Sales data processor and program

Abstract

To provide a suitable technique for a full self-service sales data processor.SOLUTION: A sales data processor includes: generating means for generating transaction information; erasing means for erasing the transaction information generated by the generating means; acquiring means for acquiring a status of the sales data processor; and control means for prohibiting erasure by the erasing means based on the status acquired by the acquiring means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Fully self-service sales data processing devices, in which customers can register products and pay for them, are becoming more common, reducing the burden on store staff. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-133845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, depending on the customer's usage situation, there are many cases where operation by a store clerk is required, and there is a problem in that the burden on the store clerk cannot be reduced.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a technique suitable for a full-self-service sales data processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a sales data processing device characterized by comprising a generating means for generating transaction information, an erasing means for erasing the transaction information generated by the generating means, an acquiring means for acquiring the status of the transaction, and a control means for prohibiting erasure by the erasing means based on the status acquired by the acquiring means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 300. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 310. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 320. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 330. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 340. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 350. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 360. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen 370. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a request for erasure of transaction information; [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a transaction information control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] The store controller 10 is installed, for example, in the backroom of a store and stores a product master. The product master is information in which product information for each product sold in the store is registered. For example, when performing product registration processing, the POS terminal 20 uses information such as the product name and price of the product registered using the product master.

[0010] The management device 30 stores, for example, transaction results for the POS terminal 20. The management device 30 may also execute control to realize predetermined functions of the POS terminal 20 and the store controller 10. The management device 30 may be installed in the store, or may be provided as a cloud server outside the store.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the POS terminal 20. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 etc. as seen from the customer side. Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 etc. as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Figure 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0013] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card reader 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, a communication unit 215, an imaging unit 216, and a sign pole 217. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0014] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0015] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information, such as information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during registration processing, payment information generated during payment processing, etc.).

[0016] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Furthermore, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing instead of the RAM 203. Instead of the hard disk 204, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided.

[0017] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0018] Although the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if an order button for a product is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the product.

[0019] The card reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and executing processing corresponding to payment. The card reader 208 is also capable of reading information from membership cards, point cards, etc. The card reader 208 of this embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0020] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the output port.

[0021] The store clerk side display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, and displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk name tags.

[0022] Although the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers a product, the clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0023] The printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side, or from the customer side to the store clerk side (the direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0024] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (other POS terminals 20, store controller 10).

[0025] The imaging unit 216 is provided to capture an image of a customer performing operations related to the transaction from a position adjacent to the customer. The captured image captured by the imaging unit 216 can be used as a monitoring image for monitoring the customer performing the transaction. The POS terminal 20 can also store the captured image captured by the imaging unit 216 in a storage device such as the hard disk 204.

[0026] The captured image obtained by the imaging unit 216 is used, for example, to verify the actual amount deposited or as evidence. For example, if a customer claims to have deposited a 10,000 yen bill, but the automatic change dispenser records that a 1,000 yen bill was deposited, the captured image can be used to verify that the customer actually deposited a 1,000 yen bill and that this was not a misrecognition by the automatic change dispenser, and can also be used as objective evidence.

[0027] The image information captured by the image capturing unit 216 may be constantly displayed in real time on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20. By constantly displaying the captured image, customers using the POS terminal 20 are aware that they are being photographed, which has the effect of deterring fraud.

[0028] A second customer-side display unit with a larger display area than customer-side display unit 205 may be newly provided as a display unit for displaying captured images, and this second customer-side display unit may be used. The second customer-side display unit has a larger display area, which is more effective in deterring fraud. The second customer-side display unit may be attached to the top or either the left or right side of customer-side display unit 205. In particular, if it is attached in a position that improves visibility from a distance (for example, the top), store staff (particularly supervisors) can monitor customer usage from a distance.

[0029] The imaging unit 216 stores the captured images obtained by recording, for example, on the hard disk 204. The recording period is, for example, the period from the start of the transaction until the customer takes the receipt and leaves the POS terminal 20. If the POS terminal 20 is equipped with a means (for example, a human sensor) that can determine whether or not a customer is in front of the POS terminal 20, the period during which a customer is in front of the POS terminal 20 may be the recording period.

