Sales data processing apparatus and method

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a sales data processing apparatus and a program capable of preventing a store clerk from taking a wrong commodity.SOLUTION: A sales data processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a reader configured to read information of an article and a commodity, a specific information acquisition module configured to acquire article specific information for specifying an article brought by a customer based on the information of the article read by the reader and commodity specific information for specifying a specific commodity sold in a store and taken out by a store clerk based on the information of the commodity read by the reader, a matching determination module configured to determine matching between the article specific information and the commodity specific information acquired by the specific information acquisition module, and a commodity display module configured to display information relating to the specific commodity when the matching determination module determines the matching.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sales data processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, it has become common for convenience stores, mass retailers, and other stores to place specific products such as cigarettes by brand on shelves behind a counter where a POS (Point of Sales) terminal is installed, and for customers to tell a store clerk the brand, product number, or product name, and the clerk then picks up the relevant product from the shelf and registers it on the POS terminal. Pharmacies also sell specific medicines in a similar manner.

[0003] However, if a store clerk misheard or misunderstood the number or product name provided by the customer and picked up the wrong product from the shelf, there was a possibility that the wrong product would be registered as it was. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sales data processing device and a program that can prevent a store clerk from intervening to pick up a specific product by mistake. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sales data processing device of the embodiment includes a reader that reads information about items and merchandise, a specific information acquisition means that acquires item identification information that identifies an item brought by a customer based on the item information read by the reader, and product identification information that identifies a specific product to be sold in the store and retrieved by a store clerk based on the product information read by the reader, a match determination means that determines whether the item identification information acquired by the specific information acquisition means matches the product identification information, and a product display means that displays information related to the specific product when the match determination means determines a match. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a layout of a store according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the POS terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequential diagram showing the flow of information between a POS terminal in self-timer mode and a POS terminal in normal mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal in the normal mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the POS terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the POS terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the display screen of the POS terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing yet another example of the display screen of the POS terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing yet another example of the display screen of the POS terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal in the self mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a POS terminal will be described as an example of a sales data processing device. In the embodiments, a convenience store will be described as an example of a store, and an example will be described in which a store clerk intervenes to remove cigarettes when a customer purchases cigarettes at the convenience store. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing the layout of a store according to an embodiment. Store T is a convenience store having shelves S on which various products sold at store T are displayed, and a checkout counter C on which one or more POS terminals 1 are installed for settling the purchases of products.

[0009] In the embodiment, as an example, three POS terminals 1 are installed at the checkout counter C. Of the three POS terminals 1, one is a self-service POS terminal 17 (self-service sales data processing device) where the customer registers products themselves, and the other two are regular POS terminals 18 where the store clerk registers products. The self-service POS terminal 17 refers to a POS terminal 1 that operates in a self-service mode, which will be described later. The self-service POS terminal 17 may be a POS terminal 1 that performs product registration processing and payment processing, or may be a POS terminal 1 that only performs product registration processing. The regular POS terminal 18 refers to a POS terminal 1 that operates in a regular mode, which will be described later. The regular POS terminal 18 may be a POS terminal 1 that performs product registration processing and payment processing, or may be a semi-self-service registration device that only performs product registration processing. The self-service POS terminal 17 and the regular POS terminal 18 are collectively referred to as POS terminals 1 when used interchangeably or together.

[0010] Store T also has a back shelf BC installed behind the checkout counter C (on the clerk's side). Cigarettes are displayed by type on back shelf BC. Many types of cigarettes are displayed on back shelf BC, and each type of cigarette is assigned a cigarette number that identifies the type of cigarette. A customer tells a clerk the cigarette number that identifies the type of cigarette they wish to purchase, and the clerk takes out the cigarette with the given cigarette number from back shelf BC. Customers cannot take cigarettes directly from back shelf BC. This is because, for example, age verification may be required when selling age-restricted products such as cigarettes. The products displayed on back shelf BC are called specified products (cigarettes are an example of restricted products).

