Commodity sales data processing system, store clerk device, and program

Abstract

To assist a clerk who supports a customer appropriately.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processing system includes a customer device and a clerk device. In the customer device, at least one of the registration of a commodity and the adjustment of the commodity is performed by a customer. The clerk device is operated by a clerk. The clerk device can receive an input for performing notification about an error in the customer device from the clerk. The customer device makes notification when the clerk device accepts the input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system, a store clerk device, a customer device, a notification method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets, POS (Point Of Sales) registers have become widespread, allowing customers to check out themselves without the assistance of a store clerk. In such POS registers, because the customer operates the POS register, there is a risk of fraud or the customer being unable to operate it efficiently. To address this issue, a self-checkout system is known in which an attendant terminal displays the operating status and error occurrence status of the self-checkout terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-95026 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate a self-checkout, if there is no error in the self-checkout, the store clerk has no opportunity to talk to the customer and may hesitate to speak to the customer. This causes a problem that new or shy store clerks may not be able to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique that can assist store clerks in providing appropriate support to customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system that includes a customer device where at least one of product registration and product settlement is performed by a customer, and a clerk device operated by a clerk, wherein the clerk device is capable of receiving input from the clerk for notifying the clerk of an error on the customer device, and the customer device makes the notification when the clerk device receives the input. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) 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 device 20. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the POS terminal device 20. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in a full self-operation mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process for error notification and voice notification in a full self-service mode. [Figure 7] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen 700 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen 800 for calling out displayed on a POS terminal device 20-3 in the full self-service mode. [Figure 9] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a journal screen 900 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a details screen 1000 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Figure 11]11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image screen 1100 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in the semi-self-service mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process for error notification and voice notification in a semi-self-service mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the registered POS terminal device 20a in the semi-self-service mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an urgency table 1500 relating to error notification. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error notification and a voice notification process according to the first modified example. [Figure 17] 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error confirmation screen 1700 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen 1800 for calling out to a customer, according to the first modified example, which is displayed on a self-checkout register. [Figure 19] 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error selection screen 1900 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen 2000 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11 when an error occurs. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen in Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (Embodiment) 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 a plurality of POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-n (n≧2), a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, and a monitoring device 11. Hereinafter, when the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-n are not particularly distinguished from each other, they are collectively referred to as the POS terminals 20. The store controller 10, the monitoring device 11, and the POS terminals 20 are connected to each other via a LAN 55 so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the number "n" of the POS terminals 20 is "3", but is not limited thereto and may be, for example, "1".

[0009] The POS system 1 can be introduced in various stores such as supermarkets, home centers, convenience stores, and various supply stores. The store controller 10 stores various information necessary for transactions such as a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, and sales price of each product. The product master also includes product identification information of products that need to be weighed (products to be weighed), product name, and unit price of the product to be weighed. In addition to the product master, the store controller 10 also stores various information such as inventory status, sales history, and deposit and withdrawal records. The store controller 10 may also store customer membership information.

[0010] The monitoring device 11 is a device for a store clerk to monitor the POS terminal device 20. Specifically, the monitoring device 11 can display the status (operation mode, processing status, etc.) of the POS terminal device 20 and control the POS terminal device 20. In the POS system 1, a store clerk can be assigned to the monitoring device 11 and can monitor the POS terminal device 20 by the store clerk.

[0011] The POS terminal device 20 is a cash register that registers products and performs settlement. The POS terminal device 20 can accept operations related to settlement from customers and perform settlement processing. Product registration may be performed by a store clerk or by the customer.

[0012] The POS system 1 may also include a clerk terminal carried by a clerk. The clerk terminal can display the status (operation mode, processing status, etc.) of the POS terminal device 20 and control the POS terminal device 20. The clerk terminal can also receive notification information from the POS terminal device 20 that a clerk should be called and display that fact.

[0013] (Example of installation of POS terminal device 20) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of the POS terminal device 20. FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal device 20 as seen from the customer side. FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal device 20 as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in FIG. 2(A), a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal device 20 as seen from the customer side. Although not shown in the figure, a counter is also placed on the left side of the POS terminal device 20 in FIG. 2(A). In other words, counters are placed on both sides of the POS terminal device 20. A shopping basket can be placed on the counter.

[0014] The POS terminal 20 also includes a sign pole 220. The sign pole 220 includes a light emitting unit. The light emitting unit of the sign pole 220 is, for example, a lamp or an LED (light emitting diode), and can be lit in a predetermined color or in a predetermined lighting pattern. Depending on the lighting pattern of the sign pole 220, it can indicate that the POS terminal 20 is in use or can issue a warning. The sign pole 220 is provided facing upward, and the lighting pattern can be recognized even by store clerks who are not near the POS terminal 20.

[0015] (Example of configuration of POS terminal device 20) Next, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal device 20. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0016] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal device 20 shown in Fig. 3 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2. The POS terminal device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change machine 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, a communication unit 215, and a camera 216. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0017] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal device 20 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 202. The various programs include a product sales data processing program according to this embodiment. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0018] The RAM 203 is a readable and writable memory, and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (for example, a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing. This information includes, for example, registration information (registration data) generated during a registration process for registering a product, and settlement information generated during a settlement process for settling (paying) the registered product (purchased product).

[0019] The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 stores imaging results (e.g., video) captured by the camera 216. The hard disk 204 may store various programs such as a product sales data processing program 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.

[0020] The customer display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer display unit 205 displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various information. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically reads barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on bills (registered trademarks). In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 may read codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, and complimentary coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.). Note that product registration is not limited to registration by reading codes by the customer-side scanner unit 206. For example, a preset key (a button for ordering a product) corresponding to a product may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, and the product may be registered by operating (pressing) the preset key by the customer.

[0021] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that uses various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card payment unit 208 is equipped with a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information from various cards. The read information is used to settle the purchase. The card recognition unit is also capable of recognizing information to be used in settling the purchase, for example, when using points held on a point card. The card recognition unit is also capable of recognizing information that is not used in settling the purchase, for example, when adding points to a point card.

[0022] In addition, the card payment unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit, a display unit, and an operation unit, but is not limited thereto and may include at least a card recognition unit. In addition, the card recognition unit of this embodiment may be compatible with contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards) or non-contact cards (IC cards).

[0023] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a mechanism for settlement using cash, and has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins. The change machine 209 calculates the amount inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The change machine 209 faces the customer side, and accepts various operations and cash insertion from customers. The change machine 209 has a sensor that detects banknotes and coins inserted into the input port. The sensor detects that banknotes and coins have been inserted into the input port, and detects the number of banknotes by denomination.

[0024] The store clerk display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk. The store clerk display unit 210 displays various information to the store clerk and accepts various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk display unit 210 displays preset keys (buttons for ordering products) corresponding to products, and the products are registered by the store clerk operating (pressing) the preset keys.

[0025] The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (hardware keys, buttons). The key operation unit 211 accepts various inputs from the store clerk. Specifically, the key operation unit 211 includes a mode switching button, a collective switching button, and a checkout-only mode switching button. The mode switching button is a button for switching the operation mode. The collective switching button is a button for collectively switching the operation mode of all POS terminal devices 20 by being operated on a specific POS terminal device 20 (for example, a POS terminal device 20 to which a store manager or the like is logged in). The checkout-only mode switching button is a button for switching to the "checkout-only mode" described below.

[0026] The mode switching button is a button that can switch the mode to be transitioned to in a predetermined order each time it is pressed. This order is preset, for example, as normal mode → full self-service mode → checkout only mode → normal mode → ... For this reason, to switch from normal mode to checkout only mode, the store clerk needs to press the mode switching button twice.

[0027] The button for switching the mode is not limited to a hard key (mechanical key) such as the mode switching button, but may be a selection button (soft key) displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. For example, the selection button may display a plurality of buttons corresponding to the destination mode. Specifically, if the current mode is the normal mode, a button for switching to the checkout-only mode and a button for switching to the full self-service mode may be displayed. This allows the mode to be switched with one touch. That is, the store clerk does not need to press the button multiple times, but only needs to press the button of the mode to be switched to. However, the selection button displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 may be a single button, as in the case of the mode switching button, and may be a button that switches to the destination mode in a predetermined order each time it is pressed.

[0028] Furthermore, the button for switching modes is generally displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, but may also be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. For example, when it is determined that a clerk is clearly on the customer side, it is also possible to display the button on the customer-side display unit 205. Examples of situations in which a clerk is clearly on the customer side include when the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used to transition to a clerk-only maintenance screen, or when the customer-side display unit 205 is operated to transition to a clerk-only maintenance screen.

[0029] The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads various information. For example, the store clerk scanner unit 212 optically reads barcodes attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk nametags. In addition to the above, the store clerk scanner unit 212 may also read codes printed on bills, gift certificates, and various cards.

[0030] The registration of a product is not limited to registration by reading a code by the store clerk's scanner unit 212. For example, a key corresponding to a product (e.g., XX newspaper) may be arranged on the key operation unit 211, and the product may be registered by the store clerk operating (pressing) the key.

[0031] The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 213 is capable of changing the direction of the medium issuing port. Specifically, the printing unit 213 has a rotatable mechanism, and is configured so that the medium issuing port faces from the store clerk side to the customer side, and from the customer side to the store clerk side. The orientation of the medium issuing port may be changeable manually, or may be changeable automatically in response to switching of the operating mode. The printing unit 213 may be equipped with a sensor that detects whether the orientation of the printing issuing port is correct.

[0032] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance, warning sounds, etc. The audio guidance and warning sounds are related to product registration and payment. The communication unit 215 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices (the store controller 10, the monitoring device 11, and other POS terminal devices 20).

[0033] The camera 216 is attached to the upper right of the customer display unit 205 as seen from the customer side. The camera 216 is a camera that continuously captures moving images or still images. A CCD (charge coupled device) camera or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) camera can be used as the camera 216. The camera 216 captures the operation status of the customer at the time of payment. Specifically, the camera 216 captures the bills and coins held by the customer, the change machine 209, hand movements, and the like. The camera 216 also captures the operation status of the customer at the time of registering the product. Specifically, the camera 216 can capture the inside (products) of a shopping basket on a counter provided on both sides of the POS terminal device 20, and the operation status of the customer at the time of registration.

