Commodity sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processing system, a commodity sales data processing device, and a program for preventing a customer from waiting.SOLUTION: A POS terminal 20 includes a customer side scanner unit 206 and a clerk side scanner unit 212. The POS terminal 20 includes a change dispenser 209 that performs adjustment processing based on registration content in the customer side scanner unit 206 and the clerk side scanner unit 212, and a CPU 201 that switches a use state of the clerk side scanner unit 212. The POS terminal 20 operates in a normal mode, a full-self mode, and a semi-self mode. The CPU 201 transmits a switching instruction for switching an operation mode of another POS terminal 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, in supermarkets and convenience stores, POS devices have been proposed that allow both store clerks and customers to pay for products (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-102856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in supermarkets and convenience stores, store clerks may leave their cash registers depending on the situation, which can slow down cashier operation and cause customers to wait longer to pay for their purchases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that prevent customers from having to wait. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and is equipped with a switching means that can switch from a mode in which a customer registers products and settles payments to another mode, and the switching means is characterized in that it comprises a first switching means that switches the mode of its own device in response to an instruction from another device, and a second switching means that switches the mode of its own device in response to an instruction from its own device, and the first switching means switches the mode when registration data is sent from the other device, and the second switching means switches the mode when a store clerk logs in.

[0007] According to the above, customers can be prevented from having to wait.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means that can switch from a mode in which a customer registers products and settles payments to another mode, wherein the switching means functions as a first switching means that switches the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device, and a second switching means that switches the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from the device itself, and the first switching means switches the mode when registration data is sent from the other device, and the second switching means switches the mode when a store clerk logs in. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, customers can be prevented from having to wait. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of a POS terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] 10 is a display example on the store clerk's display unit. [Figure 9] 10 is a display example on the store clerk's display unit. [Figure 10] 10 is a display example on the store clerk's display unit. [Figure 11] This is an example of a display on the customer side display unit. [Figure 12] This is an example of a display on the customer side display unit. [Figure 13] 10 is a display example on the store clerk's display unit. [Figure 14] This is an example of a display on the customer side display unit. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when switching between operation modes. [Figure 16] 10 is a display example on the store clerk's display unit. [Figure 17] 10 is a display example on the store clerk's display unit. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when switching the operation mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a display example on a store clerk side display unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a display example on a store clerk side display unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a display example on a store clerk side display unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a table summarizing operation mode switching patterns of the modified example. [Figure 23] 10 is a display example on the store clerk side display unit of a modified example. [Figure 24] 10 is a display example on the store clerk side display unit of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals, namely, a first POS terminal 20-1, a second POS terminal 20-2, and a third POS terminal 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, which are communicatively connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, the first POS terminal 20-1, the second POS terminal 20-2, and the third POS terminal 20-3 will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20 unless otherwise distinguished.

[0012] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores, but the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the POS system 1 is introduced into a convenience store.

[0013] Figure 2 shows an example of the installation of a POS terminal. 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These units can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during the registration process, settlement information generated during the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). The card payment unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least the card recognition unit.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode (details will be described later). Note that the correctness of the orientation of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0026] 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).

[0027] (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. For example, the POS terminal 20 has a normal mode, a full self-service mode, and a semi-self-service mode. Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and accounting 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 performing setup and maintenance work, or a training mode for training new employees. Furthermore, the semi-self-service mode is an operation mode mainly used when transmitting and receiving data between multiple POS terminals 20. Here, an example in which registration processing and settlement processing are performed on a single POS terminal will be described, and the normal mode and the full self-service mode will be described in detail below.

[0028] The CPU 201 in the POS terminal 20 functions as an operation mode switching means for switching the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The CPU 201 in the POS terminal 20 also functions as a switching instruction means for generating a mode switching instruction for switching the operation mode of another terminal (another POS terminal 20). The POS terminal 20 also functions as an instruction accepting means for accepting a mode switching instruction from another POS terminal. In the POS terminal 20, the operation mode can be switched by the mode switching means by accepting a switching instruction by the instruction accepting means.

[0029] For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 is capable of switching its own operating mode. The first POS terminal 20-1 can also instruct the other POS terminals 20, the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3, to switch modes. The POS terminal 20 is also capable of transmitting switching instructions to the other POS terminals 20. For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 is capable of transmitting switching instructions to the other POS terminals 20, the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3. Transmission of data such as switching instructions from the POS terminal 20 to the other POS terminals 20 may be performed directly from the POS terminal 20 to the other POS terminals 20, or may be performed indirectly via the store controller 10 or the like.

[0030] 5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. Figure 5 is a diagram outlining the normal mode. Figure 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, transaction process) and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) in the normal mode. Figure 5(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. Figure 6 is a diagram outlining the full self-service mode. Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, transaction process) and the actions of a person (customer) in the full self-service mode. Figure 6(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the operation of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. Figure 7(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (product registration processing, accounting processing) and the actions of people (customers) in semi-self-service mode, and Figures 7(B) and 7(C) are flowcharts showing the basic flow of operation of the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode.

[0031] In the following explanation, as a separate approach from the classification of the three operating modes mentioned above (normal mode, full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode), 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 it executes the settlement process as the accounting mode.

[0032] (Normal mode) As shown in Figure 5(A), normal mode is an operating mode in which the clerk side performs the registration process and the customer side performs the payment process. That is, as shown in Figure 5(B), in normal mode, the clerk side is in registration mode and the customer side is in payment mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in registration payment mode from the entire registration process to the payment process.

[0033] 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). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the clerk's operation (operation of the clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0034] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk display unit 210, and then settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card settlement unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). 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 settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0035] That is, in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5(B), initially, the clerk side scans the products using, for example, the clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES) and registers the products (step S11). After the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 or the subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) is pressed (step S30: YES), the customer side performs settlement using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed. The subtotal key in step S30 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be referred to as a subtotal button, registration completion key, registration completion button, checkout key, checkout button, 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 coins into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed, or may select a payment method, for example, payment by card payment unit 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can make a deposit as a settlement start process before the registration process is completed, for example, even before the registration process or during the pedaling process (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0037] After completing the registration of the purchased items, the store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), or may register the purchased items of the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer while the payment is being processed (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In addition, the store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, after completing the registration of the purchased items, 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. The control of issuing a receipt after the customer has removed the change and change notes is also performed in other operating modes. As described above, in normal mode, a store clerk may or may not be present in front of the customer to receive the change. For example, 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). The timing of dispensing change and change notes and issuing a receipt may also 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) As shown in Figure 6(A), the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer performs the registration process and the payment process. That is, as shown in Figure 6(B), in the full self-service mode, the customer is in both the registration mode and the payment mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and payment mode from the overall process from registration to payment.

[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) (upper part of FIG. 6(A)).

[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 machine 209 or operating the card settlement unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 6(A)). 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 settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6(A)).

[0042] That is, in the full self-service mode, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the customer side scans the product using, for example, the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES), and the product is registered (step S21). After pressing a registration completion key (for example, a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer side performs settlement using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed. The registration completion key in step S40 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be referred to as a registration completion button, subtotal key, subtotal button, checkout key, checkout button, etc.

[0043] As mentioned above, in the full self-service mode, both the registration process and the settlement process are performed on the customer side, but this does not mean that the store clerk side cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, it is possible to scan the store clerk code using the store clerk scanner unit 212. The state (operation mode) in which the registration process is performed on both the store clerk side and the customer side is sometimes called the double scan mode.

[0044] Furthermore, in the full self-service mode, the settlement initiation process, such as depositing money into the change dispenser 209, cannot be performed before the product registration process begins, but it may be possible to perform the settlement initiation process before the product registration process begins. In this case, in the full self-service mode, all processes of the settlement initiation process, such as depositing money and selecting a payment method using various cards, may be performed, or only part of the settlement initiation process, such as depositing money or selecting a payment method, may be performed.

[0045] (Semi-self mode) The semi-self-service mode is an operation mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which, as shown in Fig. 8(A), the registration process is performed by the store clerk at at least one POS terminal 20 (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 7), and the settlement process is performed by the customer at another POS terminal 20 (one of the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 in the example of Fig. 7). That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more terminals (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 7, as shown in Fig. 7(B)) are in the registration-only mode, and the other one or more terminals (the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 in the example of Fig. 7, as shown in Fig. 7(C)) are in the checkout-only mode.

[0046] 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 first POS terminal 20-1 in the registration-only mode. That is, the first POS terminal 20-1 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.) (upper part of FIG. 7(A)).

[0047] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the second POS terminal 20-2 in the checkout-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 payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the second POS terminal 20-2 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7(A)).

[0048] When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Figure 7), the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (the second POS terminal 20-2 in the example of Figure 7), and the information (registration information, etc.) necessary for the settlement process of the POS terminal 20 (the first POS terminal 20-1) that performed the registration process is supplied to the destination POS terminal 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2).

[0049] Methods for supplying information necessary for settlement processing from a POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode (the first POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Figure 7) to a POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (the second POS terminal 20-2 in the example of Figure 7) include sending the information necessary for settlement processing from the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in accounting-only mode (this may be sent via the store controller 10; the same applies below), or issuing a medium (a medium on which a barcode or the like is printed to obtain information necessary for settlement processing) on ​​the POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode.

[0050] The destination POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20 in the accounting-only mode that executes the settlement process) may be specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode may issue a medium (a medium on which a barcode or the like for obtaining information necessary for the settlement process is printed) and the POS terminal 20 in the accounting-only mode that reads the medium may be set as the destination POS terminal 20.

[0051] That is, in the semi-self mode, initially, the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 (first POS terminal 20-1) in the registration-only mode registers the product. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the clerk side scans the product using the scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), and then registers the product (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 or the subtotal key disposed on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, a POS terminal 20 in the checkout-only mode (second POS terminal 20-2) is designated (step S31: YES), and the registration information is sent to the designated POS terminal 20 (step S32), completing the process.