[0011] Next, the normal POS terminal 18 will be described. The normal POS terminal 18 is a device on which a store clerk performs a product registration operation. The product registration operation refers to an operation of reading a code symbol (an example of product information), such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, attached to a product using a code reader 30 (an example of a reader, see FIGS. 2 and 3). The product registration operation may also refer to an operation of having the code reader 30 capture an image of the product. When the product registration operation is performed, the normal POS terminal 18 executes a product registration process for the product. The product registration process refers to a process of displaying product information, such as the product name and unit price, read from the product master 142 (see FIG. 3) based on a product code (an example of product identification information; if the product code is included in the code symbol, the product code is obtained from the code symbol; if the product code is not included in the code symbol, the product code is obtained from a predetermined storage area based on the code symbol) that identifies the product obtained based on the product registration operation in a transaction with a customer, and storing the product information in the product information section 131 (see FIG. 3).

[0012] The normal POS terminal 18 is a device through which a store clerk performs an item registration operation for an item (cigarettes) brought by a customer. The item is a previously purchased item that the customer brought with the purpose of purchasing a product sold at the store T. The item registration operation refers to an operation of having the code reader 30 read a code symbol (an example of item information) attached to the package of the item (cigarettes) brought by the customer. The item registration operation may also refer to an operation of having the code reader 30 capture an image of the item. When the item registration operation is performed, the normal POS terminal 18 executes an item registration process for the item. The item registration process refers to a process of displaying item information (the same information as the item information) of the item, such as the item name, read from the item master 142 based on a product code (an example of product identification information; if the product code is included in the code symbol, it is obtained from the code symbol; if the product code is not included in the code symbol, it is obtained from a predetermined storage area based on the code symbol) that identifies the item obtained based on the item registration operation, and storing the product information in the product information unit 133 (see FIG. 3).

[0013] When the customer hands the cigarette package they brought with them to the store clerk, the store clerk uses the normal POS terminal 18 to perform an item registration operation for the item. The normal POS terminal 18 executes an item registration process for the item for which the item registration operation has been performed. Next, the store clerk takes out a specific product (cigarettes) that is the same as the registered cigarettes from the back shelf BC. The store clerk then executes an item registration operation for the taken-out specific product. The normal POS terminal 18 acquires the product code of the product for which the item registration operation has been performed. The normal POS terminal 18 then determines whether the type of cigarettes for which the item registration operation has been performed matches the type of product (cigarettes) for which the item registration operation has been performed. A match between the type of cigarettes for which the item registration operation has been performed and the type of cigarettes for which the item registration operation has been performed is determined by whether the product code acquired during the item registration operation matches the product code acquired during the product registration operation. If they match, the normal POS terminal 18 executes an item registration process for the product. If they do not match, a message is displayed indicating that the product and the specific product are different items.

[0014] Next, the self-service POS terminal 17 will be described. The self-service POS terminal 17 is a device on which a customer performs a product registration operation. When a product registration operation is performed, the self-service POS terminal 17 executes a product registration process for the product. The self-service POS terminal 17 has the same configuration and functions as the above-mentioned normal POS terminal 18.

[0015] Self-service POS terminal 17 is a device through which a customer performs an item registration operation for an item (cigarettes) that the customer has brought with them. When an item registration operation is performed, self-service POS terminal 17 executes an item registration process for the item. When the item registration process is executed, self-service POS terminal 17 transmits, to normal POS terminal 18, staff call information indicating that self-service POS terminal 17 is calling a staff member.