[0030] Furthermore, continuous recording may be performed regardless of whether a transaction has occurred or whether a customer is in front of the POS terminal 20. In the case of continuous recording, a function may be provided to delete any portion of the recording that is determined to be unnecessary. An example of this function is a process in which the period from 5 seconds before pressing button 301 (registration start button) in FIG. 5 (described later) to 5 seconds after removing the receipt is saved, and the rest is deleted. This ensures that the state before pressing button 301 is also saved as a captured image.

[0031] The sign pole 217 is a part that lights up in a predetermined pattern and color to give a predetermined notification to store staff.

[0032] [Overview of each operation mode] Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, double scan mode, and semi-self-service mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode for counting and inquiring about sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for store clerks or maintenance personnel to perform setup and maintenance work, a training mode for training new employees, etc. In this embodiment, the term "accounting" is a concept that includes, for example, from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered product. In the following description, as a separate approach from the classification of the above-mentioned 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.

[0033] [Normal mode] The normal mode is an operation mode in which the clerk side executes the registration process and the customer side executes the settlement process. That is, in the normal mode, the clerk side is in the registration mode and the customer side is in the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0034] In the normal mode, the clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the clerk (operation of the clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0035] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208), etc.

[0036] The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is confirmed), or may insert money into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process.

[0037] The store clerk may wait until the customer has completed the payment (until the customer has received the change and receipt), or may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while the payment is being processed. The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0038] Furthermore, if there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and change notes to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change. After a sensor or other device detects that the customer has removed the change and change notes, the POS terminal 20 controls the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt. This is also true in other operating modes. As described above, in normal mode (as well as double scan mode), a store clerk may or may not be present in front of the customer receiving the change. If a store clerk is present, the above-described control does not necessarily need to be performed (i.e., the dispensing of change and change notes and the issuance of a receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Furthermore, the timing of dispensing change and change notes and issuing a receipt may be controlled depending on the current operating mode and the presence / absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of a store clerk is detected by a sensor).

[0039] [Full Selfie Mode] The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer side performs the registration process and the settlement process. That is, in the full self-service mode, the customer side is in both the registration mode and the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0040] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205).

[0041] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or, in the case of credit card payment, operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0042] As described above, in the full self-service mode, the customer performs both the registration process and the payment process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, the store clerk code can be scanned using the store clerk scanner unit 212. Furthermore, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, various information can be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. For example, during operation in full self-service mode, the clerk-side display unit 210 may be configured to display the same screen as that displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, depending on the registration process and payment process being performed on the customer side. In other words, the clerk-side display unit 210 may display a mirrored version of the content displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. This allows the clerk to understand what operations the customer is performing and the processing status of the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode.

[0043] [Double Scan Mode] The double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is performed on both the clerk side and the customer side, and the settlement process is performed on the customer side. That is, in the double scan mode, both the clerk side and the customer side are in registration mode, and the customer side is in settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from registration to settlement.

[0044] In double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk side (clerk scanner unit 212, clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer scanner unit 206, customer display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items through operations by the clerk (scanning with clerk scanner unit 212, touching the clerk display unit 210, pressing the key operation unit 211, etc.) and operations by the customer (scanning with customer scanner unit 206, touching the customer display unit 205).

[0045] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or, in the case of credit card payment, operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0046] The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), or may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while the payment is being processed. The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0047] [Semi-selfie mode] The semi-self-service mode is an operation mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which the registration process is performed by the store clerk at at least one POS terminal 20, and the settlement process is performed by the customer at another POS terminal 20. That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more POS terminals 20 are in the registration-only mode, and the other one or more POS terminals 20 are in the settlement-only mode.

[0048] In the semi-self mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0049] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208), etc.

[0050] When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, and the information necessary for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) is supplied to the POS terminal 20 to which the customer has moved.

[0051] The destination POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that executes the settlement process) may be specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, a medium (a medium on which a barcode or the like for obtaining information necessary for the settlement process is printed) may be issued by 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 set as the destination POS terminal 20.