[0034] (Overview of each operation mode) Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal device 20 will be described. The POS terminal device 20 has multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes are operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to registration processing and settlement processing), and include a normal mode, a checkout-only mode, and a full self-service mode. The POS terminal device 20 is controlled to one of the multiple operation modes.

[0035] In addition to the above-mentioned modes, the operation modes include a tallying mode, a maintenance mode, a training mode, etc. The tallying mode is a mode for tallying and inquiring sales, inventory, etc. The maintenance mode is a mode in which a store clerk or maintenance person performs setting work or maintenance work. The training mode is a mode in which a new store clerk is trained.

[0036] The following mainly describes in detail the normal mode, the checkout mode, and the full self-service mode. In the following, the POS terminal device 20 operating in the checkout mode and the POS terminal device 20 operating in the full self-service mode may be collectively referred to as the "self-checkout."

[0037] (Normal mode) The normal mode is an operation mode in which product registration by the store clerk (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "product registration") is enabled and product registration by the customer is disabled. In other words, the normal mode is an operation mode in which registration processing by the store clerk is executed without executing registration processing by the customer. In product registration by the store clerk, purchased products are registered using the store clerk scanner unit 212, the store clerk display unit 210, and the key operation unit 211.

[0038] In the normal mode, the customer can make settlements by inserting money (bills and coins) and reading various cards. Specifically, in the normal mode, for example, it is possible to accept operations for settlement with cash (inserting money into the change machine 209).

[0039] In the normal mode, the registration information can be transmitted to another POS terminal device 20. The transmission of the registration information to another POS terminal device 20 means transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to another POS terminal device 20 (self-checkout register) capable of executing the settlement process. The registration information may be transmitted directly from the POS terminal device 20 to the other POS terminal device 20, or may be transmitted indirectly to the other POS terminal device 20 via another device such as the store controller 10 or the monitoring device 11. In the following description, the transmission and reception of information between the devices will not be described in detail, but the information may be transmitted directly between the devices, or may be transmitted indirectly via another device.

[0040] In the normal mode, a receipt can be issued. Issuing a receipt means that the registration information generated in the registration process is coded and printed on a print medium (sheet). Another POS terminal device 20 (self-checkout) can obtain the registration information by reading the code on the receipt and perform the payment process.

[0041] (Accounting only mode) The transaction-only mode is an operation mode that enables the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20, the reading of transaction tickets, and the insertion of coins, and disables product registration by the store clerk and the customer. The reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20 is, specifically, a function of receiving registration information generated in the registration process of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode.

[0042] Reading a receipt ticket means reading the code printed on the receipt ticket. The receipt-only mode is an operating mode in which the terminal does not execute the registration process, but executes the settlement process solely using registration information generated in other POS terminal devices 20. Note that because the receipt-only mode is an operating mode in which the registration process is not executed, i.e., registration information is not generated, sending registration information to other POS terminal devices 20 and issuing receipt tickets are disabled.

[0043] (Full self mode) The full self-service mode is an operation mode that enables product registration on the customer side. In other words, the full self-service mode is an operation mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side. In customer product registration, the customer operates the customer side scanner unit 206 and the customer side display unit 205 to register purchased products.

[0044] In the full self-service mode, it is possible to enable product registration by the store clerk. In other words, the full self-service mode is an operation mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side, but also allows registration processing on the store clerk side. In the full self-service mode, product registration by the store clerk may be disabled.

[0045] The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the terminal can perform settlement processing at its own terminal. Specifically, the full self-service mode is an operation mode in which insertion of coins is enabled, and transmission of registration information to other POS terminal devices 20 and issuance of accounting tickets are disabled.

[0046] Similarly to the accounting-only mode, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the reception of registration information from other POS terminal devices 20 and the reading of accounting tickets are both enabled. In other words, similar to the accounting-only mode, in the full self-service mode, the settlement process can be performed using registration information generated in other POS terminal devices 20.

[0047] (About enabling and disabling various functions) In the above description, it has been explained that the POS terminal device 20 enables or disables various functions (such as clerk's product registration, customer's product registration, inserting coins, reading the bill, etc.) of the POS terminal device 20 depending on the operation mode. In other words, it has been explained that the operation mode of the POS terminal device 20 is set by enabling or disabling some of all the functions of the POS terminal device 20.

[0048] However, the POS terminal device 20 does not necessarily have to have all the functions as long as the executable functions are different for each operation mode. For example, the POS terminal device 20 may obtain a program for realizing a function required for each operation mode from an external device (e.g., the store controller 10, the monitoring device 11, a server outside the store, etc.) and make it executable, and may make the program inexecutable (e.g., by deleting it) when it holds a program for realizing an unnecessary function for each operation mode. In this case, the POS terminal device 20 may make all the programs inexecutable once, regardless of the operation mode to which the operation mode is to be transitioned, and then obtain a program for realizing a function required in the operation mode from the outside and make it executable.

[0049] (Example of configuration of monitoring device 11) Next, the configuration of the monitoring device 11 will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the monitoring device 11. As shown in Fig. 4, the monitoring device 11 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk 304, a display unit 305, an audio output unit 306, and a communication unit 307. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0050] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit that reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 302 to control the operation of the monitoring device 11. The various programs include a product sales data processing program according to this embodiment. The ROM 302 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 301, including programs.

[0051] The RAM 303 is a readable and writable memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 303 displays information acquired from the outside (e.g., registration information and settlement information acquired from the POS terminal device 20) and information generated during processing.

[0052] The hard disk 304 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 304 stores registration information and settlement information acquired from the POS terminal device 20. For example, the hard disk 304 may store various programs such as a product sales data processing program executed by the CPU 301, instead of the ROM 302. Also, instead of the RAM 303, the hard disk 304 may store information acquired from outside and information generated during processing.

[0053] The display unit 305 is a touch display that displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The audio output unit 306 outputs audio. The communication unit 307 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices (the store controller 10 and the POS terminal device 20).

[0054] (Customer support by store staff) Here, in the self-checkout (full self-service mode or self-checkout mode), support for customers is provided by store staff (hereinafter referred to as "customer support"). Specifically, customer support is, for example, the store staff supporting the customer in operations related to product registration and checkout. Customer support also includes operations performed by the store staff to resolve errors that occur in the POS terminal device 20. Examples of errors include an error in which the receipt paper has run out, a state in which the change is near full (the number of coins is close to the number that can be stored in a specified storage section of the change dispenser 209 (the allowable limit number of coins), and a state in which the change is near end (the number of coins in the storage section is low).

[0055] Here, even if there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the self-checkout, if there is no error in the POS terminal device 20 operated by the customer, the store clerk has no opportunity to talk to the customer. For this reason, the store clerk may hesitate to talk to the customer. In particular, new or shy store clerks may not be able to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0056] In this embodiment, therefore, when a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation is detected, an opportunity is created for a store clerk to talk to the customer. The functional configuration of the POS system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0057] (Functional configuration of POS system 1 in full self-service mode) First, a description will be given of a functional configuration in the full self-service specification of the POS system 1. In this embodiment, the POS system 1 can be any one of a plurality of specifications including the full self-service specification and the semi-self-service specification described later.

[0058] The full self-service specification is a specification in which the POS terminal device 20 operates in a full self-service mode, and the operation of the customer is monitored by the monitoring device 11 by the store clerk. The POS system 1 includes a customer device and a store clerk device. The customer device is realized by the POS terminal device 20 in the full self-service mode.

[0059] In the customer device, at least one of product registration and product settlement is performed by the customer. The customer device includes a mode control unit and an alarm unit. The mode control unit operates in one of a plurality of operation modes including at least an operation mode in which product settlement is performed by the customer. In the full self-service specification, the mode control unit controls the POS terminal device 20 to the full self-service mode. In the semi-self-service specification described below, the mode control unit controls the POS terminal device 20 to a payment-only mode.

[0060] The clerk device is operated by a clerk. The clerk device is realized by the monitoring device 11. The clerk device includes a reception unit. The reception unit can receive an input from the clerk for making a notification about an error (hereinafter referred to as a "call notification") in the POS terminal device 20 in the full self-service mode. Specifically, the reception unit displays a call notification button 710a (see FIG. 7) for receiving the input, and receives pressing of the call notification button 710a. For example, when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation, the clerk presses the call notification button 710a. When the call notification button 710a is pressed, the monitoring device 11 transmits a notification instruction to the POS terminal device 20 to make a call notification.

[0061] Here, the notification unit of the customer device issues an error notification when an error occurs. In the error notification, for example, a lock state is set so that the customer cannot operate the POS terminal device 20. The error notification includes various notifications (notification that an error has occurred, the type of error that has occurred, notification that a store clerk is being called, etc.).

[0062] Furthermore, the notification unit issues a voice notification when the monitoring device 11 accepts a notification input. Specifically, when the POS terminal device 20 receives a notification instruction from the monitoring device 11, the notification unit issues a voice notification. A voice notification is, for example, a notification that makes an error state appear, even though there is actually no error state. A voice notification is similar to an error notification, and specifically includes various notifications (notification that an error has occurred, the type of error that has occurred, that a store clerk is being called, etc.) that prevent the customer from performing any operation. The notification unit issues a voice notification or a display.

[0063] The notification unit may also light up the sign pole 220 in a predetermined lighting pattern to provide a voice notification. The predetermined lighting pattern includes, for example, a normal lighting pattern for notification and a special lighting pattern. The special lighting pattern is, for example, a lighting pattern that is difficult for a customer to notice when there is a possibility that the customer is committing fraud.

[0064] The notification to be called does not have to be the same as the error notification. For example, the notification to be called is not limited to a locked state, but may be an operation that the customer can perform. The notification to be called is not limited to automatically calling a store clerk, but may be a notification that urges the customer to call a store clerk, such as "Please call a store clerk." The notification to be called may be a notification indicating a preliminary stage of an error, such as "The paper will run out soon."

[0065] Furthermore, the errors to be notified in the voice-call notification are preset. For example, a communication error is preset as the error to be notified in the voice-call notification. Therefore, when the voice-call notification button 710a is pressed on the monitoring device 11, the notification unit will issue a voice-call notification indicating a communication error. Note that the preset error may be changeable by an operation by a store clerk. That is, for example, the preset error is not limited to a communication error, and it is also possible to change it to an error related to the change machine (nearly full change).

