Sales data processing apparatus and method

Abstract

To prevent processing unsuitable for a situation from being executed.SOLUTION: A sales data processing apparatus includes a registration unit that executes registration processing for registering a commodity, a settlement unit that executes settlement processing using registration data generated by the registration unit, a transmission unit that executes transmission processing for transmitting the registration data so that settlement can be performed in another sales data processing apparatus, and a prohibition unit that prohibits execution of the settlement processing before execution of the transmission processing when the transmission processing is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A registration device (sales processing device) capable of transmitting registration information to a settlement device, which is another device, has been proposed (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, there is a risk that a process that is not appropriate for the situation may be executed by mistake.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technique that can prevent a process that is inappropriate for the situation from being executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a sales data processing device that has multiple operating modes including an operating mode in which product registration is performed by a store clerk and an operating mode in which product registration is performed by a customer, and is equipped with a registration means that executes a registration process to register products, a transmission means that executes a transmission process to transmit the registration data so that it can be settled at another sales data processing device, and a display means that displays information to the store clerk, and is characterized in that the display means displays information indicating the operating mode of the other sales data processing device and an indication that it accepts the execution of the transmission process by the transmission means in association with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [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] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 8] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 9] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 10] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 11] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 12] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 13] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 14] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 15] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 16] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 17] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 18] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 19] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 20] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 21] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 22] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 23] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 24] This is an example of a display on a POS terminal. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 30] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, which are communicatively connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20. The POS system 1 may further include a monitoring terminal (not shown) that displays the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminal 20.

[0009] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores (convenience stores, supermarkets, etc.).

[0010] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the POS terminal 20. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 etc. as seen from the customer side. Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 etc. as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Figure 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information, such as information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information (registration data) generated during a registration process for registering products, and settlement information generated during a settlement process for settling (paying for) purchased products).

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 customers, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products. The customer-side scanner unit 206 may also optically read codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on receipts (registered trademark).

[0017] Although 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 a preset key (a button for ordering the product) corresponding to the product is displayed on customer-side display unit 205, the customer may operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

[0018] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (such as credit cards and prepaid cards for transportation). 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. The card recognition unit may also recognize various cards that are not directly used for payment (settlement) (for example, membership cards, point cards, etc.).

[0019] The change dispenser 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. The change dispenser 209 faces the customer and is operated by the customer. When banknotes or coins are inserted into the input port, they are detected by a sensor (detecting that they have been inserted, the number of coins by denomination, etc.).

[0020] 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.

[0021] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 212 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store 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 store clerk may operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210, the store clerk may operate that preset key to register the product.

[0022] The printing unit 213 prints and issues various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 213 can be rotated to face the customer side or the customer side toward the clerk side (the direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition (switching) of the operating mode (details will be described later). The correct orientation of the printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0023] 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 terminals (other POS terminals 20, store controller 10).

[0024] (Overview of each operation mode) Next, a description will be given of the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has at least three types of operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode).

[0025] The above-mentioned operating modes are operating modes during normal business operations (operating modes related to registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a calculation mode for calculating and inquiring about sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for when store clerks or maintenance personnel perform setup and maintenance work, or a training mode for when new employees are trained.

[0026] In addition, in the following description, as a separate approach from the above-mentioned classification of operating modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode), the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which it executes the settlement process as the accounting mode.

[0027] 5 and 6 are diagrams outlining the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. FIG. 5 is a diagram outlining the normal mode. FIG. 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (store clerk, customer) in the normal mode, and FIG. 5(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram outlining the full self-service mode. FIG. 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (registration process, settlement process) and the actions of people (customers) in the full self-service mode, and FIG. 6(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode.

[0028] (Normal mode) As shown in Fig. 5(A), normal mode is an operating mode in which the clerk side executes the registration process and the customer side executes the payment process. That is, as shown in Fig. 5(B), in normal mode, the POS terminal 20 is in registration mode on the clerk side and in payment mode on the customer side. In other words, when viewed from the entire process from registration to payment, the POS terminal 20 in normal mode operates in registration payment mode.

