Registration / settlement device and information processing program

Abstract

To easily switch an operation mode between a semi self-registration / settlement mode and a full self-registration / settlement mode.SOLUTION: Switching means switches between a first operation mode in which a registration operation for registering a purchased commodity, which is purchased by a customer, is performed by a salesclerk and a settlement operation for paying the price of the purchased commodity is performed by the customer and a second operation mode in which the registration operation and the settlement operation are performed by the customer. A salesclerk storage unit stores salesclerk identification information for identifying a salesclerk who performs the registration operation. In the case where first updating means receives an instruction for switching the first operation mode into the second operation mode from the switching means, the first updating means updates the salesclerk identification information stored in the salesclerk storage unit into specific information. In the case where second updating means receives an instruction for switching the second operation mode into the first operation mode from the switching means when it waits for the input of the salesclerk identification information and accepts the input of the salesclerk identification information through the input means, the second updating means updates the specific information stored in the salesclerk storage unit into the input salesclerk identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a registration settlement device and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in registration settlement devices typified by POS (Point Of Sales) terminals and the like, the number of self-type models in which the customer himself / herself intervenes in the operation has been increasing. Among the self-types, there are so-called semi-self types in which the store clerk performs a registration operation for registering the purchased items to be purchased, and the customer performs a settlement operation for paying the price for the purchased items, and so-called full-self types in which the customer himself / herself performs the operations from the registration operation to the settlement operation. Currently, a registration settlement device operating as a semi-self and a registration settlement device operating as a full-self are each in operation.

[0003] On the other hand, a registration settlement device that can operate as either a semi-self or a full-self has been proposed. However, when operating as a semi-self, it is necessary to clarify which store clerk performed the registration operation for the purchased items. For this reason, it is necessary to input the identification information of the store clerk into the registration settlement device in advance. However, when operating as a full-self, since the operator is a customer, the identification information of the store clerk is unnecessary. Therefore, when switching the operation mode from semi-self to full-self, it is necessary to invalidate the identification information of the store clerk input during the semi-self operation. Conversely, when switching the operation mode from full-self to semi-self, it is essential to input the identification information of the store clerk.

[0004] Thus, when switching the operation mode between semi-self and full-self, there may be cases where items restricted in one operation mode are released or new restricted items are added. Without considering this point, it is not possible to easily switch the operation mode between semi-self and full-self.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-109932 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a registration settlement device capable of easily switching the operation mode between semi-self and full-self. Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the registration settlement device includes a switching means, a store clerk storage unit, a first update means, and a second update means. The switching means switches between a first operation mode in which a store clerk performs a registration operation for registering purchased items bought by a customer and the customer performs a settlement operation for paying the price for the purchased items, and a second operation mode in which the customer performs operations from the registration operation to the settlement operation. The store clerk storage unit stores store clerk identification information for identifying the store clerk who performs the registration operation. The first update means updates the store clerk identification information stored in the store clerk storage unit to specific information when the switching means is instructed to switch from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The second update means waits for the input of the store clerk identification information when the switching means is instructed to switch from the second operation mode to the first operation mode, and updates the specific information stored in the store clerk storage unit to the input store clerk identification information when the store clerk identification information is input via the input means. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a registration settlement device capable of easily switching the operation mode between semi-self and full-self will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a case where the POS terminal of a POS system for a convenience store is taken as an example of the registration settlement device.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a POS system. The POS system is configured by connecting a plurality of POS terminals 100 and a store server 200 via a communication network 300. The communication network 300 may be wireless or wired. Typically, a LAN (local area network) is used as the communication network 300. In addition to the LAN, the communication network 300 can also be used alone or in an appropriate combination, such as the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc.

[0011] Each POS terminal 100 is installed on a cashier counter 400 provided in the store to separate the sales floor space SP1 and the clerk's workspace SP2. In FIG. 1, a state where three POS terminals 100 are installed on the cashier counter 400 is shown. As shown in the figure, each POS terminal 100 is arranged at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the cashier counter 400. Each POS terminal 100 is operated by a clerk located on the side of the workspace SP2 across the cashier counter 400 and a customer located on the side of the sales floor space SP1.

[0012] Each POS terminal 100 has a function of registering the sales data of the purchased goods bought by the customer and calculating the amount to be paid by the customer based on the registered sales data, and a function of receiving the payment of the amount and settling the business transaction with the customer. Since such functions are well-known functions of well-known POS terminals, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0013] The store server 200 is installed in the store's backyard. The store server 200 may be installed in a space other than the backyard. The store server 200 has a function of collecting the sales data of each product registered by each POS terminal 100 via the communication network 300, and a function of aggregating the sales data of the purchased goods by product, time period, customer group, or responsible person based on the collected sales data. Since such functions are well-known functions of well-known store servers, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0014] Note that the customer layer is a classification of customers by gender and age. For example, the customer layer is classified as follows: customers under 20 years old (male), customers in their 20s to 30s (male), customers in their 40s to 50s (male), customers 60 years old and above (male), customers under 20 years old (female), customers in their 20s to 30s (female), customers in their 40s to 50s (female), and customers 60 years old and above (female). The POS terminal 100 is provided with a customer layer indication means. The store clerk observes the customer who comes to settle the purchased goods, determines the customer layer, and operates the customer layer indication means to indicate the corresponding customer layer. In the POS terminal 100, before the registration of the purchased goods is completed, if the customer layer is indicated, the sales data of the purchased goods is transmitted from the POS terminal 100 to the store server 200 together with the customer layer information. Then, in the store server 200, the sales data is aggregated by customer layer.

[0015] The person in charge is the store clerk who signs on to the POS terminal 100 to perform the registration operation of the purchased goods. When the store clerk signs on, the employee number of the store clerk is registered as the person in charge number in the POS terminal 100. The employee number is an example of employee identification information for identifying the store clerk. The sales data of the purchased goods is transmitted from the POS terminal 100 to the store server 200 together with the person in charge number. Then, in the store server 200, the sales data is aggregated by person in charge number. Also, the name of the store clerk registered as the person in charge is printed on the receipt issued from the POS terminal 100.

[0016] Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 100 will be described with reference to the external perspective view of FIG. 2 and the block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of FIG. 3. The POS terminal 100 is installed on the accounting counter 400 such that the right rear side in FIG. 2 faces the workspace SP2. In other words, the POS terminal 100 is installed on the accounting counter 400 such that the front left side in FIG. 2 faces the sales floor space SP1. That is, in FIG. 2, the right rear side is the store clerk side, and the front left side is the customer side. Therefore, hereinafter, the right rear side in FIG. 2 will be referred to as the store clerk side, and the front left side will be referred to as the customer side, respectively.