[0066] The condition for terminating the alert for calling out is, for example, that the POS terminal device 20 accepts input of specified information from a store clerk. The input of specified information is, for example, input of a store clerk code, input of login information, input of a password, etc. Here, the condition for terminating the error alert differs from the condition for terminating the alert for calling out, in that in addition to input of the specified information, the error state must also be resolved. On the other hand, the condition for terminating the alert for calling out does not require resolution of the error state, since an error state has not occurred, but only the input of the specified information.

[0067] The reception unit is realized by the CPU 301 of the monitoring device 11. That is, the CPU 301 of the monitoring device 11 executes a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program) to realize the function of the reception unit.

[0068] The mode control unit and the notification unit are realized by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20. That is, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 executes a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program) to realize the functions of the mode control unit and the notification unit.

[0069] (Operation in full self-service mode) Next, the operation in the full self-operation specification will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in the full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) in the full self-service mode. As shown in the upper part of Fig. 5, in the full self-service mode, the POS terminal device 20 accepts operations by the customer using the customer side display unit 205 and the customer side scanner unit 206, and the customer registers the purchased items by himself.

[0070] While the customer is registering the purchased items, the POS terminal device 20 displays the total price of the purchased items and the like on the customer display unit 205. Then, when the POS terminal device 20 completes the registration of the purchased items and receives a press of the registration completion key (an instruction to start settlement), it performs a settlement process as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5. In the settlement process, the customer checks the total price of the purchased items displayed on the customer display unit 205 and performs settlement. Specifically, the customer inserts cash into the change machine 209 or operates the card settlement unit 208 to perform settlement. Thus, in the full self-service mode, the POS terminal device 20 performs the registration process and settlement process according to the customer's operation.

[0071] In the fully self-service version, a store clerk is stationed at the monitoring device 11 and monitors customers. The store clerk also handles errors and provides support to suspicious customers or customers who are confused about how to operate the system.

[0072] (Notification process in full self specification) Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of error notification and voice notification processing in the full self specification. Each process performed by the monitoring device 11 and the POS terminal device 20 shown in Fig. 6 is constantly started (periodically at very short time intervals) in each device. In Fig. 6, the monitoring device 11 judges whether or not pressing of the voice notification button 710a (see Fig. 7) has been accepted (step S601).

[0073] If the monitoring device 11 does not accept the pressing of the voice-call notification button 710a (step S601: NO), the series of processes ends. If the monitoring device 11 accepts the pressing of the voice-call notification button 710a (step S601: YES), the monitoring device 11 transmits a notification instruction to the POS terminal device 20 to perform a voice-call notification (step S602), and ends the series of processes.

[0074] The POS terminal 20 in the full self mode determines whether an error has been detected (step S603). If no error is detected (step S603: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S605. If an error is detected (step S603: YES), the POS terminal 20 issues an error notification according to the detected error and stops operation (step S604).

[0075] The POS terminal device 20 then judges whether or not a notification instruction has been received from the monitoring device 11 (step S605). If a notification instruction has not been received from the monitoring device 11 (step S605: NO), the POS terminal device 20 proceeds to step S607. If a notification instruction has been received from the monitoring device 11 (step S605: YES), the POS terminal device 20 issues a voice-call notification and stops operation (step S606). In the voice-call notification, the POS terminal device 20 displays, for example, a voice-call notification screen 800 (see FIG. 8) indicating a communication error.

[0076] Then, the POS terminal device 20 judges whether an error notification or a voice notification is being issued (step S607). If an error notification or a voice notification is not being issued (step S607: NO), the POS terminal device 20 ends the series of processes. If an error notification is being issued (step S607: YES), the POS terminal device 20 judges whether an operation to end the notification has been performed (step S608). The operation to end the notification is, for example, an operation to input a store clerk code or login information when ending a voice notification, and an operation to eliminate the error state is included in addition to these inputs when ending an error notification. The POS terminal device 20 waits until an operation to end the notification is performed (step S608: NO), and if an operation to end the notification is performed (step S608: YES), the POS terminal device 20 ends the error notification or the voice notification (step S609) and ends the series of processes.

[0077] (Screen example for full self-service version) Next, an example of a screen in the full self-service mode will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen 700 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. As shown in Fig. 7, the monitoring screen 700 is a screen including a status display 701 and function buttons 710 that are displayed corresponding to each of the three POS terminal devices 20 in the full self-service mode. The function buttons 710 include a voice notification button 710a, a journal switching button 710b, and a Web camera button 710c.

[0078] 7, the status display 701 corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 1 indicates "waiting." The status display 701 corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 2 indicates "settlement in progress." The status display 701 corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 3 indicates "registration in progress."

[0079] The notification button 710a is a button that accepts notification input for notifying about an error (notification for calling). For example, when a store clerk presses the notification button 710a when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation, a notification screen 800 for calling shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the corresponding POS terminal device 20.

[0080] In the figure, the call notification button 710a can accept the designation of the POS terminal device 20 and the instruction to issue a call notification with one touch, but this is not limited to this and it may be accepted with multiple touches. Specifically, for example, a button that accepts issuing a call notification may be displayed, and after the button (first touch) is pressed, the designation of the POS terminal device 20 that will issue the call notification (second touch) may be accepted.

[0081] The journal switch button 710b is a button for accepting switching to a display screen of journal information. When the journal switch button 710b is pressed, the corresponding POS terminal device 20 switches to a journal screen 900 shown in Fig. 9. The Web camera button 710c is a button for switching to an image screen captured by the camera 216. When the Web camera button 710c is pressed, the corresponding POS terminal device 20 switches to an image screen 1100 shown in Fig. 11.

[0082] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen 800 for calling displayed on the POS terminal device 20 in the full self-service mode. The notification screen 800 for calling indicates a communication error. The notification screen 800 also indicates that a store clerk is being called, or that the customer should wait until the store clerk arrives. When the store clerk arrives at the POS terminal device 20, he or she can speak to the customer or visually check for any fraudulent activity, under the pretext of a communication error. When a store clerk code or login information is entered on the notification screen 800 for calling, the display of the notification screen 800 for calling is cancelled, and the display returns to the original screen (for example, a registration screen or a settlement screen).

[0083] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a journal screen 900 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. Note that Fig. 9 explains the journal of the POS terminal device 20 (e.g., POS terminal device 20-3) with register number 3. In Fig. 9, the journal screen 900 includes a register number display area 901, an operation display area 902, a status display area 903, a journal display area 904, and function buttons 710.

[0084] The register number display area 901 is an area that displays the register number of the POS terminal device 20. The operation display area 902 is an area that displays operations on the POS terminal device 20 and messages that are displayed on the POS terminal device 20. The status display area 903 is an area that displays one of the current statuses of the POS terminal device 20 (registering, settling, waiting) (for example, registering).

[0085] The journal display area 904 is an area for displaying the operation contents of the POS terminal device 20, registered products, each error message, etc. The function buttons 710 include a voice notification button 710a, a Web camera button 710c, a log search button 710d, a change information button 710e, a notification cancel button 710f, and a start screen button 710g.

[0086] The functions of the voice notification button 710a and the Web camera button 710c are the same as those in Fig. 7. The log search button 710d is a button that accepts a search for past journals by inputting, for example, a predetermined keyword or date and time, and displays the past journals. The change information button 710e is a button that accepts switching to the display of change information of the change machine 209 (for example, information regarding a near-full state or a near-end state).

[0087] The notification cancel button 710f is a button that accepts the cancellation of the notification for voice calling. In this embodiment, when a waiting POS terminal device 20 is notified for voice calling, pressing of the notification cancel button 710f is accepted (enabled). On the other hand, when a POS terminal device 20 is notified for voice calling during a registration process or a settlement process, pressing of the notification cancel button 710f is not accepted (disabled), and a store clerk goes to the POS terminal device 20 that has notified for voice calling to cancel the notification for voice calling.

[0088] The start screen button 710g is a button that accepts returning the screen of the POS terminal device 20 to the start screen (remote control). When the register number display area 901 is pressed on the journal screen 900, a journal details screen is displayed. Note that on the monitoring screen 700 shown in Fig. 7, it is possible to display various buttons (log search button 710d, change information button 710e, notification cancel button 710f, and start screen button 710g) that are not shown.

[0089] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a details screen 1000 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. As shown in FIG. 10, the details screen 1000 includes a journal details display area 1001, a display switching button 1002, and a function button 710. The journal details display area 1001 is an area for displaying details such as the operation contents of the POS terminal device 20-3, registered products, and each error message. In addition, the journal details display area 1001 changes text color and background color according to the current status of the displayed POS terminal device 20-3. For example, the journal details display area 1001 is displayed in a background color according to the current status such as registration, settlement, waiting, error notification, and voice notification.

[0090] The display switching button 1002 is a button that accepts switching to a detailed screen 1000 of the POS terminal device 20 indicated by the displayed number. The display switching button 1002 is displayed in a text color and background color according to the current situation such as an error notification, a voice notification, etc. When the Web camera button 710c is pressed in Fig. 7, Fig. 9, and Fig. 11, a transition to an imaging screen 1100 shown in Fig. 11 is made.

[0091] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image screen 1100 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the image screen 1100 includes an image display area 1101, a display switching button 1002, and a function button 710. The image display area 1101 displays an image captured by the camera 216. For example, a store clerk looks at the image display area 1101 and presses the call notification button 710a when he or she notices a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device. This causes a call notification to be issued on the POS terminal device 20 (the third POS terminal device 20 in the figure), which creates an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer.

[0092] (Functional configuration of the semi-self-service version of POS system 1) Next, a functional configuration of the POS system 1 in semi-self-service specifications will be described. The semi-self-service specifications are specifications in which the clerk device is realized by a POS terminal device 20 in normal mode, and the customer device is realized by a POS terminal device 20 in a dedicated accounting mode. In the following, in the semi-self-service specifications, the POS terminal device 20 in normal mode may be referred to as the "registration POS terminal device 20a," and the POS terminal device 20 in the dedicated accounting mode may be referred to as the "payment POS terminal device 20b, 20c."

[0093] In the semi-self-service specification, the mode control unit and the notification unit are realized by the CPU 201 of the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c. That is, the CPU 201 of the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c executes a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program) to realize the functions of the mode control unit and the notification unit. Note that the customer device is not limited to being realized by the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c, and may be realized by a dedicated device for settlement.

[0094] In the semi-self-service model, the reception unit is realized by the CPU 201 of the registration POS terminal 20a. That is, the CPU 201 of the registration POS terminal 20a executes a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program) to realize the function of the reception unit. Note that the store clerk device is not limited to being realized by the registration POS terminal 20a, and may be realized by a dedicated device for registering products.