[0016] The customer uses the self-service POS terminal 17 to register the cigarettes they have brought with them. The self-service POS terminal 17 acquires the product code of the product for which the product registration operation has been performed, and executes the product registration process for the product. The self-service POS terminal 17 then highlights and displays the product information of the product for which the product registration process has been performed. The self-service POS terminal 17 then sends staff member call information to the normal POS terminal 18. The called staff member comes to the self-service POS terminal 17. The staff member then checks the product information displayed on the self-service POS terminal 17 and removes a specific product (cigarettes) of the same type as the registered cigarettes from the back shelf BC. The staff member then performs the product registration process for the removed specific product. The self-service POS terminal 17 acquires the product code of the specific product for which the product registration operation has been performed. The normal POS terminal 18 then determines whether the type of cigarettes for which the product registration process has been performed matches the type of specific product (cigarettes) for which the product registration process has been performed. If they match, the self-service POS terminal 17 executes the product registration process for the specific product. If they do not match, a message is displayed indicating that the specific product and the product in question are different items.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment, as seen from the operator's side. The POS terminal 1 executes product registration processing and payment processing for products sold at store T. The payment processing includes displaying the total amount of the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 in conjunction with the product registration processing, calculating and displaying change based on the deposit from the customer, and instructing the change dispenser to issue change. The POS terminal 1 also executes processing to issue a receipt on which product information and payment information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) for the products for which payment processing has been completed are printed. Note that one transaction is defined as the period from the start of product registration processing to the end of payment processing for one customer.

[0018] The POS terminal 1 has a main body 2 and a money storage box 3. The money storage box 3 has an openable and closable drawer that can store bills, coins, and other valuable securities such as gift certificates received from customers, as well as change to be handed over to customers.

[0019] The main body 2 includes an operation unit 21, an operator display unit 22, a customer display unit 23, a printing unit 24, a card reading unit 25, and a code reader 30. The operation unit 21 may be a touch panel provided on the operator display unit 22.

[0020] The operator display unit 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to an operator such as a store clerk. The customer display unit 23 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to a customer purchasing a product. The printing unit 24 is, for example, a thermal printer equipped with a thermal transfer print head, and pulls out a roll of receipt paper stored in the main body 2, prints product information and payment information related to a transaction, and issues a receipt or invoice to be handed to the customer. The card reading unit 25 reads card information and amount information from a medium such as a credit card or electronic money presented by the customer. The code reader 30 captures and reads a code symbol attached to an item or product, or the item or product itself, and outputs the decoded code information. The code reader 30 may be a device that optically reads a code symbol attached to an item or product.

[0021] Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is the main controller. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes control processing of the POS terminal 1 (the normal POS terminal 18 and the self-service POS terminal 17), which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and loaded in the RAM 13.

[0022] The RAM 13 includes a product information section 131, a mode information section 132, an item information section 133, and a product code section 134. The product information section 131 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of a product that has undergone product registration processing based on a product code acquired based on a code symbol read by the code reader 30.

[0023] The mode information unit 132 stores mode information indicating whether the POS terminal 1 is in normal mode or self-service mode. When the mode information unit 132 stores mode information indicating normal mode, the POS terminal 1 functions as a normal POS terminal 18 that executes normal mode processing. When the mode information unit 132 stores mode information indicating self-service mode, the POS terminal 1 functions as a self-service POS terminal 17 that executes self-service mode processing. The product information unit 133 stores product information (product code and product name) related to products that have been registered. The product code unit 134 stores the product code of a product that has been registered.

[0024] The memory unit 14 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or flash memory. The memory unit 14 includes a control program unit 141 that stores a control program, and a product master 142. The product master 142 stores information indicating the product name, product price (unit price), etc. of the product and product in association with a product code that identifies the product and product. When a product registration process is performed, the POS terminal 1 calls up the product name stored in the product master 142 as the product name, and when a product registration operation is performed, calls up the product name stored in the product master 142 as the product name.

[0025] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the operation unit 21, operator display unit 22, customer display unit 23, printing unit 24, card reading unit 25, and code reader 30 via the bus 15 and controller 16. The controller 16 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation unit 21, operator display unit 22, customer display unit 23, printing unit 24, card reading unit 25, and code reader 30. For convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 16 will be described as being performed by the control unit 100.

[0026] The operation unit 21 has a mode key 211, an item confirmation key 212, a confirmation cancellation key 213, and a settlement key 214. The mode key 211 is a key for switching the operation mode of the POS terminal 1. That is, each time the mode key 211 is operated, the POS terminal 1 switches between the normal mode and the self-service mode. In other words, each time the mode key 211 is operated, the mode information unit 132 stores either mode information indicating that the POS terminal 1 is in the normal mode or mode information indicating that the POS terminal 1 is in the self-service mode. When the normal mode is stored in the mode information unit 132, the POS terminal 1 functions as the normal POS terminal 18. When the self-service mode is stored in the mode information unit 132, the POS terminal 1 functions as the self-service POS terminal 17.

