Commodity sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To improve efficiency of accounting when a customer purchases a purchase limited commodity.SOLUTION: The commodity sales data processing device includes first information input means for inputting information corresponding to a clerk, second information input means for inputting information corresponding to a customer, and processing means for executing different processing depending on a case where specific information is input by the first information input means and a case where the specific information is input by the second information input means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] The following POS system is known. That is, for products with age restrictions such as tobacco, when a customer performs an operation of selecting a product to be purchased at an issuing terminal, an information medium is issued from the issuing terminal. The customer moves to the POS terminal with the information medium and hands it to the store clerk. When store clerk A takes out the product described on the information medium from the product shelf, age confirmation is performed by reading the product code of the product and the age-confirmed code attached to the information medium with a barcode scanner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above-mentioned tobacco is not displayed on the product shelf installed for customers, but is displayed, for example, on the product shelf installed on the store clerk side of the cash register. Therefore, before the customer purchases, only the store clerk can handle it, and the customer is not allowed to handle it (purchase-restricted product). Regarding such purchase-restricted products, it is necessary for the customer to tell the store clerk the name of the product they want to purchase, the number assigned to the product, etc. At this time, for example, if the customer cannot immediately grasp the product name or number, etc., it will take time to register the product and the accounting will take time.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to achieve the efficiency of accounting when a customer purchases a restricted item.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a merchandise sales data processing apparatus including: a first information input means for inputting information corresponding to a store clerk; a second information input means for inputting information corresponding to a customer; and a processing means for executing different processes depending on whether specific information is input by the first information input means or the second information input means.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: a first information input means for inputting information corresponding to a store clerk; a second information input means for inputting information corresponding to a customer; and a processing means for executing different processes depending on whether specific information is input by the first information input means or the second information input means.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, an effect of achieving the efficiency of accounting when a customer purchases a restricted item can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] <Embodiment> [Configuration Example of POS System] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, and each is communicably connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they are collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0011] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores. In the following description, the case where the POS system 1 is introduced into a convenience store will be described as an example.

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

[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance example of the POS terminal. FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side. FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the store clerk side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 20. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

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

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

[0016] The RAM 203 is a read-write memory that stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (such as product masters acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (such as registration information generated during registration processing, settlement information generated during settlement processing, etc.). In the following description, either one or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0017] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, instead of the ROM 202, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201. Also, instead of the RAM 203, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing.

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

[0019] Note that the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, but the customer may register a product by other methods. For example, when order buttons for products are displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can register a product by operating (pressing) the order button.

[0020] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism using various cards (such as credit cards and transportation cards). The card payment unit 208 of the present embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it suffices if it includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0021] The change machine 209 (cash payment unit) is a payment mechanism using cash, has an inlet for banknotes and coins, an outlet for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the inlet, calculates the change amount which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, and discharges the change from the outlet.

[0022] The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for clerks, displays various information to the clerks, and accepts various inputs from the clerks. The key operation unit 211 is composed of various keys (buttons) and accepts various inputs from the clerks. The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for clerks, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (such as product codes) attached to products and clerk codes attached to clerks' name tags.

[0023] Note that the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers products, but the clerk may register products by other methods. For example, if keys corresponding to products (for example, keys corresponding to sports newspapers, etc.) are arranged on the key operation unit 211, the clerk can operate (press) the key to register the product. Also, if preset keys corresponding to products are displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate the preset key to register the product.

[0024] The printing unit 213 is a printing unit that discharges media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be rotatably changed in the direction (the direction of the media issuing port) from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side. The direction of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be automatically changed (mechanically controlled, etc.) according to, for example, the transition of the operation mode. Note that the correctness of the direction of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

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

[0026] [Overview of Each Operation Mode] Subsequently, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four types of operation modes (normal mode, full self mode, double scan mode, semi-self mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include the aggregation mode for aggregating and inquiring sales and inventory, the maintenance mode when store employees and maintenance personnel perform setting work and maintenance work, the training mode when a newcomer conducts training, etc. In this embodiment, "accounting" is a concept that includes, for example, from product registration in a single transaction to settlement (payment) for the registered products.

[0027] Figs. 5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the outlines of the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the normal mode. Fig. 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (store clerk, customer) in the normal mode, and Fig. 5(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the full self-service mode. Fig. 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (customer) in the full self-service mode, and Fig. 6(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the double scan mode. Fig. 7(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (customer) in the double scan mode, and Fig. 7(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the double scan mode. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the semi-self-service mode. Fig. 8(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (customer) in the semi-self-service mode, and Figs. 8(B) and 8(C) are flowcharts showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode.

[0028] In the following description, as a different perspective from the above classification of the four operation modes, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process may be referred to as the settlement mode.

[0029] 〔Normal Mode〕 As shown in Fig. 5(A), the normal mode is an operation mode in which the store clerk side executes the registration process and the customer side executes the settlement process. That is, as shown in Fig. 5(B), in the case of the normal mode, the store clerk side is in the registration mode and the customer side is in the settlement mode. That is, when looking at the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process, the POS terminal 20 operates as a registration and settlement mode.

[0030] In the normal mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the clerk's side (clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operations of the clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of Fig. 5(A)).

[0031] When the registration process by the store clerk is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, inserts currency into the change machine 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to complete the settlement (lower part of Fig. 5(A)). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process by the operation of the customer (insertion of currency into the change machine 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of Fig. 5(A)).

[0032] That is, in the normal mode, as shown in Fig. 5(B), at first, on the clerk's side, for example, the items are scanned by the clerk-side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), and the items are registered (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211, etc.) (step S30: YES), on the customer's side, for example, the settlement is performed by the change machine 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0033] Note that the customer may wait until the registration process by the store clerk is completed (until the total amount is determined), but may also insert currency into the change machine 209 before the registration process is completed. That is, the POS terminal 20 can accept the deposit during the registration process (upper part of Fig. 5(A)).

[0034] Also, the store clerk may wait until the settlement by the customer is completed (until the customer takes the change and the receipt), but may also register the purchased items of the next customer. That is, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer during the settlement process (lower part of Fig. 5(A)). Also, the store clerk may be absent during the settlement by the customer (lower part of Fig. 5(A)). That is, during the settlement of the said customer, the handling of the said customer may be completed.

[0035] Also, when there is change, in order to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispensing of change and change tickets by the change dispenser 209, and after recognizing with a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and change tickets, controls the issuance of the receipt by the printing unit 213. The same applies to other operation modes. As described above, in the normal mode (the same applies to the double scan mode), there are cases where there is a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change and cases where there is no store clerk. When there is a store clerk, it is not always necessary to perform the above-described control (that is, the dispensing of change and change tickets and the issuance of the receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Also, depending on the current operation mode and the presence / absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of a store clerk is recognized by a sensor), the timing of the dispensing of change and change tickets and the issuance of the receipt may be controlled.

[0036] 〔Full Self-Service Mode〕 As shown in FIG. 6(A), the full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is executed on the customer side and the settlement process is executed on the customer side. That is, as shown in FIG. 6(B), in the case of the full self-service mode, the customer side becomes both the registration mode and the settlement mode. That is, the POS terminal 20 operates as a registration and settlement mode when viewed as a whole from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0037] In the case of the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation or the like (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touch on the customer side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 6(A)).

[0038] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to settle the bill (lower part of FIG. 6(A)). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process by the customer's operation or the like (insertion of money into the change dispenser 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6(A)).

[0039] That is, in the full self-service mode, as shown in FIG. 6(B), on the customer side, for example, a product is scanned (step S20: YES) by the customer-side scanner unit 206, and the product is registered (step S21). After pressing the registration completion key (for example, the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, etc.) (step S40: YES), on the customer side, for example, settlement is performed by the change machine 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0040] Note that in the full self-service mode, as described above, although the registration process and the settlement process are both executed on the customer side, it does not mean that the store staff can do nothing. That is, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, the store staff code can be scanned by the store staff-side scanner unit 212. Also, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, various information (for example, the list described in FIG. 15) can be displayed on the store staff-side display unit 210. For example, during the operation in the full self-service mode, the same screen as that displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 according to the registration process and the settlement process performed on the customer side may be displayed on the store staff-side display unit 210. That is, the content displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 may be displayed in a mirrored manner on the store staff-side display unit 210. Thereby, the store staff can grasp what operations the customer is performing and what the processing status of the POS terminal 20 is in the full self-service mode.

[0041] 〔Double Scan Mode〕 As shown in FIG. 7(A), the double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is executed on both the store staff side and the customer side, and the settlement process is executed on the customer side. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(B), in the case of the double scan mode, both the store staff side and the customer side are in the registration mode, and the customer side is in the settlement mode. That is, when looking at the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process, the POS terminal 20 operates as a registration and settlement mode.

[0042] In the double-scan mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk's side (clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer's side (customer-side scanner unit 206, customer-side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for the purchased items based on the operations of the clerk (such as scanning by the clerk-side scanner unit 212, touching the clerk-side display unit 210, pressing the key operation unit 211, etc.) and the operations of the customer (such as scanning by the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205) (upper part of Fig. 7(A)).

[0043] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts currency into the change machine 209, or operates the card payment unit 208 to settle the bill (lower part of Fig. 7(A)). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the operations of the customer (such as inserting currency into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of Fig. 7(A)).