[0017] The POS terminal 100 includes a customer-side touch panel 1, a fixed scanner 2, an automatic change dispenser 20, a credit card reader 5, a proximity communication unit 6, a prepaid card reader / writer (prepaid card R / W) 7, a receipt printer 8, a store clerk-side touch panel 9, a sub-touch panel 10, a keyboard 11, and a handheld scanner 12.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the customer-side touch panel 1 is provided facing the customer side. The customer-side touch panel 1 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. Also, the customer-side touch panel 1 inputs an instruction by a touch operation on the screen by the customer. The customer-side touch panel 1 is an example of a second display device.

[0019] The fixed scanner 2 has a reading window 2a facing the customer side. The fixed scanner 2 images a product obscured in front of the reading window 2a, and then recognizes barcode information represented by a barcode formed on the product by image processing. Then, the fixed scanner 2 outputs the recognized barcode information to a processor 14 described later. Note that the fixed scanner 2 can also use other well-known types of devices that optically read barcodes using the reflection of laser light. Also, the fixed scanner 2 can use a well-known type of device having a function of identifying a product by using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by imaging the product.

[0020] The automatic change dispenser 20 includes a coin unit 3 and a bill unit 4. The coin unit 3 includes a coin insertion slot 3a, a coin discharge port 3b, and a coin tray 3c. The coin insertion slot 3a is formed so that coins can be inserted from the customer side. The coin unit 3 counts the amount of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 3a and stores them in an internal storage. The coin unit 3 discharges the coins stored in the storage to the coin tray 3c through the coin discharge port 3b. The coin tray 3c is formed so that coins can be taken out from the customer side.

[0021] The bill unit 4 is provided with a bill insertion slot 4a and a bill discharge slot 4b. The bill insertion slot 4a is formed so that bills can be inserted from the customer side. The bill unit 4 counts the amount of the bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 4a and stores them in an internal storage bin. The bill unit 4 discharges the bills stored in the storage bin from the bill discharge slot 4b. The bill discharge slot 4b holds the discharged bills in a state where a part of them is exposed to the outside. The bill discharge slot 4b is formed so that the bills held as described above can be taken out from the customer side.

[0022] The credit card reader 5 reads card information from a credit card that is slid along a slit 5a. The credit card reader 5 is arranged with the slit 5a facing the customer side so that it is suitable for a customer located on the customer side to slide the credit card.

[0023] The proximity communication unit 6 is provided so as to form a communication range on the customer side. The proximity communication unit 6 performs proximity wireless communication with a wireless tag approached from the customer side and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. Further, the proximity communication unit 6 writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag by the above proximity wireless communication.

[0024] The prepaid card reader / writer 7 is provided with a slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 reads card data magnetically recorded on a prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a. Further, the prepaid card reader / writer 7 writes arbitrary data to the prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a.

[0025] The receipt printer 8 prints a receipt image on receipt paper. The receipt printer 8 discharges the receipt paper on which the receipt image has been printed to the outside from a receipt discharge slot 8a. The receipt paper discharged and cut from the receipt discharge slot 8a can be received by the customer as a receipt.

[0026] The clerk-side touch panel 9 is provided facing the clerk side. The clerk-side touch panel 9 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk. Also, the clerk-side touch panel 9 inputs instructions by touch operations on the screen by the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 9 is an example of a first display device.

[0027] The sub-touch panel 10 is provided facing the clerk side. The sub-touch panel 10 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk. Also, the sub-touch panel 10 inputs instructions by touch operations on the screen by the clerk.

[0028] The keyboard 11 is provided with a large number of keys for easy operation by the clerk located in the clerk-side workspace SP2. The keyboard 11 inputs the clerk's instructions by pressing these keys.

[0029] The handheld scanner 12 is held in the operator's hand and optically reads a barcode facing the reading port 12a. The handheld scanner 12 is connected to the POS terminal 100 via a communication cable 13, and the operator can operate it not only from the clerk side but also from the customer side.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the elements shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 100 includes a processor 14, a main storage unit 15, an auxiliary storage unit 16, a buzzer 17, a communication unit 18, and a transmission path 19. And each element shown in FIG. 2 and the processor 14, the main storage unit 15, the auxiliary storage unit 16, the buzzer 17, and the communication unit 18 are connected to the transmission path 19.

[0031] The processor 14, the main storage unit 15, and the auxiliary storage unit 16 are connected by the transmission path 19 to constitute a computer that executes information processing for controlling the POS terminal 100.

[0032] Processor 14 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 14 controls each part of the POS terminal 100 in order to realize various functions of the POS terminal 100 based on information processing programs such as the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main storage unit 15 and the auxiliary storage unit 16.

[0033] The main storage unit 15 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main storage unit 15 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main storage unit 15 stores the above information processing programs in the non-volatile memory area. Also, the main storage unit 15 may store data necessary for the processor 14 to execute various information processes in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main storage unit 15 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 14.

[0034] The auxiliary storage unit 16 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The auxiliary storage unit 16 is, for example, EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 16 stores data used by the processor 14 to perform various information processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 14. The auxiliary storage unit 16 may store the above information processing programs.

[0035] The communication unit 18 performs communication processing for the processor 14 to exchange various data with an arbitrary device such as the store server 200 via the communication network 300. As the communication unit 18, a well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 300 can be used.

[0036] The buzzer 17 sounds a warning tone according to the drive signal given from the processor 14. The buzzer 17 sounds to emit different warning tones according to the type of the drive signal. The buzzer 17 sounds, for example, to intermittently repeat the warning tone. The buzzer 17 sounds, for example, to continuously emit the warning tone.

[0037] The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The transmission path 19 transmits data and signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0038] As the basic hardware of the POS terminal 100, for example, that of another existing POS terminal can be used. At this time, the transfer of the POS terminal 100 is generally performed with the information processing program described for the information processing described later stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. However, the hardware of the POS terminal 100 and the information processing program in a state where the above information processing program is not stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16 may be transferred individually. Then, the information processing program may be written in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16 according to an operation by an administrator of the POS terminal 100 or the like. The transfer of the information processing program can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like, or by communication via a network.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 100 with such a configuration is provided with a store clerk side touch panel 9, a sub-touch panel 10, and a keyboard 11 facing the store clerk side. Further, the POS terminal 100 is provided with a customer side touch panel 1, a reading window 2a of the fixed scanner 2, a coin insertion slot 3a and a coin discharge slot 3b of the coin unit 3, a bill insertion slot 4a and a bill discharge slot 4b of the bill unit 4, a slit 5a of the credit card reader 5, a proximity communication unit 6, a slot 7a of the prepaid card reader / writer 7, and a receipt discharge port 8a of the receipt printer 8 facing the customer side. The handheld scanner 12 is placed at a position where not only the store clerk located in the workspace SP2 but also the customer located in the sales floor space SP1 can handle it.

[0040] Then, the POS terminal 100 has a so-called semi-self first operation mode in which the store clerk performs a registration operation for the customer's purchase registration and the customer performs a settlement operation for the payment of the price for the purchased goods, and a full-self second operation mode in which the customer performs from the registration operation to the settlement operation. Hereinafter, the first operation mode will be referred to as the semi-self mode, and the second operation mode will be referred to as the full-self mode.