[0052] 7(B), the processing procedure is to first press the subtotal key when product registration is completed, and then (after pressing the subtotal key), specify the POS terminal 20. However, the processing procedure may also be such that (without pressing the subtotal key) the POS terminal 20 is directly specified when product registration is completed. In the latter case, the subtotal key does not need to be displayed on the screen.

[0053] Next, as shown in FIG. 7(C), after the POS terminal 20 (second POS terminal 20-2) designated by the POS terminal 20 (second POS terminal 20-2) in the registration-only mode receives the registration information (step S49: YES), the customer settles the account, for example, using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0054] After sending the registration information (or issuing the medium), the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). Also, after sending the registration information, the store clerk may be absent (lower part of FIG. 7(A)).

[0055] 7, the second POS terminal 20-2 in the payment-only mode executes the payment process using the registration information of the products registered in the first POS terminal 20-1 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the registration information used by the second POS terminal 20-2 in the payment-only mode for the payment process is the registration information of the products registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the registration-only mode. However, if it is possible to transmit registration information to the second POS terminal 20-2 in the payment-only mode (or if it is possible to issue a receipt (registered trademark; the same applies hereinafter)), the registration information used by the second POS terminal 20-2 in the payment-only mode for the payment process does not necessarily have to be the registration information of the products registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the registration-only mode.

[0056] As an example, the registration information used by the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode for the settlement process may be the registration information of the product registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the normal mode. In other words, the second POS terminal 20-2 in the accounting-only mode may execute the settlement process using the registration information of the product registered when the first POS terminal 20-1 was operating in the normal mode.

[0057] In addition, when the clerk at the first POS terminal 20-1 completes the registration process (when trying to send the registration information or issue a receipt), if the customer has already started the settlement operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card payment unit 208), the sending of the registration information or the issuance of the receipt may be prohibited, or the settlement operation may be canceled.

[0058] 7, the second POS terminal 20-2 receives the registration information (or reads the receipt) and executes the settlement process while operating in the settlement-only mode. However, as long as the settlement process can be executed after receiving the registration information (or reading the receipt), the operating mode when the second POS terminal 20-2 receives the registration information (or reads the receipt) does not necessarily have to be the settlement-only mode.

[0059] As an example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is operating in full self-service mode, it may receive registration information from another terminal (for example, the first POS terminal 20-1) and execute a payment process using the registration information received from the other terminal. Also, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is operating in full self-service mode, it may read a receipt issued by another terminal (for example, the first POS terminal 20-1) and execute a payment process using the registration information obtained from the receipt read from the other terminal.

[0060] The second POS terminal 20-2 transitions from full self-service mode to accounting-only mode before executing the settlement process using the registration information received from the other terminal (processes the registration information received from the other terminal as the settlement process in the accounting-only mode). Also, the second POS terminal 20-2 transitions from full self-service mode to accounting-only mode before executing the settlement process using a receipt issued by the other terminal (processes the registration information based on the receipt issued by the other terminal as the settlement process in the accounting-only mode).

[0061] The second POS terminal 20-2 does not have to switch from full self-service mode to cashier-only mode before executing the settlement process using the registration information received from another terminal (it may process the registration information received from the other terminal as the settlement process in full self-service mode). Also, the second POS terminal 20-2 does not have to switch from full self-service mode to cashier-only mode before executing the settlement process using a receipt issued by another terminal (it may process the registration information based on the receipt issued by the other terminal as the settlement process in full self-service mode). In these cases, data may be sent and received between multiple POS terminals 20, and registration and settlement processes, etc. may be performed between the multiple POS terminals.

[0062] (Operation mode notification) The POS terminal 20 notifies the user of the current operation mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210. Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display field may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display field on the screen. Alternatively, a screen on which images (e.g., button-like images) corresponding to each operation mode are arranged may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the image corresponding to the current operation mode may be displayed on the screen in a different display mode (e.g., a display mode that is more prominent than the display mode of other images) than images that do not correspond to the current operation mode. The operation mode may also be displayed on the customer display unit 205 in a similar manner. The POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a PATLITE (registered trademark) or a display board (or a PATLITE or a display board may be connected to the POS terminal 20), and the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be notified by the PATLITE or the display board. The POS system 1 may also be provided with a warning light, a display board, etc. (or the warning light, the display board, etc. may be connected to the LAN 11), and the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 in the store may be notified by the warning light, the display board, etc. By using the warning light, the display board, etc., the operation mode can be seen even from a distance (apart from the store clerk display unit 210).

[0063] Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, a message according to the current operation mode may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. Specifically, if the current operation mode is the full self-service mode, for example, while the terminal is on standby, the customer-side display unit 205 may display (for example, in large, scrolling characters) a message indicating that the customer should register the product (such as a message saying "We are asking the customer to scan").

[0064] (Displayed in normal mode) Next, the display in the normal mode will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Figs. 8 to 10 are display examples of the clerk display unit 210 in the normal mode. Fig. 8 is a display example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and is a display example before a product is purchased. In the screen shown in the figure, a subtotal button BT10, a pause button BT11, and a mode switch button BT50 are displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. The subtotal button BT10 is a button (registration completion key) for instructing the end of product registration. The clerk presses (touches) the subtotal button BT10 after product registration is complete. The pause button BT11 is a button for pausing the POS terminal 20. The clerk operates the pause button BT11 when leaving the POS terminal 20 (for example, to go look for a product, or when not using the POS terminal 20 for a while, etc.). The mode switching button BT50 is a button for switching the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 when the POS terminal 20 is the first POS terminal 20-1). When switching the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20, the store clerk operates the mode switching button BT50.

[0065] 8, an image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen shows the status of the 20-2 cash register (second POS terminal 20-2), and an image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the status of the 20-3 cash register (third POS terminal 20-3).

[0066] 9 is a display example of a registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and is an example of the display while a product is being registered. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a screen showing the display contents of the registration screen when a first product (canned beer) and a second product (asparagus) have been registered. On the screen shown in FIG. 9, the product name of the currently registered product (asparagus) is displayed in the upper left of the screen, and below that the product names of the already registered products (canned beer, asparagus) are displayed along with their respective prices. In addition, the number of registered products and the total price are displayed in the upper right of the screen. A mode switching button BT50 is also displayed on this screen. The function of the mode switching button BT50 is the same as that of the mode switching button BT50 shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] 9, the current total button BT20 is a button for instructing input of the deposit amount. When executing settlement processing at the store clerk's own terminal (first POS terminal 20-1), after receiving a deposit from the customer that is equal to or greater than the total amount (after inputting a deposit amount that is equal to or greater than the total amount), the store clerk operates the current total button BT20.

[0068] The 20-2 register button BT21 is a button for specifying the 20-2 register (second POS terminal 20-2). A store clerk operates the 20-2 register button BT21 when specifying the second POS terminal 20-2 as the terminal for performing the settlement process. Note that "(full)" displayed on the 20-2 register button BT21 indicates that the operating mode of the terminal corresponding to the 20-2 register button BT21 (second POS terminal 20-2) is full self-service mode.

[0069] When the operation of the 20-2 register button BT21 is accepted, the first POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the 20-2 register (the second POS terminal 20-2).

[0070] The 20-3 register button BT22 is a button for specifying the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). A store clerk operates the 20-3 register button BT22 when specifying the third POS terminal 20-3 as the terminal for executing the settlement process. Note that "(suspended)" displayed on the 20-3 register button BT22 indicates that the terminal corresponding to the 20-3 register button BT22 (third POS terminal 20-3) is suspended. Also, the dashed line on the 20-3 register button BT22 indicates that the button (20-3 register button BT22) is displayed in a manner (e.g., grayed out) that indicates that operation of the button is invalid.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 10, operation of the 20-3 register button BT22 is not valid, but if operation of the 20-3 register button BT22 is valid and operation of the 20-3 register button BT22 is accepted, the first POS terminal 20-1 will send registration information to the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3).

[0072] The receipt button BT25 is a button for issuing a receipt in the printing unit 213. The store clerk operates the receipt button BT25 when the POS terminal 20 that reads the receipt executes the settlement process.

[0073] The information required to execute the settlement process is coded and printed on the receipt. For example, the registration information used in the settlement process itself may be printed as a QR code (registered trademark) on the receipt, or information for identifying the registration information used in the settlement process (e.g., transaction identification information) may be printed as a barcode.

[0074] In the case where a receipt ticket with a QR code printed thereon is issued, the POS terminal 20 that reads the receipt ticket (QR code) executes the settlement process using, for example, registration information obtained from the QR code. In the case where a receipt ticket with a barcode printed thereon is issued, the POS terminal 20 that reads the receipt ticket (barcode) sends a registration information acquisition request, which includes information for identifying the registration information obtained from the barcode (transaction identification information, etc.), to the terminal that issued the receipt ticket (first POS terminal 20-1) or a terminal that obtained the registration information from the terminal that issued the receipt ticket (for example, the store controller 10), thereby receiving the registration information from the terminal that sent the registration information acquisition request and executing the settlement process. In other words, in the case where a receipt ticket with the barcode printed on it is issued, when the terminal that issued the receipt ticket (first POS terminal 20-1) or the terminal that acquired the registration information from the terminal that issued the receipt ticket (store controller 10, etc.) receives a registration information acquisition request sent from the POS terminal 20 that read the receipt ticket, it transmits the registration information identified by the registration information acquisition request to the sender of the registration information acquisition request (the requester for the registration information).

[0075] The issued receipt is handed over to the customer by the store clerk. The customer then moves to the POS terminal 20 (the second POS terminal 20-2 or the third POS terminal 20-3), and the POS terminal 20 (customer-side scanner unit 206) reads the code on the receipt, and the payment is processed at the POS terminal 20.

[0076] The registration screen button BT26 is a button for returning the screen from the sub-screen to the registration screen. The store clerk operates the registration screen button BT26 when, for example, changing (adding or canceling) a purchased item.