[0044] That is, in the double-scan mode, first, the items are registered on the clerk's side and the customer's side. For example, as shown in Fig. 7(B), the items are registered (step S11) by scanning with the clerk-side scanner unit 212 or the like (step S10: YES), and the items are registered (step S21) by scanning with the customer-side scanner unit 206 or the like (step S20: YES). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211, etc.) or the registration completion key (for example, the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, etc.) (step S41: YES), on the customer's side, settlement is performed by, for example, the change machine 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0045] Note that the store clerk may wait until the customer completes the settlement (until the customer takes the change and the receipt), or may register the purchased items of the next customer. That is, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer during the settlement process (lower part of Fig. 7(A)). Also, the store clerk may be absent during the customer's settlement (lower part of Fig. 7(A)). That is, during the settlement of the said customer, the handling of the said customer may be completed.

[0046] 〔Semi-self mode〕 The semi-self mode is an operation mode by two or more POS terminals 20. As shown in Fig. 8(A), at least one POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 8) executes a registration process on the clerk side, and another one POS terminal 20 (one of POS terminal 20-2 and POS terminal 20-3 in the example of Fig. 8) executes a settlement process on the customer side. That is, in the case of the semi-self mode, one or more (one as shown in Fig. 8(B) for POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 8) become in the registration-only mode, and the other one or more (two as shown in Fig. 8(C) for POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 in the example of Fig. 8) become in the settlement-only mode.

[0047] In the case of the semi-self mode, the clerk registers the customer's purchased goods on the clerk side (clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211) at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased goods by the operation of the clerk (operations such as the clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, and key operation unit 211) (upper part of Fig. 8(A)).

[0048] When the registration process by the clerk is completed, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased goods on the clerk-side display unit 210, inserts currency into the change machine 209, or operates the card settlement unit 208 to perform settlement (lower part of Fig. 8(A)). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process by the operation of the customer etc. (insertion of currency into the change machine 209, operation of the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of Fig. 8(A)).

[0049] When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 8) in the registration-only mode, the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of Fig. 8), and the information necessary for the settlement process (registration information etc. generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) is supplied to the moved-to POS terminal 20.

[0050] Note that the destination POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20 that executes the settlement process among the POS terminals 20 dedicated to settlement) may be specified in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, a medium (a medium printed with a barcode or the like for acquiring information necessary for the settlement process) may be issued in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, and the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that reads the medium may be used as the destination POS terminal 20.

[0051] That is, in the semi-self mode, first, a clerk registers products on the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1) in the registration-only mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(B), products are registered (step S11) by scanning with the clerk-side scanner unit 212 or the like (step S10: YES). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, when a POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (either one of the POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3) is specified (step S31: YES), the registration information is transmitted to the specified POS terminal 20 (step S32), and the process in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode is completed.

[0052] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8(C), after receiving the registration information (step S49: YES), the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (that is, the POS terminal 20 specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) performs settlement on the customer side by, for example, a change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process in the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode is completed.

[0053] Note that after transmitting the registration information, the clerk can register the purchased products of the next customer (the lower part of FIG. 8(A)). Also, after transmitting the registration information, the clerk may be absent (the lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

[0054] 〔Notification of the operation mode〕 The POS terminal 20 notifies the current operation mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display column may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display column on the screen. Further, a screen on which images corresponding to each operation mode (for example, button-like images) are arranged may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and the image corresponding to the current operation mode may be displayed on the screen in a display mode different from that of the images not corresponding to the current operation mode (for example, a display mode more prominent than the display modes of other images). Note that the operation mode may be similarly displayed on the customer display unit 205.

[0055] Further, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, a message according to the current operation mode may be displayed on the customer display unit 205. Specifically, when the current operation mode is the full self-service mode, for example, when waiting, a message indicating that the customer himself / herself registers the merchandise (such as a message "Please scan by yourself, sir / madam") may be displayed on the customer display unit 205 (for example, displayed in large characters and scrolled).

[0056] 〔Transition of Operation Mode〕 Subsequently, the transition (switching) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 changes according to an explicit mode transition operation by the store clerk (such as input on the operation mode setting screen or operation of the operation mode setting button). Further, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 changes according to an operation other than the explicit mode transition operation by the store clerk (for example, reading of the store clerk code). Further, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 changes based on predetermined conditions not depending on the operation of the store clerk (conditions related to time such as elapsed time and predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to transmission and reception of information such as commands between the POS terminal 20 and other terminals, etc.).

[0057] Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example of the transition of operation modes. Figure 9(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from the normal mode to the full self-service mode. Figure 9(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode. Figure 10(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from the normal mode to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode). Figure 10(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from the normal mode to the semi-self-service mode (settlement-only mode).

[0058] 〔Transition from the normal mode to the full self-service mode〕 The flowchart in Figure 9(A) starts when the POS terminal 20 (in the normal mode) becomes unused (that is, when neither the store clerk nor the customer is using it).

[0059] Step S100: Start timing the unused time. Step S101: Determine whether use has been started by the store clerk or the customer. If use has not been started, proceed to step S102. If use has been started, proceed to step S104.

[0060] Step S102: Determine whether the unused time has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, a preset 10 minutes). If the predetermined time has elapsed, proceed to step S103. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, return to step S101. Step S103: Transition the operation mode from the normal mode to the full self-service mode. Step S104: End the timing of the unused time. Then the flowchart in Figure 9(A) ends.

[0061] Note that when transitioning to the full self-service mode, the store clerk may be notified of the transition to the full self-service mode (for example, by sending information about unhanded-over goods to the terminal carried by the store clerk). Also, when transitioning to the full self-service mode, a message instructing or requesting the customer to register by themselves may be displayed on the customer display unit 205.

[0062] Note that FIG. 9(A) shows the flow related to the transition from the normal mode to the full self-service mode. However, regarding the transition from the double scan mode to the full self-service mode, it may be the same as the flow in FIG. 9(A).

[0063] 〔Transition from full self-service mode to double scan mode〕 The flowchart in FIG. 9(B) starts constantly (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (full self-service mode).

[0064] Step S110: Determine whether the staff code has been read by the staff scanner unit 212. If the staff code has been read, proceed to step S111. If the staff code has not been read, the flowchart in FIG. 9(B) ends.

[0065] Step S111: Shift the operation mode from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode. Then the flowchart in FIG. 9(B) ends.

[0066] 〔Transition from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode)〕 The flowchart in FIG. 10(A) starts constantly (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

[0067] Step S120: Determine whether there is an operation to declare the transition to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode). For example, a button for declaring the transition to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) may be displayed on the staff display unit 210, and it may be determined whether the button has been pressed (touched). If there is an operation, proceed to step S121. If there is no operation, the flowchart in FIG. 10(A) ends.

[0068] Step S121: Determine whether there is another POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode in the POS system 1. As described above, in the case of the semi-self mode, at least one POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode and at least one POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode are required. For example, when the POS terminal 20 is the POS terminal 20-1, determine whether one of the POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 is operating in the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) and the other is operating in the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode). If there is no other POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode, proceed to step S122. If there is another POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self mode, proceed to step S124.

[0069] Step S122: Determine whether there is a designation to transfer another POS terminal 20 to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode). If there is a designation, proceed to step S123. If there is no designation, repeat the process of step S122. Step S123: Send a transfer instruction to the designated other POS terminal 20 to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode).

[0070] Step S124: Determine whether it is in the process of processing. If it is not in the process of processing, proceed to step S125. If it is in the process of processing, repeat the process of step S124. Step S125: Transfer the operation mode from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). Then the flowchart in Fig. 10(A) ends.

[0071] Note that the operation in step S120 may not be performed if there is no other POS terminal 20 already operating in the semi-self mode and there is no other POS terminal 20 that can be transferred to the semi-self mode.

[0072] 〔Transfer from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode)〕 The flowchart of FIG. 10(B) starts constantly (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

[0073] Step S130: Determine whether an instruction to shift to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode) has been received. If an instruction to shift has been received, proceed to step S131. If an instruction to shift has not been received, the flowchart of FIG. 10(B) ends.

[0074] Step S131: Determine whether processing is in progress. If it is not in progress, proceed to step S132. If it is in progress, repeat the process of step S131. Step S132: Shift the operation mode from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode). Then the flowchart of FIG. 10(B) ends.

[0075] Note that FIG. 10(B) shows the flow regarding the shift from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode), but the flow regarding the shift from the full-self mode to the semi-self mode (settlement-only mode) may be the same as the flow of FIG. 10(B).

[0076] 〔Display on the clerk side and customer side in the double scan mode〕 The double scan mode is a mode in which registration processing is executed on both the clerk side and the customer side. Hereinafter, the display on the clerk side display unit 210 and the customer side display unit 205 during the registration processing will be described.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when registering a product. The flowchart of FIG. 11 starts constantly (regularly at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (double scan mode). Note that the dashed rectangle P will be described later.

[0078] Step S400: Determine whether the product has been scanned or the like by the scanner unit 212 on the store staff side. That is, determine whether there has been a scan by the store staff using the scanner unit 212 on the store staff side, a touch on the display unit 210 on the store staff side, or a press on the key operation unit 211 or the like. If the product has been scanned or the like, proceed to step S401. If the product has not been scanned or the like, proceed to step S410.

[0079] Step S401: Register the product. In this registration, also register (store) information indicating that the registration was made on the store staff side. Specifically, store the registration category "1 (store staff side)". Step S402: Display the product on the display unit 210 on the store staff side in a normal display mode. Step S403: Display the product on the customer-side display unit 205 in a display mode that emphasizes it more than the normal display mode.

[0080] Step S410: Determine whether the product has been scanned or the like by the scanner unit 206 on the customer side. That is, determine whether there has been a scan by the customer using the scanner unit 206 on the customer side, or a touch on the customer-side display unit 205. If the product has been scanned or the like, proceed to step S411. If the product has not been scanned or the like, return to step S400.