[0052] In the semi-self-service mode, after the store clerk has transmitted the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase. Also, after the store clerk has transmitted the registration information, the store clerk may be absent.

[0053] Based on the above configuration, the transaction information control process will be described. The transaction information control process is executed when the device is operating in full self-service mode, and is a process related to erasing transaction information. The transaction information here refers to information generated in full self-service mode from the start of a transaction to its completion. Examples of transaction information include the transaction number, register number, clerk number, member information, product information, payment type information, and whether or not a bag is provided.

[0054] Here, the transaction number is a number uniquely assigned to each transaction to identify the transaction. The cash register number is a number uniquely assigned to each POS terminal 20 to identify the POS terminal 20. The staff member number is a number uniquely assigned to each POS terminal 20 to identify the store clerk in charge of the POS terminal 20. Note that since the POS terminal 20 is in full self-service mode, the store clerk does not perform operations related to the transaction at the POS terminal 20, but for example, a staff member of the management device 30 may be assigned as the staff member for the POS terminal 20. Member information is information about each customer (e.g., membership number, points, etc.). Product information is information about registered products (product name, price, etc.). Payment type information is information indicating the payment type selected by the customer. Bag availability is information indicating whether or not a shopping bag is purchased.

[0055] An example of a screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 from the start to the completion of a transaction in full self-service mode will be described below. The term "status" used in the following description refers to the status of the POS terminal 20. Specifically, the status in this embodiment indicates the progress of the transaction on the POS terminal 20 and the usage status of the device, and may include, for example, a status displaying each screen displayed from the start to the completion of the transaction, or a status indicating the acquisition of some information. Furthermore, at a certain point in a transaction, the POS terminal 20 may have multiple statuses. For example, at a certain point in a transaction, the POS terminal 20 may have a status displaying a certain screen and a status indicating the acquisition of certain information.

[0056] 5 is a diagram showing a screen 300. The screen 300 shows a standby screen in a standby status. The screen 300 has a button 301. The button 301 is a button for starting a transaction. A customer touches the button 301 when starting a transaction.

[0057] When button 301 is touched, POS terminal 20 displays a membership card confirmation screen (not shown) that prompts the customer to select whether or not they have a membership card. If they have a membership card, the customer selects "I have a membership card" and has the barcode on the membership card read by customer-side scanner unit 206. POS terminal 20 retrieves the membership information identified by the barcode read by customer-side scanner unit 206 from a server (not shown), and simultaneously displays a screen 310 shown in the following Figure 6 with the membership information added, and displays the membership information in part of screen 310 (for an example of how the membership information is displayed, see member information area 355 in Figure 13, which will be described later). If they do not have a membership card, the customer selects "I do not have a membership card" on the membership card confirmation screen. When "I do not have a membership card" is selected, POS terminal 20 displays screen 310 without acquiring the membership information. do.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing screen 310. Screen 310 shows a registration screen. Screen 310 is provided with an item selection button 311, a registered product display area 312, and a total display area 313. Item selection button 311 is a button for registering products that do not have barcodes attached, such as vegetables and fruits. Registered product display area 312 is an area that displays the product name, quantity, price, etc. of the registered product. Total display area 313 is an area that displays the registered number of items (number of items purchased) and the total amount.

[0059] With screen 310 displayed, the customer can register a product by selecting item selection button 311 or by having the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode attached to the product. When "Vegetables" is selected from item selection buttons 311, the POS terminal 20 displays screen 320.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a screen 320. The screen 320 is a screen for registering a product that does not have a barcode attached. A product selection area 321 and a back button 322 are displayed on the screen 320. The back button 322 is a button for returning to the screen 310. When the back button 322 is touched, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen 310. In the product selection area 321, buttons corresponding to each product belonging to the vegetable category are displayed. The vegetable corresponding to the button selected by the customer becomes the vegetable to be registered. Note that even when a button other than "Vegetables" is selected among the item selection buttons 311, the POS terminal 20 displays a screen similar to the screen 320. For example, when "Fruit" is selected among the item selection buttons 311, the POS terminal 20 displays buttons corresponding to each product belonging to the fruit category, similar to the screen 320.