[0077] As mentioned above, the current total button BT20 is a button that is operated after a deposit amount equal to or greater than the total amount has been entered, and Fig. 9 does not show a scene in which a deposit amount equal to or greater than the total amount has been entered. Therefore, in Fig. 9, like the 20-3 register button BT22, the current total button BT20 may also be displayed in a manner that indicates that operation is invalid.

[0078] FIG. 10 is an example of a settlement screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and is an example of the display while settlement is in progress. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a screen in which, when the registration screen is displayed, the total amount is displayed as "Total" and the amount deposited into the change dispenser 209 is displayed as "Change Deposit Amount" on top of the screen in the state in which the product was last registered. In the example shown in FIG. 10, "383 yen" is displayed as the total amount, "503 yen" is displayed as the change deposited amount (deposit amount), and "120 yen" is displayed as change. The scene in FIG. 11 is a scene after the deposit amount of "503 yen," which is more than the total amount of "383 yen," is entered, that is, when settlement processing is to be performed on the first POS terminal (20-1). Therefore, the buttons (20-2 register button BT21, receipt button BT25) for causing the second POS terminal (20-2) to perform settlement processing are displayed in a manner indicating that the operation is invalid. In the scene of FIG. 10 , when the cash total button BT20 is operated, change "¥120" is dispensed from the change dispenser 209, and a receipt or the like is issued by the printing unit 213. If a customer makes a deposit while the registration screen is displayed or between the time the settlement screen is displayed and the time settlement is executed, and the customer requests a clerk to cancel the deposit, a deposit cancellation button may be provided to allow the clerk to cancel the deposit. The deposit cancellation button is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, but not on the customer-side display unit 205. Therefore, if the customer cannot cancel the deposit and wants to return the deposited currency, the customer must request a clerk to do so. The deposit cancellation button BT18 may be displayed not only on the clerk-side display unit 210 but also on the customer-side display unit 205, or it may be displayed only on the customer-side display unit 205.

[0079] (Displayed in Full Selfie mode) Next, the display in full self-service mode will be described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. Figs. 12 and 31 are examples of displays on the customer display unit 205 in full self-service mode. Fig. 11(A) is an example of a registration start screen that is displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 before product registration begins. In the screen shown in Fig. 11(A), a registration start button BT30 is displayed on the right side of the screen, and display language switch buttons BT35 to BT37 are displayed on the bottom left of the screen. The registration start button BT30 is a button for instructing the start of product registration. The customer operates the registration start button BT30 before starting product registration.

[0080] Fig. 11(B) is a display example of a registration screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 before product registration has started. Specifically, Fig. 11(B) shows the display contents of the registration screen when two items of product (tea and daifuku mochi) have been registered. Note that when the registration start button BT30 is operated on the registration start screen shown in Fig. 11(B), a registration screen on which no product has been registered yet (initial registration screen) is displayed, but for ease of explanation, Fig. 11(B) shows the registration screen after products have already been registered.

[0081] 11(B), an image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen shows the status of the 20-2 cash register (second POS terminal 20-2), and an image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the status of the 20-3 cash register (third POS terminal 20-3).

[0082] As shown in Figure 11(B), the message "Please register a product" is displayed in the upper left of the screen, and below that, the message "Please hold the product's barcode close to the scanner to register it" is displayed. Further below that, the message "If you do not have a barcode, please select an item from below" is displayed, and below that, the "Vegetables" button BT38 is displayed.

[0083] The checkout button BT32 is displayed in the bottom right of the screen, and to the left of it is the store clerk call button BT33. The checkout button BT32 is a button for instructing the end of product registration. The customer operates the checkout button BT32 after product registration is complete. As described above, the store clerk call button BT33 is a button for calling a store clerk.

[0084] Also, display language switching buttons BT35 to BT37 are displayed at the bottom left of the screen. As described above, buttons BT35 to BT37 are buttons for switching the display language between English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively. Also, the "Vegetable" button BT38 is a button for displaying each preset key for vegetables. By pressing the "Vegetable" button BT38, preset keys corresponding to vegetable products (for example, carrots, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, onions, etc.) are displayed.

[0085] FIG. 12 shows an example of a settlement screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 in full self-service mode. FIG. 12(A) is a settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when settlement processing begins. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment method selection screen as shown in FIG. 12(A) when the checkout button BT32 is operated on the registration screen (see FIG. 11(B)). FIG. 12(B) is a settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays a deposit screen as shown in FIG. 12(B) when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see FIG. 12(A)). FIG. 12(C) is a settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays a deposit screen as shown in FIG. 12(C) when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted.

[0086] FIG. 12(D) is a settlement screen (change screen) displayed when change is dispensed. For example, when the END (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (FIG. 12(C)), the POS terminal 20 displays the change screen as shown in FIG. 12(D). FIG. 12(E) is a settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when change has been removed. For example, when change has been removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal displays the receipt screen as shown in FIG. 12(E). Note that the POS terminal 20 may be provided with a sensor such as a photosensor near the outlet, and may determine that change has been removed when the sensor recognizes an object (presumably a customer's hand).

[0087] Fig. 12(F) is a pause screen displayed when in a pause state. That is, the POS terminal 20 is in a pause mode (pause state), and when in the pause mode, the pause screen as shown in Fig. 12(F) is displayed.

[0088] After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 12(E)), the POS terminal 20 displays the registration start screen (FIG. 11(A)). For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the registration start screen after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213. The POS terminal 20 may also be equipped with a sensor that can recognize that the receipt has been removed from the issuing port.

[0089] Also, if no change is due, the change screen (FIG. 12(D)) may not be displayed, and the screen may transition from the deposit screen (FIG. 12(C)) to the receipt screen (FIG. 12(E)).

[0090] (Displayed in semi-self mode) Next, the display of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self mode will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are examples of the display of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self mode. In the description of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, it is assumed that the first POS terminal 20-1 is in the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) and the second POS terminal 20-2 is in the semi-self mode (accounting-only mode).

[0091] Fig. 13 is a display example of the registration screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 in the semi-self mode (registration-only mode). Specifically, Fig. 13 shows the display contents of the registration screen when one item of product (eggs (M)) is registered.

[0092] 13, an image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen shows the status of the 20-2 cash register (second POS terminal 20-2), and an image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen shows the status of the 20-3 cash register (third POS terminal 20-3).

[0093] The pause button BT11 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for pausing the terminal (first POS terminal 20-1). The store clerk operates the pause button BT11 when leaving the terminal (for example, when going to look for a product, when not using the terminal for a while, etc.).

[0094] The 20-3 register button BT22 is a button for specifying the 20-3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). Note that "(Checkout M)" displayed on the 20-3 register button BT22 indicates that the terminal corresponding to the 20-3 register button BT22 (third POS terminal 20-3) is in semi-self mode (checkout-only mode).

[0095] The receipt button BT25 is a button for issuing a receipt in the printing unit 213. The issued receipt is handed over to the customer by the store clerk. The customer then moves to the third POS terminal 20-3, and the third POS terminal 20-3 (customer-side scanner unit 206) reads the code on the receipt, and the settlement process is carried out at the third POS terminal 20-3.

[0096] A mode switching button BT50 is displayed to the right of the 20-3 register button BT22. The function of the mode switching button BT50 is the same as that of the mode switching button BT50 shown in FIG.

[0097] Fig. 14 shows an example of the checkout screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the second POS terminal 20-2 in semi-self mode (checkout-only mode). Fig. 14(A) shows the checkout screen (standby screen) displayed before the checkout process starts. For example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is in standby mode (standby state), it displays the standby screen as shown in Fig. 14(A).

[0098] FIG. 14(B) is a settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when settlement processing is initiated. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the payment method selection screen as shown in FIG. 14(B) when it receives registration information. FIG. 14(C) is a settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the deposit screen as shown in FIG. 14(C) when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see FIG. 14(B)). FIG. 14(D) is a settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the deposit screen as shown in FIG. 14(D) when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted.

[0099] Fig. 14(E) is a settlement screen (change screen) displayed when change is dispensed. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the change screen as shown in Fig. 14(E) when the END (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (Fig. 14(D)). Fig. 14(F) is a settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when change is removed. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the receipt screen as shown in Fig. 14(F) when change is removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209.

[0100] Although not shown in the drawings, the second POS terminal 20-2 may display a sleep screen when in a sleep state.

[0101] Furthermore, after displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 14(F)) (for example, after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213), the second POS terminal 20-2 displays the standby screen (FIG. 14(A)) or the payment method selection screen (see FIG. 14(B)). Furthermore, if no change is due, the second POS terminal 20-2 may transition from the deposit screen (FIG. 14(D)) to the receipt screen (FIG. 14(F)) without displaying the change screen (FIG. 14(E)).

[0102] As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the settlement screens (payment method selection screen, deposit screen, change screen, receipt screen) displayed when the POS terminal 20 is in full self-service mode are the same as the settlement screens (payment method selection screen, deposit screen, change screen, receipt screen) displayed when the POS terminal 20 is in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode).

[0103] (Operation mode transition) The POS terminal 20 changes its operation mode in accordance with an explicit mode change operation by a store clerk (for example, input or selection on the screen) or an operation other than the explicit mode change operation by the store clerk (for example, reading a store clerk code).The POS terminal 20 also changes its operation mode based on predetermined conditions that do not depend on the store clerk's operation (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information to and from other terminals, etc.).

[0104] The manner in which the operation mode of another POS terminal is changed by an explicit mode change operation by a store clerk includes a manner in which the operation mode is changed in association with an operation on the other POS terminal, and a manner in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to switch the operation mode of the other POS terminal. An example of a manner in which the operation mode is changed in association with an operation on the other POS terminal is a manner in which the other POS terminal (e.g., the second POS terminal 20-2) changes from full self-service mode to checkout-only mode in association with an operation to send registration information from the POS terminal 20 (e.g., the first POS terminal 20-1) to another POS terminal 20 (e.g., the second POS terminal 20-2) operating in full self-service mode. An example of a manner in which the operation mode is changed in association with an operation to switch the operation mode of another POS terminal is a manner in which the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is changed and changed based on a switching instruction sent from the other POS terminal 20. For example, the second POS terminal 20-2 changes and changes its operation mode based on a switching instruction from the first POS terminal 20-1.