[0081] Step S411: Register the product. In this registration, also register (store) information indicating that the registration was made on the customer side. Specifically, store the registration category "2 (customer side)". Step S412: Display the product on the display unit 210 on the store staff side in a display mode that emphasizes it more than the normal display mode. Step S413: Display the product on the customer-side display unit 205 in a normal display mode.

[0082] Step S420: Determine whether the registration of all purchased items is completed. That is, determine whether either the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 is pressed. If the registration of all items is completed, proceed to step S421. If not, return to step S400.

[0083] Step S421: Settle the bill. Step S422: Issue a receipt by the printing unit 213. Then the flowchart of FIG. 11 ends. Note that a receipt may be issued that prints the items registered by the clerk side and the items registered by the customer side in a distinguishable manner. For example, a mark such as a rice mark or a star mark, an underline, etc. may be added to either one of the items registered by the clerk side or the customer side. Also, for example, a receipt may be issued in which the printing area of the items registered by the customer side and the printing area of the items registered by the clerk side are separated. That is, a receipt may be issued in which the items registered by the customer side and the items registered by the clerk side are printed in different areas.

[0084] FIG. 12 shows an example of registration information. The POS terminal 20 may generate registration information as shown in FIG. 12, for example, instead of the registration information shown in FIG. 13. The registration information shown in FIG. 12 stores a transaction number, a transaction date and time, an operation mode, an item registrant, an item code, an item name, a unit price, a quantity, and a registration classification. The operation mode is information indicating the current operation mode of the POS terminal 20 (at the time of generation of the registration information). The item registrant is the registrant who registered the item. The registration classification is information indicating whether the registration was done on the clerk side or the customer side. When registered on the clerk side, the registration classification "1" is stored, and when registered on the customer side, the registration classification "2" is stored.

[0085] The registration information shown in FIG. 12 is an example of the registration information generated when, in step S411 of FIG. 11 (registration process based on customer-side scanning, etc.), "Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A" with product code "SC1111" is registered, and subsequently, in step S401 (registration process based on store clerk-side scanning, etc.), "Star 4 (1 mm)" with product code "SC1023" is registered, and then, in step S411, "Natural water from Mount B (1.5 L)" with product code "SC4788" is registered, and then, in step S401, "Nori bento" with product code "SC6500" is registered, and then, in step S411, "Chocolate C" with product code "SC3620" is registered.

[0086] That is, for the products scanned, etc. by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 (Star 4 (1 mm), nori bento), the POS terminal 20 generates registration information with a registration category of "1 (store clerk side)" in the process of step S401. On the other hand, for the products scanned, etc. by the customer-side scanner unit 206 (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, Natural water from Mount B (1.5 L), Chocolate C), the POS terminal 20 generates registration information with a registration category of "2 (customer side)" in the process of step S411.

[0087] FIG. 13 shows display examples on the store clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 13(A) is an example of the registration screen displayed on the store clerk-side display unit 210. FIG. 13(B) is an example of the registration screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205.

[0088] For example, when "Chocolate C" is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 in step S410 of FIG. 11, the POS terminal 20 refers to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in FIG. 12, and in step S412, displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13(A) on the store clerk-side display unit 210, and in step S413, displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer-side display unit 205.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 13(A), on the clerk side (clerk-side display unit 210), the products registered by the clerk side (oneself side) (Star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed in the normal mode (normal size), and the products registered by the customer side (opposite side) (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountains A and B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) are displayed in the emphasized mode (enlarged size). Note that at the top, the product (seaweed bento) last registered on the clerk side is displayed (reference sign NI). Also, at the bottom, it is notified that the current mode is the double scan mode (reference sign M).

[0090] As shown in Fig. 13(B), on the customer side (customer-side display unit 205), the products registered by the customer side (oneself side) (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountains A and B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) are displayed in the normal mode (normal size), and the products registered by the clerk side (opposite side) (Star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed in the emphasized mode (enlarged size). Note that at the top, the product (Chocolate C) last registered on the customer side is displayed (reference sign NI). Also, at the bottom, it is notified that the current mode is the double scan mode (reference sign M).

[0091] That is, based on the fact that the first product, "Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A", has been scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A" is highlighted on the store staff side (store staff display unit 210) (step S412), and "Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413). Subsequently, based on the fact that the second product, "Star 4 (1 mm)", has been scanned or the like on the store staff side (step S400; YES), "Star 4 (1 mm)" is normally displayed on the store staff side (store staff display unit 210) (step S402), and "Star 4 (1 mm)" is highlighted on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S403). Subsequently, based on the fact that the third product, "Natural water from Mount B (1.5 L)", has been scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Natural water from Mount B (1.5 L)" is highlighted on the store staff side (store staff display unit 210) (step S412), and "Natural water from Mount B (1.5 L)" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413). Subsequently, based on the fact that the fourth product, "nori bento", has been scanned or the like on the store staff side (step S400; YES), "nori bento" is normally displayed on the store staff side (store staff display unit 210) (step S402), and "nori bento" is highlighted on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S403). Subsequently, based on the fact that the fifth product, "Chocolate C", has been scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Chocolate C" is highlighted on the store staff side (store staff display unit 210) (step S412), and "Chocolate C" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13(A), on the clerk side, the products registered on the clerk side or the customer side (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, Star 4 (1 mm), natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), nori bento, Chocolate C) are displayed in the order in which they were registered (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A → Star 4 (1 mm) → natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L) → nori bento → Chocolate C). Therefore, of course, even if only paying attention to the products registered on the clerk side (Star 4 (1 mm), nori bento), they are displayed in the order in which the products (Star 4 (1 mm), nori bento) were registered (Star 4 (1 mm) → nori bento), and even if only paying attention to the products registered on the customer side (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), Chocolate C), they are displayed in the order in which the products (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) were registered (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A → natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L) → Chocolate C). The same applies on the customer side (see FIG. 13(B)). The same also applies to the display example in FIG. 14 (described later).

[0093] Also, as shown in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), since the display modes of the products registered on the clerk side (Star 4 (1 mm), nori bento) and the products registered on the customer side (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) are different, in addition to the overall registration order (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A → Star 4 (1 mm) → natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L) → nori bento → Chocolate C), the registration order on the clerk side (Star 4 (1 mm) → nori bento) and the registration order on the customer side (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A → natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L) → Chocolate C) are also easier to recognize. The same also applies to the display example in FIG. 14 (described later).

[0094] Note that in FIG. 13, as an emphasized display, the characters are enlarged and displayed, but instead of or in addition to enlarging the characters, the characters may be displayed in bold.

[0095] 〔Another display example 1〕 The displays on the clerk side and the customer side in the double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display examples in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 shows other display examples on the clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 14(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. FIG. 14(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

[0096] When, for example, "C chocolate" is scanned by the customer side scanner unit 206 in step S410 of FIG. 11, the POS terminal 20 may refer to the registration information (specifically, the registration classification) shown in FIG. 12, display a registration screen as shown in FIG. 14(A) on the clerk side display unit 210 in step S412, and display a registration screen as shown in FIG. 14(B) on the customer side display unit 205 in step S413.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14(A), on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered by the clerk side (oneself side) (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed in the normal mode (normal size), and the products registered by the customer side (opposite side) (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), C chocolate) are displayed in the emphasized mode (with a star mark, shifted up by the first character). Note that shifting up by the first character means shifting the display start position up by one character (packing to the left, shifting).

[0098] As shown in FIG. 14(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered by the customer side (oneself side) (Japanese-style large serving yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), C chocolate) are displayed in the normal mode (normal size), and the products registered by the clerk side (opposite side) (star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed in the emphasized mode (with a star mark, shifted up by the first character).

[0099] In addition, in FIG. 14, as highlighted, all three elements (font size, star mark, and text advancement) are performed. However, instead of performing all three, one or two of them may be performed. Also, instead of the star mark, other marks (such as a dot) may be used. Further, as an alternative or in addition to the above, highlighting may be performed using background color, or underlining may be used.

[0100] In the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the display examples of FIGS. 13 and 14, an example was described where products registered on one's own side are displayed in a normal mode and products registered on the other side are displayed in a highlighted mode. Conversely, products registered on the other side may be displayed in a normal mode and products registered on one's own side may be displayed in a highlighted mode.

[0101] Also, in the store clerk display unit 210, instead of highlighting either a product registered on one's own side or a product registered on the other side, it may simply display which side the product was registered on in a distinguishable manner. For example, between the product name and the price in the column of products registered on one's own side, "store clerk" may be displayed, and between the product name and the price in the column of products registered on the other side, "customer" may be displayed. Note that a badge-style image displaying "store clerk" or a badge-style image displaying "customer" may be used.

[0102] Also, as an alternative or in addition to the above, in the customer display unit 205, instead of highlighting either a product registered on one's own side or a product registered on the other side, it may simply display which side the product was registered on in a distinguishable manner. For example, between the product name and the price in the column of products registered on one's own side, "customer" may be displayed, and between the product name and the price in the column of products registered on the other side, "store clerk" may be displayed.

[0103] 〔Other Display Example 2〕 The displays on the store staff side and customer side in the double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display examples in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. FIG. 15 shows other display examples on the store staff side and customer side. Specifically, FIG. 15(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the store staff display unit 210. FIG. 15(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer display unit 205.

[0104] When the fifth item, "C chocolate", is scanned by the customer side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may display a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15(A) on the store staff display unit 210 and a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15(B) on the customer display unit 205.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a part of a flowchart corresponding to another display example 2. Specifically, FIG. 16(A) is obtained by swapping the processing of rectangle P in the flowchart of FIG. 11. That is, the POS terminal 20 may execute step S1402 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(A) instead of step S402 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, execute step S1403 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(A) instead of step S403 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, execute step S1412 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(A) instead of step S412 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, and execute step S1413 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(A) instead of step S413 of the flowchart in FIG. 11.