[0027] The item confirmation key 212 is operated when performing an item registration operation for an item (cigarettes) brought by a customer. The POS terminal 1 operates the item confirmation key 212 to enter item confirmation mode, and then performs an item registration operation to have the code reader 30 read the code symbol associated with the item, thereby executing item registration processing for the item. The confirmation cancel key 213 is operated when canceling the item confirmation mode of the POS terminal 1. When the confirmation cancel key 213 is operated, the POS terminal 1 cancels the item confirmation mode, and when the code reader 30 subsequently performs an item registration operation to have the code symbol attached to the item read, the POS terminal 1 executes item registration processing for the item.

[0028] The settlement key 214 is operated when executing settlement processing for a registered product. When the settlement key 214 is operated, the POS terminal 1 executes settlement processing for the registered product (product information stored in the product information unit 131).

[0029] The control unit 100 is also connected to a communication unit 31 via a bus 15. The communication unit 31 is communicably connected to other POS terminals 1 and a store server (not shown) installed in the store T via a communication line. The store server is communicably connected to all POS terminals 1 installed in the store T, and collects product information and payment information from each POS terminal 1.

[0030] Next, we will explain the main processes of the self-service POS terminal 17 and the normal POS terminal 18 and the transmission and reception of information between them. Figure 4 is a sequential diagram showing the flow of information between the self-service POS terminal 17 in self-service mode and the normal POS terminal 18 in normal mode.

[0031] The store clerk operates the item confirmation key 212 on the normal POS terminal 18 (the normal POS terminal 18 enters item confirmation mode) (T1). Next, the store clerk performs an item registration operation using the code reader 30 to read the code symbol attached to the package of cigarettes brought by the customer, and the normal POS terminal 18 executes item registration processing for the item and highlights and displays the object information (T2). The store clerk then confirms the specific item to be taken out from the back shelf BC. Next, the store clerk operates the confirmation cancel key 213 (T3). This cancels the item confirmation mode on the normal POS terminal 18. Next, the store clerk performs an item registration operation using the code reader 30 to read the code symbol attached to the package of the specific item (cigarettes to be sold) taken out from the back shelf BC (T4). The normal POS terminal 18 then compares the item code acquired based on the item registration operation with the item code acquired based on the item registration operation to determine whether they match (T5). If they match, the normal POS terminal 18 displays the specific product for which the product registration operation was performed, and executes product registration processing for the specific product (T6).

[0032] Meanwhile, the item confirmation key 212 is operated on the self-service POS terminal 17 (the self-service POS terminal 17 enters item confirmation mode) (T11). Next, the customer performs an item registration operation by using the code reader 30 to read the code symbol attached to the cigarette package brought by the customer. The self-service POS terminal 17 then executes the item registration process for the item and displays the object information in an emphasized manner (T12). The self-service POS terminal 17 then transmits clerk call information to the normal POS terminal 18 to call the clerk operating the normal POS terminal 18 (T13). The normal POS terminal 18, which has received the clerk call information, displays a call message indicating that it is being called by the self-service POS terminal 17 (T14). The called clerk comes to the self-service POS terminal 17 and checks the displayed object information. The clerk then operates the confirmation cancel key 213 (T15). This cancels the item confirmation mode on the self-service POS terminal 17. Next, the clerk uses the code reader 30 to read a code symbol including a clerk code that identifies the clerk, which is written on, for example, a name tag or the like that the clerk is carrying (T16).The clerk then performs a product registration operation using the code reader 30 to read the code symbol attached to the package of a product (cigarettes to be sold) that the clerk has taken out from the back shelf BC (T17).The self-service POS terminal 17 then compares the product code acquired based on the product registration operation with the product code acquired based on the product registration operation to determine whether they match (T18).If they match, the self-service POS terminal 17 displays the specific product for which the product registration operation was performed and executes product registration processing for the specific product (T19).