[0105] In a mode in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to change the operation mode of another POS terminal, when the POS terminal (second POS terminal 20-2) to be changed is in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) and data for settling registered products, for example, unsettled registered data, is not stored, the change to full-self-service mode is permitted and possible. When change of operation mode is not permitted, change of operation mode is prohibited. The following describes change of operation mode in a mode in which the operation mode is changed by an operation to change the operation mode of another POS terminal.

[0106] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of operation when switching between operation modes. In explaining the switching between operation modes, an example will be described in which the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched by a switching operation of the first POS terminal 20-1. In the following explanation, the first POS terminal 20-1 may be referred to as "No. 1 register," the second POS terminal as "No. 2 register," and the third POS terminal 20-3 as "No. 3 register."

[0107] Step S111: The mode switch button BT50 is pressed. When the mode switch button BT50 is pressed, the No. 1 register sends a switch instruction to the No. 2 and No. 3 registers. When the store clerk presses the mode switch button BT50 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and 13, preparations for switching the operation mode begin. Through the subsequent processing, the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched when switching is possible.

[0108] Step S112: Determine whether register 20-2 (register No. 2, second POS terminal 20-2) is prohibited from switching. When register No. 2 receives a switching instruction from register No. 1, if switching is prohibited, it replies to register No. 1, the sender, with switching prohibition information indicating that switching is prohibited. Register No. 1 then determines whether register No. 2 is prohibited from switching based on the returned switching prohibition information. Register No. 2 is prohibited from switching when it is not in transaction-only mode, when it is in transaction-only mode but unsettled data is stored, or when a predetermined time has passed since the last transaction was completed. When it is not in transaction-only mode, this includes when a store clerk is logged in or using the register in normal mode or registration-only mode. When it is in line-only mode but unsettled data is stored, this essentially means that transaction processing is in progress. The predetermined time may be set to any appropriate time, such as 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes. If register No. 2 is not prohibited from switching, proceed to step S113. If the No. 2 register is prohibited from being switched, step S113 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S114.

[0109] Step S113: Preparation for display of the 20-2 register button is performed. Here, to notify that the operation mode of the No. 2 register is switchable, preparation is made to display the 20-2 register button BT102 on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the No. 1 register (first POS terminal 20-1) shown in Fig. 16(A).

[0110] Step S114: Determine whether register 20-3 (register No. 3, third POS terminal 20-3) is prohibited from switching. When register No. 3 receives a switching instruction from register No. 1, if switching is prohibited, it replies to register No. 1, the sender, with switching prohibition information indicating that switching is prohibited. Register No. 1 determines whether switching is prohibited for register No. 3 based on the returned switching prohibition information. When switching is prohibited for register No. 3, it is the same as when switching is prohibited for register No. 2. If switching is not prohibited for register No. 3, proceed to step S115. If switching is prohibited for register No. 3, skip step S115 and proceed to step S116.

[0111] Step S115: Preparation for display of the 20-3 register button is performed. Here, to notify that the operation mode of the No. 3 register is switchable, preparation is made to display the 20-3 register button BT103 on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the No. 1 register (first POS terminal 20-1) shown in Fig. 16(A).

[0112] Step S116: Determine whether or not there is preparation for button display. Here, in steps S113 and S115, it is determined whether or not there is preparation for display of the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103. If there is preparation for display of one or both of the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103, proceed to step S117. If there is no preparation for display of these, proceed to step S123.

[0113] Step S117: The register button to be switched to is displayed as active. Here, in step S113, if the 20-2 register button BT102 is prepared for display, the 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed as active, as shown in FIG. 16(A), and if the 20-3 register button BT103 is prepared for display, the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed as active. Note that active display here refers to a display in which button operation is valid when the button is displayed. Also, if one register button is prepared for display and the other is not, the register button that is not prepared for display is displayed in a grayed-out state. For example, if the 20-2 register button BT102 is prepared for display and the 20-3 register button BT103 is not prepared for display, the 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed and the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed in a grayed-out state. At this time, the switch cancel button BT101 is displayed along with the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103. It should be noted that the display should be such that it is clear which registers can be switched and which cannot be switched, and for example, register buttons that are not prepared for display may be displayed in a grayed-out state, or may not be displayed at all. Also, the word "switchable" may be added to register buttons that are prepared for display, and the word "not switchable" may be added to register buttons that are not prepared for display.

[0114] Step S118: Determine whether a destination button has been pressed. Determine whether the register button displayed as active has been pressed as the destination button. For example, when the 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed as active and the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed as grayed out, determine whether the 20-2 register button BT102 has been pressed; when the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 are displayed as active, determine whether either the 20-2 register button BT102 or the 20-3 register button BT103 has been pressed. If it is determined that the destination button has been pressed, proceed to step S119. If it is determined that the destination button has not been pressed, proceed to step S121.

[0115] Step S119: A switching instruction is sent to the destination cash register. For example, when the 20-3 cash register button BT103, which is displayed as active, is pressed, the switching instruction is sent to the No. 3 cash register (third POS terminal 20-3). The No. 3 cash register to which the switching instruction was sent accepts the transmitted switching instruction. The No. 3 cash register that accepted the switching instruction switches its operating mode from semi-self-service mode to full-self-service mode.

[0116] Step S120: Display a switching execution notification. The switching execution notification displays a message indicating that the operating mode of the switching destination cash register has been switched. When the No. 1 cash register sends a switching instruction, it displays a switching execution notification as shown in FIG. 16(B), for example. When the switching execution notification is displayed, a "Clear" button BT111 is displayed, and when the "Clear" button BT111 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S122. Note that instead of pressing the "Clear" button BT111, the display of the switching execution notification may be terminated and the process proceeds to step S122 when a predetermined time, for example, five seconds, has elapsed. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S112 when either the "Clear" button BT111 is pressed or the predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, when the No. 2 cash register switches the operating mode in response to a switching instruction received from the No. 1 cash register, it may send a switching completion signal to the No. 1 cash register, and when the No. 1 cash register receives the switching completion signal, it may display a switching execution notification.

[0117] Step S121: Determine whether the switching stop button has been pressed. Here, if the switching stop button BT101 shown in Fig. 16(A) has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the switching stop button BT101 has not been pressed, return to step S118. Thus, if the switching destination button has been displayed as active in step S117, the switching destination button will remain displayed as active until the switching destination button or the stop button is pressed.

[0118] Step S122: Return to the original screen. The original screen is the screen before mode switch button BT50 was pressed in step S111. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and 13, mode switch button BT50 is displayed on the registration screen, small plan screen, and checkout screen of clerk side display unit 210 in normal mode, and the registration screen of clerk side display unit 210 in semi-self mode, so in step S111, the screen before mode switch button BT50 was pressed returns to one of these screens.

[0119] Step S123: A screen is displayed to notify that mode switching of the other cash registers is not possible. In this case, for example, the switching not possible display shown in Fig. 17 is displayed. In the switching not possible display, the back button BT121 and the grayed-down 20-2 cash register button BT102 and 20-3 cash register button BT103 are displayed.

[0120] Step S124: After the back button BT121 is pressed, the display indicating that the other cash registers cannot be switched is erased, and then the process proceeds to step S122.

[0121] (Screen transition on the registration display device when switching modes on other cash registers) The mode switching operation for the other cash registers is performed by pressing the mode switching button BT50 displayed on the registration screen, the small print screen, the checkout screen, etc., displayed on the clerk display unit 210 in normal mode at the No. 1 cash register shown in Figures 8 to 10, or the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 in semi-self mode shown in Figure 13. The screen transitions shown below are the screen transitions on the clerk display unit 210 at the No. 1 cash register.

[0122] For example, when the mode switching button BT50 is pressed while the registration screen is displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 in normal mode as shown in Figure 8, if one or both of the No. 2 and No. 3 registers are switchable (when the mode is for accounting only and there is no unsettled data to store), the clerk side display unit 210 will display the switching explanation image GA10 overlaying the registration screen shown in Figure 8, as shown in Figure 16(A).

[0123] In this example, both the No. 2 and No. 3 cash registers can switch their operating mode to full self-service mode, and the switching explanation image GA10 displays a switching explanation message such as "Which cash register would you like to switch?". Also displayed in the switching explanation image GA10 are a switching cancel button BT101, a 20-2 cash register button BT102, and a 20-3 cash register button BT103.

[0124] The switch cancel button BT101 is displayed to the right of the switch explanation. The 20-2 register button BT102 is displayed below the switch explanation, and the 20-3 register button BT103 is displayed to the right of the 20-2 register button BT102. On the screen shown in FIG. 16(A), the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 are both displayed as active, and either register button can be pressed. The 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 also display the operation mode of the No. 2 and No. 3 registers, respectively, and the presence or absence of unsettled data to be stored when the operation mode is the full self-service mode or the checkout-only mode.

[0125] When either the 20-2 register button BT102 or the 20-3 register button BT103 cannot be pressed, it is displayed in a grayed-out state. Even in this case, the 20-2 register button BT102 and the 20-3 register button BT103 display the operation mode, etc. The display of the switching instruction image GA10 notifies the user that the operation mode of other registers, such as the No. 2 register or the No. 3 register, can be switched. Note that these operation modes and the presence or absence of stored unsettled data do not need to be displayed, and may be displayed only when the button is displayed in an active state or when the button is displayed in a grayed-out state. Furthermore, for example, if the No. 2 register can switch its operation mode but the No. 3 register cannot, the switching instruction may be, for example, "Do you want to switch the No. 2 register?", and the switching instruction may be changed depending on the register whose operation mode can be switched.