[0106] That is, when "C chocolate" is scanned by the customer side scanner unit 206 in step S410 (FIG. 11), for example, the POS terminal 20 may refer to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in FIG. 12, display a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15(A) on the store staff display unit 210 in step S1412 (FIG. 16(A)), and display a registration screen as shown in FIG. 15(B) on the customer display unit 205 in step S1413 (FIG. 16(A)).

[0107] As shown in FIG. 15(A), in the first area H1 on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered by the clerk side (oneself side) (Star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed in the normal mode (normal size), and in the second area H2 on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered by the customer side (the other side) (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) are displayed in the emphasized mode (enlarged size). Also, in order to show the display contents in each area (the first area H1, the second area H2), a title "Products Registered by Clerk" is displayed at the upper part of the first area H1, and a title "Products Registered by Customer" is displayed at the upper part of the second area H2.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 15(B), in the first area H1 on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered by the customer side (oneself side) (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) are displayed in the normal mode (normal size), and in the second area H2 on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered by the clerk side (the other side) (Star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed in the emphasized mode (enlarged size). Also, in order to show the display contents in each area (the first area H1, the second area H2), a title "Products Registered by Customer" is displayed at the upper part of the first area H1, and a title "Products Registered by Clerk" is displayed at the upper part of the second area H2.

[0109] On the clerk side, as shown in FIG. 15(A), in the first area H1, the products registered by the clerk side (Star 4 (1 mm), seaweed bento) are displayed according to the registration order (Star 4 (1 mm) → seaweed bento), and in the second area H2, the products registered by the customer side (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A, natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L), Chocolate C) are displayed according to the registration order (Japanese-style large portion yakisoba A → natural water from Mountain B (1.5 L) → Chocolate C). The same is true on the customer side (see FIG. 15(B)).

[0110] In FIG. 15, an example was described in which products registered on one's own side are displayed in the first area H1 (left area), and products registered on the other side are displayed in the second area H2 (right area). Conversely, it may operate as shown in FIG. 16(B), where products registered on one's own side are displayed in the second area H2 (right area), and products registered on the other side are displayed in the first area H1 (left area).

[0111] Note that FIG. 16(B) is obtained by swapping the processing of rectangle P in the flowchart of FIG. 11. That is, the POS terminal 20 may execute step S2402 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(B) instead of step S402 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, execute step S2403 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(B) instead of step S403 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, execute step S2412 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(B) instead of step S412 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, and execute step S2413 of the flowchart in FIG. 16(B) instead of step S413 of the flowchart in FIG. 11.

[0112] FIG. 17 shows display examples on the clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, FIG. 17(A) is an example of a subtotal screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210. FIG. 17(B) is an example of a subtotal screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205.

[0113] For example, in step S412 of FIG. 11, the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210, and in step S413, displays a registration screen as shown in FIG. 13(B) on the customer-side display unit 205. After that, when it is determined in step S420 that the registration of all products to be purchased is completed (step S420: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a settlement screen as shown in FIG. 17(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210, and a settlement screen as shown in FIG. 17(B) on the customer-side display unit 205. The customer checks the total amount on the settlement screen in FIG. 17(B), and settles the purchase of all products by inserting cash into the insertion slot of the change machine 209 or having the card recognition unit of the card settlement unit 208 recognize the card (step S421).

[0114] As shown in FIG. 17(A), on the clerk side (clerk-side display unit 210), similar to the registration screen shown in FIG. 13(A), the products registered by the clerk side (oneself side) are displayed in the normal mode, and the products registered by the customer side (opposite side) are displayed in the emphasized mode. Note that at the bottom, a button (reference sign TG) for returning from the settlement screen to the registration screen is arranged.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 17(B), on the customer side (customer-side display unit 205), similar to the registration screen shown in FIG. 13(B), the products registered by the customer side (oneself side) are displayed in the normal mode, and the products registered by the clerk side (opposite side) are displayed in the emphasized mode.

[0116] Note that the subtotal screens in FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B) are the subtotal screens that transition from the registration screens in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), and the subtotal screens that transition from the registration screens in FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) and the subtotal screens that transition from the registration screens in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) are different from the subtotal screens in FIGS. 17(A) and 17(B). Specifically, as the display mode of the products in the subtotal screen that transitions from the registration screen in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) is the same as the display mode of the products in the registration screen in FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B), the display mode of the products in the subtotal screen that transitions from the registration screen in FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) only needs to be the same as the display mode of the products in the registration screen in FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B), and the display mode of the products in the subtotal screen that transitions from the registration screen in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B) only needs to be the same as the display mode of the products in the registration screen in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B).

[0117] FIG. 18 is an example of a receipt. When both "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Special Frankfurt" are un-delivered products in step S215 of FIG. 12, for example, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt as shown in FIG. 18(A). In the receipt shown in FIG. 18(A), "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Special Frankfurt" are marked with rice marks.

[0118] Also, for example, in step S422 of FIG. 11, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt with rice marks attached to "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Nori Bento" registered by the store clerk as shown in FIG. 18(B). Further, as shown in FIG. 18(C), the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt in which the products registered by the customer side and the products registered by the store clerk side are printed in different areas.

[0119] [First Example of Purchase Restricted Product Handling] In a convenience store, cigarettes are not displayed on the product shelves installed for customers, but are displayed, for example, on the product shelves installed on the store clerk side of the cash register. Thus, before the customer purchases, only the store clerk can handle them and the customer is prohibited from handling them (purchase restricted products). For such purchase restricted products as cigarettes, a certain number (brand number) is assigned to each brand, and on the product shelves behind the cash register, they are displayed with the brand numbers marked for each brand. The brand numbers marked in this way are information indicating where the corresponding products are on the product shelves (an example of information for identifying products). When purchasing cigarettes, the customer checks the brand number marked corresponding to the brand they want to purchase among the brands displayed on the display shelves behind the cash register, and conveys the confirmed brand number to the store clerk together with the quantity purchased. The store clerk takes out the number of cigarettes of the brand corresponding to the conveyed brand number according to the conveyed quantity purchased, registers the products for the taken-out cigarettes, and hands them over to the customer. However, there are cases where the customer has difficulty finding the brand of cigarettes they want to purchase from the display shelves behind the cash register, or where the location where the brand of cigarettes they want to purchase is displayed is difficult to see, resulting in a delay in confirming the number. In such cases, the product registration of cigarettes will be delayed until the customer can confirm the number, and the efficiency of accounting will decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, an operation (brand information input operation) is enabled to allow a customer to have the barcode printed on the cigarette box that the customer has already purchased and possesses read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. Moreover, the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment executes processing (processing for dealing with restricted purchase items) corresponding to the brand information input operation as follows, so that the brand number corresponding to the brand of cigarettes that the customer wants to purchase can be grasped by the customer or the store clerk without the customer checking the display shelves behind the cash register.

[0120] First, a first example of the processing for dealing with restricted purchase items in this embodiment will be described. In the description of the first example of brand number notification here, the case where the normal mode is set for the POS terminal 20 will be taken as an example. In the normal mode, for example, a customer who wants to purchase cigarettes asks the store clerk to register the items to be purchased other than cigarettes if there are any. While the registration of items other than cigarettes is being done by the store clerk in this way, the customer takes out the cigarette box of the same brand that the customer has already purchased and possesses and that the customer is about to purchase now. The customer performs an operation to have the barcode printed on the taken-out cigarette box read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. Such an operation of having the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode printed on the cigarette box is a brand information input operation for the customer to input the information of the brand of cigarettes that the customer wants to purchase into the POS terminal 20.

[0121] On the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 set to the normal mode, a product registration status screen showing the product registration status corresponding to the product registration operation on the store clerk side is displayed. FIG. 19(A) shows an example of the product registration status screen. In the product registration status screen of the figure, it is shown that the products are in the stage where an apple and a pear have been registered in this order. In this case, the customer performs the brand information input operation under the condition where the product registration status screen of the figure is indicated. In response to the brand information input operation, the POS terminal 20 acquires the product code corresponding to the brand indicated by the barcode read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. The POS terminal 20 stores brand number information that associates a product code corresponding to each brand of tobacco with a brand number assigned to each brand for display on the tobacco display shelf. FIG. 20 shows an example of the brand number information. The POS terminal 20 acquires, from the brand number information, the brand number associated with the product code acquired in response to the brand information input operation. The POS terminal 20 displays, on the customer-side display unit 205, a brand number notification screen for notifying the customer of the acquired brand number. FIG. 19(B) shows an example of the display mode of the brand number notification screen WD11. In the figure, the brand number notification screen WD11 shows an example of a window form that is superimposed and displayed on the product registration status screen. In the brand number notification screen WD11 of the figure, the brand number corresponding to the brand of the tobacco box used during the brand information input operation is displayed, and a message for guiding the store clerk to convey the displayed brand number is also displayed. The customer can view the brand number notification screen WD11 displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 and confirm the brand number attached to the tobacco the customer intends to purchase. Therefore, the customer conveys to the store clerk the desire to purchase the tobacco, along with the number displayed on the brand number notification screen WD11 and the number of purchases. In the brand number notification screen WD11, a confirmation button BT11 is arranged. The customer who has confirmed the brand number operates the confirmation button BT11. When the operation on the confirmation button BT11 is performed, the brand number notification screen WD11 is erased, and the display returns to the product registration status screen. The store clerk takes out the number of purchases conveyed from the display shelf for the tobacco associated with the number conveyed by the customer and performs product registration. When performing product registration, the store clerk operates to have the barcode attached to the box of the taken-out tobacco read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212.