[0061] When a customer selects a button corresponding to, for example, "cabbage" on the screen 320, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen 330. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the screen 330. The screen 330 is a screen for inputting the number of "cabbage" to be registered. The screen 330 displays a product name display area 331, a price display area 332, a quantity display area 333, an OK button 334, a numeric keypad 335, and a back button 336. The back button 336 is a button for returning to the screen 320. When the back button 336 is touched, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen 320.

[0062] The product name display area 331 is an area that displays the product name corresponding to the button selected by the customer on the screen 320. In the case of FIG. 8, "cabbage" is displayed as the product name. The price display area 332 is an area that displays the product price (the product of the unit price of the product and the quantity). In the case of FIG. 8, the unit price of "cabbage" is 100 yen. The quantity display area 333 is an area that displays the number of products to be registered. In the case of FIG. 8, the quantity is displayed as "1". The OK button 334 is a button for registering a product. When the OK button 334 is touched in the status shown in FIG. 8, one "cabbage" is registered. The numeric keypad 335 is a numeric keypad for inputting the quantity. When the OK button 334 is touched, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen 340.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen 340. The screen 340 is a screen for indicating that a product is being registered. The screen 340 displays a product name display area 341, a price display area 342, and a registration in progress display area 343. The product name display area 341 is an area for displaying the product name that the customer has decided to register on the screen 330. In the case of FIG. 9, "cabbage" is displayed as the product name. The price display area 342 is an area for displaying the price of the product to be registered. Here, the price displayed in the price display area 332 on the screen 330 when the confirm button 334 was touched is displayed. In the case of FIG. 9, the price is 100 yen. The registration in progress display area 343 is an area for displaying the fact that registration is in progress and a message urging the customer to put the product in a shopping bag. Once the product is registered, the POS terminal 20 displays a screen 350.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing screen 350. Screen 350 shows a registration screen to which a product area 351 registered on screen 310 and a checkout button 352 have been added. In the status in which screen 350 is displayed, similar to screen 310 described above, the customer can register a product by selecting item selection button 311 or by having customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode attached to the product. Furthermore, unlike screen 310, since at least one product has been registered, the customer can checkout by touching checkout button 352. When checkout button 352 is touched, POS terminal 20 displays screen 360.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing screen 360. Screen 360 is a screen related to the settlement process of a transaction, and more specifically, a screen for selecting a payment type. Screen 360 is provided with a credit card button 361, an electronic money button 362, a cash button 363, a payment amount display area 364, a back button 365, a list button 366, and a balance inquiry button 367. The credit card button 361 is a button for making a payment by credit card. The electronic money button 362 is a button for making a payment by electronic money. The cash button 363 is a button for making a payment by cash.

[0066] The payment amount display area 364 is an area where the amount paid by the customer is displayed. The back button 365 is a button for returning to the screen 350. When the back button 365 is touched, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen 350. The list button 366 is a button for displaying a list of registered products. The balance inquiry button 367 is a button for inquiring about the balance of electronic money.

[0067] If the POS terminal 20 has already acquired the customer's point information, the screen 360 in FIG. 11 displays a button for making a payment using points as one of the payment types. Therefore, in addition to a credit card button 361, an electronic money button 362, and a cash button 363, the screen 360 displays, for example, a "Use points button," resulting in a four-choice screen. By selecting the "Use points button," the customer can make a payment using points. Note that, because the customer has previously acquired member information such as point information in the POS terminal 20, there is no need to display an instruction to read the member information again in the status in which the screen 360 is displayed. Furthermore, if the POS terminal 20 has previously acquired member information, the member information may be displayed on the screen 360.

[0068] When payment is made using the payment type selected by the customer, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt and displays screen 370. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing screen 370. Screen 370 is a screen that indicates that payment has been completed and prompts the customer to receive a receipt. FIG. 12 shows the screen that appears when credit is selected as the payment type. Screen 370 has a close button 371. Close button 371 is a button for clearing screen 370. When close button 371 is touched, the POS terminal 20 displays screen 300. Note that a screen similar to screen 370 is also displayed when payment is made using electronic money or cash.