[0126] For example, when a store clerk presses the 20-3 register button BT103 on the screen shown in FIG. 16(A), a switching completion explanation image GA11 is displayed over the registration screen shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 16(B). The switching completion explanation image GA11 displays a switching completion explanation message saying, "Register 20-3 has been switched to full self-service mode." Also, a delete button BT111 is displayed in the switching completion explanation image GA11. The delete button BT111 is displayed at the bottom right of the switching completion explanation message. The display of the switching completion explanation image GA11 notifies the user that the operation mode of register No. 3 (third POS terminal 20-3) has been switched to full self-service mode.

[0127] On the clerk-side display unit 210, when a clerk or the like presses the switching cancel button BT101 on the screen shown in Fig. 16(A), the switching explanation image GA10 is erased and the original registration screen (the registration screen shown in Fig. 8) is displayed. Similarly, when a clerk or the like presses the erase button BT111 on the screen shown in Fig. 16(B), the switching completion explanation image GA11 is erased on the clerk-side display unit 210 and the original registration screen (the registration screen shown in Fig. 8) is displayed.

[0128] Furthermore, when the mode switching button BT50 is pressed while the registration screen is displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 in normal mode as shown in Figure 8, if both the No. 2 and No. 3 registers are unable to switch (if they are not in the accounting-only mode, or if they are in the accounting-only mode but there is no unsettled data to store), the clerk side display unit 210 will display the unswitchable explanation image GA12 over the registration screen shown in Figure 8, as shown in Figure 17.

[0129] The switching-impossible explanation image GA12 displays the switching-impossible explanation message, "You cannot switch which register." Also, the switching-impossible explanation image GA12 displays the back button BT121, as well as the grayed-out 20-2 register button BT122 and 20-3 register button BT123. The 20-2 register button BT122 and 20-3 register button BT123 also display the operation modes of the No. 2 and No. 3 registers, etc.

[0130] When the back button BT121 is pressed, the unswitchable explanation image GA12 disappears and the original registration screen (the registration screen shown in FIG. 8) is displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. The 20-2 register button BT122 and the 20-3 register button BT123 are both displayed in a grayed-out state and are inoperable, so that only the back button BT121 can be pressed on the unswitchable explanation image GA12. Note that the 20-2 register button BT122 and the 20-3 register button BT123 may be displayed in a grayed-out state or may not be displayed at all.

[0131] As described above, the POS terminal 20 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment issues a switching instruction to switch the operation mode of the other POS terminals 20 in the POS system 1, and the other POS terminals 20 accept the switching instruction and switch their operation modes. This allows the other POS terminals 20 to switch the operation mode of the POS terminals. For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 can switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2. This allows the multiple POS terminals 20 in the POS system 1 to be operated efficiently, preventing customers from having to wait.

[0132] For example, suppose the first POS terminal 20-1 is operating in normal mode, the second POS terminal 20-2 is operating in full-self mode, and the third POS terminal 20-3 is operating in checkout-only mode, with a store clerk operating the first POS terminal 20-1. In this case, even if many customers line up at the first POS terminal 20-1 and the second POS terminal 20-2, the store clerk operating the first POS terminal 20-1 must move to the third POS terminal 20-3 to switch the operation mode of the third POS terminal 20-3. This prevents a smooth switching of operation modes and raises concerns about the ineffective use of the third POS terminal 20-3. In this regard, the operation mode of the third POS terminal 20-3 can be switched by operating the first POS terminal 20-1, so the operation mode of the third POS terminal 20-3 can be switched without the store clerk moving near the third POS terminal 20-3. This allows multiple POS terminals 20 to be operated efficiently and prevents customers from having to wait.

[0133] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the checkout-only mode, the customer processes the payment themselves, so there are often no store clerks near the POS terminal 20. When in the checkout-only mode, the POS terminal 20 switches its operating mode based on a switching command from another POS terminal 20, so the POS terminal 20 can be operated efficiently and customers can be prevented from having to wait.

[0134] Furthermore, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the transaction-only mode, switching the operation mode while unsettled data remains in the POS terminal 20 can cause confusion when switching the operation mode. Even in the full self-service mode, switching the operation mode immediately after the previous customer's transaction can cause a similar problem. In this regard, the POS terminal 20 prohibits switching the operation mode while operating in the transaction-only mode and while unsettled data remains. Furthermore, switching the operation mode is prohibited until a predetermined time has elapsed after the completion of the final transaction. This prevents confusion when switching the operation mode, allows the POS terminal 20 to operate efficiently, and prevents customers from having to wait.

[0135] Furthermore, if the operation mode is switched while the POS terminal 20 is operating in normal mode, it will interfere with other customers who are registering products or processing payments in normal mode. In this regard, the POS terminal 20 prohibits switching of the operation mode while operating in normal mode, so that it is possible to avoid interfering with the payment processing of other customers.

[0136] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment receives a switching instruction from another POS terminal 20 that is the target of switching the operating mode, if switching is prohibited, specifically, if the terminal is not in the accounting-only mode, or if the terminal is in the accounting-only mode but has unsettled data stored, the POS terminal 20 sends switching prohibition information indicating that switching is prohibited back to the transmitting POS terminal 20. This allows the transmitting POS terminal 20 to easily recognize the switching prohibition status of the POS terminal that is the target of switching the operating mode. This prevents unnecessary switching of the operating mode, thereby preventing customers from having to wait.

[0137] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment above mainly in the processing to be performed when the button display preparation is not performed. The configuration of the product sales data processing system is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14. The following describes this embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0138] (Operation mode transition) As in the first embodiment, the POS terminal 20 switches and transitions its own operation mode based on explicit mode transition operations by the clerk (for example, input or selection on the screen), operations other than explicit mode transition operations by the clerk (for example, reading a clerk code), predetermined conditions not dependent on clerk operations (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information with other terminals, etc.), and also based on switching instructions sent from other terminals. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment can perform forced switching to forcibly switch the operation mode when switching of the operation mode is prohibited in the POS terminal 20 that is the target of switching the operation mode. Forced switching of the operation mode is described below.

[0139] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when switching the operation mode in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, the processing when it is determined in step S116 that the button display preparation is not performed differs from that in the first embodiment. Note that the processing from step S111 to step S122 is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 15, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0140] Step S151: Display that switching to other registers is not possible and display the forced switch button. In the first embodiment, if the button display preparation is not available, a screen is displayed informing the user that mode switching to other registers is not possible. In this embodiment, however, as shown in Fig. 19(A), the 20-2 register button BT302 and the 20-3 register button BT303 are displayed in gray, and the forced switch button BT301 and back button BT304 are displayed.

[0141] Step S152: Determine whether the forced switching button has been pressed. If the forced switching button has been pressed, proceed to step S153. If the forced switching button has not been pressed, proceed to step S161.

[0142] Step S153: A forced switch destination designation button is displayed. When the forced switch button is pressed, the operation mode of other POS terminals for which switching of the operation mode is prohibited is forcibly switched. Here, in order to determine the POS terminals for which the operation mode will be forcibly switched, the 20-2 register button BT311 and the 20-3 register button BT312 shown in FIG. 19(B) are displayed as active. At this time, a forced switch cancel button BT313 is also displayed. When forcibly switching the operation mode, the operation mode to be switched to is predetermined. Here, if the operation mode before the forced switch was normal mode or semi-selfie mode, it is forcibly switched to full selfie mode, and if it was full selfie mode, it is switched to normal mode.

[0143] Step S154: Determine whether or not a forced switching destination designation button has been pressed. If a forced switching destination designation button has been pressed, in this case either the 20-2 register button BT311 or the 20-3 register button BT312 shown in Fig. 19(B) has been pressed, proceed to step S156. If neither the 20-2 register button BT311 nor the 20-3 register button BT312 has been pressed, proceed to step S155.

[0144] Step S155: Determine whether the Cancel button has been pressed. Here, determine whether the forced switching cancel button BT313 shown in FIG. 19(B) has been pressed. If the Cancel button BT131 has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the forced switching cancel button BT313 has not been pressed, return to step S154. Therefore, when the screen shown in FIG. 19(B) is displayed, this screen will continue to be displayed until any of the 20-2 register button BT311, 20-3 register button BT312, and forced switching cancel button BT313 is pressed. Note that if the 20-2 register button BT311, 20-3 register button BT312, and forced switching cancel button BT313 are not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the same processing as when the forced switching cancel button BT313 is pressed may be performed.

[0145] Step S156: Display a forced switching execution button and a forced switching cancellation button Here, as shown in Fig. 20, a forced switching execution button BT321 and a forced switching cancellation button BT322 are displayed.

[0146] Step S157: Determine whether the forced switching execution button has been pressed. If the forced switching execution button has been pressed, proceed to step S158. If the forced switching execution button has not been pressed, proceed to step S158.

[0147] Step S158: It is determined whether the cancel button has been pressed. Here, it is determined whether the forced switching cancel button BT322 shown in FIG. 20 has been pressed. If the forced switching cancel button BT322 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S122. If the forced switching cancel button BT322 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S157. Therefore, when the screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, this screen continues to be displayed until either the forced switching execute button BT321 or the forced switching cancel button BT322 is pressed. Note that if the forced switching execute button BT321 or the forced switching cancel button BT322 is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the same processing as when the forced switching cancel button BT322 has been pressed may be performed.

[0148] Step S159: A forced switch instruction is sent to the register to which the switch is to be made. For example, when the forced switch execution button BT321 in FIG. 20 is pressed, the forced switch instruction is sent to the No. 3 register (third POS terminal 20-3). The No. 3 register to which the forced switch instruction was sent accepts the sent forced switch instruction. The No. 3 register that accepted the switch instruction is in transaction-only mode and switching is prohibited, but the forced switch instruction forcibly switches it to full self-service mode.