[0122] By performing the brand number notification in this way, the customer can grasp the brand number using the tobacco box the customer already has and convey it to the store clerk without checking the indication of the brand number on the display shelf behind the cash register. As a result, the efficiency of accounting in transactions including the purchase of tobacco is improved.

[0123] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 21, an example of the processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 in this example in relation to the processing for handling restricted purchase items will be described. The processing in the figure is the processing executed during the product registration process, and is repeatedly executed until an operation (for example, subtotal operation) instructing the end of the product registration process is performed.

[0124] Step S501: The POS terminal 20 determines whether the barcode has been read by the store clerk scanner unit 212. Step S502: The fact that the barcode has been read by the store clerk scanner unit 212 means that, as an operation for product registration by the store clerk, an operation has been performed to cause the store clerk scanner unit 212 to read the barcode of the product to be registered. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process using the product information indicated by the read barcode.

[0125] Step S503: After the processing of Step S502, or when it is determined in Step S501 that the barcode has not been read by the store clerk scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 executes the following processing. That is, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the barcode of a product as tobacco has been read by the customer scanner unit 206. If the barcode has not been read by the customer scanner unit 206, or if it is determined that even if the barcode has been read by the customer scanner unit 206, the read barcode does not correspond to a product as tobacco, the process returns to Step S501.

[0126] Step S504: On the other hand, if it is determined in Step S503 that the barcode of a product as tobacco has been read by the customer scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 executes the following processing. That is, the POS terminal 20 acquires the brand number associated with the product code indicated in the read barcode from the brand number information. Step S505: The POS terminal 20 causes the customer-side display unit 205 to display a brand number notification screen WD11 for notifying the brand number acquired in Step S504.

[0127] Under the processing of the figure, if the barcode read in Step S501 is for a tobacco product, the tobacco will be registered as a product to be purchased in Step S502. That is, the POS terminal 20 in the present embodiment is configured such that the processing executed by the POS terminal 20 differs depending on whether the barcode as a tobacco product is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 or by the customer-side scanner unit 206.

[0128] Although the processing is omitted in the figure, the displayed brand number notification screen WD11 is erased in response to an operation on the confirmation button BT11. Alternatively, the brand number notification screen WD11 may be erased, for example, in response to the elapse of a certain time after the start of display without an operation on the confirmation button BT11. Also, if the brand number notification screen WD11 has been displayed until a subtotal operation is performed, the brand number notification screen WD11 may be erased as another screen (for example, a subtotal screen showing the subtotal result) is displayed from the product registration status screen due to the subtotal operation.

[0129] Note that after the brand number notification screen WD11 is erased, it may be possible to redisplay the brand number notification screen WD11. For this purpose, for example, in response to the erasure of the brand number notification screen WD11, a button (redisplay button) for instructing the redisplay of the brand number notification screen WD11 may be provided on the product registration status screen. In this case, the customer may operate the redisplay button when he or she wants to confirm the brand number again.

[0130] Note that, in synchronization with the display of the stock number notification screen WD11 on the customer-side display unit 205, a display for notifying the same stock number as the stock number notification screen WD11 may be performed on the store employee-side display unit 210 in a predetermined manner. In this case, it is preferable that the store employee-side display unit 210 is displayed in a manner that causes as little interference as possible with the product registration operation.

[0131] Note that the configuration of the first example of the purchase restriction product handling may also be applied in the double scan mode.

[0132] [Second Example of Purchase Restriction Product Handling] Next, a second example of the purchase restriction product handling will be described. The second example of the purchase restriction product handling corresponds to the POS terminal 20 in which the full self-service mode is set. In the full self-service mode, the customer performs operations according to the accounting from product registration to settlement. However, when the customer purchases tobacco in the full self-service mode, since tobacco is a purchase restriction product, the customer needs to convey the intention to purchase to the store employee and receive it from the store employee for tobacco. In this example, in response to such a case, even if the customer does not check and convey to the store employee the stock number indication on the display shelf behind the cash register, the store employee accurately grasps the stock number and can hand over to the customer the tobacco of the brand desired by the customer.

[0133] In the case of this example, a customer who intends to purchase tobacco performs a brand information input operation of having the barcode of the tobacco box the customer possesses read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 when performing a product registration operation under the full self-service mode. When the barcode read during the product registration process under the full self-service mode is not a purchase restriction product, the POS terminal 20 performs product registration using the product information indicated by the read barcode. On the other hand, when the barcode read in the full self-service mode is for a tobacco product (a restricted purchase item) corresponding to the brand information input operation, the POS terminal 20 does not perform product registration. In this case, the POS terminal 20 acquires the brand number associated with the product code indicated in the read barcode from the brand number information. In response to the acquisition of the brand number, the POS terminal 20 transmits, for example, a product retrieval instruction to a store clerk terminal held by a store clerk. The product retrieval instruction instructs to take out the tobacco of the brand desired by the customer during checkout in the full self-service mode from the display shelf and hand it to the customer, and includes information indicating the acquired brand number as the brand of the tobacco to be taken out. In response to the reception of the product retrieval instruction, the store clerk terminal, for example, displays a screen for instructing the retrieval of tobacco by specifying the brand number and notifies the store clerk of the reception of the product retrieval instruction.

[0134] In addition, in response to the acquisition of the brand number, the POS terminal 20 causes a product retrieval instruction screen to be displayed on its own store clerk side display unit 210. FIG. 22(A) shows an example of the mode of the product retrieval instruction screen WD21. The product retrieval instruction screen WD21 in the figure is shown in a window format that is displayed so as to be superimposed on a product registration status screen that mirrors the product registration status on the customer side. In the product retrieval instruction screen WD21 in the figure, a message instructing the store clerk to take out the tobacco and hand it to the customer is displayed together with the brand number attached to the brand of the tobacco to be taken out.

[0135] The store clerk notices either the reception notification of the product retrieval instruction by the store clerk terminal or the product retrieval instruction screen WD21 displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and takes out the tobacco of the brand indicated by the product retrieval instruction or the brand number indicated on the product retrieval instruction screen from the display shelf and hands it to the customer. When taking out the tobacco and handing it to the customer, the store clerk operates the confirmation button BT21 arranged on the product retrieval instruction screen WD21. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT21, the product retrieval instruction screen WD21 is erased.

[0136] Also, the POS terminal 20 causes the customer-side display unit 205 to display a product receipt waiting screen at the same timing when the product retrieval instruction screen is displayed on the store employee-side display unit 210. The product receipt waiting screen is a screen that conveys to the customer that they should wait until they receive the tobacco, as the store employee will bring the tobacco of the brand corresponding to the brand information input operation performed by the customer. FIG. 22(B) shows an example embodiment of the product receipt waiting screen WD22. The product receipt waiting screen WD22 in the figure shows an example in the form of a window that is displayed so as to be superimposed on the product registration screen corresponding to the product registration operation performed by the customer. The product receipt waiting screen WD22 is provided with a confirmation button BT22. The customer may check the content displayed on the product receipt waiting screen WD22 and operate the confirmation button BT22. The product receipt waiting screen WD22 is erased in response to the operation of the confirmation button BT22.

[0137] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 23, an example of the processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 in this example in relation to the processing for handling restricted purchase products will be described. The processing in the figure is the processing executed by the POS terminal 20 in which the full self-service mode is set during the product registration process.

[0138] Step S601: The POS terminal 20 waits for the customer-side scanner unit 206 to read the barcode of the product as tobacco. Step S602: When it is determined that the customer-side scanner unit 206 has read the barcode of the product as tobacco, the POS terminal 20 acquires the brand number associated with the product code indicated in the read barcode from the brand number information. Step S603: The POS terminal 20 causes the product retrieval instruction screen WD21 to be displayed on the store employee-side display unit 210. The brand number acquired in Step S602 is displayed as the brand number corresponding to the tobacco of the brand that the store employee should retrieve on the product retrieval instruction screen WD21. Step S604: The POS terminal 20 transmits a product retrieval instruction to the store employee terminal. Step S605: The POS terminal 20 causes the customer-side display unit 205 to display the merchandise collection standby screen WD22. Although not shown in the figure, as described above, the merchandise retrieval instruction screen WD21 displayed in step S603 is erased in response to an operation on the confirmation button BT21. Also, as described above, the merchandise collection standby screen WD22 displayed in step S605 is erased in response to an operation on the confirmation button BT22.

[0139] Note that the POS terminal 20 on which the brand information input operation has been performed in the full self-service mode may transmit a merchandise retrieval instruction to other POS terminals 20 as well. The other POS terminals 20 that have received the merchandise retrieval instruction perform notification according to the merchandise retrieval instruction in a predetermined manner. Thereby, if there are store clerks operating other POS terminals 20, these store clerks can notice the notification of the merchandise retrieval instruction, and if they have free hands, they can take out the cigarettes themselves, and if they do not have free hands, they can inform other store clerks with free hands.

[0140] <Modification Example> As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the configuration of the device, the configuration of the data, the processing flow, the display and output modes, etc. can be appropriately changed and modified, for example, as in the following modification examples.

[0141] [First Modification Example] For example, cigarettes are sold individually and in boxed products in which a plurality (for example, 10) called a carton are packed in one box. That is, cigarettes are sold so that even if they are of the same brand, the product type differs according to the unit of the number of items to be sold. In the case where the product type differs between individual items and cartons in this way, for example, different brand numbers may be assigned to individual items and cartons.

[0142] Therefore, the POS terminal 20 of this modified example is configured as follows under the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling or the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling. That is, in response to the customer's input operation of brand information, the POS terminal 20 causes the customer-side display unit 205 to display a product type selection screen for the customer to select whether to purchase a single item or a carton. The product type selection screen is displayed prior to the brand number notification screen WD11 (FIG. 19(B)) in correspondence with the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling. Also, the product type selection screen is displayed prior to the product removal instruction screen WD21 (FIG. 22(A)) and the product reception standby screen WD22 (FIG. 22(B)) in correspondence with the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling.