[0041] When the operation mode of the POS terminal 100 is the semi-self mode, the store clerk located in the workspace SP2 and the customer located in the sales floor space SP1 face each other across the cashier counter 400. Then, the store clerk performs a registration operation using the store clerk side touch panel 9, the sub-touch panel 10, the keyboard 11, and the handheld scanner 12. The customer performs a settlement operation using the customer side touch panel 1, the coin unit 3, the bill unit 4, the credit card reader 5, the proximity communication unit 6, and the prepaid card reader / writer 7.

[0042] When the operation mode of the POS terminal 100 is the full self-service mode, a customer located in the sales floor space SP1 uses the customer-side touch panel 1, the fixed scanner 2, and the handheld scanner 12 to perform a registration operation for the purchased items that the customer himself / herself purchases. Further, the customer uses the customer-side touch panel 1, the coin unit 3, the bill unit 4, the credit card reader 5, the proximity communication unit 6, and the prepaid card reader / writer 7 to perform a settlement operation. At this time, it is not necessary for a store clerk to be on the side of the workspace SP2 with the accounting counter 400 in between.

[0043] Now, the POS terminal 100 has a switching means for switching between the semi-self-service mode and the full self-service mode. And the POS terminal 100 stores a mode flag MF in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16 in order to identify whether the semi-self-service mode or the full self-service mode is selected. The processor 14 of the POS terminal 100 recognizes that the semi-self-service mode is selected when the mode flag MF is set to "0", and recognizes that the full self-service mode is selected when the mode flag MF is set to "1". Note that in this regard, the processor 14 may recognize that the full self-service mode is selected when the mode flag MF is set to "0", and recognize that the semi-self-service mode is selected when the mode flag MF is set to "1".

[0044] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 100 configured as described above will be explained. When the power is turned on by turning on a power switch (not shown), etc., the processor 14 performs information processing described below according to an information processing program stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16.

[0045] Figures 4 to 9 are flowcharts showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 14 in response to the power being turned on. This procedure is according to an information processing program stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. Note that the content of the information processing shown in Figures 4 to 9 and described below is an example. The procedure and content of the information processing are not particularly limited as long as the same results can be obtained.

[0046] When the power is turned on, the processor 14 sets the mode flag MF described above as Act1 to "0". Then, the processor 14 waits for sign-on as Act2. A store clerk who operates the POS terminal 100 to perform a registration operation performs a sign-on operation prior to the start of the registration operation. The sign-on operation is, for example, an operation of pressing the responsible person key arranged on the keyboard 11 and then reading, with the handy scanner 12, the bar code of the clerk identification information, i.e., the employee number, indicated on the ID card of the store clerk. Note that the sign-on operation is not limited to this. Any sign-on operation already applied in well-known POS terminals may be used.

[0047] When the processor 14 detects the sign-on operation, it determines YES in Act2 and proceeds to Act3. The processor 14 stores, as Act3, the employee number input by the sign-on operation as the responsible person number in the responsible person memory. The responsible person memory is an example of a clerk storage unit. The responsible person memory is formed in a part of the volatile memory area of the main storage unit 15. The responsible person memory may be formed in the auxiliary storage unit 16.

[0048] The processor 14 turns on, that is, enables, the automatic responsible person release function as Act4. The automatic responsible person release function is a function that automatically signs off when a certain period of time has elapsed without operation. By enabling the automatic responsible person release function, it is possible to prevent a third party from illegally operating the POS terminal 100 left in the sign-on state.

[0049] After finishing the processes of Act3 and Act4, the processor 14 clears the merchandise list as Act5. The merchandise list is data indicating a list of merchandise already registered as purchased merchandise. The merchandise list is stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16.

[0050] The processor 14 causes the standby screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act6. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but for example, it is assumed to be a screen representing an advertisement. The standby screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased merchandise.

[0051] The processor 14 causes the home screen to be displayed on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 as Act7. The home screen is a basic screen for the store clerk to perform operations for registering purchased merchandise. At this time, since the mode flag MF is "1", that is, the semi-self mode is selected as the operation mode, the home screen may display an image indicating that it is in the semi-self mode. The store clerk can perform an operation for designating the merchandise to be purchased on this home screen or on another screen that can be transitioned from this home screen.

[0052] The processor 14 causes the keyboard screen to be displayed on the sub-touch panel 10 as Act8. The keyboard screen is a screen representing a software keyboard formed by arranging a plurality of buttons.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a keyboard screen SC1 as an example. The keyboard screen SC1 has a plurality of buttons such as a button BU1 and a button BU2 arranged thereon. Although not numbered, those shown in the same shape as the button BU1 or the button BU2 are also all buttons.

[0054] Each button on these keyboard screens SC1 has a function pre-assigned to it. The switching button BU3 is assigned a function for the operator to indicate switching to the full self-mode. The switching button BU3 is represented by the character string "Self-switch" to indicate its assigned function. Each of the other buttons is also represented by a character string indicating its assigned function, but the illustration of the character string is omitted in Figure 10.

[0055] The processor 14 checks whether a product has been designated to be registered as a purchased product as Act9. If such an instruction has not been given, the processor 14 determines NO and proceeds to Act10. The processor 14 checks whether the switching button BU3 has been touched as Act10. If the processor 14 cannot confirm that the switching button BU3 has been touched, it determines NO and returns to Act9. Thus, in Act9 and Act10, the processor 14 waits for a product to be designated or the switching button BU3 to be touched.

[0056] Note that the processor 14 may check whether any other instruction operations have been performed in this waiting state and the waiting states described later. If the processor 14 confirms that such an instruction operation has been performed, it proceeds to the process corresponding to the operation. Also, in this waiting state, when a certain period of time has elapsed without any operation, since the automatic responsibility release function is enabled, the processor 14 automatically signs off. In that case, the processor 14 will restart the process from Act2.

[0057] The customer picks up the purchased goods from the sales floor and brings them to the checkout counter 400. The store clerk operating the POS terminal 100 is located on the workspace SO2 side with the POS terminal 100 in between, facing the customer located on the sales floor space SP1 side. The store clerk performs a registration operation to designate the goods brought by the customer to the checkout counter 400 as purchased goods, using the clerk-side touch panel 9, keyboard 11, or handheld scanner 12. The registration operation of the store clerk at this time may be the same as that performed on another existing POS terminal. If a registration operation to designate the goods as purchased goods is performed, the processor 14 determines YES in Act9 and proceeds to Act11.

[0058] Note that since the waiting screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased goods as described above, a registration operation to designate goods as purchased goods is not performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Also, the processor 14 does not use the recognition result by the fixed scanner 2 for registering purchased goods. That is, in the semi-self mode where the processor 14 determines the content of the transaction to be settled according to the operation by the store clerk, the customer-side touch panel 1 and the fixed scanner 2 are invalidated. By invalidating the customer-side touch panel 1 and the fixed scanner 2 in this way, it is possible to prevent the registration as purchased goods from being erroneously performed by the customer's operation.