[0069] When operating in semi-self mode, the screen transitions from the above-mentioned screen 300 to screen 370. The POS terminal 20 generates transaction information during the period from when the button 301 provided on the screen 300 is touched until the transaction is completed and the screen 300 is displayed again (hereinafter also referred to as "during the transaction").

[0070] When a self-service POS terminal 20 is left unattended, in many cases only a store clerk can erase transaction-related data, such as partially registered products. Therefore, the customer cannot reset the terminal to a status where nothing is registered by their own operation, which creates the problem that the abandoned POS terminal 20 cannot be used by other customers.

[0071] Therefore, when the deletion conditions are met during a transaction, the POS terminal 20 deletes the transaction information in principle and returns to the screen 300. The deletion condition is that no progress is made in the transaction for a certain period of time. Specific examples of the deletion conditions include the following deletion conditions (1) to (4). (1) A certain period of time has passed since the customer's touch on the customer-side display unit 205 was no longer detected. (2) A certain period of time has passed since the barcode was not scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206. (3) If a human presence sensor is provided, a certain period of time has elapsed since the human presence sensor no longer detected a person. The human presence sensor may be built into the customer-side scanner unit 206 or the like. (4) A certain period of time has passed since the imaging unit 216 stopped detecting a person.

[0072] Even if these deletion conditions (1) to (4) are met, deletion is exceptionally prohibited in a status where the POS terminal 20 is displaying screens 330 and 360 among the above-mentioned screens 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, and 370. Furthermore, deletion is prohibited in a status where the POS terminal 20 has already acquired the customer's membership information and the customer's point information. This status where deletion is prohibited is referred to as a prohibited status.

[0073] Screen 330 is a screen for inputting the number of items to be purchased. When there are many items, customers may count the number of items. For example, small chocolates may be purchased in units of several dozen. When purchasing a large number of items, it takes a considerable amount of time to count the number of items. In this case, the elimination conditions (particularly elimination conditions (1) and (2)) may be met. When the elimination conditions are met and the transaction information is erased, the customer must start over from the beginning, which is very inconvenient for the customer. Furthermore, some customers may give up on the purchase and leave the store without purchasing the item. This results in a lost opportunity and has a negative impact on the store's sales.

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the deletion conditions are met, the transaction information is exceptionally not deleted on the screen where the number of items is entered. This improves usability for customers and prevents opportunity loss, allowing for optimal store management.

[0075] Screen 360 was a status screen displaying the payment processing screen. In recent years, the number of payment methods has increased dramatically, and some customers may choose to use cash, multiple electronic money methods, or multiple code payments. Furthermore, some customers decide on a payment method after checking their electronic money or code payment balances, but checking their balances takes a considerable amount of time. In this case, the deletion conditions (especially deletion conditions (1) and (2)) may be met. If the deletion conditions are met and the transaction information is deleted, the customer must start over again, which is very inconvenient for the customer. Furthermore, some customers may give up on their purchase and leave the store without purchasing the product. This results in a lost opportunity and has a negative impact on store sales.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the deletion conditions are met, the transaction information is exceptionally not deleted when the status is displaying the screen related to the settlement process. This improves usability for customers and prevents opportunity loss, allowing for optimal store management.

[0077] The status indicating that the POS terminal 20 has acquired the customer's membership information and point information is a status that identifies the customer, and in this status, there is a high possibility that the customer intends to make a purchase. If the transaction information is deleted, the customer will have to start over from the beginning, which is very inconvenient for the customer. Furthermore, some customers may give up on the purchase and leave the store without purchasing the product. This results in a lost opportunity and has a negative impact on the store's sales.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the deletion conditions are met, the transaction information is exceptionally not deleted if the POS terminal 20 has already acquired the customer's membership information and point information. This improves usability for customers and prevents opportunity loss, allowing for optimal store management. The customer's membership information and point information are acquired, for example, by reading a barcode that uniquely identifies the customer and is printed on a card loaned to the customer, using a customer-side scanner.