[0033] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the POS terminal 1. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 100 of the POS terminal 1 functions as a specific information acquisition means 101, an item display means 102, a match determination means 103, an item registration means 104, an item display means 105, and a store clerk calling means 106 by following a control program stored in the ROM 12 or a control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

[0034] The specific information acquiring means 101 acquires a product code for identifying an item brought by a customer based on the code symbol of the item read by the code reader 30, and a product code for identifying a specific product sold in the store T and taken out by a store clerk based on the code symbol of the product read by the code reader 30.

[0035] The product display means 102 highlights and displays product information of a product identified by a product code. Specifically, the product display means 102 highlights and displays the product information (product name and unit price) of a product identified by a product code, for example, by changing the color (for example, displaying in red), displaying it in highlighted characters such as bold, changing the background color of the product information, or displaying the background with a shaded background, for example. In this embodiment, the product display means 102 displays the product name and unit price of the product as product information, but does not display the quantity and amount (unit price x quantity) of the product.

[0036] The match determining means 103 determines whether the product code identifying the product and the product code identifying the specific product, both acquired by the specific information acquiring means 101, match.

[0037] If the match determining means 103 determines that there is a match, the product registration means 104 executes a product registration process for the product identified by the product code.

[0038] When the match determination means 103 determines that there is a match, the product display means 105 displays information related to the specific product. Specifically, when the match determination means 103 determines that there is a match, the product display means 105 displays the product name, unit price, quantity, and amount related to the specific product.

[0039] If the match determining means 103 determines that there is no match, the product display means 105 displays that the product registered and the specific product registered are different products.

[0040] When the POS terminal 1 is a self-service POS terminal 17 and the specific information acquisition means 101 acquires a product code related to an item through a customer's operation, the clerk call means 106 transmits clerk call information for calling a clerk to the normal POS terminal 18. In the embodiment, when the POS terminal 1 is a self-service POS terminal 17 and the specific information acquisition means 101 acquires a product code related to an item through a customer's operation, the clerk call means 106 transmits clerk call information for calling a clerk to the normal POS terminal 18.

[0041] When the POS terminal 1 is a self-service POS terminal 17, the specific information acquisition means 101 can acquire the product code relating to the product when it acquires a store clerk code that identifies the store clerk.

[0042] Next, the control of the POS terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the POS terminal 1 determines whether mode information indicating the normal mode is stored in the mode information unit 132 (S11). If it is determined that mode information indicating the normal mode is stored (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 causes the POS terminal 1 to function as a normal POS terminal 18 operating in the normal mode (S12). Then, the control unit 100 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that mode information indicating the normal mode is not stored (No in S11), the mode information unit 132 stores mode information indicating the self-timer mode, so the control unit 100 causes the POS terminal 1 to function as a self-timer POS terminal 17 operating in the self-timer mode (S13). Then, the control unit 100 ends the process.

[0043] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the normal POS terminal 18 operating in the normal mode. As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 100 of the normal POS terminal 18 displays, as an initial screen, a product registration screen on which products that have been registered can be displayed on the operator display unit 22 (S21).

[0044] Fig. 8 shows an example of the product registration screen displayed in S21. The product registration screen G displays a product display section Ga that displays product information for products that have been registered (in the example of Fig. 8, no products have been registered yet, and nothing is displayed in the product display section Ga), a total amount section Gb that displays the total amount for the products that have been registered, and an image Gc of the product confirmation key 212. The touch panel located opposite the image Gc of the operation section 21 is the product confirmation key 212.

[0045] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 7, the control unit 100 next determines whether the item confirmation key 212 has been operated (S22). If it is determined that the item confirmation key 212 has been operated (Yes in S22), the control unit 100 changes the normal POS terminal 18 to an item confirmation mode in which item registration processing is possible, and displays an item registration screen (S23).