[0095] The reception unit can receive from a store clerk a notification input (e.g., pressing the notification button 1420a or 1420b in FIG. 14) for making a call notification in the settlement POS terminal devices 20b or 20c. For example, when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation, the store clerk presses the notification button 1420 (notice button 1420a or 1420b for calling). When the notification button 1420 for calling is pressed, the registration POS terminal device 20a transmits a notification instruction for making a call notification to the POS terminal device 20 in the transaction-only mode (settlement POS terminal device 20b).

[0096] Here, the POS terminal device 20 is capable of accepting notification inputs according to the operation mode in which it is operating. Specifically, the POS terminal device 20 is capable of accepting notification inputs only when it is controlled in the normal mode. That is, when the POS terminal device 20 is controlled in the full self-service mode or the checkout-only mode, it does not accept pressing of the notification button 1420 for voice prompting. In other words, the POS terminal device 20 is capable of accepting pressing of the notification button 1420 for voice prompting according to the operation mode.

[0097] Furthermore, the notification unit issues a voice-call notification when the registration POS terminal device 20a accepts a notification input. Specifically, when the voice-call notification button 1420 is pressed, the registration POS terminal device 20a transmits a notification instruction to the settlement POS terminal device 20b. The settlement POS terminal device 20b receives the notification instruction from the registration POS terminal device 20a. When the notification instruction is received, the notification unit issues a voice-call notification. An error indicated by the voice-call notification is, for example, a communication error.

[0098] (Semi-self operation) Next, the operation in the semi-self-operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in the semi-self-service specification. Specifically, Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the operation of people (store clerks, customers) in the semi-self-service specification. Fig. 12 explains the case where the POS terminal device 20-1 is in the normal mode (registration POS terminal device 20a) and the POS terminal devices 20-2 and 20-3 are in the settlement-only mode (payment POS terminal devices 20b and 20c).

[0099] As shown in Fig. 12(A), the registration POS terminal device 20a registers products purchased by a customer on the sales clerk's side. While the sales clerk is registering products on the registration POS terminal device 20a, the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c are in a standby state.

[0100] Then, when the registration of the purchased items is completed and the registration POS terminal device 20a receives a press of a settlement start button (e.g., a subtotal button), it performs a settlement process as shown in Fig. 12 (B). In the settlement process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items displayed on the customer side display unit 205 and performs settlement. Specifically, the customer inserts cash into the change machine 209 or operates the card settlement unit 208 to perform settlement.

[0101] Thus, in the normal mode, the registered POS terminal device 20a can execute the settlement process by the customer's operation. Furthermore, the registered POS terminal device 20a can accept the selection of a settlement type (payment method) from the customer and the insertion of cash into the change machine 209 before the registration process is completed. For example, the registered POS terminal device 20a may be configured to accept the insertion of cash into the change machine 209 when a product is registered, that is, when the registration data is displayed.

[0102] The registered POS terminal device 20a can register the purchases of the next customer even before the customer completes the payment (even before the change is taken out or the receipt is printed). In other words, the registered POS terminal device 20a can register the purchases of the next customer while the payment is being processed by the device itself. Also, the store clerk may not be present while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0103] Furthermore, when the registration process by the store clerk is completed, the registration POS terminal device 20a can also transmit registration information to the settlement POS terminal devices 20b, 20c as shown in Fig. 12(C). For example, the registration POS terminal device 20a accepts designation of one of the settlement POS terminal devices 20b, 20c (e.g., the settlement POS terminal device 20b) from the store clerk. Alternatively, the registration POS terminal device 20a accepts the issuance of a bill to be read by the settlement POS terminal devices 20b, 20c.

[0104] When the settlement POS terminal device 20b receives the registration information from the registration POS terminal device 20a or reads the code on the bill, it displays the total amount of the purchased items, etc. on the customer side display unit 205. Then, as shown in Fig. 12(C), the customer moves to the settlement POS terminal device 20b, checks the total amount of the purchased items displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the settlement POS terminal device 20b, and performs settlement. Specifically, the customer inserts cash into the change machine 209 of the settlement POS terminal device 20b, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to perform settlement.

[0105] (Notification process for semi-self-service models) Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the error notification and voice notification processing in the semi-self-service specification. Each process performed by the registration POS terminal device 20a and the settlement POS terminal device 20b shown in Fig. 13 is constantly started (periodically at very short time intervals) in each device. In Fig. 13, the registration POS terminal device 20a judges whether or not the voice notification button 1420 (see Fig. 14) has been pressed (step S1301).

[0106] If the registration POS terminal device 20a does not accept the pressing of the voice-call notification button 1420 (step S1301: NO), the series of processes ends. If the registration POS terminal device 20a accepts the pressing of the voice-call notification button 1420 (step S1301: YES), the registration POS terminal device 20a transmits a notification instruction to the settlement POS terminal device 20b to make a voice-call notification (step S1302), and ends the series of processes.

[0107] The settlement POS terminal device 20b determines whether an error has been detected (step S1303). If an error has not been detected (step S1303: NO), the settlement POS terminal device 20b proceeds to step S1305. If an error has been detected (step S1303: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b issues an error notification according to the detected error and stops operation (step S1304).

[0108] The settlement POS terminal device 20b then determines whether or not a notification instruction has been received from the registration POS terminal device 20a (step S1305). If a notification instruction has not been received from the registration POS terminal device 20a (step S1305: NO), the settlement POS terminal device 20b proceeds to step S1307. If a notification instruction has been received from the registration POS terminal device 20a (step S1305: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b issues a voice-call notification and stops operation (step S1306). In the voice-call notification, for example, a voice-call notification screen indicating a communication error is displayed.

[0109] Then, the settlement POS terminal device 20b judges whether an error notification or a voice notification is being issued (step S1307). If an error notification or a voice notification is not being issued (step S1307: NO), the settlement POS terminal device 20b ends the series of processes. If an error notification is being issued (step S1307: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b judges whether an operation to end the notification has been performed (step S1308). The operation to end the notification is, for example, an operation to input a store clerk code or login information when ending a voice notification, and includes an operation to resolve the error state in addition to these inputs when ending an error notification. The settlement POS terminal device 20b waits until an operation to end the notification is performed (step S1308: NO), and if an operation to end the notification is performed (step S1308: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b ends the error notification or the voice notification (step S1309) and ends the series of processes.

[0110] (Example of a screen for semi-self-service) Next, a screen example in the semi-self-service mode will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the registered POS terminal device 20a in the semi-self-service mode. In Fig. 14, registered product display 1401 shows the products most recently registered by the store clerk. Registered product list display 1402 shows a list of products registered by the store clerk. Total price display 1403 shows the total price of the products registered by the store clerk.

[0111] The preset keys 1404 include product display keys 1404a each showing a plurality of products. The product display keys 1404a are pressed by a store clerk to accept registration of the product corresponding to the display. The preset keys 1404 also include a type change key 1404b that accepts switching between types such as vegetables, fruits, and meat. In FIG. 14, the type change key 1404b shows a state in which the type of vegetable is pressed. When the type change key 1404b showing fruits or meat is operated, the product display key is switched to the product display key corresponding to the operated type change key 1404b.

[0112] The mode display 1405 shows the current mode of the POS terminal device 20-2 (for example, a checkout-only mode). The mode display 1405 includes a call-out notification button 1420a. The call-out notification button 1420a is a button that accepts a notification input for notifying the user of an error. For example, if a customer operating the POS terminal device 20-2 seems suspicious or is confused about how to operate the device, when a store clerk presses the call-out notification button 1420a, a screen equivalent to the call-out notification screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal device 20-2.

[0113] The mode display 1406 shows the current mode of the POS terminal device 20-3 (for example, the transaction-only mode). The mode display 1406 includes a call-out notification button 1420b. The call-out notification button 1420b is a button that accepts a notification input for notifying the user of an error. For example, if a customer operating the POS terminal device 20-3 seems suspicious or is confused about how to operate it, when a store clerk presses the call-out notification button 1420b, a screen similar to the call-out notification screen 800 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal device 20-3 in the transaction-only mode.

[0114] In the figure, the voice notification buttons 1420a and 1420b can accept the designation of the POS terminal device 20 and the instruction to issue a voice notification with one touch, but this is not limited to this and they may be accepted with multiple touches. Specifically, for example, a button that accepts issuing a voice notification may be displayed, and after the button (first touch) is pressed, the designation of the POS terminal device 20 that will issue the voice notification (second touch) may be accepted.

[0115] The subtotal button 1407 is a button for accepting the completion of product registration. When the registration of all products is completed, the store clerk presses the subtotal button 1407. The receipt button 1408 is a button for accepting the issuance of a receipt. When settlement is to be made at another POS terminal device 20, the store clerk presses the receipt button 1408.

[0116] The register designation button 1409 and the register designation button 1410 are buttons that accept the designation of the settlement POS terminal devices 20b, 20c to which the registration information is to be sent. The register designation button 1409 is a button that accepts the designation of the POS terminal device 20-2 as the destination to which the registration information is to be sent. When the register designation button 1409 is pressed, the registration information is sent to the POS terminal device 20-2, and the settlement is made at the POS terminal device 20-2. The register designation button 1410 is a button that accepts the designation of the POS terminal device 20-3 as the destination to which the registration information is to be sent. When the register designation button 1410 is pressed, the registration information is sent to the POS terminal device 20-3, and the settlement is made at the POS terminal device 20-3.

[0117] As described above, in the POS system 1 according to the present embodiment, the clerk device (for example, the monitoring device 11 or the registered POS terminal device 20a) receives an input from the clerk for making a voice-calling notification (for example, pressing the voice-calling notification button 710a or 1420), and the customer device (self-checkout) makes the voice-calling notification. This makes it possible to make the customer device appear to be in an error state even though it is not. This allows the customer to call the clerk or the clerk to go to a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation, creating an opportunity for the clerk to talk to the customer. In addition, the clerk can press the voice-calling notification button and immediately go to the customer device, so that the clerk can quickly respond to the customer. This helps even new or shy clerks to provide appropriate support to customers.

[0118] In this embodiment, the monitoring device 11 is used as the clerk device. This allows the clerk monitoring the monitoring device 11 to create an opportunity to talk to a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device. Therefore, even a new or shy clerk can be assisted in providing appropriate support to customers in a fully self-service environment.