[0059] The processor 14 updates the product list to include the products designated by the above operations as Act11. Note that the product list is, for example, a list of product codes for identifying products. Therefore, the processor 14 adds the product code for identifying the designated product to the product list.

[0060] The processor 14 causes a summary screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act12. The summary screen is a screen that represents an overview of the current status regarding the registration of purchased goods according to the content of the product list at this point in time. For example, the summary screen shows the product name, unit price, and quantity of the product registered as the immediately previous purchased product, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered products, and the total amount for the registered products. The summary screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased goods.

[0061] The processor 14 causes a detailed screen to be displayed on the store employee-side touch panel 9 as Act13. The detailed screen is a screen that represents the details of the current status regarding the registration of purchased goods according to the content of the product list at this point in time. For example, the detailed screen shows a list of the product name, unit price, and quantity of each product registered as a purchased product, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered products, and the total amount for the registered products.

[0062] The processor 14 checks whether a product to be registered as a purchased product has been specified as Act14. Then, if such an instruction has not been given, the processor 14 determines NO and proceeds to Act15. The processor 14 checks whether a customer layer has been instructed as Act15. Then, if it cannot be confirmed that the customer layer has been instructed, the processor 14 determines NO and returns to Act14. Thus, in Act14 and Act15, the processor 14 waits for a product to be specified or for the customer layer to be instructed.

[0063] When a customer brings multiple items to the cashier counter 400, the store clerk performs an operation to designate the second and subsequent items as purchased items when the processor 14 is in the standby state as Act14 and Act15. If such an operation is performed, the processor 14 determines YES in Act14 and executes the processing of Act11 to Act13 in the same manner as described above. As a result, the multiple items brought by the customer to the cash register are added to the item list one by one. Since the overview screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased items as described above, an operation to designate an item as a purchased item is not performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Also, the processor 14 does not use the recognition result by the fixed scanner 2 for registering purchased items.

[0064] When the store clerk has finished designating all the items brought by the customer to the cashier counter 400 as purchased items, the store clerk estimates the gender and age of the customer and determines the customer segment. Then, the store clerk presses the customer segment key for the determined customer segment from among the customer segment keys for each customer segment arranged on the keyboard 11 as the customer segment instruction means. In this way, the customer segment key not only indicates the customer segment of the customer but also indicates the completion of the registration of the purchased items purchased by the customer. Note that the customer segment instruction means is not limited to pressing the customer segment key. For example, functions for each customer segment are assigned to a plurality of buttons arranged on the sub-touch panel 10, and the store clerk may touch the button to which the corresponding customer segment is assigned from among these plurality of buttons to indicate the customer segment.

[0065] When the processor 14 detects that the customer segment is indicated by the pressing of the customer segment key, the processor 14 determines YES in Act15 and proceeds to Act21 in FIG. 5. The processor 14 stores, as Act21, a customer segment code for identifying the indicated customer segment in the customer segment memory. The customer segment memory is an example of a customer segment storage unit. Also, the customer segment code is an example of customer segment information. The customer segment memory is formed in a part of the volatile memory area of the main storage unit 15. The customer segment memory may be formed in the auxiliary storage unit 16.

[0066] The computer mainly composed of the processor 14 herein constitutes the first half of the customer storage means by executing the process of Act21.

[0067] The processor 14 causes the selection screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act22. The selection screen is a screen for receiving an operation by the customer to select a payment method. For example, the selection screen represents a plurality of buttons each associated with a plurality of payment methods. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 100 can selectively use cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid as payment methods. Therefore, the selection screen includes four buttons respectively associated with cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid. Regarding electronic money and prepaid, each may include a plurality of buttons associated with a plurality of settlement services belonging thereto. Alternatively, when a button associated with electronic money or prepaid is touched, the processor 14 may cause a lower selection screen representing buttons each associated with a plurality of settlement services belonging to the payment method to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1.

[0068] The processor 14 checks whether a payment method has been specified as Act23. Then, if no payment method has been specified, the processor 14 determines NO and proceeds to Act24. The processor 14 checks whether it has been instructed to return to the registration of the purchased goods as Act24. Then, if such an instruction has not been given, the processor 14 determines NO and returns to Act23. Thus, in Act23 and Act24, the processor 14 waits for a payment method to be specified or for an instruction to return to registration.

[0069] When the customer wants to add purchased items, etc., the customer is instructed to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. The operation is, for example, touching the back button shown on the selection screen. Also, when there are still purchased items that have not been registered, etc., the store clerk instructs the customer to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 or the sub-touch panel 10. The operation is, for example, touching the back button shown on the detailed screen or the keyboard screen. The processor 14 determines YES in Act24 in response to the corresponding operation being performed, and executes the processing after Act12 in FIG. 4 in the same manner as described above.

[0070] If the customer proceeds to pay for the purchased items, the customer specifies the payment method to be used by a predetermined operation on the selection screen. The operation is, for example, touching the button shown on the selection screen as being associated with the payment method to be used. The processor 14 determines YES in Act23 in response to the operation being performed, and proceeds to Act25.

[0071] The processor 14 causes the settlement screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act25. The settlement screen is a screen that shows the amount to be settled and guides the operation method for settlement. A plurality of types corresponding to a plurality of settlement methods are predetermined. The processor 14 causes the settlement screen associated with the specified settlement method to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Therefore, when displaying the settlement screen, the processor 14 determines the settlement amount for the purchase of the purchased items registered in the item list.

[0072] The processor 14 causes the detailed screen to be displayed on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 as Act26. The detailed screen may be the same as the detailed screen displayed in Act13. However, the detailed screen to be displayed in Act26 is a screen indicating that the customer has made a settlement.

[0073] The processor 14 activates a payment device according to the payment method specified as Act27. For example, when cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 activates the coin unit 3 and the bill unit 4 of the automatic change machine 20. For example, when credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 activates the credit card reader 5. For example, when electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 activates the proximity communication unit 6. For example, when prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 activates the prepaid card reader / writer 7.

[0074] The processor 14 waits for a payment operation according to the payment method specified as Act28 to be performed. For example, when cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 recognizes that the payment operation has been performed when coins and bills are inserted into the coin unit 3 and the bill unit 4. For example, when credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 recognizes that the payment operation has been performed when a credit card is slid into the slot 5a of the credit card reader 5. For example, when electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 recognizes that the payment operation has been performed when a wireless tag for electronic money approaches the proximity communication unit 6. For example, when prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 14 recognizes that the payment operation has been performed when a prepaid card is inserted into the slot 7a of the prepaid card reader / writer 7. When the processor 14 recognizes that the payment operation has been performed, it determines YES in Act28 and proceeds to Act29.