[0079] Even if the status indicates that erasure is prohibited, the POS terminal 20 may accept a request as to whether or not to erase the transaction information. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a request as to whether or not to erase the transaction information.

[0080] 13 is the screen 350 already explained, but by reading the member information etc., a member information area 355 is displayed. That is, the status of the POS terminal 20 is a status in which the POS terminal 20 has acquired the customer's member information and the point information that the customer has. The member information area 355 is an area that displays, for example, the customer number, the customer name, and the number of points.

[0081] In the status where the screen 350 shown in Fig. 13 is displayed, erasure of transaction information is prohibited. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 displays a pop-up screen 380. The pop-up screen 380 is a deletion acceptance screen that accepts whether or not to erase the transaction information. When the customer touches "Yes" on the pop-up screen 380, the POS terminal 20 erases the transaction information and displays the screen 300. On the other hand, when the customer touches "No" on the pop-up screen 380, the POS terminal 20 closes the pop-up screen 380 without erasing the transaction information.

[0082] After the pop-up screen 380 is cleared, the POS terminal 20 controls the transaction to resume from the status immediately before the pop-up screen 380 was displayed. This maintains the display content of the member information area 355. The customer can continue the transaction as usual, such as registering products and touching the checkout button.

[0083] However, the POS terminal 20 cannot determine whether the customer who pressed "No" on the pop-up screen 380 is the customer who had the membership information read (in the case of Figure 12, customer number 12345678) or a different customer who is trying to misuse the point information of customer number 12345678.

[0084] Therefore, after displaying the pop-up screen 380, the POS terminal 20 controls the screen so that the customer cannot freely operate the above-mentioned "Point Use Button" (including not displaying the "Point Use Button") even if the checkout button is touched. Specifically, when the POS terminal 20 displays the payment type selection screen, it displays "We apologize, but please scan your membership card again."

[0085] If the acquired member information is the same as the member information acquired before the pop-up screen 380 was displayed, the POS terminal 20 displays the above-mentioned four-choice screen. On the other hand, if the customer touches a button indicating that the member information will not be read, the POS terminal 20 displays the "Point Use Button" screen 360, as shown in Fig. 11. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts by customers who try to misuse points of customers whose member information was read before the pop-up screen 380 was displayed.

[0086] In this way, it is possible to prohibit erasure of transaction information and also to erase transaction information, which allows flexible response according to the situation and improves usability. The POS terminal 20 may be configured to allow erasure acceptance settings, such as whether to display an erasure acceptance screen or to erase transaction information without displaying the erasure acceptance screen, depending on the store settings, for example.

[0087] 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transaction information control process. As described above, the transaction information control process is a process related to the deletion of transaction information. The transaction information control process is performed when any of screens 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, and 370 is displayed.

[0088] If the deletion condition is met (step S101: YES), the POS terminal 20 determines whether the current status is a prohibited status (step S102). If the current status is not a prohibited status (step S102: NO), the POS terminal 20 deletes the transaction information (step S106), displays the standby screen (screen 300) (step S107), and ends the process.

[0089] If the status is prohibited (step S102: YES), the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not deletion acceptance is set (step S103). If deletion acceptance is set (step S103: YES), the POS terminal 20 ends the process without deleting the transaction information.

[0090] If the deletion acceptance setting is set (step S103: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a deletion acceptance screen (pop-up screen 380) (step S104). The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not "YES" has been touched on the deletion acceptance screen (step S105). If "NO" has been touched (step S105: NO), the POS terminal 20 ends the process without erasing the transaction information.

[0091] If "Yes" is touched (step S105: YES), the POS terminal 20 erases the transaction information (step S106), displays the standby screen (screen 300) (step S107), and ends the process.

[0092] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a technology suitable for a full-self-service sales data processing device. Specifically, if it is determined that no transaction has progressed for a certain period of time, the transaction information is deleted, so that the abandoned POS terminal 20 can be used by another customer. Furthermore, by displaying an erasure acceptance screen that accepts whether or not to erase transaction information, it is possible to prohibit erasure of transaction information, but also to erase transaction information, which allows for flexible response according to the situation and improves usability.