[0119] In this embodiment, the clerk device is the POS terminal device 20 in normal mode for registering products. This allows the clerk who registers the products to have an opportunity to talk to a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device. Therefore, even a new or shy clerk can provide appropriate support to customers in the semi-self-service mode.

[0120] In this embodiment, notification input can be accepted according to the operation mode of the POS terminal device 20. This allows the POS terminal device 20 to accept notification input when in normal mode and not accept notification input when in the checkout-only mode or full self-service mode. Therefore, notification input can be accepted according to the operation mode of the POS terminal device 20 when a store clerk is present, which helps store clerks to provide appropriate support to customers in semi-self-service mode.

[0121] In this embodiment, the customer device is a self-checkout register (a POS terminal device 20 in a checkout-only mode or a POS terminal device 20 in a full self-checkout mode) where at least the payment for merchandise is made by the customer. This allows a call-out notification to be made at the self-checkout register. This creates an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer who is making the payment when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation. This allows even a new or shy store clerk to provide appropriate support to customers at the self-checkout register.

[0122] (Modification of the embodiment) Below, modified examples 1 to 5 of the embodiment will be described. In each of the following modified examples, the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Also, it is possible to combine the configurations shown in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples 1 to 5. Specifically, it is possible to have a configuration that includes all of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples 1 to 5, or a configuration that is a combination of the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples 1 to 5.

[0123] (Variation 1) First, a first modified example of the embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the customer device issues a voice notification indicating a communication error. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in the first modified example, a configuration will be described in which the customer device issues a voice notification selected according to the urgency of the error notification.

[0124] First, an urgency table 1500 for error notification will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the urgency table 1500 for error notification. The urgency table 1500 is stored in each POS terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 15, the urgency table 1500 includes items for an error type and an urgency for error notification.

[0125] The error type may be, for example, an out of paper error, change near end, change near full, time error, communication error, or unscanned error. An out of paper error indicates that the receipt paper has run out. A time error occurs when a certain amount of time has passed since the start of a registration or settlement operation. A communication error occurs when a communication failure occurs that prevents communication with other devices. An unscanned error is, for example, an error in which an item is placed in a basket without being scanned, even though it should normally be placed in after scanning.

[0126] Here, a threshold is set for each error. For example, for an out-of-paper error, the threshold is set to several tens of centimeters remaining. The urgency of the error notification is a degree indicating whether the error notification threshold is being approached for each type of error. Specifically, the urgency of the error notification is indicated as one of "low," "medium," and "high." The urgency of the error notification "low" indicates that the error notification is not close to the error notification threshold, i.e., the urgency is low. The urgency of the error notification "high" indicates that the error notification is close to the error notification threshold, i.e., the urgency is high. The urgency of the error notification "medium" indicates that the error notification is neither close nor far from the error notification threshold, i.e., the urgency is medium.

[0127] For example, in the urgency table 1500 shown in Fig. 15, the error type "out of paper error" has a "high" urgency regarding error notification. In other words, this indicates that although the error has not yet become an out of paper error, it is approaching an out of paper error.

[0128] Also, in the first modification, the clerk device can receive a notification input from the clerk depending on whether the customer device is in an error state or a non-error state. Specifically, when the customer device is in an error state, the clerk device does not receive a notification input from the clerk. For example, when the customer device is in an error state, the clerk device may hide the notification button for speaking or disable pressing the button. On the other hand, when the customer device is not in an error state (when the device is in a non-error state), the clerk device receives a notification input from the clerk. For example, when the customer device is not in an error state, the clerk device may display the notification button for speaking.

[0129] The processing of the first modified example is explained below. In order to explain the full self-service version and the semi-self-service version together, the processing is mainly performed by the clerk device and the self-checkout. In the full self-service version, the clerk device is the monitoring device 11, and the self-checkout is the POS terminal device 20. In the semi-self-service version, the clerk device is the registration POS terminal device 20a, and the self-checkout is the payment POS terminal device 20b, 20c.

[0130] (Notification process according to modification example 1) Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the error notification and voice notification processing according to Modification 1. Note that each processing performed by the store clerk device and the self-checkout shown in Fig. 16 is constantly started (periodically at very short time intervals) by each device.

[0131] In FIG. 16, the self-checkout register determines whether or not an error has been detected (step S1601). If no error is detected (step S1601: NO), the self-checkout register proceeds to step S1608. If an error is detected (step S1601: YES), the self-checkout register transmits a notice of the error and details of the error, including the type of error, to the monitoring device 11 (step S1602). The self-checkout register then issues an error notification according to the detected error and stops operation (step S1603).

[0132] The clerk device judges whether or not the error content has been received from the self-checkout (step S1604). If the error content has not been received (step S1604: NO), the clerk device proceeds to step S1606. If the error content has been received (step S1604: YES), the clerk device disables the voice notification button of the POS terminal device 20 in the error state (step S1605).

[0133] The clerk device then determines whether or not it has accepted pressing of the call notification button (step S1606). If the clerk device has not accepted pressing of the call notification button (step S1606: NO), it proceeds to step S1610. If the clerk device has accepted pressing of the call notification button (step S1606: YES), it makes a request to send the urgency level related to the error notification (step S1607).

[0134] The self-checkout determines whether or not a request to send the urgency of the error notification has been received from the store clerk device (step S1608). If a request to send the urgency of the error notification has not been received (step S1608: NO), the self-checkout proceeds to step S1615. If a request to send the urgency of the error notification has been received (step S1608: YES), the self-checkout transmits the urgency of the error notification to the monitoring device 11 (step S1609).

[0135] The clerk device determines whether or not it has received the urgency level of the error notification from the self-checkout (step S1610). If it has not received the urgency level of the error notification from the self-checkout (step S1610: NO), the clerk device proceeds to step S1612. If it has received the urgency level of the error notification from the self-checkout (step S1610: YES), the clerk device identifies an error based on the urgency level (step S1611). Specifically, the clerk device identifies an error with a "high" urgency level. Then, the clerk device displays an error selection screen or the like to prompt the clerk to select an error (step S1612). Note that it is also possible to directly notify the clerk of the error identified based on the urgency level without prompting the clerk to select an error.

[0136] Next, the clerk device judges whether an error has been selected (step S1613). If an error has not been selected (step S1613: NO), the clerk device ends the series of processes. If an error has been selected (step S1613: YES), the clerk device transmits an alarm instruction to the self-checkout register to cause it to issue a voice-call alarm (step S1614), and ends the series of processes.

[0137] The self-checkout register determines whether or not it has received a notification instruction from the clerk device (step S1615). If it has not received a notification instruction from the clerk device (step S1615: NO), the self-checkout register proceeds to step S1617. If it has received a notification instruction from the clerk device (step S1615: YES), the self-checkout register issues a voice-call notification and stops operation (step S1616). In the voice-call notification, the self-checkout register displays a voice-call notification screen on the clerk device that indicates the error selected.

[0138] The self-checkout then judges whether an error or voice prompt notification is being issued (step S1617). If an error or voice prompt notification is not being issued (step S1617: NO), the self-checkout ends the series of processes. If an error or voice prompt notification is being issued (step S1617: YES), the self-checkout judges whether an operation to end the notification has been performed (step S1618). For example, an operation to end the notification is an operation to input a store clerk code or login information when ending a voice prompt notification, and an operation to eliminate the error state is included in addition to these inputs when ending an error notification. The self-checkout waits until an operation to end the notification is performed (step S1618: NO), and if an operation to end the notification is performed (step S1618: YES), the self-checkout ends the error or voice prompt notification notification (step S1619), and ends the series of processes.

[0139] (Screen example in Modification 1) Next, examples of screens in Modification 1 will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. In the following, as an example of a screen of a store clerk device, an example of a screen of the monitoring device 11 will be described, and an explanation of an example of a screen of the registration POS terminal device 20a will be omitted.

[0140] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error confirmation screen 1700 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. As shown in Fig. 17, the error confirmation screen 1700 displays a message urging the user to notify the user of an out-of-paper error. This is based on the fact that, as shown in the urgency table 1500 (see Fig. 15), the urgency regarding error notification for the error type "out of paper" is "high."

[0141] When the "Yes" button is pressed on the error confirmation screen 1700, the POS terminal device 20 displays a call-out notification screen 1800 shown in Fig. 18. On the other hand, when the "No" button is pressed on the error confirmation screen 1700, the screen of the monitoring device 11 transitions to an error selection screen 1900 shown in Fig. 19.

[0142] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a call notification screen 1800 of the first modified example displayed on a self-checkout register. The call notification screen 1800 displays an out-of-paper error. The call notification screen 1800 also displays that a store clerk is being called, or that the customer should wait until the store clerk arrives. When the store clerk comes to the POS terminal device 20, he or she can talk to the customer or visually check for any fraudulent activity under the pretext of replacing the paper. When the store clerk code and login information are entered on the call notification screen 1800 and the paper is replaced, the display of the call notification screen 1800 is canceled and the display returns to the original screen.

[0143] Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error selection screen 1900 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. As shown in Fig. 19, the error selection screen 1900 shows a screen on which various errors can be selected. In this way, the store clerk can select the notification screen to be called out by himself / herself. For example, if the store clerk selects a communication error, the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal device 20 will display a notification screen to be called out (see Fig. 8) indicating a communication error.

[0144] (Monitoring screen when an error occurs) Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen 2000 when an error occurs, which is displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. As shown in Fig. 20, the monitoring screen 2000 is a screen including a status display 701 and a function button 710 for each of the three POS terminal devices 20 in the full self mode.

[0145] 20, the status display 701 corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 1 indicates that it is waiting. The status display 701 corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 2 indicates that it is in the process of settlement. The status display 701 corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 3 indicates that it is in a near-end error state.

[0146] Since the POS terminal device 20 with register number 3 is in a near-end error state, the notification button 710a for calling out to the cashier corresponding to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 3 is displayed in gray, i.e., disabled. Note that the notification button 710a for calling out to the POS terminal device 20 with register number 3 does not have to be displayed on the monitoring screen 2000. In this way, in the first modification, since the error screen is already displayed for the POS terminal device 20 in an error state, pressing the notification button 710a for calling out to the cashier cannot be accepted.