[0075] Processor 14 performs settlement processing as Act29. Specifically, for the settlement method specified in Act23, Processor 14 uses the data input by the settlement operation received in Act28 to execute processing for settling the settlement amount. And in this settlement processing, Processor 14 generates sales data of the purchased goods according to the content of the product list, and transmits it to the store server 200 via the communication network 300 together with the responsible person number stored in the responsible person memory and the customer layer code stored in the customer layer memory. Since such settlement processing is well-known, detailed description here is omitted.

[0076] After finishing the settlement processing, Processor 14 stops the settlement device activated in Act27 as Act30. Also, Processor 14 controls the receipt printer 8 as Act31 to issue a receipt in which a receipt image representing the content of the current settlement transaction and the settlement result is printed on the receipt paper.

[0077] At this time, in addition to the transaction date and time, register number, etc., the name corresponding to the responsible person number stored in the responsible person memory, that is, the name of the employee identified by the responsible person number, is printed in the responsible person column on the receipt. The transaction date and time indicates the year, month, day, and time when the transaction was conducted. The POS terminal 100 has a clock function (not shown), and Processor 14 controls to print the date and time measured by this clock function as the transaction date and time on the receipt. Also, the register number is a unique number assigned to each POS terminal 100 to identify each POS terminal 100. The POS terminal 100 stores the register number in advance in, for example, the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. Note that the data printed on the receipt is also recorded as it is in the electronic journal file. The electronic journal file is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 16.

[0078] After finishing issuing the receipt, the processor 14 clears the product list as Act32. Also, the processor 14 causes the end screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act33. The end screen is a screen that notifies the customer that the transaction has been completed.

[0079] Thereafter, the processor 14 returns to Act6 in FIG. 4. That is, the processor 14 causes the standby screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1, causes the home screen to be displayed on the clerk-side touch panel 9, and causes the keyboard screen to be displayed on the sub-touch panel 10. Then, the processor 14 enters the waiting states of Act9 and Act10.

[0080] Incidentally, the clerk can switch the POS terminal 100 operating in the semi-self mode to the full-self mode. However, the switching from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode is limited to when the processor 14 is in the waiting states of Act9 and Act10. That is, it is limited to the state where the responsible person number is stored in the responsible person memory, that is, the responsible person registration state, and the state where the product list is cleared, that is, the state where no product data has been input.

[0081] When switching the POS terminal 100 operating in the semi-self mode to the full-self mode, the clerk touches the switch button BU3 arranged on the keyboard screen SC1 displayed on the sub-touch panel 10.

[0082] When the processor 14 in the waiting states of Act9 and Act10 detects that the switch button BU3 has been touched, it determines YES in Act10 and proceeds to Act41 in FIG. 6. The processor 14 causes a switch confirmation screen to be displayed on the clerk-side touch panel 9 in a pop-up manner as Act41.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a switching confirmation screen SC2 as an example. On the switching confirmation screen SC2, a message M1 for confirming to the store clerk to switch from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode is displayed, along with a "Yes" button BU11 and a "No" button BU12.

[0084] When the store clerk who has confirmed the switching confirmation screen SC2 wants to switch from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode, the clerk touches the "Yes" button BU11. Also, when the store clerk wants to cancel the switching from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode, the clerk touches the "No" button BU12.

[0085] The processor 14 that displays the switching confirmation screen SC2 on the store clerk side touch panel 9 checks whether the execution of the mode switching is instructed as Act42. When the "Yes" button BU11 on the switching confirmation screen SC2 is touched, the processor 14 determines that the execution of the mode switching is instructed. In that case, the processor 14 determines YES in Act42 and proceeds to Act43.

[0086] The processor 14 determines whether the switching conditions are satisfied as Act43. As described above, when it is in the responsible person registration state and the product data has not been input, the mode switching from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode is allowed. That is, the processor 14 determines that the switching conditions are satisfied when it confirms that the employee number of any store clerk is stored in the responsible person memory and the product list is cleared.

[0087] In that case, the processor 14 determines YES in Act43 and proceeds to Act44. The processor 14 records, in the electronic journal file, information indicating that the mode has been switched from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode, together with the responsible person number stored in the responsible person memory.

[0088] Processor 14 rewrites the data in the responsible person memory as Act45 to a specific number that is not used as the employee number of the store clerk, for example, "999". Further, the processor 14 turns off, that is, invalidates the automatic responsible person release function as Act46. Furthermore, the processor 14 sets the mode flag MF to "1" as Act47.

[0089] Here, the computer mainly composed of the processor 14 constitutes the first half of the switching means for switching the operation mode from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode by executing the processes of Act41 to Act43 and Act47 in cooperation with the switching button BU3. Also, the computer constitutes the first update means by executing the process of Act45. Further, the computer constitutes the first half of the control means by executing the process of Act46.

[0090] Note that when the "No" button BU12 on the switching confirmation screen SC2 is touched in Act42, the processor 14 determines it as NO and returns to Act9 in FIG. 4. Also, when the switching conditions are not satisfied in Act43, the processor 14 also determines it as NO and returns to Act9 in FIG. 4. That is, the processor 14 returns to the waiting states of Act9 and Act10.

[0091] After finishing the processes of Act44 to Act47, the processor 14 proceeds to Act51 in FIG. 7. Note that the procedures of the processes of Act44 to Act47 are not limited to the above-described procedures. The order of the processes may be reversed.

[0092] The processor 14 displays a guidance screen on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act51. The guidance screen is a screen for guiding the customer that the customer should perform a registration operation for registering the purchased goods. The guidance screen may show what operations should be performed as the registration operation for registering the purchased goods.

[0093] The processor 14 causes the standby screen to be displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 as Act52. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but at least an image notifying the store clerk that it is in the full self-service mode is displayed. The standby screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased goods.

[0094] The processor 14 causes the switching screen to be displayed on the sub-touch panel 10 as Act53. The switching screen is a screen representing a switching button.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a switching screen SC3 as an example. The switching screen SC3 has a plurality of buttons such as a switching button BU21 and buttons BU22, BU23 arranged thereon. Although not labeled, those having the same shape as the button BU23 are also all buttons.

[0096] Each button on these switching screens SC3 has a function assigned thereto in advance. The switching button BU21 is assigned a function for the operator to instruct switching to the semi-self-service mode. The switching button BU21 has a character string "Self Switch" represented thereon to indicate its assigned function. Each of the other buttons also has a character string representing its assigned function, but the character string is omitted in FIG. 12. The switching screen SC3 does not include operation elements for registering purchased goods.

[0097] The processor 14 checks whether a product to be registered as a purchased product has been specified as Act54. Then, if the instruction has not been given, the processor 14 determines NO and proceeds to Act55.

[0098] The processor 14 checks whether the switching button BU21 has been touched as Act55. Then, if the processor 14 cannot confirm that the switching button BU21 has been touched, it determines NO and returns to Act54. Thus, in Act54 and Act55, the processor 14 waits for a product to be specified or the switching button BU21 to be touched.