[0093] In the embodiment described above, the customer touches "Yes" or "No" on the pop-up screen 380 that accepts whether or not to erase the transaction information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a screen for accepting whether or not to erase the transaction information may be displayed on an in-store situation management device (assist monitor) that collectively monitors the POS terminals 20 in the store, and a store clerk may remotely input whether or not to erase the transaction information via the in-store situation management device.

[0094] The store clerk can determine whether to erase the transaction information based on the transaction status displayed on the store situation management device, the transaction details, the time the transaction was left unattended, etc. In other words, the store clerk can determine whether to erase the transaction information without going to the POS terminal 20.

[0095] It is common for multiple self-service registers (for example, about eight) to be installed in a single store, and the store clerk operating the in-store situation management device must constantly monitor these eight registers. In this situation, if the store clerk leaves the in-store situation management device to input whether or not to erase transaction information, the monitoring work will be interrupted, resulting in a delay in recognizing and responding to the presence of a POS terminal 20 that is malfunctioning or experiencing an error.

[0096] Therefore, as described above, the store clerk can determine whether or not to erase the transaction information without going to the POS terminal 20, and thus the in-store situation management device can efficiently monitor multiple devices.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sales data processing device has been described using the POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode as an example, but it is not limited to a device where a store clerk performs registration (hereinafter referred to as a "store clerk registration device"). Examples of the store clerk registration device include a device where a store clerk performs registration and settlement (for example, the POS terminal 20 operating in the normal mode described above) and a device where a store clerk performs only registration (for example, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode in the semi-self-service mode described above).

[0098] When the transaction information is erased, the clerk registration device may wait while displaying a registration screen on which a new customer's product can be registered. Alternatively, in a clerk registration device that requires input of authentication information to authenticate the operating clerk, the device may wait while displaying an input screen on which the operating clerk's authentication information can be input. This is because the clerk who operated the device before the transaction information was erased may not necessarily continue to operate the device after the information is erased. In this case, the POS terminal 20 erases the authentication information along with the transaction information.

[0099] Some clerk registration devices allow transactions of multiple customers to coexist in an in-progress status. Specifically, some devices allow the user to switch between multiple transactions to be operated on. Such switchable clerk registration devices have a switching function that switches between screens for transactions to be operated on. The switching function switches, for example, in response to an operation on a tab that indicates each of the multiple transactions. In a switchable clerk registration device, transactions that are not the target of operation are treated as pending transactions.

[0100] The transaction information control process of this embodiment can be applied to a switchable clerk registration device. Specifically, if a certain period of time has passed without detecting any clerk operation, the switchable clerk registration device changes the transaction information of the transaction currently being operated to the transaction information of a pending transaction and displays a screen that can accept a new transaction.

[0101] An example of a case where a certain amount of time passes without a clerk operation being detected is when a clerk is registering a product for customer A, customer A makes an inquiry, and customer A and the clerk leave the register and go to the sales floor to retrieve the product. In this case, if the clerk returns to the switchable clerk registration device alone after a certain amount of time has passed, the transaction information corresponding to customer A's transaction becomes pending transaction information, and a screen that can accept new transactions is displayed, allowing a new transaction for another customer B to be started smoothly.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the process for erasing transaction information has been described. The timing at which the recording period by the imaging unit 216 ends in this case will now be described. As described above, recording starts 5 seconds before or simultaneously with the pressing of button 301 in Fig. 5. After that, if the erasure condition is met, the POS terminal 20 erases the transaction information and ends recording.

[0103] 13, the screen 350 displayed when member information is acquired (status indicating that the POS terminal 20 has acquired the customer's point information) displays a pop-up screen 380 that asks whether or not to erase the transaction information. If the customer touches "Yes" on the pop-up screen 380, the POS terminal 20 erases the transaction information, ends recording, and displays the screen 300. On the other hand, if the customer touches "No" on the pop-up screen 380, the POS terminal 20 continues recording without ending it, and ends recording when the transaction is completed. In this way, the timing of ending recording is determined according to the manner in which the transaction information is erased.