[0147] In the first modification, when the store clerk device receives a press of the notification button 710a for speaking to the customer, an error corresponding to the urgency of the error notification is selected and a notification for speaking to the customer is made. Therefore, an error type that is likely to become an error soon can be made to look like an error has occurred, as a trigger for the store clerk to speak to the customer. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of the error and to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0148] In the first modification, the clerk device can accept a press of the call notification button 710a from the clerk depending on whether the customer device is in an error state or a non-error state. This makes it possible to not accept a press of the call notification button 710a when an error state occurs, because it is necessary to resolve the error state and because this is an opportunity for the clerk to talk to the customer.

[0149] (Variation 2) Next, we will explain Variation 2. In the above Variation 1, we have explained a configuration in which a call-out notification screen is displayed at the self-checkout when the call-out notification button 710a is pressed. In Variation 2, we will explain a configuration in which a call-out notification screen is displayed depending on the state of the self-checkout when the call-out notification button 710a is pressed.

[0150] In the second modification, when the self-checkout register is in a standby state and the user presses the call notification button 710a on the clerk device, the self-checkout register transitions to a paused state, i.e., a state in which it cannot be used by customers. This allows the clerk to perform maintenance, for example. On the other hand, when the self-checkout register is in a registration or settlement state and the user presses the call notification button 710a on the clerk device, the self-checkout register is made to issue a call notification.

[0151] The display mode of the voice notification button 710a on the store clerk device when the self-checkout is in a standby state may be different from the display mode of the voice notification button 710a on the store clerk device when the self-checkout is in a registration or settlement state. For example, the display mode of the voice notification button 710a on the store clerk device when the self-checkout is in a standby state may be an "emergency lock button."

[0152] In this way, in the second modification, when the call notification button 710a is pressed, a call notification is made at the self-checkout depending on the state of the self-checkout. This allows a call notification to be made while a customer is performing a registration operation or a checkout operation at the self-checkout. Also, when the self-checkout is on standby, a store clerk can press the call notification button 710a to put the self-checkout into a paused state and perform maintenance on the POS terminal device 20.

[0153] (Variation 3) Next, a description will be given of Modification 3. In the above embodiment, a description has been given of a shopping system in which a customer operates the POS terminal device 20 to register products or to settle a payment. In Modification 3, a description will be given of a shopping system in which a customer operates a customer terminal to register products, and a customer operates the POS terminal device 20 to settle a payment.

[0154] In the third modification, the shopping system includes a customer terminal, a cloud server, a settlement device, and a monitoring device 11. The customer terminal is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The customer terminal may be a terminal device owned by the customer, or may be a terminal device rented by the store. The customer terminal may be installed in a shopping cart, or may be held by the customer.

[0155] The cloud server registers the products read by the customer terminal. The settlement device then performs settlement by receiving registration information used for settlement from the cloud server. The settlement device is realized by a POS terminal device 20 in a checkout-only mode or a full self-service mode. However, the settlement device may also be realized by a device dedicated to settlement. In addition, the monitoring device 11 is a device that allows a store clerk to monitor the customer's registration operation and settlement operation.

[0156] Below is a brief explanation of the process from registering a product to paying for it in the shopping system. (1) A customer uses the camera function of the customer terminal to read a product code (e.g., a barcode) attached to a product. When the customer terminal reads the product code, it transmits product code information indicated by the read product code to the cloud server. The customer terminal may transmit the product code information to the cloud server each time it reads a product code, or it may store the read product code information one by one and transmit the product code information to the cloud server all at once when it accepts the start of settlement. (2) The cloud server stores cart information including cart identification information for identifying a customer (customer terminal). When the cloud server receives product code information from the customer terminal, it stores product information corresponding to the product code information in the cart information. (3) When the customer has completed registering the products they wish to purchase, they press the checkout start button displayed on the customer terminal. When the customer terminal accepts the pressing of the checkout start button, it displays a checkout code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) that encodes the cart identification information on the display unit (touch panel) of the customer terminal. (4) Then, the customer causes the reader of the POS terminal device 20 (payment device) to read the payment code. When the POS terminal device 20 reads the payment code, it requests the cloud server to send registration information required for payment. The request includes cart identification information indicated by the read payment code. (5) When the cloud server receives a request to transmit registration information from the POS terminal 20, the cloud server identifies the cart information using the cart identification information included in the request to generate registration information. Then, the cloud server transmits the generated registration information to the POS terminal 20. (6) Upon receiving the registration information from the cloud server, the POS terminal 20 starts settlement using the received registration information.

[0157] Next, a description will be given of how to issue a voice-call notification in Variation 3. In Variation 3, the clerk device is realized by the monitoring device 11. However, the clerk device may also be realized by a mobile terminal carried by the clerk. In Variation 3, the reception unit is realized by the CPU 301 of the monitoring device 11. That is, the CPU 301 of the monitoring device 11 executes a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program) to realize the function of the reception unit.

[0158] In the third modification, the customer device is realized by the customer terminal when the product is registered. The notification unit is realized by the CPU of the customer terminal. That is, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 of the customer terminal executes a predetermined program (product sales data processing program) to realize the function of the notification unit.

[0159] The customer device is realized by the POS terminal device 20 at the time of settlement. The mode control unit and the notification unit are realized by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 in the accounting-only mode or the full self-service mode. That is, the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 in the accounting-only mode or the full self-service mode executes a predetermined program (product sales data processing program) to realize the functions of the mode control unit and the notification unit.

[0160] The reception unit (clerk device) receives a press of the call notification button 2111 (see FIG. 21) from a clerk. For example, when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device, the clerk presses the call notification button 2111. When the call notification button 2111 is pressed, if it is time to register a product, the monitoring device 11 transmits a notification instruction to the customer terminal to make a call notification. When the call notification button 2111 is pressed, if it is time to settle the account, the monitoring device 11 transmits a notification instruction to the POS terminal device 20 to make a call notification.

[0161] (Screen example in Modification 3) Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen in Modification 3. Fig. 21(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen 2100 displayed on the display unit 305 of the monitoring device 11. The monitoring screen 2100 includes a transaction number area AR30 (AR30-1, AR30-2, AR30-3), a display command button BT30 (BT30-1, BT30-2, BT30-3), and a transaction list area AR40.

[0162] The first transaction number area AR30-1 indicates the total number of customer terminals currently running a shopping app (a specific application program) and shopping. Specifically, the first transaction number area AR30-1 indicates the total number of customer terminals in a transaction (total number of transactions) from the start to the end of a transaction (e.g., when payment is completed).

[0163] The second transaction number area AR30-2 indicates the number of customer terminals that are performing transactions in which reserved items are registered (hereinafter referred to as "abnormal transactions") out of the total number of transactions. Reserved items are items that require confirmation by a store clerk. For example, reserved items are NO-FILE items, unscanned items, items that require age verification, items that require the removal of security tags, medicines, etc.

[0164] A NO file product is, for example, a product that is not registered in the product master. Unscanned products include products that could not be read due to wrinkles on the product package, pseudo-scanned products that were added to the cart by scanning a part that does not have a code, and non-scanned products that were added to the shopping cart without performing an operation to position the product within the camera's imaging range.

[0165] Age verification products are products that require a salesperson to verify the age of the customer before selling them, such as alcohol and tobacco. Anti-theft tag products are products that have an anti-theft tag attached, such as products over a certain amount of money. Pharmaceutical products are products that require a licensed person, such as a pharmacist, to explain the product to the purchaser.

[0166] The third transaction number area AR30-3 indicates the number of customer terminals that are conducting transactions in which no reserved products are registered (hereinafter referred to as "normal transactions") out of the total number of transactions.

[0167] The transaction list area AR40 shows a list screen of customer terminals that are conducting any of abnormal transactions, normal transactions, and total transactions. In Fig. 21, the transaction list area AR40 shows a list screen of abnormal transactions. Note that the second transaction number area AR30-2 is highlighted in a predetermined manner (e.g., a bold frame) to make it easy to recognize that the list screen of abnormal transactions is being displayed.

[0168] The display instruction buttons BT30 (BT30-1, BT30-2, BT30-3) are buttons that accept an operation to switch to a list screen of any one of abnormal transactions, normal transactions, and total transactions. The first display instruction button BT30-1 is a button that accepts switching to a list screen of total transactions (all customer terminals). The second display instruction button BT30-2 is a button that accepts switching to a list screen of a customer terminal that is performing an abnormal transaction. In the figure, since the list screen of abnormal transactions is displayed, the second display instruction button BT30-2 is displayed as being inoperable, for example, by being grayed out. The third display instruction button BT30-3 is a button that accepts switching to a list screen of customer terminals performing normal transactions.

[0169] The transaction list area AR40 displays transaction details 2110 for each customer terminal. The transaction details 2110 include "transaction start time," "membership number," "type of abnormal transaction," "number of items purchased," "total amount," "elapsed time," "terminal type," and a notification button 2111 for calling out to the customer. "Transaction start time" indicates the time when a transaction using the shopping ring was started (for example, the time when the first item was registered). The "member number" is, for example, customer identification information.

[0170] The "type of abnormal transaction" is represented by an icon, such as "warranty", "year", "cart missing", and "caution". The "Keep" icon indicates that, for example, either a NO file product or a read-NG product is registered as a reserved product. Different icons may be displayed for NO file products and read-NG products. Specifically, for example, an "n" icon may be displayed for NO file products, and a "Read" icon may be displayed for read-NG products. The "year" icon indicates, for example, that a product that requires age verification is registered as a pending product.

[0171] The "basket missing" icon indicates that a fraudulent act known as "basket missing" may have occurred. Specifically, the "basket missing" icon is registered as a pending product, either a pseudo-scanned input product or a non-scanned input product. Different icons may be displayed for pseudo-scanned input products and non-scanned input products. Specifically, for example, a "suspect" icon may be displayed for pseudo-scanned input products, and a "not" icon may be displayed for non-scanned input products.

[0172] The "Caution" icon indicates, for example, a transaction being carried out by a member who is registered as a suspicious person in the customer information stored by the transaction management server (specifically, a member with a low customer rank). A suspicious person is, for example, a person who has previously committed fraudulent acts, a person who may have committed fraud, or a person who takes time to complete the settlement operation on the POS terminal device 20 or the registration operation on the customer terminal every time they shop. It is desirable for store staff to monitor such suspicious people. Therefore, transactions by suspicious people are included in abnormal transactions.

[0173] "Number of items purchased" indicates the number of registered items at the current time. "Total amount" indicates the total amount at the current time. "Elapsed time" indicates the time elapsed since the start of the transaction.