[0029] 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 (scanning by clerk side scanner unit 212, touching on clerk side display unit 210, operating key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0030] 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 currency (cash) 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 in response to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change dispenser 209, operating the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0031] That is, in normal mode, as shown in FIG. 5(B), initially, the clerk scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or the subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) is pressed (step S30: YES), the customer settles the bill 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, or checkout button.

[0032] The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is confirmed), or may insert cash into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0033] The customer may also select a payment method (also referred to as a payment type, settlement method, or payment type) before completing the registration process. That is, the POS terminal 20 can accept the selection of a payment method during the registration process (details will be described later).

[0034] The store clerk may wait until the customer has completed the payment (until the customer has received the change and receipt), or may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while the payment is being processed (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). The store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0035] Furthermore, if there is change, the POS terminal 20 may control the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and the change note to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and after recognizing with a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and the change note, control the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt. This is also true in other operation modes.

[0036] In addition to the above-described process of the clerk performing the registration process and the customer using the registration information generated in the registration process to perform the settlement process at the customer's terminal (see FIG. 5), the normal mode also allows the clerk to perform the registration process and send the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (another terminal capable of performing the settlement process, for example, another POS terminal 20) (either directly to the other terminal via the LAN 11, or via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal (not shown); the same applies below), and convert the registration information generated in the registration process into a code (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code), print it on a medium, and issue it as a receipt. In other words, the POS terminal 20 in normal mode not only has the function of registering products at its own terminal and settling the transaction at its own terminal, but also the function of registering products at its own terminal and having the transaction settled at another terminal.

[0037] The above-mentioned function of registering products at its own terminal and having the payment processed at another terminal is an inherent function of the semi-self-service mode. The semi-self-service mode is classified into a registration-only mode and a checkout-only mode. The POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) has the function of registering products at its own terminal and having the payment processed at another terminal. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) executes the registration process at the store clerk's side and transmits the registration information generated in the registration process to the other terminal (or encodes the registration information generated in the registration process, prints it on a medium, and issues it as a receipt). The POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (checkout-only mode) has the function of paying for products registered at the other terminal. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (checkout-only mode) receives the registration information transmitted from the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) (or reads the receipt issued by the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode)) and performs the payment process.

[0038] Note that the POS terminal 20 in normal mode, like the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), has the function of registering products at its own terminal and settling the payment at another terminal, but the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode (and the POS terminal 20 in normal mode) may have the function of settling the payment for products registered at another terminal, like the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode). In other words, the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode and the POS terminal 20 in normal mode may receive registration information (or read a receipt) from another terminal (such as the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) or the normal mode POS terminal 20) and perform the payment process.

[0039] (Full selfie mode) As shown in Fig. 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 Fig. 6(B), the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode can be in both the registration mode and the payment mode on the customer side. In other words, the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode operates in the registration and payment mode from the overall process from the registration process to the payment process.

[0040] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205) (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 cash into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 6(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process in response to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment 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 scans the product (step S20: YES) and registers the product (step S21). After pressing a registration completion key (for example, a registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer settles the bill 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, for example, scan the store clerk code with the store clerk scanner unit 212, display various information, and register products. The state (operation mode) in which registration processes are performed on both the store clerk side and the customer side is sometimes called double scan mode.

[0044] (Operation mode notification) Each POS terminal 20 may notify its own current operation mode. For example, each POS terminal 20 may display its own current operation mode on the clerk display unit 210. Specifically, each POS terminal 20 may display a screen having a terminal operation mode display field on the clerk display unit 210, and display its own current operation mode in the operation mode display field on the screen. Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may display a screen on the clerk display unit 210 on which images corresponding to each operation mode (e.g., button-like images) are arranged, and on the screen, the images corresponding to its own current operation mode may be displayed in a different display mode from images not corresponding to the current operation mode (e.g., in a display mode that is more prominent than the display modes of other images). For example, a normal mode image and a full self-timer mode image may be always displayed, and when the current operation mode of the terminal is the normal mode, the normal mode image may be displayed in a more prominent display mode than the full self-timer mode image, and when the current operation mode of the terminal is the full self-timer mode, the full self-timer mode image may be displayed in a more prominent display mode than the normal mode image. Each POS terminal 20 may also display its current operating mode on the customer side display unit 205 in the same manner.