[0046] 9 shows an example of the item registration screen displayed in S23. The item registration screen B displays an item display section Ba that displays item information of items that have been registered (in the example of FIG. 9, no items have been registered yet, and nothing is displayed in the item display section Ba), and an image Bd of the confirmation cancellation key 213. The touch panel located opposite the image Bd of the operation section 21 is the confirmation cancellation key 213.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, the identification information acquisition means 101 then reads the code symbol attached to the item (the cigarette package brought by the customer) using the code reader 30, and determines whether or not it has acquired a product code identifying the item (S24). It waits until it has acquired the product code (No in S24), and if it determines that it has acquired the product code identifying the item (Yes in S24), it retrieves the product name and unit price of the item identified by the product code from the product master 142, and stores the product code, product name, and unit price of the item in the product information section 133 (S25). The product display means 102 then displays the product name and unit price stored in the product information section 133 on the product display section Ba (operator display section 22) (S26). Note that in S26, the product display means 102 does not display the quantity or price of the item. That is, the operation of the code reader 30 to read the code symbol in the item confirmation mode is an operation for displaying item information indicating the specific item that the store clerk will take out from the back shelf BC, so the control unit 100 does not perform item registration processing for the item based on the read code symbol (item registration processing cannot be executed in the item confirmation mode). Also, in S25, the same display as that on the operator display unit 22 is also displayed on the customer display unit 23.

[0048] 10 shows an example of the product registration screen displayed in S25. In the product display section Ba of the product registration screen B, the product name (cigarettes A) and unit price (250 yen) are highlighted as product information Be relating to the product for which product registration has been processed. The product display section Ba does not display the quantity or price of the product for which product registration has been processed.

[0049] The store clerk looks at the display (item information Be) on item registration screen B, confirms the displayed item, and takes out the specific item corresponding to that item from the back shelf BC, and then operates the confirmation cancel key 213. The control unit 100 determines whether the displayed confirmation cancel key 213 has been operated (S27). The control unit 100 waits until it is operated (No in S27), and if it determines that the confirmation cancel key 213 has been operated (Yes in S27), the control unit 100 cancels the item confirmation mode, and item registration processing becomes possible.

[0050] Next, the specific information acquisition means 101 reads the code symbol attached to the specific product (the cigarette package that the store clerk took out from the back shelf BC) with the code reader 30, and determines whether the product code identifying the specific product has been acquired (S28). The means waits until the product code identifying the specific product has been acquired (No in S28), and if it determines that the product code identifying the specific product has been acquired (Yes in S28), the control unit 100 retrieves the product name and unit price of the specific product identified by the product code from the product master 142, and stores the product code, product name, and unit price of the specific product (collectively referred to as product information) in the product code unit 134.

[0051] Next, the match determination means 103 determines whether the product code stored in the product information section 133 matches the product code stored in the product code section 134 (S29). If it is determined that they match (Yes in S29), the product registration means 104 executes product registration processing for the specific product based on the product information stored in the product code section 134 (S30). Then, the product display means 105 displays product information of the specific product for which product registration processing has been performed on the operator display unit 22 (S31). Also, in S31, the same display as on the operator display unit 22 is also displayed on the customer display unit 23.

[0052] 11 shows an example of the product registration screen G displayed in S31. The product display section Ga displays product information Gf (product name (cigarettes A), unit price (250 yen), quantity (1 unit), amount (250 yen)) of the product for which product registration processing has been performed. The total amount section Gb displays the total amount (250 yen).

[0053] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, the control unit 100 next determines whether the payment key 214 has been operated (S32). If it determines that the payment key 214 has been operated (Yes in S32), the control unit 100 executes the payment process for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 (S33). The control unit 100 then ends the process and returns to S11. On the other hand, if it determines that the payment key 214 has not been operated (No in S32), the control unit 100 returns to S21.

[0054] Furthermore, if it is determined in S29 that the product code stored in the product information section 133 does not match the product code stored in the product code section 134 (No in S29), the product display means 105 displays an error message on the operator display section 22 indicating that a specific product of a different type from the product for which product registration processing has been performed has been registered (S34). Note that in S34, in order to reliably notify the store clerk of the error, it is desirable to notify the store clerk that the error message is being displayed by voice, for example, as well as displaying the error message. Then, once the error is resolved, the control section 100 makes the determination in S32.