[0174] "Terminal type" indicates either a "customer-owned terminal" or a "store terminal." "Customer-owned terminal" indicates that the customer terminal used by the customer is owned by the customer. "Store terminal" indicates that the customer terminal used by the customer is loaned to the store.

[0175] Each transaction detail 2110 is displayed, for example, in order (from newest to oldest) according to the transaction start time (registration start time). In the figure, the transaction details 2110 of the most recent abnormal transactions from the first to the tenth are displayed. Since there are 11 or more abnormal transactions, the transaction list area AR40 is displayed across multiple pages. For this reason, it is possible to accept operations such as scrolling and page forwarding to display pages (transaction list area AR40) that are not displayed on the screen.

[0176] The order of arrangement of each transaction content 2110 is not limited to the order according to the transaction start time. For example, the order may be the order according to the number of reserved items, the order according to the number of purchases, the order according to the type of reserved items, the order according to the positional relationship between the customer terminal and the POS terminal device 20 (closest order), etc. The positional relationship can be obtained using location information obtained by a GPS unit of the customer terminal, the communication result between the customer terminal and a beacon installed at a predetermined position in the store, etc.

[0177] Each transaction content 2110 can accept an operation (press). When a transaction content 2110 is pressed, a detailed screen of the transaction content (registered product name, product unit price, etc.) is displayed. Although not explained here, a list screen similar to the list screen of abnormal transactions can be displayed for normal transactions and total transactions.

[0178] The call-out notification button 2111 is a button for accepting a call-out notification. For example, when a customer holding a customer terminal indicated by transaction content 2110 number 10 on the monitoring screen 2100 is deemed suspicious, the store clerk presses the call-out notification button 2111. When the call-out notification button 2111 is pressed, a confirmation display 2120 is displayed. The confirmation display 2120 includes a "Yes" button and a "No" button. When the store clerk presses the "Yes" button, if the product is being registered, the store clerk causes the customer terminal to issue a call-out notification, and if payment is being made, the store clerk causes the POS terminal device 20 to issue a call-out notification.

[0179] FIG. 21(B) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a call notification screen 2130 displayed on the customer terminal Ct. The call notification screen 2130 shows a communication error. The call notification screen 2130 also shows that a store clerk is being called, or that the customer should wait until the store clerk arrives. When the store clerk comes to the customer, he or she can talk to the customer or visually check for any fraudulent activity, under the pretext of a communication error. When the store clerk performs a predetermined operation on the call notification screen 2130 to input a store clerk code, login information, password, etc., the display of the call notification screen 2130 is canceled and the screen returns to the original screen (product registration screen).

[0180] 21C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a call notification screen 2140 displayed on the POS terminal device 20. The call notification screen 2140 indicates a communication error. The call notification screen 2140 also indicates that a store clerk is being called, or that the customer should wait until the store clerk arrives. When the store clerk comes to the customer, he or she can talk to the customer or visually check for any fraudulent activity, under the pretext of a communication error. Furthermore, when a store clerk code, login information, password, etc. are entered on the call notification screen 2140, the display of the call notification screen 2140 is cancelled, and the display returns to the original screen (payment screen).

[0181] According to the third modification, in the shopping system, the monitoring device 11 receives an input for making a call alert (pressing the call alert button 2111) from the monitoring store clerk, and the customer terminal makes the call alert. This creates an opportunity for the store clerk being monitored by the monitoring device 11 to talk to the customer when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the product during product registration. Therefore, even a new or shy store clerk can be assisted in providing appropriate support to the customer during product registration in the shopping system.

[0182] Also, in the shopping system, the monitoring device 11 accepts an input for making a call alert (pressing the call alert button 2111) from the monitoring store clerk, and the customer terminal Ct makes the call alert. This creates an opportunity for the store clerk monitoring with the monitoring device 11 to talk to the customer when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the product during product registration. Therefore, even a new or shy store clerk can be assisted in providing appropriate support to the customer during product registration in the shopping system.

[0183] Also, in the shopping system, the monitoring device 11 accepts an input for making a call alert (pressing the call alert button 2111) from the monitoring store clerk, and the POS terminal device 20 makes the call alert. This creates an opportunity for the store clerk being monitored by the monitoring device 11 to talk to the suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the system during checkout. Therefore, even a new or shy store clerk can be assisted in providing appropriate support to customers during checkout in the shopping system.

[0184] (Variation 4) Next, a fourth modified example will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the products registered by the customer are mainly normal products with barcodes. In the fourth modified example, in addition to or instead of the above configuration, a case will be described in which the products registered by the customer are weighed products that are weighed using a scale (self-weighing).

[0185] In the fourth modification, for example, the shopping system shown in the third modification further includes a weighing device and a store clerk terminal. The weighing device is a computer device that weighs the items to be weighed. The weighing device calculates the price of the items to be weighed using the weighed weight (or number) and the unit price of the items to be weighed. The items to be weighed are items that are different from regular items. Here, regular items are, for example, items that have a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code attached. When the customer terminal reads the JAN code, it queries the cloud server for the read JAN code and obtains the price data associated with the JAN code.

[0186] On the other hand, the product to be weighed is a product whose price varies depending on the weight or quantity of the item. Specifically, the product to be weighed is, for example, fresh food such as vegetables, fruits, fresh fish, and meat, as well as prepared foods. The weighing device prints and outputs a label that codes the amount, weight, etc. of the product to be weighed. The label contains the price. In other words, the label (barcode) attached to the product to be weighed uses the NON-PLU (Price Look Up) method.

[0187] The store clerk terminal is a portable computer device carried by the store clerk, such as a smartphone.

[0188] Next, a description will be given of how to make a call-out notification in the fourth modification. The store clerk terminal is an example of a store clerk device. The store clerk terminal is capable of displaying, for example, a monitoring screen 2100 (see FIG. 21) including a call-out notification button 2111. In the fourth modification, the reception unit is realized by the CPU of the store clerk terminal. That is, the function of the reception unit is realized by the CPU of the store clerk terminal executing a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program).

[0189] In addition, in the fourth modification, the customer device is realized by the weighing device at the time of weighing. That is, the notification unit is realized by the CPU of the weighing device. That is, the CPU of the weighing device executes a predetermined program (a product sales data processing program) to realize the function of the notification unit.

[0190] When a customer commits fraudulent acts such as stuffing more products into a bag after weighing is completed, or when a customer is confused about how to operate the weighing device, the store clerk presses the voice notification button 2111 on the store clerk terminal. When the voice notification button 2111 is pressed, if a product is registered by self-weighing, the store clerk terminal transmits a notification instruction to the weighing device to make a voice notification. The weighing device then makes a voice notification. A voice notification made by the weighing device is an error related to the weighing function, such as an error in correcting the tare value (value of the container). The store clerk may also be able to select the voice notification made by the weighing device.

[0191] In addition, in the fourth modification, the clerk device is not limited to being realized by a clerk terminal, but may be realized by a monitoring device. Specifically, the monitoring device in the fourth modification monitors the self-weighing by a customer. The monitoring device also displays a monitoring screen 2100 (see FIG. 21) including a voice notification button 2111. A clerk is also stationed in the monitoring device. When the clerk presses the voice notification button 2111 on the monitoring device, if a product is registered by self-weighing, the monitoring device can transmit a notification instruction to the weighing device to make a voice notification. In this manner, the weighing device can also make a voice notification.

[0192] Furthermore, although the fourth modification is based on the shopping system shown in the third modification, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fourth modification can be applied to a POS system in which a customer performs self-weighing and checks out at a POS terminal device 20 where a store clerk is present or at a self-checkout register. In this case, however, the store clerk device is realized by the monitoring device described above. That is, the store clerk at the monitoring device can cause the weighing device to issue a voice call alert by pressing the voice call alert button 2111 displayed on the monitoring device.

[0193] In addition, in the fourth modification, the customer device is not limited to being realized by a weighing device, and may be realized by the customer terminal Ct. For example, when the voice notification button 2111 is pressed on the store clerk terminal, if a product is registered by self-weighing, the store clerk terminal may send a notification instruction to the customer terminal Ct to make a voice notification. Then, the customer terminal Ct may make a voice notification. The voice notification made by the customer terminal Ct is, for example, an error related to the weighing function.

[0194] According to the fourth modification, in self-weighing using a weighing device, a clerk device (e.g., clerk terminal) receives an input from a clerk for making a voice-calling alert (pressing the voice-calling alert button 2111), and a customer terminal (e.g., a weighing device) makes the voice-calling alert. This provides an opportunity for the clerk to talk to a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation when registering products using self-weighing. Therefore, even a new or shy clerk can provide appropriate support to customers when registering products using self-weighing.

[0195] (Variation 5) Next, a description will be given of Modification 5. In the above-described embodiment, in the case of the full self-service specification, the customer is monitored by the monitoring device 11. In Modification 5, in addition to or instead of such a configuration, in the case of the semi-self-service specification, the customer may be monitored by the monitoring device 11.

[0196] In the fifth modification, a store clerk is stationed at the monitoring device 11. The monitoring device 11 monitors the settlement operation of the customer at the POS terminal device 20 (settlement POS terminal devices 20b, 20c) in the settlement-only mode. The monitoring device 11 then receives a press of the notification button 710a (see FIG. 7) from the store clerk it is monitoring. Upon receiving the press, the settlement POS terminal devices 20b, 20c issue a notification based on instructions from the monitoring device 11.

[0197] Even in this way, if there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation during a semi-self-service checkout, the store clerk monitored by the monitoring device 11 can create an opportunity to talk to the customer. Therefore, even a new or shy store clerk can be assisted in providing appropriate support to customers during a checkout using the semi-self-service POS system 1.

[0198] In the semi-self-service model, the monitoring device 11 can monitor the settlement (face-to-face settlement) of a customer at the registered POS terminal device 20a. However, when face-to-face settlement is performed, since a store clerk is stationed at the registered POS terminal device 20a, the store clerk at the monitoring device 11 does not need to take the trouble to call out to the customer who is making the face-to-face settlement. For this reason, the monitoring device 11 may not display the call-out notification button 710a (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the registered POS terminal device 20a. Specifically, the monitoring device 11 may darken the call-out notification button 710a corresponding to the registered POS terminal device 20a so that it cannot be pressed, or may display an error when it is pressed.

