cannot handle, and issue a receipt with a code that can only be read by the other settlement device. In this case, if the settlement device that takes over is able to read the code on the receipt, the settlement process may be taken over and resumed, but if the code on the receipt cannot be read, the settlement process may not be resumed and an error may be notified. However, in cases where it is desired to prioritize, for example, reducing the time required to call a store clerk or reducing the burden on store staff, the customer may be allowed to perform the accounting transfer operation.

[0126] [Fourth Variation] In the above embodiment, an example is given of a case where a customer intending to pay in cash makes a transaction at a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode that does not allow cash payments, and the transaction can then be handed over to a POS terminal 20 that allows cash payments. As an example of this modified example, in response to a case where a customer intends to make a non-cash payment such as by credit card, makes a transaction at a POS terminal 20 in a full self-service mode in which only cash payment is possible and non-cash payment is not possible, the transaction may be made possible to be handed over to a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than the full self-service mode in which non-cash payment by the above-mentioned non-cash payment is possible. In addition, for example, in the case where a customer intends to make a non-cash payment using a specific point card, and makes a payment at a POS terminal 20 in a full self-service mode in which the specific point card cannot be used, it may be possible to allow the payment to be handed over to a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than the full self-service mode in which payment using the specific point card can be made.

[0127] [Fifth Modification] A POS terminal 20 capable of handling cash payments may enter a specific currency storage state, called near-full, near-end, full, empty, etc., as it performs settlement processing. In the change dispenser 209, currency is stored by denomination, and the maximum number of currency that can be stored (maximum number of stored currency) is determined for each denomination. "Near-full" is a state in which the number of stored currency corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 has reached a predetermined number of stored currency that is considered to be close to the maximum number of stored currency (full). The near-end state refers to a state in which the number of stored coins corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 is equal to or less than a predetermined number that is considered to be close to being empty (0 coins: empty). The full state refers to a state in which the number of stored bills corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 reaches the maximum number that can be stored (full), and no more bills of the same denomination can be stored. The empty state is a state in which the number of stored coins corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 becomes zero (full), and no more coins of the same denomination can be dispensed as change.

[0128] The multi-payment-compatible POS terminal 20 in the above embodiment may also be used for cash payments, and may therefore be in the specific currency storage states as described above. Therefore, in this modified example, the multi-payment-compatible POS terminal 20 may change its settings so that it is unable to handle cash payments and operates exclusively for non-cash payments when it is in at least one of the specific currency storage states as described above.

[0129] [Sixth Modification] In the above embodiment, for example, it may happen that a customer mistakenly causes a receipt issued by a POS terminal 20 dedicated to non-cash payments to be read by another POS terminal 20, which is also dedicated to non-cash payments, just like the POS terminal 20 from which the customer took over. In this case, even if the other POS terminal 20 reads the code on the receipt and resumes the accounting process, it will ultimately be unable to settle the bill. Therefore, if the payment types that the POS terminal 20 that reads the code on the receipt can handle are the same as those of the source terminal and the transaction cannot be settled using the requested payment type, the transaction may be treated as an error.

[0130] In order to determine whether or not the requested payment type can be used for settlement, for example, the code of the receipt may include information indicating the payment type that the POS terminal 20 to be handed over should support (supported payment type information). In this case, the POS terminal 20 that reads the code of the receipt may determine whether or not the payment type indicated by the supported payment type information can be supported, thereby determining whether or not the requested payment type can be used for settlement. Alternatively, for example, each POS terminal 20 or the management device 30 may store handover setting information indicating the relationship between the POS terminals 20 that form the handover source and handover destination relationship. The code on the receipt may contain terminal identification information indicating the handover source POS terminal 20. When the POS terminal 20 reads the code from the receipt, it may refer to the handover setting information to determine whether or not it can become the handover destination of the handover source POS terminal 20 indicated by the read code. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 at the transfer destination may use the code read from the receipt to determine whether or not it can handle the payment type specified in the transfer transaction information received from the management device 30.

[0131] [Seventh Variation] In some cases, a store may have a mixture of POS terminals 20 that are capable of transactions in accordance with the tax-free system and POS terminals 20 that are not capable of transactions in accordance with the tax-free system. In such a case, if a foreign customer mistakenly makes a transaction at a POS terminal 20 in a full self-service mode that is not capable of transactions in accordance with the tax-free system, the transaction may be made available for handover to a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than the full self-service mode that is capable of transactions in accordance with the tax-free system.

[0132] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device. [Background technology] A product sales data processing system is known that allows a user to specify a settlement device to perform settlement and then specify another settlement device in response to a situation where, for example, it takes some time for the specified settlement device to be able to perform settlement (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-006856 A [Summary of the invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] For example, a customer may be making a payment (a concept that includes everything from registering products to paying) at a fully self-service accounting device that only accepts credit cards, but then realizes midway through that he or she no longer has a credit card. In such a case, the customer must cancel the transaction and start a new transaction at another accounting device that accepts cash payments. Even in the above-mentioned situation, in order to ensure efficient transaction processing, it is preferable to be able to perform the transaction at another transaction device without canceling the transaction. The present embodiment has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to enable a transaction that has been partially completed at one accounting device to be completed at another accounting device without being canceled.