[0055] An example of the error message displayed in S34 is shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the control unit 100 displays an error message Gg (for example, "A different cigarette has been registered") as a pop-up on the product display unit Ga.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 7, if it is determined in S22 that the operation has not been made on the product confirmation key 212 (No in S22), the control unit 100 reads the code symbol attached to the product with the code reader 30 and determines whether or not a product code identifying the product has been acquired (S35). If it is determined that a product code has been acquired (Yes in S35), the control unit 100 executes the determinations and processes from S30 onwards.

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined that the request is not for obtaining a product code (No in S35), the control unit 100 determines whether call information has been received from the self-service POS terminal 17 (S36). If it is determined that call information has been received (Yes in S36), the control unit 100 displays a message on the operator display unit 22 indicating that a store clerk is being called at the self-service POS terminal 17 (S37). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S22. If it is determined that call information has not been received (No in S36), the control unit 100 returns to S22.

[0058] According to the normal POS terminal 18 of this embodiment, when purchasing cigarettes displayed on the back shelf BC, it determines whether the product code of the cigarettes brought by the customer matches the product code of the cigarettes taken out of the back shelf BC by the store clerk, and if they match, displays information about the taken cigarettes. This makes it possible to prevent the store clerk from intervening and taking out the wrong specific product.

[0059] Next, the control of the self POS terminal 17 operating in self mode will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the self POS terminal 17. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 13, the same reference numerals as those of the normal POS terminal 18 are used for decisions and processes equivalent to those of the normal POS terminal 18 shown in Fig. 7, and the explanation will be omitted or simplified. Note that the self POS terminal 17 does not execute the decision of S36 and the process of S37 in Fig. 7.

[0060] 13, the control unit 100 of the self-checkout POS terminal 17 executes the processes and makes a judgment in S21 to S24. Then, in S24, if it is determined that the identification information acquisition means 101 has acquired the product code of the item (Yes in S24), the clerk call means 106 transmits clerk call information to the normal POS terminal 18 (S41). The clerk operating any of the normal POS terminals 18 that has received the clerk call information comes to the self-checkout POS terminal 17. Then, the clerk operates the code reader 30 to read (input) the clerk code that identifies the clerk and is displayed on a name tag or the like that the clerk carries.

[0061] The control unit 100 determines whether a store clerk code has been input (S42). The control unit 100 waits until the store clerk code has been input (No in S42), and if it determines that the store clerk code has been input (Yes in S42), it executes the processes and determinations in S25 to S34 as the processes of the self-service POS terminal 18 that the store clerk is in charge of (the store clerk has signed in).

[0062] When such a self-service POS terminal 17 executes the item registration process for the cigarettes brought by a customer, it transmits clerk call information to call a store clerk, who then picks up the cigarettes displayed on the back shelf BC. The self-service POS terminal 17 then determines whether the cigarettes (items) brought by the customer match the cigarettes (specific products) picked up by the store clerk from the back shelf BC, and displays information about the picked cigarettes if they match. This makes it possible to prevent the clerk from intervening and picking up the wrong specific product.

[0063] As described above, the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment includes a code reader 30 that reads information about items and commodities, a specific information acquisition means 101 that acquires an item code that identifies the item brought by the customer based on the item information read by the code reader 30, and a product code that identifies the specific product sold at store T and to be retrieved by a store clerk based on the product information read by the code reader 30, a match determination means 103 that determines whether the product code related to the item and the product code related to the specific product acquired by the specific information acquisition means 101 match, and a product display means 105 that displays information related to the specific product when the match determination means 103 determines a match.

[0064] When purchasing a specific product, the POS terminal 1 of this embodiment determines whether the product code of the item brought by the customer matches the product code of the specific product picked up by the store clerk, and if they match, displays information about the specific product, which makes it possible to prevent the customer from picking up the wrong product.