[0149] Step S160: Display a forced switch execution notification. The forced switch execution notification displays a message indicating that the operating mode of the switching destination cash register has been forcibly switched. When the No. 1 cash register sends a switch instruction, it displays a forced switch execution notification as shown in FIG. 20(B), for example. When the switch execution notification is displayed, the Close button BT331 is displayed, and when the Close button BT331 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S122. Note that instead of pressing the Close button BT331, the display of the switch execution notification may end and the process proceeds to step S122 when a predetermined time, for example, five seconds, has elapsed. Alternatively, the process may proceed to step S112 when either the Close button BT331 is pressed or the predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, when the No. 2 cash register switches the operating mode in response to a switch instruction received from the No. 1 cash register, it may transmit a switch completion signal to the No. 1 cash register, and when the No. 1 cash register receives the switch completion signal, it may display a switch execution notification.

[0150] Step S161: Determine whether the back button has been pressed. If the back button BT304 shown in Fig. 19(A) has been pressed, proceed to step S122. If the back button BT304 has not been pressed, return to step S160. Thus, in step S161, the other register switching impossible display and the forced switching button display continue until either the forced switching button BT301 or the back button BT304 is pressed.

[0151] (Screen transition on the registration display device when switching modes on other cash registers) The mode switching operation for the other cash registers is performed by pressing the mode switching button BT50 displayed on the registration screen, the small print screen, the checkout screen, etc., displayed on the clerk display unit 210 in normal mode at the No. 1 cash register shown in Figures 8 to 10, or the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 in semi-self mode shown in Figure 13. The screen transitions shown below are screen transitions on the clerk display unit 210 at the No. 1 cash register. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, when the registration screen is displayed on the clerk display unit 210 in normal mode as shown in Fig. 8, the processing when the No. 2 register and the No. 3 register are switchable by pressing the mode switch button BT50 is the same as in the first embodiment. If the No. 2 register and the No. 3 register are not switchable by pressing the mode switch button BT50, in the first embodiment, the switchable explanation image GA12 shown in Fig. 17 is displayed, but in this embodiment, the forced switchable image GA30 shown in Fig. 19(A) is displayed.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 19(A), the forced switching image GA30 is displayed so as to overlap the registration screen shown in FIG. 8. The forced switching image GA30 displays a switching impossibility explanation message that reads, "You cannot switch which register." The forced switching image GA30 also displays a back button BT304, as well as the 20-2 register button BT302 and the 20-3 register button BT303, which are displayed in a grayed-out state and include information such as the operating mode. This is the same as the switching impossibility explanation image GA12 shown in FIG. 17. The forced switching image GA30 also displays a forced switching button BT301. This differs from the first embodiment.

[0154] When the forced switch button BT301 is pressed, the forced switch register selection image GA31 shown in Fig. 19(B) is displayed. The forced switch register selection image GA31 is displayed so that it overlays the registration screen shown in Fig. 8. The forced switch register selection image GA31 displays a forced switch register explanation such as "Which register do you want to force switch?". Additionally, the forced switch register selection image GA31 displays the 20-2 register button BT311 and 20-3 register button BT312, which are displayed as active, and also displays a forced switch cancel button BT313.

[0155] Here, for example, when the 20-3 register button BT312 is pressed, a forced switch confirmation image GA32 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 20(A). The forced switch confirmation image GA32 displays a forced switch confirmation message, "Do you want to forcibly switch the 20-3 register?" The forced switch confirmation image GA32 also displays a forced switch execute button BT321 and a forced switch cancel button BT322. Furthermore, the No. 3 register, which is the target of the forced switch, is in checkout-only mode. In the checkout-only mode, products are registered, and customers may deposit money into the change dispenser 209 for checkout (settlement). In this case, the amount deposited into the change dispenser 209 and the total amount of the products may affect the handling of change, so the forced switch confirmation image GA32 displays the amount deposited into the No. 3 register and the total amount of the registered products. In the example shown in FIG. 20(A), there was no deposit into the change dispenser 209 at the No. 3 register, so the deposited amount is 0 yen.

[0156] When the 20-2 register button BT311 is pressed, a forced switch confirmation message, "Do you want to force switch the 20-2 register?", is displayed on the forced switch confirmation image GA32. At this time, the No. 2 register to be switched is in full self-service mode, but the deposit amount and total amount are displayed in the same way as when it is in checkout-only mode. When the forced switch cancel button BT313 is pressed, the forced switch is canceled and the registration screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0157] Returning to FIG. 20(A), when the forced switch execution button BT321 in the forced switch confirmation image GA32 is pressed, a forced switch completion image GA33 is displayed as shown in FIG. 20(B). The forced switch completion image GA33 is displayed so as to overlay the registration screen shown in FIG. 8. A forced switch completion explanation, "Register 20-3 has been switched to full self-service mode," is displayed in the forced switch completion image GA33. Also, a delete button BT331 is displayed in the forced switch confirmation image GA32. By pressing this delete button BT331, the forced switch completion image GA33 is deleted, and the registration screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0158] Furthermore, when the 20-3 register button BT312 in the forced switching register selection image GA31 shown in Fig. 19(B) is pressed, if a deposit is made into the change dispenser 209 at the No. 3 register to be switched, the amount of the deposit is displayed on the forced switching confirmation image GA40 displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, as shown in Fig. 21(A). In the example shown in Fig. 21(A), the amount of the deposit is 2,000 yen, which is higher than the total amount of the registered products, 1,928 yen.

[0159] Next, when the forced switch execution button BT401 on the forced switch confirmation image GA40 is pressed, the change dispensing confirmation image GA41 shown in Fig. 21(B) is displayed. The change dispensing confirmation image GA41 displays a small forced switch completion explanation saying, "Register 20-3 has been switched to full self-service mode," along with a change dispensing confirmation message saying, "Do you want to dispense your change?". Also displayed in the change dispensing confirmation image GA41 is an accept button BT411 and a dispense button BT412.

[0160] Here, when the Accept button BT411 is pressed, the settlement at register No. 3 is completed without dispensing any change. When the Dispense button BT412 is pressed, the change is dispensed and the settlement at register No. 3 is completed. Therefore, for example, if there is no customer near register No. 3, the Accept button BT411 can be pressed to complete the settlement without dispensing the change, preventing the change from being left behind or stolen. When there is a customer near register No. 3, the Dispense button BT412 can be pressed to dispense the change, improving convenience for the customer when receiving the change. When the change is dispensed, a receipt may also be issued.

[0161] As described above, the POS system 1 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 in the POS system 1 of this embodiment is capable of forcibly switching the operation mode of a POS terminal 20 that is prohibited from switching the operation mode. For example, the first POS terminal 20-1 can switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2, and when switching the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is prohibited, the first POS terminal 20-1 can forcibly switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2. For example, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is in the normal mode, the first POS terminal 20-1 is prohibited from switching the operation mode, but can forcibly switch the operation mode.

[0162] For example, when the POS terminal 20 operates in normal mode, it is assumed that a store clerk and a customer are present. Therefore, when the POS terminal 20 is in normal mode, switching of the operation mode according to a switching command from another POS terminal 20 is prohibited so as not to interfere with the work of the store clerk and the customer, from product registration to payment. However, even when the POS terminal 20 is in normal mode, there may be a situation where the POS terminal 20 is left unattended without a store clerk or a customer present. If the POS terminal 20 is left unattended in normal mode, it will hinder the efficient operation of the POS terminal 20.

[0163] In this regard, in the above-described POS system 1, the operation mode of a POS terminal 20 can be forcibly switched by issuing a forced switch instruction from another POS terminal 20. The forced switch instruction is issued by operating the clerk-side display unit 210, and the forced operation instruction is mainly issued by the clerk. Therefore, the forced switch can be performed after the clerk has checked the presence or absence of a clerk and a customer at the POS terminal 20 that is the target of the forced switch. Therefore, even for a POS terminal 20 that is prohibited from being switched, such as one that is not in the transaction-only mode, the operation mode can be switched at the discretion of the clerk operating the other POS terminal 20 depending on the situation, so that the POS terminals 20 can be operated efficiently and customers can be prevented from having to wait.

[0164] The following situations are examples of situations in which the POS terminal 20 may be left unattended without a store clerk or customer: For example, when the POS terminal 20 is operating in full self-service mode, a customer may register a product and then leave without completing the payment process; when the POS terminal 20 is operating in full self-service mode or in cash-only mode, a customer may deposit money and then leave while the payment process is in progress; or when a customer deposits more currency than the total amount (purchase amount) and then leaves without completing the payment process.

[0165] Under these circumstances, for example, if the operating mode after the settlement process is in the cashier-only mode, the next registration information cannot be sent, or if the operating mode after the settlement process is in the full-self-service mode, the next customer cannot operate the POS terminal 20. In such cases, by forcibly switching the operating mode, the operating mode can be switched depending on the situation, preventing customers from having to wait. If the operating mode is forcibly switched in a situation where a customer deposits money and then leaves while the settlement process is in progress, or in a situation where a customer deposits more money than the total amount (purchase amount) and then leaves without completing the settlement process, it is preferable to save the data on the amount without refunding the deposited money. In this case, it is possible to prevent cash from being left at the POS terminal 20 when there is no customer or store clerk present.

[0166] [Variations] Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the condition for prohibiting switching of the operation mode of a POS terminal is that the operation mode is a mode other than the checkout-only mode, but other conditions may also be used for prohibiting switching. For example, the operation mode before switching of the POS terminal that is the target of switching the operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the "switching target POS terminal") may be normal mode, full self mode, or checkout-only mode. In the following description, the POS terminal that outputs a switching instruction to the switching target POS terminal may be referred to as the first POS terminal 20-1, and the switching target POS terminal may be referred to as the second POS terminal 20-2.