[0045] Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may report the current operation mode of another terminal instead of or in addition to its own current operation mode. That is, each POS terminal 20 may mutually recognize the current operation mode of the other terminal, thereby reporting the current operation mode of the other terminal. One example of a method for each POS terminal 20 to mutually recognize the current operation mode of the other terminal is a method in which each POS terminal 20 notifies the other terminal of the new operation mode (the newest operation mode) after a change in operation mode (directly notifying the other terminal via the LAN 11, or notifying the other terminal via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal (not shown)). Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may report the current processing status of the other terminal, as well as the current operation mode of the other terminal.

[0046] Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may notify information according to its own current operation mode, etc. (operation mode, processing status, etc.). For example, when the current operation mode of each POS terminal 20 is the full self-service mode, for example, when it is in standby mode, it may display a predetermined message (see, for example, FIG. 7(A)) on the customer-side display unit 205. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the information according to its own current operation mode, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode, etc. of other terminals.

[0047] (Operation mode transition (switching)) Next, we will explain the transition (switching) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is transitioned in accordance with an explicit mode transition operation (mode switching operation) by a store clerk. Specifically, the operation mode is transitioned in accordance with the operation of the mode switching button 211a (see FIG. 3(B)) located at the top and right end of the key operation unit 211.

[0048] Furthermore, since mode switching button 211a is located at a corner of key operation unit 211, it is possible to reduce operational errors when switching modes and to easily switch between operation modes. In other words, when mode switching button 211a is located at a corner of key operation unit 211, compared to when mode switching button 211a is located near the center of key operation unit 211, for example, there are fewer other buttons adjacent to mode switching button 211a, which is the target of operation, making it less likely that an operational error will occur, such as hastily operating another button, and furthermore, the position of mode switching button 211a, which is the target of operation, can be instantly identified, allowing for stress-free mode switching operations.

[0049] Furthermore, since the mode switching button 211a is located in the corner at the top right end (top row and rightmost end) of the key operation unit 211, the mode switching operation can be performed not only when the store clerk is on the store clerk side but also when the store clerk is on the customer side. In other words, a store clerk on the customer side cannot normally see the buttons on the key operation unit 211, but the store clerk on the customer side can easily recognize the mode switching button 211a located at the top right end of the key operation unit 211 by reaching out from the customer side and feeling for it (by touch), so the store clerk on the customer side can perform the mode switching operation without moving to the store clerk side.

[0050] In this embodiment, the mode switching button 211a is placed in the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211, but the mode switching button 211a may be placed in a position other than the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211 as long as it is a position that can be recognized by feel alone (a position that can be recognized relatively easily). Also, instead of or in addition to placing the mode switching button 211a in a position that can be recognized by feel alone (for example, the upper right corner), the mode switching button 211a may be formed so that it can be distinguished from other buttons even from the customer side. For example, the size of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the sizes of the other buttons to the extent that it can be distinguished by feel alone, or the shape of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the shapes of the other buttons, or the height of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the height of the other buttons (for example, mode switching button 211a may be made to protrude more than the other buttons), or the feel of all or part of the surface (the surface that comes into contact with the hand) of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the feel of the other buttons (for example, only the surface of mode switching button 211a may be made to feel rough or bumpy, or only the surface of mode switching button 211a may be provided with protrusions or depressions).