[0199] Also, the monitoring device 11 may be configured to make the notification button 710a for speaking to the customer corresponding to the registered POS terminal device 20a pressable. For example, even if the customer performing the face-to-face settlement is not found to be engaging in fraudulent activity by the store clerk at the registered POS terminal device 20a, it is assumed that the customer performing the face-to-face settlement is found to be engaging in fraudulent activity by the store clerk at the monitoring device 11. In this case, in order to inform the store clerk at the registered POS terminal device 20a, the monitoring device 11 may be configured to notify the customer only on the store clerk-side display unit 210 of the registered POS terminal device 20a when the notification button 710a for speaking to the customer corresponding to the registered POS terminal device 20a is pressed. In other words, the customer-side display unit 205 may not be notified of the fact.

[0200] In addition, in the semi-self-service specification, the monitoring device 11 is not limited to not displaying the call-out notification button 710a on the monitoring screen 700 (see FIG. 7), etc., but may also not display the registered POS terminal device 20a or may display it in a darkened state.

[0201] Also, while the registered POS terminal device 20a (the POS terminal device 20 in normal mode) is not displayed or is displayed in a darkened state, the POS terminal device 20 in full self mode, the settlement POS terminal device 20b, and the POS terminal device 20 dedicated to settlement in the shopping system of the third modification may be displayed on one screen as monitoring targets. Also, the monitoring device 11 may use buttons, tabs, etc. to display the POS terminal device 20 for each controlled mode.

[0202] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Technical field] Product sales data processing system, device for store clerks, device for customers, notification method, and program The present invention relates to a product sales data processing system, a store clerk device, a customer device, a notification method, and a program. [Background technology] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets, POS (Point Of Sales) registers have become widespread, allowing customers to check out themselves without the assistance of a store clerk. In such POS registers, because the customer operates the POS register, there is a risk of fraud or the customer being unable to operate it efficiently. To address this issue, a self-checkout system is known in which an attendant terminal displays the operating status and error occurrence status of the self-checkout terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-95026 A [Summary of the invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, even if there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate a self-checkout, if there is no error in the self-checkout, the store clerk has no opportunity to talk to the customer and may hesitate to speak to the customer. This causes a problem that new or shy store clerks may not be able to provide appropriate support to the customer. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique that can assist store clerks in providing appropriate support to customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0203] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system including a customer device where at least one of product registration and product settlement is performed by a customer, and a clerk device operated by a clerk, wherein the clerk device is capable of receiving input from the clerk for issuing an error notification on the customer device, and the customer device issues the notification when the clerk device receives the input. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the customer device appear to be in an error state even when it is not. This allows the customer to call a store clerk, or the store clerk to visit a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device, creating an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer. Therefore, it is possible to support even a new or shy store clerk to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0204] (2) In the above configuration (1), the store clerk device may be a monitoring device that monitors the customer device. According to the above configuration, when a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the machine is found, the store clerk monitored by the monitoring device 11 can create an opportunity to talk to the customer. Therefore, even a new or shy store clerk can be assisted in providing appropriate support to customers in a fully self-service environment.

[0205] (3) In the above configuration (1) or (2), the store clerk device may be a device by which a store clerk registers products. According to the above configuration, when a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation is encountered, the salesperson who registers the product can create an opportunity to talk to the customer. Therefore, even a new or shy salesperson can provide appropriate support to the customer in the semi-self-service mode.

[0206] (4) In the configuration of (3) above, the store clerk device may operate in any one of a plurality of operation modes including at least an operation mode in which product registration is performed by a store clerk, and may be capable of accepting the input according to the operation mode in which it is operating. According to the above configuration, the POS terminal device 20 can accept notification input (call notification button) when in normal mode, and can not accept notification input when in the checkout-only mode or full self-service mode. Therefore, since notification input can be accepted according to the operation mode of the POS terminal device 20 when a store clerk is present, it is possible to support the store clerk in providing appropriate support to customers in the semi-self-service mode.

[0207] (5) In any of the configurations (1) to (4) above, the customer device may be configured to operate in any of a plurality of operating modes, including an operating mode in which payment for products is made by the customer. According to the above configuration, a notification for speaking to the customer can be made at the self-checkout. This can create an opportunity for the store clerk to speak to the customer who is performing the checkout operation when there is a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about the operation. Therefore, even a new or shy store clerk can be supported to provide appropriate support to the customer at the self-checkout.

[0208] (6) In any of the configurations (1) to (5) above, a storage means may be provided for storing, for each type of error, a level of urgency indicating whether or not an error notification threshold is being approached, and the customer device may be configured to issue the notification for the type selected based on the level of urgency stored in the storage means. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make an error type that is likely to become an error appear as if it has occurred, as a trigger for the store clerk to talk to the customer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the error and to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0209] (7) In any of the configurations (1) to (6) above, the store clerk device may be capable of accepting the input from the store clerk depending on whether the customer device is in an error state or a non-error state. According to the above configuration, when an error occurs, pressing of the voice notification button 710a can be prevented, and therefore the store clerk can be prevented from performing unnecessary operations.

[0210] (8) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a clerk device, which is a product sales data processing system including a customer device in which at least one of product registration and product settlement is performed by a customer, and a clerk device operated by a clerk, characterized in that the clerk device is capable of receiving input from the clerk for notifying the customer device of an error, and when the clerk receives the input from the clerk, transmits an instruction to make the notification to the customer device. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the customer device appear to be in an error state even when it is not. This allows the customer to call a store clerk, or the store clerk to visit a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device, creating an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer. Therefore, it is possible to support even a new or shy store clerk to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0211] (9) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a customer device of a product sales data processing system including a customer device in which at least one of product registration and product settlement is performed by a customer, and a clerk device operated by a clerk, wherein the customer device issues an alert when the clerk receives input from the clerk for issuing an alert regarding an error in the customer device. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the customer device appear to be in an error state even when it is not. This allows the customer to call a store clerk, or the store clerk to visit a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device, creating an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer. Therefore, it is possible to support even a new or shy store clerk to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0212] (10) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is an alert method, characterized in that a product sales data processing system includes a customer device on which at least one of product registration and product settlement is performed by a customer, and a clerk device operated by a clerk, the computer used in the customer device executes a process to enable the customer device to receive input from a clerk for issuing an alert regarding an error, and the computer used in the customer device executes a process to issue the alert when the clerk device accepts the input. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the customer device appear to be in an error state even when it is not. This allows the customer to call a store clerk, or the store clerk to visit a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device, creating an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer. Therefore, it is possible to support even a new or shy store clerk to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0213] (11) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in a customer device of a product sales data processing system, the customer device including at least one of product registration and product settlement performed by a customer, and a clerk device operated by a clerk, to execute a process that enables the customer device to receive input from a clerk for notifying the customer of an error, and causes the computer used in the customer device to execute a process that makes the notification when the clerk device receives the input. According to the above configuration, it is possible to make the customer device appear to be in an error state even when it is not. This allows the customer to call a store clerk, or the store clerk to visit a suspicious customer or a customer who is confused about how to operate the device, creating an opportunity for the store clerk to talk to the customer. Therefore, it is possible to support even a new or shy store clerk to provide appropriate support to the customer.

[0214] In addition, all or part of each function (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of each device described above (monitoring device 11, POS terminal device 20, etc.) may be realized in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function.

[0215] For example, instead of the POS terminal device 20, the store controller 10 or a cloud server (not shown) may store the urgency table 1500. Also, instead of the monitoring device 11 or the POS terminal device 20, the process executed by these devices (for example, see FIG. 6) may be executed.

[0216] In the above description, the clerk device includes a reception unit, and the customer device includes a mode control unit and a notification unit. However, all or part of these functional units may be provided in another computer device. For example, all or part of these functional units may be provided in the store controller 10, the cloud server, or other computer devices. The number of computer devices provided with these functional units is not limited to a plurality of computer devices, and may be one. For example, one computer device may include all of these functional units.

[0217] In relation to the above, the monitoring device 11 and the POS terminal device 20 may function as a so-called thin client specialized in an input / output interface for reporting errors. In other words, the monitoring device 11 and the POS terminal device 20 may receive various inputs (operation by an operator, detection by a device such as a scanner), transmit input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to a cloud server, receive the processing results of the cloud server based on the input information (update screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on a display unit, control of a device).

[0218] In addition, the programs for implementing the POS system 1, the monitoring device 11, the POS terminal device 20, the cloud server, the shopping system, etc. described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs may be read into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to storage devices that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may be for implementing 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]

[0219] 1. POS system 10…Store Controller 11...Monitoring device 20... POS terminal equipment 201, 301...CPU 202, 302…ROM 203, 303…RAM 204, 304...Hard disk 205…Customer side display section 206…Customer side scanner section 208…Card payment department 209…Change machine 210...Staff side display section 211...Key operation section 212…Clerk side scanner 213…Printing Department 214...Audio output unit 215…Communications Department 216…Camera 305...Display section 306…Audio output section 307…Communications Department

Claims

1. In a merchandise sales data processing system including a customer device at least one of merchandise registration and settlement of accounts of which is performed by a customer, and a store employee device operated by a store employee, the store employee device displays, on a single screen, identification information for identifying the customer device, information indicating the state of the customer device, history information indicating a history of a series of operations in the customer device, and an operator for accepting to temporarily stop the customer device; when the store employee device accepts an operation of the operator, the customer device performs the temporary stop; A merchandise sales data processing system characterized by the above.

2. In a merchandise sales data processing system including a customer device at least one of merchandise registration and settlement of accounts of which is performed by a customer, and a store employee device operated by a store employee, the store employee device displays, on a single screen, identification information for identifying the customer device, information indicating the state of the customer device, history information indicating a history of a series of operations in the customer device, and an operator for accepting to temporarily stop the customer device; when accepting an operation of the operator from a store employee, transmits an instruction for the temporary stop to the customer device; A store employee device characterized by the above.

3. A program for causing a first computer to function as a customer device at least one of merchandise registration and settlement of accounts of which is performed by a customer, and a second computer to function as a store employee device operated by a store employee, the program causing the second computer to execute a process of displaying, on a single screen, identification information for identifying the customer device, information indicating the state of the customer device, history information indicating a history of a series of operations in the customer device, and an operator for accepting to temporarily stop the customer device; and causing the first computer to execute a process of performing the temporary stop when the store employee device accepts an operation of the operator. A program characterized by the above. ​

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