[0143] FIG. 24 shows an example of the product type selection screen. In the product type selection screen of this figure, a brand area AR30, a single-item button BT31, and a carton button BT32 are arranged. In the brand area AR30, the brand of the tobacco indicated by the barcode of the tobacco input by the brand information input operation is displayed. That is, the brand of the tobacco the customer intends to purchase is displayed. The single-item button BT31 is a button to be operated when the customer intends to purchase a single item of the tobacco product of the brand displayed in the brand area AR30. The carton button BT32 is a button to be operated when the customer intends to purchase a carton of the tobacco product of the brand displayed in the brand area AR30.

[0144] The customer checks the brand area AR30 on the displayed product type selection screen to confirm that it is the brand specified by the brand information input operation the customer has performed. After that, as a product type selection operation, if the customer intends to purchase a single item, the customer operates the single-item button BT31, and if the customer intends to purchase a carton, the customer operates the carton button BT32.

[0145] In response to the product type selection operation, under the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, the POS terminal 20 causes the customer display unit 205 to display a brand number notification screen WD11 on which the brand number of the individual item or carton selected by the product type selection operation is shown. Also, under the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, in response to the product type selection operation, the POS terminal 20 causes the store employee display unit 210 to display a product retrieval instruction screen WD21 on which the brand number of the individual item or carton selected by the product type selection operation is shown, and causes the customer display unit 205 to display a product receipt standby screen WD22.

[0146] Note that in some stores, for carton products, brand information may not be provided, and in cases where the customer requests to purchase a product by specifying a brand and carton, the store employee may be required to retrieve the product. In this case, under the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, when a carton is selected by operating the carton button BT32 as the product type selection operation, on the brand number notification screen WD11, for example, after showing the brand number of an individual item, a message may be displayed as a message for the customer, guiding the customer to specify the brand number of the individual item and ask the store employee to process the purchase of the carton. Under the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, on the product retrieval instruction screen WD21, after displaying the brand number of an individual item, a message may be displayed as a message for the store employee, instructing the store employee to retrieve the carton of the brand corresponding to the displayed brand number of the individual item from the product shelf.

[0147] [Second Variant Example] The configuration of the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process can be applied to a POS terminal configured to enable accounting corresponding only to the normal mode of the present embodiment. Also, the configuration of the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process can be applied to a POS terminal configured to enable accounting corresponding only to the full self-service mode of the present embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration of the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process can be applied to a POS terminal in which the store employee performs operations from product registration to settlement.

[0148] [Third Modified Example] Also, the products targeted in this embodiment are not limited to tobacco. For example, they may be pharmaceuticals sold at drugstores or the like.

[0149] [Fourth Modified Example] In each of the above embodiments, corresponding to restricted purchase products such as tobacco, when information is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 and when the same information is read by the store employee-side scanner unit 212, the processing executed by the POS terminal 20 is made different. However, a configuration in which the processing executed by the POS terminal 20 is made different depending on whether the same information is read by the store employee-side scanner unit 212 or by the customer-side scanner unit 206 (hereinafter also referred to as input correspondence processing switching) can be applied not only to restricted purchase products.

[0150] As this modified example, as input correspondence processing switching, the case where the information reading target is a coupon is taken as an example. Under this modified example, a barcode is printed on the coupon. The barcode of the coupon may include, for example, information indicating the type of the coupon, the content of the benefits given to the customer according to the specifications of the coupon, and information on usage conditions such as the expiration date.

[0151] In this case, when the barcode of the coupon is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process of calling a store employee, and when the barcode of the coupon is read by the store employee-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process corresponding to the granting of benefits based on the information read from the barcode. In this case, for example, a customer who attempts to use the coupon causes the customer-side scanner unit 206 to read the barcode of the coupon, thereby calling a store employee, and the store employee goes to the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located. The store employee can receive the coupon from the customer, cause the barcode to be read by the store employee-side scanner unit 212, and cause the POS terminal 20 to execute a process corresponding to the coupon. The store clerk can collect the used coupon vouchers in response to their use. For example, at the POS terminal 20, a notification may be displayed or an audio message may be played to remind the store clerk to collect the coupon vouchers.

[0152] Also, in the above example, the POS terminal 20 may first determine whether the corresponding coupon voucher is available (i.e., whether it meets the usage conditions) in response to the barcode of the coupon voucher being read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. Then, if the POS terminal 20 determines that the corresponding coupon voucher is available, it may execute a store clerk calling process.

[0153] Among various types of coupon vouchers, for example, for a discount coupon voucher, in response to the barcode being read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may perform processing so that the discount is reflected in the corresponding transaction. This enables the customer to complete the settlement using the discount coupon voucher even in the full self-service mode. However, since the store clerk needs to collect the used coupon vouchers, the POS terminal 20 also executes a store clerk calling process in response to reading the barcode of the discount coupon voucher. On the other hand, when the barcode of a coupon voucher is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 executes processing corresponding to the granting of benefits for any type of coupon voucher, including discount coupon vouchers.

[0154] [Fifth Modification Example] The input response process switching may be applicable when the information reading target is a form such as a payment slip for public charges or a form for ticket issuance. In this case, when the barcode of the paper is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process of calling a store clerk. When the barcode of the paper is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute a corresponding process based on the information read from the barcode (for example, settlement processing if it is a payment slip, settlement processing for the ticket price if it is a paper for ticket issuance, a process for ticket issuance).

[0155] Alternatively, when the barcode of the paper is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process up to settlement according to the customer's operation and may also execute a process of calling a store clerk. The store clerk who arrives at the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located in response to the call of the store clerk, for example, performs operations such as stamping on the paper, cutting the paper and handing the customer copy to the customer, and storing the store copy, etc. In this case, when the barcode of the paper is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process according to the operation of the store clerk, such as payment of public charges and processing corresponding to ticket issuance, etc.

[0156] [Sixth Modified Example] The input response process switching may be applied to products such as pre-cooked side dishes (heat-retained products) that are heat-retained, such as Chinese buns and tempura. Such heat-retained products are also a type of purchase-restricted product that can only be handled by store clerks and cannot be handled by customers before the customers purchase them. In this case, for example, in the store, a card with a barcode corresponding to the heat-retained product is displayed. The customer is made to go to the POS terminal 20 with the card of the heat-retained product that the customer wants to purchase. In this case, when the barcode of the card is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 executes a process of calling a store clerk. When the barcode of the card is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 executes a process corresponding to the accounting for the heat-retained product based on the information read from the barcode.

[0157] Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may execute processes from product registration corresponding to the heat-preserving product to settlement according to the customer's operation in response to the barcode of the card being read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. In this case, the customer can complete the payment under the full self-service mode by operating their own POS terminal 20. Moreover, the POS terminal 20 executes a process for calling a store clerk. The store clerk who arrives at the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located in response to the call for the store clerk hands the heat-preserving product corresponding to the barcode read by the customer to the customer. Also in this case, when the barcode of the card is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process corresponding to accounting (product registration, settlement) for the heat-preserving product based on the information read from the barcode.

[0158] [Seventh Modification Example] Note that the process when the barcode is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 and the process when the barcode of the card is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 may include, for example, some identical processes and then additional processes are added in one case, or they may include some identical processes and different additional processes are added in each case. Also, as the input of information, instead of reading the barcode, for example, information may be read by communicating with a card having an RFID tag or the like.

[0159] [Eighth Modification Example] [Regarding the operation mode] The POS terminal 20 shifts to the full self-service mode when the state of being unused continues (see Fig. 9(A)), but may prohibit the shift to the full self-service mode when the store clerk is using it (excluding the operation of setting to the full self-service mode).

[0160] Also, by having the store clerk code read, the mode is shifted from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode (see Fig. 9(B)). Instead of having the store clerk code read, the mode may be shifted from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode by touching the display screen of the store clerk side display unit 210. When operating in the full self-service mode, a screen with buttons corresponding to each store clerk may be displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210, and the store clerk may be identified according to the button touched on the screen. Also, the mode may be shifted from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode by operating the key operation unit 211. Buttons corresponding to each store clerk may be arranged on the key operation unit 211, and the store clerk may be identified according to the button operated on the key operation unit 211.

[0161] Also, after the POS terminal 20 operating in the normal mode transmits a transfer instruction to another POS terminal 20, if the own POS terminal 20 is in the middle of processing, it shifts to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) after the processing is completed (see Fig. 10(A)). However, it may be forced to (immediately) shift to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) after the transfer instruction is sent. For example, when a transfer instruction is sent while a customer is performing a settlement process on the customer side, it immediately shifts from the normal mode to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), while the ongoing settlement process may be continued until completion.

[0162] Also, after the POS terminal 20 operating in the normal mode or the like receives a transfer instruction from another POS terminal 20, if the own POS terminal 20 is in the middle of processing, it shifts to the semi-self-service mode (settlement-only mode) after the processing is completed (see Fig. 10(B)). However, it may be forced to (immediately) shift to the semi-self-service mode (settlement-only mode) after the transfer instruction is received. For example, when a transfer instruction is received while a store clerk is performing a registration process on the store clerk side, it immediately shifts from the normal mode to the semi-self-service mode (settlement-only mode), while the ongoing registration process may be continued until completion.