[0099] If the customer picks up the product to be purchased from the sales floor and brings the product to the cashier counter 400, a registration operation for designating the product as a purchased product is performed using the customer-side touch panel 1 or the fixed scanner 2. The operation of the customer at this time may be the same as that performed on an existing different self-type POS terminal. If the registration operation for designating the product as a purchased product is performed, the processor 14 determines YES in Act54 and proceeds to Act56.

[0100] Since the standby screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased products as described above, the registration operation for designating a product as a purchased product is not performed on the store clerk side touch panel 9. Also, even if the keyboard 11 is operated, the processor 14 does not accept this as the designation of a purchased product. Also, since the switching screen SC3 does not include operation elements for registering purchased products as described above, the registration operation for designating a product as a purchased product is not performed on the sub-touch panel 10. That is, in the full self-mode in which the processor 14 determines the content of the transaction to be settled according to the operation by the customer, the store clerk side touch panel 9, the sub-touch panel 10, and the keyboard 11 are invalidated. And by invalidating the store clerk side touch panel 9, the sub-touch panel 10, and the keyboard 11 in this way, it is possible to prevent the registration as a purchased product from being erroneously performed by the operation of the store clerk.

[0101] The processor 14 updates the product list to include the product designated by the above registration operation as Act56. And the processor 14 causes the detailed screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act57. The detailed screen is a screen showing the details of the current situation regarding the registration of purchased products according to the content of the product list at this time. The detailed screen represents, for example, a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as a purchased product, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered products, and the total amount for the registered products.

[0102] Also, the processor 14 causes the detailed screen to be displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 as Act58. Here, the detailed screen to be displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 represents the same information as that to be displayed in Act13, and also indicates that it is in the full self-service mode. The detailed screen to be displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 does not include operation elements for registering purchased items.

[0103] The processor 14 checks, as Act59, whether an item to be registered as a purchased item has been specified. If such an instruction has not been given, the processor 14 determines NO and proceeds to Act60. The processor 14 checks, as Act60, whether checkout has been instructed. If it cannot be confirmed that checkout has been instructed, the processor 14 determines NO and returns to Act59. Thus, in Act59 and Act60, the processor 14 waits for an item to be specified or for checkout to be instructed.

[0104] When the customer brings multiple items to the checkout counter 400, the registration operation for designating the second and subsequent items as purchased items is performed when the processor 14 is in the waiting state as Act54 and Act55. If such a registration operation is performed, the processor 14 determines YES in Act54 and executes Act56 to Act58 in the same manner as described above. As a result, the multiple items brought by the customer to the checkout counter 400 are each added to the item list. Since the detailed screen to be displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 does not include operation elements for registering purchased items as described above, the registration operation for designating an item as a purchased item is not performed on the store clerk's touch panel 9. Also, even if the keyboard 11 is operated, the processor 14 does not accept this as the designation of a purchased item. Also, since the switching screen SC3 does not include operation elements for registering purchased items as described above, the registration operation for designating an item as a purchased item is not performed on the sub-touch panel 10.

[0105] If the customer has designated all the products brought to the checkout counter 400 as purchased products, the customer instructs the payment by a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. The operation is, for example, touching the payment button included in the detailed screen displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. The processor 14 determines YES in Act60 in response to the touch operation of the payment button and proceeds to Act61.

[0106] The processor 14 rewrites the customer layer code stored in the customer layer memory as Act61 with a specific customer layer code, for example, the identification code of the customer layer of "men in their 40s". The specific customer layer code is preset in the store server 200, downloaded to each POS terminal 100 via the communication network 300, and stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. Note that which customer layer identification code is used as the specific customer layer code is arbitrary. For example, the customer layer code of the most numerous customer layer in the store may be used as the specific customer layer code.

[0107] Here, the computer mainly composed of the processor 14 constitutes the latter half of the customer layer storage means by executing the process of Act61.

[0108] After finishing storing the specific customer layer code in the customer layer memory, the processor 14 proceeds to Act71 in FIG. 8. The processor 14 displays a selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act71. The selection screen represents the same information as that to be displayed in Act22.

[0109] The processor 14 checks whether the payment method has been specified as Act72. Then, if the payment method has not been specified, the processor 14 determines NO and proceeds to Act73. The processor 14 checks whether it has been instructed to return to the registration of the purchased products as Act73. Then, if such an instruction has not been made, the processor 14 determines NO and returns to Act72. Thus, in Act72 and Act73, the processor 14 waits for the payment method to be specified or for an instruction to return to the registration.

[0110] When the customer wants to add purchased items, etc., the customer is instructed to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. The operation is, for example, touching the return button shown on the selection screen. The processor 14 determines YES in Act73 in response to the corresponding operation being performed, and executes the processing after Act57 in FIG. 7 in the same manner as described above.

[0111] If the customer proceeds to pay for the purchased items, the customer specifies the payment method to be used by a predetermined operation on the selection screen. The operation is, for example, touching the button shown on the selection screen as being associated with the payment method to be used. The processor 14 determines YES in Act72 in response to the corresponding operation being performed, and proceeds to Act74.

[0112] The processor 14 causes a payment screen to be displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 as Act74. The payment screen is a screen that shows the amount to be paid and guides the operation method for payment. The payment screen shows the same information as that to be displayed in Act25.

[0113] The processor 14 causes a detailed screen to be displayed on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 as Act75. The detailed screen shows the same information as that to be displayed in Act26.

[0114] The processor 14 activates a payment device corresponding to the specified payment method as Act76, in the same manner as Act27. Then, the processor 14 waits for a payment operation corresponding to the specified payment method to be performed as Act77, in the same manner as Act28.

[0115] When the processor 14 determines that a payment operation has been performed, it determines YES in Act77 and proceeds to Act78. The processor 14 performs payment processing as Act79, in the same manner as Act29.

[0116] After finishing the settlement process, the processor 14, as Act80, stops the settlement device activated in Act76. Also, the processor 14, as Act80, controls the receipt printer 8 to issue a receipt in which a receipt image representing the details of the transaction just settled and the settlement result is printed on the receipt paper.

[0117] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a receipt RE1 as an example. In the receipt RE1, in addition to the transaction date and time D1, the register number D2, etc., the responsible person number stored in the responsible person memory, that is, a predetermined name "Self" stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16 in association with a specific number "999" is printed in the responsible person column. The name "Self" is preset in the store server 200, downloaded to each POS terminal 100 via the communication network 300, and stored in the main storage unit 15 or the auxiliary storage unit 16. Note that the predetermined name is not limited to "Self". Also, instead of the name "Self", the specific number "999" may be printed in the responsible person column of the receipt RE1. Note that the data printed on the receipt is also recorded in the electronic journal file as it is.

[0118] Here, the computer mainly composed of the processor 14 constitutes a printing means by executing the process of Act80 in cooperation with the receipt printer 8.

[0119] After finishing issuing the receipt, the processor 14, as Act81, clears the product list. Also, the processor 14, as Act82, displays an end screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The end screen represents the same information as that to be displayed in Act33.