[0133] [Means for solving the problem] (1) One aspect of this embodiment is a sales data processing system having a first product sales data processing device (e.g., a takeover source POS terminal 20) that is capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing corresponding to a transaction, supports a first payment method (e.g., non-cash payment), and does not support a second payment method (e.g., cash payment), and a second product sales data processing device (e.g., a takeover destination POS terminal 20) that is capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing and supports the second payment method, the sales data processing system comprising a transmission control means for transmitting takeover transaction information corresponding to the accounting processing executed under the first product sales data processing device from the first product sales data processing device to the second product sales data processing device so that the accounting processing taken over from the accounting processing executed under the first product sales data processing device can be executed on the second product sales data processing device.

[0134] According to the above configuration, the destination POS terminal 20 acquires the transaction information corresponding to the result of the transaction process that was partially completed in the source POS terminal 20. The destination POS terminal 20 can then use the acquired transaction information to execute the subsequent transaction process. This allows the transaction to be completed in another product sales data processing device without canceling the transaction that was partially completed in one product sales data processing device.

[0135] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the product sales data processing system described in (1), wherein the first product sales data processing device includes a medium output means for outputting a medium (e.g., a receipt) on which identification information capable of identifying a transaction (e.g., transaction identification information or member identification information) is recorded, and the second product sales data processing device includes a reading means (e.g., a scanner unit) capable of reading the identification information, and the transmission control means causes the transfer transaction information to be transmitted to the second product sales data processing device in response to the transaction identification information recorded on the medium output by the medium output means being read by the reading means.

[0136] According to the above configuration, the transfer destination POS terminal 20 can obtain the transfer transaction information by the simple procedure of having the transfer destination POS terminal 20 read the receipt issued by the transfer source POS terminal 20.

[0137] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing system as described in (1) or (2), wherein the second product sales data processing device is capable of being set to a first mode (e.g., full self-service mode) in which accounting processing is performed in response to a customer registering products and making a payment by himself / herself, and a second mode (e.g., a mode other than the full self-service mode (e.g., normal mode, double scan mode) in which accounting processing is performed in response to a customer making a payment without registering products, and the transmission control means causes the second product sales data processing device to transmit the handover transaction information when the second mode is set, and does not cause the second product sales data processing device to transmit the handover transaction information when the first mode is set.

[0138] According to the above configuration, a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode where no store clerk is present cannot be used as a transfer destination to carry out transaction processing, but a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than full self-service mode where a store clerk is present can be used as a transfer destination to carry out transaction processing. As a result, when a customer carries out transaction at the transfer destination POS terminal 20, a store clerk will be present to handle the transaction, so that the transaction can be completed accurately.

[0139] In addition, a program for implementing the functions of the POS terminal 20, the store controller 10, the management device 30, etc. described above 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 processing of the POS terminal 20, the store controller 10, the management device 30, etc. described above. 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. In addition, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., 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. In addition, the recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer system 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 the 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, each of which may be downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a storage medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that is a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 POS system, 10 store controller, 20 (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) POS terminal, 30 management device, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 hard disk, 205 customer side display unit, 206 customer side scanner unit, 208 card reader, 209 change machine, 210 store clerk side display unit, 211 key operation unit, 212 store clerk side scanner unit, 213 printing unit, 214 voice output unit, 215 communication unit

Claims

1. A sales data processing system having a first product sales data processing device capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing corresponding to a transaction, compatible with a first payment method, and incompatible with a second payment method, and a second product sales data processing device capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing, compatible with the second payment method, and capable of setting a first mode in which accounting processing is performed in response to a customer registering products and making a settlement, and a second mode in which accounting processing is performed in response to a customer making a settlement without registering products, a transmission control means for transmitting takeover transaction information corresponding to the accounting process executed under said first merchandise sales data processing device from said first merchandise sales data processing device to said second merchandise sales data processing device so that the accounting process taken over from the accounting process executed under said first merchandise sales data processing device can be executed by said second merchandise sales data processing device; The transmission control means transmits the takeover transaction information to the second merchandise sales data processing device when the second mode is set, and does not transmit the takeover transaction information to the second merchandise sales data processing device when the first mode is set. Product sales data processing system.

2. The first product sales data processing device includes a medium output means for outputting a medium on which identification information capable of identifying a transaction is recorded, the second product sales data processing device includes a reading means capable of reading the identification information, The transmission control means transmits the transfer transaction information to the second product sales data processing device in response to the transaction identification information recorded on the medium output by the medium output means being read by the reading means.

2. The product sales data processing system according to claim 1.

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