[0167] In this case, the conditions for prohibiting switching may differ depending on the operation mode of the POS terminal to be switched before switching. Also, in the above embodiment, the operation mode after switching of the POS terminal to be switched is full self-service mode, but it may be a mode other than full self-service mode. Also, if a mode other than full self-service mode is to be selected, it may be determined depending on the operation mode of the POS terminal to be switched before switching. Also, in the above embodiment, the operation mode after switching of the POS terminal to be switched is set to full self-service mode, but it may be selectable from a plurality of operation modes.

[0168] For example, as shown in Fig. 22, the operation mode of the switching target POS terminal may be any of normal mode, full self-service mode, and checkout-only mode (semi-self-service mode). When the operation mode of the switching target POS terminal is normal mode, for example, a condition for prohibiting switching of the operation mode may be that another store clerk is logged in. For example, a condition for prohibiting switching of the second POS terminal 20-2 may be that a store clerk different from the store clerk logged in to the first POS terminal 20-1 is logged in to the second POS terminal 20-2. The switching target POS terminal may be switchable from normal mode to full self-service mode, for example.

[0169] When the operation mode of the POS terminal to be switched is full self-service mode, the conditions for prohibiting switching the operation mode may include, for example, storing unsettled data as in the above embodiment, or before a certain time has elapsed since the previous customer (the last customer) paid, or when the next customer is detected. Alternatively, it may be when multiple (all) of these conditions are met. The POS terminal to be switched can be switched from full self-service mode to checkout-only mode (semi-self-service mode), for example.

[0170] When the operation mode of the POS terminal to be switched is the checkout-only mode, the conditions for prohibiting the operation mode from being switched may be, for example, that unsettled data is stored, as in the above embodiment, or that a certain time has not elapsed since the previous customer (the last customer) paid. Alternatively, the conditions may be that two or more (or all) of these conditions are met. The POS terminal to be switched can be switched, for example, from the checkout-only mode (semi-self-service mode) to the full-self-service mode.

[0171] A situation in which a store clerk operates the first POS terminal 20-1 to switch the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 may include a situation in which no store clerk is present near the second POS terminal 20-2. When the second POS terminal 20-2 is in the normal mode or the registration-only mode (semi-self-service mode), a store clerk is required to perform registration work at the second POS terminal 20-2, so a store clerk is often present near the second POS terminal 20-2. Also, when the second POS terminal 20-2 is in the full self-service mode or the checkout-only mode (semi-self-service mode), a store clerk is not required to perform registration work at the second POS terminal 20-2, so a store clerk is often not present near the second POS terminal 20-2. Therefore, by switching the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 between the full self-service mode and the checkout-only mode (semi-self-service mode) using the first POS terminal 20-1, the second POS terminal 20-2 can be operated efficiently, and customers can be prevented from having to wait.

[0172] Since there is often no store clerk near the second POS terminal 20-2 after the switch, it is difficult to improve convenience even if the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to normal mode or registration-only mode. For this reason, it is preferable that the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 after the switch be full self-service mode or checkout-only mode. The operation mode of the POS terminal to be switched to may also be other operation modes, such as normal mode, registration-only mode (semi-self-service mode), or double scan mode. For example, when a store clerk performing registration work at the first POS terminal 20-1 sees another store clerk approaching the second POS terminal 20-2 in full self-service mode, convenience can be improved by setting the second POS terminal 20-2 to normal mode, registration-only mode, or double scan mode when the other store clerk arrives.

[0173] Furthermore, although the post-switching operation mode of the switching target POS terminal is determined according to the pre-switching operation mode, the post-switching operation mode may be selectable from multiple operation modes. For example, when the operation mode of the switching target POS terminal is normal mode or registration-only mode, it may be switched to either full self-service mode or checkout-only mode. Below, we will explain the transition of the screen on the clerk display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 when the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to either full self-service mode or checkout-only mode, with reference to Figure 23.

[0174] In this example, when the mode switch button BT50 included in the registration screen or the like displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 shown in FIG. 8 is pressed, a register switching explanation image GA20 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 23(A). The register switching explanation image GA20 displays an explanation for the register switching, such as "Which register would you like to switch?" The register switching explanation image GA20 displays a cancel button BT201, a 20-2 register button BT202, and a 20-3 register button BT203. The 20-2 register button BT202 displays the text "Registration-only mode," which is the current operating mode of the No. 2 register, and the 20-3 register button BT203 displays the text "Accounting-only mode," which is the current operating mode of the No. 3 register.

[0175] Next, when the 20-2 register button BT202 is pressed, a switching mode explanation image GA21 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 23(B). The switching mode explanation image GA21 displays a small switching explanation saying "Switching 20-2 register (currently: registration mode)" and a switching mode explanation saying "Which mode would you like to switch to?". The switching mode explanation image GA21 also displays a cancel button BT211, a full self-service mode button BT212, and a checkout-only mode button BT213.

[0176] Subsequently, when the full self-service mode button BT212 is pressed, the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to the full self-service mode. Furthermore, when the transaction-only mode button BT213 is pressed, the operation mode of the second POS terminal 20-2 is switched to the transaction-only mode.

[0177] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output modes, etc. can be changed and modified as appropriate.

[0178] (Regarding mode switching from outside the POS terminal) In the above example, the POS terminal 20 issues an instruction to switch the operation mode of another POS terminal 20. However, an external device other than the POS terminal 20 may issue an instruction to switch the operation mode. For example, an instruction to switch the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be issued from a mobile terminal or a tablet terminal. These mobile terminals or tablet terminals may be, for example, ones that are always carried by a store clerk or may be carried by someone other than a store clerk. Also, an instruction to switch the operation mode may be issued from the store controller 10 or the like. Also, the POS terminal 20 may not have a function to issue an instruction to switch the operation mode.

[0179] (Mode switching selection when switching command is issued) Furthermore, in the above example, the POS terminal 20 that receives the switching instruction cannot decide whether to accept the switching instruction, but it may be possible to decide whether to accept the switching instruction. For example, when a switching instruction is received while the operating mode is normal mode, as shown in FIG. 24, an acceptance / rejection selection display image GA50 may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the customer may decide whether to accept the mode switch by operating the accept button BT501 or the reject button BT502 included in the acceptance / rejection selection display image GA50. In this case, for example, the mode switch may be rejected during registration or payment processing, but accepted during standby. Therefore, the mode can be switched depending on the situation, preventing customers from having to wait.

[0180] The accept button BT501 or the reject button BT502 included in the acceptance / rejection selection display image GA50 may be operated by, for example, a store clerk operating the POS terminal 20 that received the switching instruction, if such a store clerk is present. Also, an upper limit may be set for the display time of the acceptance / rejection selection display image GA50, and the switching instruction may be accepted when the display time of the acceptance / rejection selection display image GA50 exceeds the upper limit. In this case, for example, even if the POS terminal 20 that received the switching instruction is in the full self-service mode and there is no store clerk operating the POS terminal 20, the operation mode can be switched reliably.

[0181] (About operation modes)

[0182] The POS terminal 20 may also switch its operation mode based on a predetermined condition that is not dependent on the operation of a store clerk (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to the transmission and reception of information such as commands between other terminals, etc.) Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode may switch to the full self-service mode if it remains unused for a period of time until a purchased item is registered or a payment is made (after the payment is completed if the previous process from registration to payment was performed).

[0183] When operating in full self-time mode, a screen on which buttons corresponding to each clerk are arranged may be displayed on clerk-side display unit 210, and the clerk may be identified according to the button touched on the screen. Alternatively, a button corresponding to each clerk may be arranged on key operation unit 211, and the clerk may be identified according to the button operated on key operation unit 211.

[0184] Furthermore, a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode may be configured to function in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode). That is, a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) transmits registration information to a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) and causes the POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) to execute the settlement process, whereas a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) may transmit registration information to a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode and cause the POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode to execute the settlement process. Note that registration information may be transmitted from a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) when a customer is not operating the POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode. The registration information may not be transmitted when a customer is operating the POS terminal 20, or the registration information may be transmitted even when a customer is operating the POS terminal 20 so that the settlement is performed immediately after the customer has finished operating the POS terminal 20.

[0185] Furthermore, in relation to the transmission of registration information, a send button may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 that is the sender of the registration information. The clerk-side display unit 210 may display send buttons for all other POS terminals on the LAN 11 in a manner that allows each POS terminal to be distinguished (for example, by displaying terminal numbers such as "register 1" and "register 2"), or may display send buttons for POS terminals that can be destinations (POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) and POS terminals 20 operating in full-self-service mode) in a manner that allows each POS terminal to be distinguished. One or more POS terminals 20 that are permitted as destinations for the registration information from the POS terminal 20 may be determined in advance (i.e., the pairing of the registration side and the settlement side may be determined in advance), and the send buttons may be displayed based on this.

[0186] Furthermore, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently capable of transmitting registration information and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in different display modes. For example, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently capable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in a normal display mode, and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in a special display mode (e.g., grayed out). Buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be made inoperable or prohibited from operation (e.g., they may be made inoperable).

[0187] Furthermore, the status of each POS terminal 20 to which registration information is sent (e.g., standby, in use, near end, near full, offline, etc.) may be notified. For example, the status of each POS terminal 20 may be shared on the LAN 11 (e.g., sending and receiving information indicating the status, centralized management in the store controller 10 or a representative POS terminal 20, etc.), and information indicating the status of each POS terminal 20 (e.g., badge-like images indicating "standby," "in use," "near end," etc.) may be displayed on the above-mentioned button (or associated with the button). Note that in the case of a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode, the terminal is in standby mode when not operated by a customer, changes from standby to in use when a customer starts registration, and changes from in use to standby again when payment is completed. The in-use state may be divided into "registering" and "payment" before and after operation of the registration completion key (subtotal key).

[0188] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the POS terminal 20 changes operating modes in accordance with an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk, even in the case of an explicit mode transition operation, the operation may be restricted (prohibited) depending on the operating mode before the transition (current operating mode), the operating mode to which the transition is to be made, the operating status, etc.