[0120] Thereafter, the processor 14 returns to Act51 in FIG. 7. That is, the processor 14 displays a guidance screen on the customer-side touch panel 1, a standby screen on the store clerk-side touch panel 9, and a switching screen on the sub-touch panel 10. Then, the processor 14 enters the waiting states of Act54 and Act55.

[0121] By the way, the store clerk can switch the POS terminal 100 operating in the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode. However, the switch from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode is possible when the processor 14 is in the waiting states of Act54 and Act55. That is, the settlement of the commercial transaction in the full self-service mode has been completed, and a guidance screen is displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1.

[0122] When switching the POS terminal 100 operating in the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the store clerk touches the switching button BU21 arranged on the switching screen SC3 displayed on the sub-touch panel 10.

[0123] When the processor 14 in the waiting states of Act54 and Act55 detects that the switching button BU21 has been touched, it determines YES in Act55 and proceeds to Act91 in FIG. 9. The processor 14 causes a switching confirmation screen to be displayed in a pop-up manner on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 as Act91.

[0124] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a switching confirmation screen SC4 as an example. On the switching confirmation screen SC4, a message M2 for confirming to the store clerk the switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, a "Yes" button BU31, and a "No" button BU32 are displayed.

[0125] When the store clerk who has confirmed the switching confirmation screen SC4 wants to switch from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the store clerk touches the "Yes" button BU31. When the store clerk wants to cancel the switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the store clerk touches the "No" button BU32.

[0126] The processor 14 that displays the switching confirmation screen SC3 on the store clerk side touch panel 9 checks whether the execution of mode switching is commanded as Act92. When the "Yes" button BU31 on the switching confirmation screen SC4 is touched, the processor 14 determines that the execution of mode switching is commanded. In that case, the processor 14 determines YES in Act92 and proceeds to Act93.

[0127] The processor 14 determines whether the switching conditions are satisfied as Act93. As described above, when the guidance screen is displayed on the customer side touch panel 1, the mode switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode is permitted. That is, when the processor 14 confirms that the guidance screen is displayed on the customer side touch panel 1, it determines that the switching conditions are satisfied.

[0128] In that case, the processor 14 determines YES in Act93 and proceeds to Act94. The processor 14 records, in the electronic journal file, information indicating that the mode has been switched from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, together with a specific number "999" stored in the responsible person memory. Note that it is not essential to record the specific number "999" in the electronic journal file.

[0129] The processor 14 causes an instruction screen for instructing the store clerk to input the responsible person number to be displayed on the store clerk side touch panel 9 as Act95.

[0130] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an instruction screen SC5 as an example. On the instruction screen SC5, a message M3 instructing the store clerk to input the responsible person number and an "OK" button BU41 are displayed. The store clerk who has confirmed the instruction screen SC5 touches the OK button B41 and then reads the barcode of the employee number indicated on the ID card of the store clerk with the handheld scanner 12.

[0131] The processor 14 that displays the instruction screen SC4 on the store clerk side touch panel 9 waits for the responsible person number to be input as Act96. In this waiting state, when the OK button B41 is touched and it is confirmed that the employee number barcode has been read by the handheld scanner 12, the processor 14 determines YES in Act96 and proceeds to Act97. The processor 14 stores the employee number obtained by analyzing the barcode as the responsible person number in the responsible person memory as Act97. Also, the processor 14 turns on, that is, enables, the automatic responsible person release function as Act98. Further, the processor 14 resets the mode flag MF to "0" as Act99.

[0132] Here, the computer mainly composed of the processor 14 constitutes the latter half of the switching means for switching the operation mode from the full self - mode to the semi - self - mode by executing the processes of Act91 to Act99 in cooperation with the switching button BU21. Also, the same computer constitutes the second update means by executing the processes of Act95 to Act97. Also, the same computer constitutes the latter half of the control means by executing the process of Act98.

[0133] Note that when the "No" button BU32 on the switching confirmation screen SC4 is touched in Act92, the processor 14 determines NO and returns to Act54 in FIG. 7. Also, when the switching conditions are not satisfied in Act93, the processor 14 also determines NO and returns to Act54 in FIG. 7. That is, the processor 14 returns to the waiting states of Act54 and Act55.

[0134] After finishing the processes of Act97 to Act99, the processor 14 proceeds to Act6 in FIG. 4. Then the processor 14 executes the processes after Act6, that is, the processes in the semi - self - mode, in the same manner as described above. Note that the procedure of the processes of Act97 to Act99 is not limited to the procedure described above. The order of the processes may be reversed.

[0135] As described above, the POS terminal 100 of this embodiment has a semi-self mode and a full-self mode. When a store clerk, who is an operator, switches from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode, the clerk touches the switching button BU3. At this time, if the conditions for switching from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode, namely, the responsible person registration state and the state where commodity data has not been input, are satisfied, the operation mode of the POS terminal 100 switches from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode. Then, the data in the responsible person memory is rewritten to a specific number "999" which is not used as the employee number of the store clerk. That is, it becomes a state of signing on with the specific number "999". Therefore, the employee number of the store clerk who signed on in the semi-self mode is automatically invalidated.

[0136] Also, when the store clerk switches from the full-self mode to the semi-self mode, the clerk touches the switching button BU21. At this time, if the condition for switching from the full-self mode to the semi-self mode, namely, the state where a guidance screen is displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1, is satisfied, the operation mode of the POS terminal 100 switches from the full-self mode to the semi-self mode. Then, an instruction screen SC5 for instructing the store clerk to input the responsible person number is displayed on the store clerk side touch panel 9 of the POS terminal 100. When the store clerk inputs the employee number here, the employee number is registered in the responsible person memory as the responsible person number. That is, it becomes a state where the said store clerk has signed on. Therefore, it is impossible to switch from the full-self mode to the semi-self mode without signing on.

[0137] In this way, when switching the operation mode between the semi-self mode and the full-self mode, there may be cases where matters restricted in one operation mode are released or new restricted matters are added, but the POS terminal 100 takes this into consideration.

[0138] As a result, in the POS terminal 100, the procedures of Act6 to Act15 and Act21 to Act33 showing the information processing from registration to settlement in the semi-self mode and the procedures of Act51 to Act61 and Act71 to Act82 showing the information processing from registration to settlement in the full-self mode are almost the same. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a POS terminal 100 that can easily switch between the semi-self mode and the full-self mode without significantly modifying the information processing program.

[0139] Incidentally, in the responsible person column of the receipt issued in the semi-self mode, the name of the store clerk identified by the responsible person number stored in the responsible person memory is printed. In this regard, in the POS terminal 100, in the responsible person column of the receipt issued in the full-self mode, the name "Self" corresponding to the specific number "999" stored in the responsible person memory is also printed. Therefore, also from this point, it is possible to achieve the effect that it is not necessary to significantly change the information processing program when switching between the semi-self mode and the full-self mode.