[0163] Also, the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode may be made to function as a semi-self-service mode (dedicated settlement mode). That is, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration dedicated mode) transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (dedicated settlement mode) and causes the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (dedicated settlement mode) to execute a settlement process. However, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration dedicated mode) may transmit registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode and cause the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode to execute a settlement process. Note that when the customer is not operating the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode, it may be possible to transmit registration information from the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration dedicated mode). It may be made impossible to transmit registration information when the customer is operating, or registration information may be transmitted so that settlement is performed immediately after the operation of the customer ends even when the customer is operating.

[0164] Also, in relation to the transmission of registration information, a transmission button may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 that is the source of the registration information transmission. On the clerk-side display unit 210, the transmission buttons for all other POS terminals on the LAN 11 may be displayed so that each POS terminal can be identified (for example, displayed with terminal numbers such as "Cash Register 1" "Cash Register 2", etc.), or the transmission buttons for the POS terminals that can be the transmission destinations (the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (dedicated settlement mode), the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode) may be displayed so that each POS terminal can be identified. One or more POS terminals 20 permitted as the transmission destination of the registration information from the POS terminal 20 may be determined in advance (that is, the coupling between the registration side and the settlement side may be determined in advance), and based on this, the transmission button may be displayed.

[0165] Also, currently, the button corresponding to the POS terminal 20 capable of transmitting registration information and the button corresponding to the POS terminal 20 incapable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in different display modes. For example, the button corresponding to the POS terminal 20 capable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in a normal display mode, and the button corresponding to the POS terminal 20 incapable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in a special display mode (e.g., grayed out, etc.). Currently, the button corresponding to the POS terminal 20 incapable of transmitting registration information may be made inoperable or prohibited from being operated (e.g., it may be made non-touchable).

[0166] Also, the status of each POS terminal 20 to which the registration information is to be transmitted (e.g., standby, in use, near the end, near full, offline, etc.) may be notified. For example, the status of each POS terminal 20 may be shared in the LAN 11 (e.g., transmission and reception of information indicating the status, centralized management in the store controller 10 or a representative POS terminal 20, etc.), and information indicating the status of each POS terminal 20 (e.g., an image in the form of a badge displaying "standby", "in use", "near the end", etc.) may be displayed on the above-mentioned button (or associated with the button). In the case of a POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode, it is in the standby state when the customer is not operating, changes from standby to in use when the customer starts registration, and changes back from in use to standby when the settlement is completed. The in-use state may be divided into the registration-in-progress state and the settlement-in-progress state before and after the operation of the registration completion key (subtotal key).

[0167] Also, when the customer is using the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode, the transition to the normal mode may be restricted. For example, when the customer is performing the settlement process in the full self-service mode, the transition to the normal mode may be permitted, and when the customer is performing the registration process in the full self-service mode, the transition to the normal mode may be prohibited (at least the immediate transition may be prohibited).

[0168] Also, although it has been described that the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 changes according to an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk, even for an explicit mode transition operation, the operation may be restricted depending on the operation mode before the transition (current operation mode), the operation mode of the destination, the operation status, and the like.

[0169] The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be scheduled according to the work status of the store clerk (attendance status, work schedule, attendance schedule). However, depending on the operation mode before the transition (current operation mode), the operation mode of the destination, the operation status, etc., there may be cases where control is performed according to the schedule and cases where control is not performed according to the schedule.

[0170] As an example of notifying the operation mode, an example has been described in which the POS terminal 20 displays the operation mode on the display unit (store clerk side display unit 210, customer side display unit 205), but the notification mode of the operation mode is not limited to this. For example, the POS terminal 20 may be provided with a patlite (registered trademark), a display board, etc. (or a patlite, a display board, etc. may be connected to the POS terminal 20), and the patlite, the display board, etc. may notify the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. Further, the POS system 1 may be provided with a patlite, a display board, etc. (or a patlite, a display board, etc. may be connected to the LAN 11), and the patlite, the display board, etc. may notify the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 in the store. By using a patlite, a display board, etc., the operation mode can be visually recognized even from a distance (a position far from the store clerk side display unit 210).

[0171] [9th Modification Example] [Regarding the Display, etc. in the Double Scan Mode] In the above flowchart (see FIG. 11), when either the subtotal key displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205 is pressed (step S420: YES), the subtotal screen (see FIG. 17) is displayed. In other words, product registration is completed either by the store clerk side (subtotal key) or the customer side (registration completion key). However, the mode of completing product registration (operation of displaying the subtotal screen) is not limited to this.

[0172] For example, the subtotal screen may be displayed only when the subtotal key on the clerk side is pressed. That is, the operation to complete the product registration may be performed only by the clerk without having the customer perform the operation to complete the product registration. In this mode, on the customer-side display unit 205, the registration completion key may be displayed in a display mode (such as graying out) indicating that the operation is not valid, or the registration completion key may not be displayed.

[0173] Also, the subtotal screen may be displayed when both the subtotal key on the clerk side and the registration completion key on the customer side are pressed. That is, when the subtotal key has been pressed on the clerk side first (when the subtotal key is in a pressed state), the subtotal screen may be displayed at the timing when the registration completion key is pressed on the customer side, and when the registration completion key has been pressed on the customer side first (when the registration completion key is in a pressed state), the subtotal screen may be displayed at the timing when the subtotal key is pressed on the clerk side.

[0174] In the mode where the subtotal screen is displayed when both the subtotal key on the clerk side and the registration completion key on the customer side are pressed, when one of the subtotal key and the registration completion key is pressed, the fact of the pressing may be notified to the other. For example, when the subtotal key is pressed first, the fact that the subtotal key has been pressed (that is, the fact that there has been an operation to register a product by the clerk. For example, a message such as "The product registration by the clerk is completed") may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. On the other hand, when the registration completion key is pressed first, the fact that the registration completion key has been pressed (that is, the fact that there has been an operation to register a product by the customer. For example, a message such as "The product registration by the customer is completed") may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210.

[0175] Also, when the subtotal key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the customer-side display unit 205 that the subtotal key has been pressed, the display mode of the registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 may be changed to an emphasized mode (such as blinking) until the registration completion key is pressed. Similarly, when the registration completion key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the clerk-side display unit 210 that the registration completion key has been pressed, the display mode of the subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 may be changed to an emphasized mode (such as blinking) until the subtotal key is pressed.

[0176] In the mode of displaying the subtotal screen when both the clerk-side subtotal key and the customer-side registration completion key are pressed, the pressing of the registration completion key may be prohibited (for example, grayed out, hidden, etc.) until the subtotal key is pressed, and the pressing of the registration completion key may be permitted (for example, displayed in a pressable display mode, etc.) after the subtotal key is pressed. Alternatively, the pressing of the subtotal key may be prohibited until the registration completion key is pressed, and the pressing of the subtotal key may be permitted after the registration completion key is pressed.

[0177] In the mode of displaying the subtotal screen when both the clerk-side subtotal key and the customer-side registration completion key are pressed, when it is after the pressing of the clerk-side subtotal key and before the pressing of the customer-side registration completion key, the state of provisional registration completion may be set on the clerk side, and the registration of products may be allowed. That is, when the subtotal key is pressed on the clerk side, although it is notified to the other party (customer side) that the subtotal key has been pressed, until the subtotal screen is displayed after the pressing of the subtotal key (before the pressing of the customer-side registration completion key), the products before the registration of the customer may be registered (added registration) on the clerk side.

[0178] In addition, when a product is additionally registered after the store clerk has completed the operation of registering the product (when a product is additionally registered in a state where the registration is temporarily completed), in order to display the subtotal screen, the store clerk needs to perform an operation to complete the product registration again (press the subtotal key). That is, after the additional registration of the product, when both the store clerk presses the subtotal key again and the customer presses the registration completion key, the subtotal screen is displayed. In addition, instead of the above, it may not be necessary for the store clerk to perform an operation to complete the product registration again. That is, after the additional registration of the product, even if the store clerk does not press the subtotal key again, if the customer presses the registration completion key, the subtotal screen may be displayed.

[0179] In addition, when it is after the subtotal key is pressed and before the registration completion key is pressed, as described above, it may be possible to additionally register the product of the customer on the store clerk side, but as described in FIG. 21(A), it may also be possible to register the product of the next customer. In addition, when it is after the subtotal key is pressed and before the registration completion key is pressed, on the store clerk display unit 210, it may be possible to declare (specify) whether to additionally register the product of the customer or to register the product of the next customer. For example, it may be possible to declare by a button or the like displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.

[0180] In the double scan mode, when the same product is scanned on the customer side and the store staff side, it may be notified that the same product has been scanned on the customer side and the store staff side. For example, messages such as "The same product has been scanned" or "This is the XXth scan" may be displayed on the display unit. Note that the display destination of the message may be at least on the store staff side. That is, when the same product is scanned on the customer side and the store staff side, a message is always displayed on the store staff side display unit 210, but the message may or may not be displayed on the customer side display unit 205. For example, when a product identical to a product already scanned on the customer side is scanned on the store staff side, a message is displayed on the store staff side display unit 210, and when a product identical to a product already scanned on the store staff side is scanned on the customer side, a message may be displayed on both the customer side display unit 205 and the store staff side display unit 210. Also, for example, whether to display the above-mentioned message on the customer side display unit 205 may be controlled according to a setting operation (or switching operation) of the store staff.

[0181] Also, in the above, during product registration (registration screen) or after registration (subtotal screen), on the store staff side display unit 210, the products registered on one's own side (store staff side) and the products registered on the other side (customer side) are displayed in different display modes (see FIGS. 13(A), 14(A), 15(A), 17(A)), and on the customer side display unit 205, the products registered on one's own side (customer side) and the products registered on the other side (store staff side) are displayed in different display modes (see FIGS. 13(B), 14(B), 15(B), 17(B)). However, the display modes on the store staff side display unit 210 and the customer side display unit 205 are not limited to this.