[0065] In addition, the POS terminal 1 (self-POS terminal 17) of the embodiment further includes a store clerk call means 106 that transmits store clerk call information to call a store clerk when the specific information acquisition means 101 acquires a product code related to an item through operation by a customer, and the specific information acquisition means 101 acquires a product code related to a specific product based on operation by the store clerk.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the POS terminal 1 executes the item registration process for an item brought by a customer, it transmits clerk call information to call a clerk, who then retrieves the specific product related to the item. The POS terminal 1 then determines whether the item brought by the customer matches the specific product retrieved by the clerk, and displays information about the retrieved specific product if they match. This makes it possible to prevent the clerk from intervening and retrieving the wrong specific product.

[0067] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0068] For example, in the embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 17 transmits the store clerk call information to the normal POS terminal 18. However, this is not limiting, and for example, if there is an attendant PC or a store server (neither of which is shown) that manages the self-service POS terminal 17, the store clerk call information may be transmitted to the attendant PC or the store server.

[0069] In the embodiment, cigarettes have been described as an example of a specific commodity. However, the specific commodity is not limited to this, and any commodity sold with the intervention of a store clerk can also be a specific commodity. For example, pharmaceuticals sold at pharmacies with the intervention of a pharmacist (so that the pharmacist can explain how to use the medicine face-to-face) are also included in the specific commodity. Prepaid cards that are activated (intervened) by a store clerk are also included in the specific commodity.

[0070] In the embodiment, the product code of the product or item is acquired based on the code symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image of the product or item may be captured, and the product or item may be identified based on the image using a known general product recognition technology, and the product code of the product or item may be acquired.

[0071] The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0072] The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0073] Furthermore, the program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 POS terminal 11 CPU 17 Self-service POS terminal 18 Regular POS terminal 21 Control section 22 Operator display 23 Customer display section 100 control section 101 Specific information acquisition means 102 Article display means 103 Matching determination means 104 Product registration method 105 Product display means 106 Clerk calling means 131 Product Information Department 132 Mode Information Section 133 Goods Information Department 134 Product Code Section 141 Control Program Section 142 Product Master 211 Mode key 212 Item confirmation key 213 Unconfirmation Key 214 Payment Key BC Back Shelf T store [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0075] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-128859

Claims

1. a reader for reading information about the article and the product; a specific information acquisition means for acquiring product specific information for identifying the product brought by the customer based on the product information read by the reader, and product specific information for identifying the specific product to be sold in the store and to be taken out by a store clerk based on the product information read by the reader; a match determination means for determining whether the product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means matches the product identification information; a product display means for displaying information relating to the specific product when the match determination means determines that there is a match; A sales data processing device comprising:

2. an item display means for highlighting and displaying the item information of the item identified by the item identification information; The sales data processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. the product display means displays the name and unit price of the product, but does not display the quantity and price of the product; The sales data processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the product display means displays a message that the item and the specific product are different items when the match determination means determines a mismatch. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. a product registration unit that performs product registration processing for the specific product when the match determination unit determines a match, the product display means displays the quantity and price of the specific product for which the product registration process has been performed; The sales data processing device according to claim 4.

6. The sales data processing device is a self-service sales data processing device operated by the customer, a call means for transmitting store clerk call information for calling a store clerk when the item identification information acquisition means acquires the item identification information through an operation by the customer, the specific information acquisition means acquires the product specific information based on an operation by the store clerk; 6. A sales data processing device according to claim 1.

7. The specific information acquisition means is capable of acquiring the product specific information when it acquires store clerk specific information that identifies the store clerk. The sales data processing device according to claim 6 .

8. A computer as a sales data processing device equipped with a reader for reading information on goods and merchandise, a specific information acquisition means for acquiring product specific information for identifying the product brought by the customer based on the product information read by the reader, and product specific information for identifying the specific product to be sold in the store and to be taken out by a store clerk based on the product information read by the reader; a match determination means for determining whether the product identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means matches the product identification information; a product display means for displaying information relating to the specific product when the match determination means determines that there is a match; A program that can function as a

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