[0189] The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be scheduled according to the working status of the store clerk (working status, working schedule, scheduled working schedule). However, depending on the operating mode before transition (current operating mode), the operating mode to be transitioned to, the operating status, etc., there may be cases where the operation mode is controlled according to the schedule or not.

[0190] (About switching operation modes) When switching the operation mode, the POS terminal 20 may display a message indicating that the operation mode is being switched on at least one of the customer-side display unit 205 and the store clerk-side display unit 210. For example, when switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode), a message such as "Switching to accounting-only mode" may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., several seconds) when (or before) switching. Note that after switching the operation mode, a message indicating that the operation mode has been switched may be displayed.

[0191] The POS terminal 20 may be configured to switch to double scan mode when a store clerk logs in while in full self-service mode when the store clerk is not logged in. Alternatively, when a store clerk logs in, whether to maintain full self-service mode, switch to normal mode, or switch to double scan mode may be determined based on an operation (for example, a button operation) by the store clerk.

[0192] In other words, when a store clerk logs in while the POS terminal 20 is in full self-service mode and no store clerk is logged in, the POS terminal 20 may display a button for maintaining full self-service mode, a button for switching to normal mode, and a button for switching to double scan mode, and control the operating mode after login depending on which button is operated. For example, if a customer requests assistance with product registration to leave everything to the store clerk from that point on (when a store clerk is called), the store clerk operates the button for switching to normal mode after logging in; if a customer requests assistance with product registration to leave some of the product registration to the store clerk (when a store clerk is called) (the customer will register the product themselves, but would like the store clerk to help), the store clerk operates the button for switching to double scan mode after logging in; and if the customer logs in for some reason (for example, to check the processing status), but wishes to register themselves or does not need the store clerk's assistance (or the customer is only temporarily logged in and cannot support the customer), the store clerk operates the button for maintaining full self-service mode after logging in. If the full self-service mode is maintained after the store clerk logs in, the product names and the like of the products registered by the customer may not be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 from the viewpoint of privacy, etc. However, information that does not significantly affect privacy, etc. (such as the cumulative total amount currently being registered) may be displayed. If the cumulative total amount currently being registered is displayed, the store clerk can, for example, appropriately check the right to draw a lottery (whether the purchase amount has exceeded a predetermined amount, etc.), and therefore prepare for the lottery in advance.

[0193] Whether or not to display the product name, etc. of a product registered by a customer on the clerk display unit 210 in full self-service mode when the clerk is logged in may be set by at least one of the clerk side (clerk display unit 210) or the customer side (customer display unit 205).

[0194] The POS terminal 20 is cleared from the logged-in state (changes from the logged-in state to the logged-out state) based on an explicit operation (logout operation) by the store clerk. Instead of or in addition to an explicit operation by the store clerk, the logged-in state may be cleared when a predetermined time (for example, which can be set for each terminal) has passed since the last operation by the store clerk (when no operation has been performed for the predetermined time).

[0195] The above-described pause state (pause mode) and logout state may be the same. In other words, the above-described logout operation is the operation of the pause button. However, the pause state and the logout state may be considered to be separate states. For example, the pause state (pause mode) may be considered to be part of the login state (a state to which the device transitions when the pause button is operated in the login state). If the pause state and the logout state are considered to be separate states, the logout operation is a different operation from the operation of the pause button.

[0196] However, for products that require the intervention of a store clerk (for example, products that need to be heated in a microwave or products that a store clerk takes out (such as meat buns, cigarettes, etc.)), the store clerk must be notified of the product, so the product may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 regardless of the above setting. Furthermore, for products that require age authentication (for example, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, etc.), the store clerk must be notified of the product, so the product may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 regardless of the above setting. Whether a product requires the intervention of a store clerk or not may be determined in advance for each product.

[0197] (About the switch button) In the above embodiment, the mode switching button BT50 is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, but it may also be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. Also, instead of pressing the mode switching button BT50 displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the operation mode may be switched by operating the key operation unit 211. When the operation mode of another POS terminal 20 is switched by operating the key operation unit 211, and the POS terminal or operation mode to be switched to can be selected, the POS terminal or operation mode to be selected may be displayed as a button on the clerk-side display unit 210 so that the clerk or the like can select it, or these other POS terminals or operation modes may be assigned to keys on the key operation unit 211 so that the other POS terminals or operation modes can be selected by operating the assigned keys on the key operation unit 211.

[0198] (About the printing department) In the above, the POS terminal 20 is provided with one printing unit 213 that can be freely rotatably changed in the direction (direction of the medium issuing port) from the clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the clerk side, but it may also be provided with two printing units with a medium issuing port on each side. In other words, instead of one printing unit 213 that can be freely rotatably changed in the direction of the medium issuing port, the POS terminal 20 may be provided with a clerk-side printing unit with a medium issuing port on the clerk side and a customer-side printing unit with a medium issuing port on the customer side separately.

[0199] (About the scanner) In the above description, the customer-side scanner unit 206 is a type that is held by an operator (a store clerk or a customer) and brought close to an object (such as a product) to recognize identification information, but it may be of another type. For example, it may be a fixed type that recognizes an object by bringing it close. The same applies to the store clerk-side scanner unit 212.

[0200] (Regarding analysis, etc.) The POS system 1 may store an electronic journal and utilize it for various analyses. The electronic journal may include various information such as product information and registration information, as well as other output information (including customer information). For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) may store an electronic journal for each transaction and analyze the operating status of each operation mode (e.g., the operating time of each mode by time period and day of the week, by staff member, or unconditionally) and the registration status of store clerks and customers in double scan mode (e.g., the ratio of product registrations between store clerks and customers. This may be by store clerk, or by customer if customer attributes (gender, age, etc.) can be determined based on membership numbers, etc.). The analysis results may be output as a list, etc.

[0201] In addition, by storing in the electronic journal, for example, the start time of registration (in seconds) of the first item in each transaction and the start time of displaying the sub-page, it may be possible to analyze the time required (for example, the time required until the registration process is completed (until the sub-page display starts)) by operation mode (for example, by operation mode and number of items purchased, etc.).

[0202] (About other displays) Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may display, for example, information related to errors (for example, a warning about change, a warning about paper, information about calling a store clerk, etc.). Furthermore, by transmitting and receiving information via the LAN 11, information related to another POS terminal 20 may be displayed instead of or in addition to the information related to the POS terminal 20. Furthermore, when displaying information related to another POS terminal 20, the information may be displayed according to the position of the other POS terminal 20 (the positional relationship with the POS terminal 20).

[0203] Each POS terminal 20 may refer to information indicating its positional relationship with the other POS terminals 20 (for example, each POS terminal 20 itself may store and refer to the information indicating the positional relationship, or the store controller 10 may store the information indicating the positional relationship, and each POS terminal 20 may access the store controller 10 to refer to the information indicating the positional relationship), and perform display according to the position of the other POS terminals 20. Alternatively, a display position may be determined in advance for each of the other POS terminals 20.

[0204] For example, the left and right display positions may differ depending on the arrangement of the POS terminals 20. As an example, if the first POS terminal 20-1 is arranged to the left of the second POS terminal 20-2 (left side as seen from the store clerk's side) and the third POS terminal 20-3 is arranged to the right of the second POS terminal 20-2 (right side as seen from the store clerk's side) (that is, when seen from the store clerk's side display unit 210, the first POS terminal 20-1 is arranged on the left side, the second POS terminal 20-2 is arranged in the horizontal center, and the third POS terminal 20-3 is arranged on the right side), on the store clerk's side display unit 210 of the second POS terminal 20-2 arranged in the horizontal center, information about the first POS terminal 20-1 located to the left of the second POS terminal 20-2 may be displayed on the left side of the screen, and information about the third POS terminal 20-3 located to the right of the second POS terminal 20-2 may be displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0205] Furthermore, on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the first POS terminal 20-1 located on the left side, information about the second POS terminal 20-2 and the third POS terminal 20-3 located on the right side of the first POS terminal 20-1 may be displayed on the right side of the screen. For example, information about the third POS terminal 20-3 located farther from the first POS terminal 20-1 may be displayed further to the right than information about the second POS terminal 20-2 located closer to the first POS terminal 20-1. Similarly, on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the third POS terminal 20-3 located on the right side, information about the first POS terminal 20-1 and the second POS terminal 20-2 located on the left side of the third POS terminal 20-3 may be displayed on the left side of the screen. For example, information about the first POS terminal 20-1 located farther from the third POS terminal 20-3 may be displayed further to the left than information about the second POS terminal 20-2 located closer to the first POS terminal 20-1.

[0206] 1 is a display example when three POS terminals 20 are placed in the store, but the same may be true when there are two or four or more terminals. In the above, the current operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is notified (displayed), but the current operation modes of other POS terminals 20 may also be notified (displayed) by obtaining information on the operation modes of the other POS terminals 20 via the LAN 11, for example.

[0207] The program for implementing the POS system 1 and 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 via 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]

[0208] 1. POS system 10...Store Controller 20...POS terminal 201...CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Hard disk 205…Customer side display section 206...Customer side scanner 208...Card Payment Department 209...Change machine 210...Staff side display section 211...Key operation section 212…Clerk side scanner 213…Printing Department 214...Audio output unit 215…Communications Department

Claims

1. A merchandise sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means that can switch from a mode in which a customer registers merchandise and makes a payment to another mode, The switching means a first switching means for switching the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device; a second switching means for switching the mode of the device in response to a mode transition operation by a store clerk; Equipped with the first switching means prohibits mode switching when registration data is stored in the device itself; A product sales data processing device characterized by:

2. A program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device that operates in one of a plurality of modes and has a switching means that can switch from a mode in which a customer registers products and makes payments to another mode, The switching means a first switching means for switching the mode of the device itself in response to an instruction from another device; a second switching means for switching the mode of the device in response to a mode transition operation by a store clerk; Equipped with the first switching means prohibits mode switching when registration data is stored in the device itself; A program characterized by:

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