[0182] For example, on the clerk-side display unit 210, the products registered on the own side (clerk side) may be displayed without displaying the products registered on the other side (customer side), and on the customer-side display unit 205, the products registered on the own side (customer side) may be displayed without displaying the products registered on the other side (clerk side). Alternatively, on the clerk-side display unit 210, as shown in FIG. 13(A) etc., the products registered on the own side (clerk side) and the products registered on the other side (customer side) may be displayed in different display modes, and on the customer-side display unit 205, the products registered on the own side (customer side) may be displayed without displaying the products registered on the other side (clerk side). Alternatively, on the clerk-side display unit 210, the products registered on the own side (clerk side) may be displayed without displaying the products registered on the other side (customer side), and on the customer-side display unit 205, as shown in FIG. 13(B) etc., the products registered on the own side (customer side) and the products registered on the other side (clerk side) may be displayed in different display modes.

[0183] Note that on the clerk-side display unit 210, it may be possible to declare (specify) whether to display (or not display) the products registered on the other side (customer side) on the own side (the clerk-side display unit 210). Also, instead of or in addition to the above, on the clerk-side display unit 210, it may be possible to declare (specify) whether to display (or not display) the products registered on the own side (clerk side) on the other side (customer-side display unit 205). Also, instead of or in addition to the above, on the customer-side display unit 205, it may be possible to declare (specify) whether to display (or not display) the products registered on the other side (clerk side) on the own side (the customer-side display unit 205). In any case, it may be possible to declare by means of buttons etc. displayed on the screen.

[0184] Also, during the registration of products, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the products registered by oneself and the products registered by the other party may be displayed in different display areas. After the registration of products, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the products registered by oneself and the products registered by the other party may be displayed in a common display area. That is, for example, when transitioning from the registration screen to the subtotal screen by pressing a subtotal key or the like, the products registered by oneself and the products registered by the other party, which were displayed in different display areas on the registration screen before pressing the subtotal key or the like, may be displayed in a common display area on the subtotal screen after pressing the subtotal key or the like. Also, when transitioning from the subtotal screen to the registration screen by pressing the registration screen button (reference symbol TG in FIG. 17(A)), the products registered by oneself and the products registered by the other party, which were displayed in a common display area on the subtotal screen before pressing the registration screen button, may be displayed in different display areas on the registration screen after pressing the registration screen button.

[0185] Note that in the clerk-side display unit 210, regarding the display modes during and after the registration of products in the clerk-side display unit 210 and the customer-side display unit 205, it may be possible to declare (specify) whether to display the products registered by oneself and the products registered by the other party in different display areas or in a common display area. Also, instead of or in addition to the above, in the customer-side display unit 205, regarding the display modes during and after the registration of products in the customer-side display unit 205, it may be possible to declare (specify) whether to display the products registered by oneself and the products registered by the other party in different display areas or in a common display area. In either case, it may be possible to declare by means of buttons or the like displayed on the screen.

[0186] [10th Modification Example] [Regarding Analysis, etc.] In the POS system 1, an electronic journal may be stored and utilized for various analyses and the like. Note that the electronic journal may include various types of information shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 12, etc., and output information shown in FIGS. 16, 18, etc. (including information related to customers). For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) stores an electronic journal for each transaction, and analyzes the operating status of each operation mode (for example, by time zone, day of the week, person in charge, or unconditionally, the operating time of each mode), the sales performance of products (for example, the number of products sold), the operation status of exchange coupons (for example, the number of exchange coupons issued, the issuance ratio of exchange coupons to the number of products sold, the time required from the issuance of the exchange coupon to the delivery of the product), and the registration status of the store clerk and the customer in the double scan mode (the ratio of the number of products registered by the store clerk and the customer, etc. It may be by store clerk, or by customer if the attributes of the customer (gender, age, etc.) can be grasped based on the membership number, etc.). The analysis results may be output to a list or the like.

[0187] Also, by storing in the electronic journal, for example, the registration start time (in seconds) of the first product in each transaction and the display start time of the subtotal screen, etc., it may be possible to analyze the required time for each operation mode (for example, by operation mode and number of purchases, etc.) (for example, the required time until the registration process is completed (until the subtotal screen is displayed)).

[0188] [11th Modification Example] Note that in the above, the current operation mode of the self-POS terminal 20 is displayed (for example, the reference numeral M in FIG. 17), but by obtaining information regarding the operation mode in another POS terminal 20 via the LAN 11, for example, the current operation mode of the other POS terminal 20 may also be displayed.

[0189] [12th Modification Example] In the POS terminal 20 of the above embodiment, for example, the customer-side display unit 205 faces the opposite side to the display surface of the store clerk-side display unit 210, and the change dispenser 209 can be operated on the side where the display surface of the customer-side display unit 205 faces. That is, the POS terminal 20 of the above embodiment is arranged such that the store clerk and the customer face each other. However, the POS terminal 20 may be configured such that the clerk-side display unit 210, the customer-side display unit 205, the change dispenser 209, etc. are arranged so that, for example, when the clerk and the customer are standing face-to-face, the directions are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0190] [Summary of Embodiment] (1) As described above, one aspect of the present embodiment is a merchandise sales data processing apparatus (for example, the POS terminal 20) including a first information input means for inputting information corresponding to a clerk, a second information input means for inputting information corresponding to a customer, and a processing means for executing different processes depending on whether specific information is input by the first information input means or the second information input means. According to the above configuration, for example, when information indicated by a barcode of a restricted purchase item such as tobacco is read by the clerk-side scanner unit 212 (an example of the first information input means), a product registration process is performed. On the other hand, when information indicated by the barcode of the same restricted purchase item is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 (an example of the second information acquisition means), a screen having content serving as guidance for preparing the product corresponding to the read information can be displayed to the clerk and the customer. Thereby, the efficiency of the checkout process when the customer purchases a restricted purchase item is improved.

[0191] (2) One aspect of the present embodiment is the merchandise sales data processing apparatus described in (1) above, wherein at least one of the first information input means and the second information input means inputs information by reading information from a predetermined medium. According to the above configuration, information can be acquired by reading a barcode corresponding to a restricted purchase item with a barcode printed on the package like the above-mentioned tobacco.

[0192] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the product sales data processing device described in (1) or (2) above, wherein when the specific information is input by the second information input means, the processing means causes the information for specifying the product corresponding to the specific information to be displayed on the display unit for store clerks. According to the above configuration, when the information indicated by the barcode of the purchase-restricted product is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 (second information acquisition means), information (for example, brand number) for specifying the product corresponding to the read information can be displayed for the store clerk. Note that the information for specifying the product is not limited to the brand number. The information for specifying the product may be a number, symbol, etc. fixedly attached to the product shelf itself.

[0193] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is the product sales data processing device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein when the specific information is read by the second information input means, the processing means causes information regarding the selection of a plurality of products corresponding to the specific information to be displayed on the customer display unit (for example, the customer-side display unit 205). According to the above configuration, when there are a plurality of products corresponding to the information indicated by the barcode of the purchase-restricted product, the customer can perform an operation of selecting a product to be purchased from among the plurality of products.

[0194] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to function as a processing means that executes different processes when specific information is input by the first information input means for inputting information corresponding to a store clerk and when the specific information is input by the second information input means for inputting information corresponding to a customer.

[0195] Note that, in order to implement the functions of the POS system 1, the POS terminal 20, etc. described above, a program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processes of the POS system 1, the POS terminal 20, etc. described above. Here, "reading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium by a computer system" includes installing the program on the computer system. The "computer system" as used herein shall include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes an internal or external recording medium provided so as to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a form executable by the terminal device. That is, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device, the form stored in the distribution server does not matter. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different timings, and then combined on the terminal device, or the distribution servers for distributing the respective divided programs may be different. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" shall include a computer system internal volatile memory (RAM) such as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network, which holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above.Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system for the above-described functions.

Explanation of Signs

[0196] 1…POS system 10…Store controller 20…POS terminal 201…CPU 202…ROM 203…RAM 204…Hard disk 205…Customer-side display unit 206…Customer-side scanner unit 208…Card settlement unit 209…Change dispenser 210…Employee-side display unit 211…Key operation unit 212…Employee-side scanner unit 213…Printing unit 214…Audio output unit 215…Communication unit

Claims

1. A product sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, an information input unit for inputting information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing means for, when benefit information corresponding to a coupon is input by the information input means, determining whether or not the coupon can be used, and, when it is determined that the coupon can be used, executing a process corresponding to the provision of the benefit information and executing a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk collect the media that are to be collected in response to the use of the benefit information; a notification means for notifying a store clerk who has responded to the call that the medium will be collected in accordance with the use of the special offer information; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. A computer as a product sales data processing device which performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, an information input means for inputting information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing means for, when benefit information corresponding to a coupon is input by the information input means, determining whether or not the coupon can be used, and, when it is determined that the coupon can be used, executing a process corresponding to the provision of the benefit information and also executing a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk collect the media that are to be collected in response to the use of the benefit information; a notification means for notifying a store clerk who has responded to the call that the medium will be collected in accordance with the use of the special information; A program to function as a

3. A merchandise sales data processing method in a merchandise sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, comprising: an information input step in which an information input unit of the product sales data processing device inputs information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing step in which, when benefit information corresponding to a coupon is inputted in the information input step, a processing unit of the product sales data processing device judges whether or not the coupon can be used, and when it is judged that the coupon can be used, executes a process corresponding to the provision of the benefit information and also executes a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk collect the media to be collected in response to the use of the benefit information; a notification step of notifying the store clerk who responded to the store clerk call that the medium will be collected in accordance with the use of the benefit information by a notification unit of the product sales data processing device; A merchandise sales data processing method comprising:

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