[0140] Also, regarding the automatic responsible person release function that is effective when the semi-self mode is selected, the function is disabled when the full-self mode is selected. And when the semi-self mode is selected again, the function is enabled. Therefore, in the full-self mode, it does not automatically sign off because a certain amount of time has passed without operation. That is, it is possible to prevent in advance the problem that the automatic responsible person release function works in the full-self mode and automatically signs off, making it impossible for the customer to operate. For this reason, it is not necessary to add a routine for dealing with such a problem to the information processing program, so it is possible to achieve the effect that it is not necessary to significantly change the information processing program.

[0141] Incidentally, in general, in a POS terminal, before the registration of purchased items is completed, when the customer layer is instructed, the sales data of the purchased items is transmitted to the store server 200 together with the customer layer information. In this regard, in the POS terminal 100 of the present embodiment, when the semi-self mode is selected, when the customer instructs the completion of the registration of the purchased items, the customer layer of the customer is input. On the other hand, in the full-self mode, since the customer himself / herself instructs the completion of the registration of the purchased items, there is resistance to inputting the customer layer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the full-self mode, when the customer instructs the completion of the registration of the purchased items, a customer layer code indicating a predetermined customer layer is automatically stored in the customer layer memory. Therefore, since the customer layer is input not only in the semi-self mode but also in the full-self mode, it is possible to easily cope with the switching between semi-self and full-self without significantly changing the information processing program.

[0142] As described above, an embodiment of a registration settlement device that can easily switch the operation mode between semi-self and full-self has been described, but such an embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0143] For example, the switching conditions from semi-self to full-self or from full-self to semi-self are not limited to those exemplified. For example, the processor 14 may check the state of the automatic change dispenser 20 and include that there is no disconnection error as a switching condition. In this case, if the automatic change dispenser 20 has a disconnection error when switching from semi-self to full-self, the processor 14 may display, for example, "The mode cannot be switched because the change dispenser is not connected" on the clerk side touch panel 9 and return to the state before the operation of the switching button BU3. If the automatic change dispenser 20 has a disconnection error when switching from full-self to semi-self, the processor 14 may display, for example, "Drawer in operation" on the clerk side touch panel 9 and return to the state before the operation of the switching button BU21.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the case where the receipt image is printed on the receipt paper by the receipt printer 8 has been exemplified. Instead, the receipt image may be used as an electronic receipt and downloaded to the customer's information terminal.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the switching button BU3 has been exemplified as a means for instructing the mode switching from semi-self to full-self, and the switching button BU21 has been exemplified as a means for instructing the mode switching from full-self to semi-self. In this regard, for example, the mode switching may be instructed by a command distributed from the store server 200 to the POS terminal 100 via the communication network 300. In this case, the transmission source of the command is not limited to the store server 200. For example, another POS terminal 100 may be the transmission source of the command.

[0146] By the way, products such as alcohol and tobacco that require age verification, or pharmaceuticals belonging to Class I pharmaceuticals or Class II pharmaceuticals, require the intervention of a store clerk and thus cannot be sold in the full-self mode. For such products, a flag indicating that sales are prohibited in the full-self mode is set in the product data stored in the product master table. Then, in the processing of Act54 or Act59 in the full-self mode, when a product with the flag set is specified, the processor 14 displays an error screen indicating that the product cannot be registered on the customer-side touch panel 1.

[0147] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an error screen SC6 as an example. Since the error screen SC5 cannot accept the registration of products in the full-self mode, a message M4 instructing to move to the semi-self POS terminal and a button BU51 of "OK" are displayed. In this case, the store clerk who has confirmed the error screen SC6 touches the OK button B51 and moves to the semi-self POS terminal.

[0148] Also, in the POS terminal 100 where the full self-service mode is selected, there may be a case where an upper limit is set for the transaction amount. For example, transactions exceeding one hundred thousand yen cannot be settled at the POS terminal 100 where the full self-service mode is selected. In such a case, as a result of updating the product list in Act56, when the transaction amount exceeds a predetermined amount, an error screen is displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1. In this case, the error screen has a message M4 such as "Self-checkout cannot process payments exceeding 100,000 yen. Please make a payment first."

[0149] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

Explanation of Signs

[0150] 1... Customer-side touch panel, 2... Fixed scanner, 3... Coin unit, 4... Banknote unit, 5... Credit card reader, 6... Proximity communication unit, 7... Prepaid card reader / writer, 8... Receipt printer, 8a... Receipt outlet, 9... Clerk-side touch panel, 10... Sub-touch panel, 11... Keyboard, 12... Handheld scanner, 14... Processor, 15... Main storage unit, 16... Auxiliary storage unit, 17... Buzzer, 18... Communication unit, 19... Transmission path, 20... Automatic change machine, 100... POS terminal, 200... Store server, 300... Communication network.

Claims

1. switching means for switching between a first operation mode in which a store clerk performs a registration operation for registering a purchased item that a customer purchases and the customer performs a settlement operation for paying the price for the purchased item, and a second operation mode in which the customer performs operations from the registration operation to the settlement operation; a store clerk storage unit that stores store clerk identification information for identifying a store clerk who performs the registration operation; first update means for updating the store clerk identification information stored in the store clerk storage unit to specific information when switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode is instructed by the switching means; second update means for waiting for input of the store clerk identification information when switching from the second operation mode to the first operation mode is instructed by the switching means, and updating the specific information stored in the store clerk storage unit to the input store clerk identification information when the store clerk identification information is input via an input means; A registration and settlement device comprising:

2. printing means for printing a name corresponding to the information stored in the store clerk storage unit on a receipt, further comprising: The registration and settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the printing means prints a predetermined name on the receipt when the information stored in the store clerk storage unit is the specific information.

3. control means for disabling an automatic responsible person release function that automatically signs off when a certain period of time has elapsed without operation when switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode is instructed by the switching means, and enabling the automatic responsible person release function when switching from the second operation mode to the first operation mode is instructed by the switching means; The registration and settlement device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. customer layer storage means for waiting for input of customer layer information for identifying a customer layer of the customer before the settlement operation when operating in the first operation mode, storing the input customer layer information in a customer layer storage unit, and storing preset specific customer layer information in the customer layer storage unit when operating in the second operation mode; The registration and settlement device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. A computer for controlling the registration and settlement device A switching means for switching between a first operation mode in which a store clerk performs a registration operation for registering a purchased item that a customer purchases and the customer performs a settlement operation for paying the price for the purchased item, and a second operation mode in which the customer performs the operations from the registration operation to the settlement operation; A first updating means for updating the store clerk identification information stored in a store clerk storage unit that stores the store clerk identification information for identifying the store clerk who performs the registration operation to specific information when switching from the first operation mode to the second operation mode is instructed by the switching means; A second updating means for waiting for the input of the store clerk identification information when switching from the second operation mode to the first operation mode is instructed by the switching means, and updating the specific information stored in the store clerk storage unit to the input store clerk identification information when the store clerk identification information is input via an input means; An information processing program for causing it to function.

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