[0104] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Name of invention] Sales data processing device and program [Technical field] The present invention relates to a sales data processing device and a program. [Background technology] Self-service sales data processing devices, in which customers perform both product registration and payment operations, are becoming widespread. However, in such sales data processing devices, the customer may be left in the middle of an operation, such as during registration. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-133845 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there was a problem in that even if a customer who had the intention to purchase left the system unattended, the data relating to the transaction would be erased. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a technique suitable for a full-self-service sales data processing device.

[0105] [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a sales data processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a sales data processing device characterized by comprising: a generating means for generating transaction information; an erasing means for erasing the transaction information generated by the generating means; an acquiring means for acquiring a status of the sales data processing device; and a control means for prohibiting erasure by the erasing means based on the status acquired by the acquiring means. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technology suitable for a full-self-service sales data processing device.

[0106] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the erasing means is characterized in that it erases the transaction information when it determines that no progress has been made in the transaction for a certain period of time. According to the above configuration, the abandoned sales data processing device can be used by other customers.

[0107] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, a receiving means is provided for receiving whether or not the transaction information can be erased by the erasing means when the control means has prohibited erasure by the erasing means. According to the above configuration, the deletion of transaction information can be prohibited and the transaction information can also be deleted, which allows for flexible response according to the situation and improves usability.

[0108] (4) In any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the control means is characterized in that, when the status is a status displaying a screen related to the settlement processing of a transaction, the control means prohibits erasure by the erasure means. According to the above configuration, in situations where customers may use cash, multiple electronic money methods, or multiple code payments, some customers decide on the payment type after checking the balance of their electronic money or code payment. However, since checking the balance takes a certain amount of time, prohibiting the deletion of transaction information prevents the transaction information from being deleted, thereby improving usability.

[0109] (5) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a sales data processing device, and causes the computer to function as a generating means that generates transaction information, an erasing means that erases the transaction information generated by the generating means, an acquiring means that acquires the status of the sales data processing device, and a control means that prohibits erasure by the erasing means based on the status acquired by the acquiring means. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technology suitable for a full-self-service sales data processing device.

[0110] The program for implementing the POS terminal 20 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain the program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted over a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage medium to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be used to implement part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10...Store Controller 20...Terminal 20-1...Terminal 20-2...Terminal 20-3...Terminal 30…Management device 204...Hard disk 205…Customer side display section 206...Customer side scanner 208...Card reader 209...Change machine 210...Staff side display section 211...Key operation section 212…Clerk side scanner 213…Printing Department 214...Audio output unit 215…Communications Department 216...imaging unit 217...Sign pole 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370…screen 301...Button 311...Item selection button 312...Registered product display area 313…Total display area 321...Product selection area 322...Back button 331…Product name display area 332...Price display area 333…Number display area 334...Confirmation button 335...numeric keypad 336...Back button 341…Product name display area 342...Price display area 343...Registration display area 351…Product area 352...Checkout button 355...Member information area 361...Credit card button 362...Electronic money button 363...Cash button 364…Payment amount display area 365...Back button 366...List button 367...Balance inquiry button 371...Close button 380...Pop-up screen

Claims

1. A sales data processing device, generating means for generating transaction information; an erasing means for erasing the transaction information generated by the generating means; an acquisition means for acquiring a transaction status of the sales data processing device; a control means for prohibiting erasure by the erasing means based on the status acquired by the acquisition means; A sales data processing device comprising:

2. 2. The sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said erasing means erases said transaction information when it is determined that no progress has been made in a transaction for a certain period of time.

3. 3. The sales data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving means for receiving a response as to whether or not the transaction information should be erased by the erasing means when the erasure by the erasing means is prohibited by the control means.

4. 4. The sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said control means prohibits said erasing means from erasing the data when said status is a status displaying a screen related to a transaction settlement process.

5. A program that causes a computer to function as a sales data processing device, The computer generating means for generating transaction information; an erasing means for erasing the transaction information generated by the generating means; an acquisition means for acquiring a status of the sales data processing device; a program that functions as a control means for prohibiting erasure by the erasing means based on the status acquired by the acquiring means;

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