[0051] In this embodiment, in consideration of the various advantages as described above, the mode switching button 211a is arranged on the key operation unit 211, but instead of or in addition to arranging the mode switching button 211a on the key operation unit 211, a mode switching button (not shown) may be arranged on the screen displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210.

[0052] The POS terminal 20 also changes its operation mode in accordance with operations other than explicit mode change operations by the store clerk (for example, reading a store clerk code, etc.). The POS terminal 20 also changes its operation mode based on predetermined conditions (conditions related to time such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to sending and receiving information such as commands with other terminals (POS terminal 20, monitoring terminal), etc.) that are not dependent on operations by the store clerk. As described above, when the terminal itself changes its operation mode, it may notify other terminals of the operation mode after the change.

[0053] In the following description, it is assumed that the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-2 are in the normal mode, and the POS terminal 20-3 is in the full self-service mode.

[0054] (Display example of POS terminal 20) 7 to 24 are examples of displays on the POS terminal 20. Fig. 7(A) is an example of a display on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 7(A) shows the display contents of a registration start screen before the start of the registration process.

[0055] In Figure 7(A), the registration start button BT30 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the start of product registration. A customer operates the registration start button BT30 to start product registration. Buttons BT35 to BT37 at the bottom left of the screen are buttons for switching the display language between English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively.

[0056] Fig. 7(B) is a display example on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 7(B) shows the display contents of the registration screen in a state where two items of merchandise (daifuku mochi) have been registered. When the registration start button BT30 is operated on the registration start screen shown in Fig. 7(A), the POS terminal 20-3 displays a registration screen in a state where no merchandise has yet been registered (initial registration screen), but for ease of explanation, Fig. 7(B) shows the registration screen after the merchandise (tea, daifuku mochi) have already been registered.

[0057] In FIG. 7(B), image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) (specifically, that it is in normal mode). Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-2) (specifically, that it is in normal mode). The checkout button BT32 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the completion of product registration. The customer presses the checkout button BT32 after product registration is complete. The store clerk call button BT33 is a button for calling a store clerk. The customer presses the store clerk call button BT33 when calling a store clerk (for example, when the customer needs the assistance of a store clerk).

[0058] As described above, the buttons BT35 to BT37 are buttons for switching the display language between English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively. The "Vegetable" button BT38 is a button for displaying each preset key for vegetables (see FIG. 9).

[0059] Fig. 8(A) is an example of a display on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 8(A) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when the settlement process is started. For example, when the checkout button BT32 is operated on the registration screen (see Fig. 7(B)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Fig. 8(A).

[0060] Fig. 8(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 8(B) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see Fig. 8(A)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the deposit screen as shown in Fig. 8(B).

[0061] Fig. 8(C) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 8(C) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. For example, when cash (deposit) equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount) is inserted, the POS terminal 20-3 displays the deposit screen as shown in Fig. 8(C).

[0062] Fig. 8(D) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 8(D) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (change screen) displayed when dispensing change. For example, when the END (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (Fig. 8(C)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the change screen as shown in Fig. 8(D).

[0063] FIG. 8(E) is an example of a display on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, FIG. 8(E) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when change is removed. For example, when change is removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a receipt screen such as that shown in FIG. 8(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). FIG. 8(F) is a pause screen displayed in pause mode (pause state).

[0064] After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 8(E)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the registration start screen (FIG. 7(A)). For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays the registration start screen after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213. The POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a sensor that can recognize that the receipt has been removed from the issuing port. Furthermore, if no change is due, the screen may transition from the deposit screen (FIG. 8(C)) to the receipt screen (FIG. 8(E)) without displaying the change screen (FIG. 8(D)).

[0065] Fig. 9(A) is an example of a display on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 9(A) shows the display contents of a registration screen in a state where no products have yet been registered (initial state registration screen). In Fig. 9(A), a display field HR01 in the upper right corner of the screen shows the amount of money deposited by the customer. An image GA02 in the lower left corner of the screen shows the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-2) (specifically, that it is in normal mode). An image GA03 in the lower left corner of the screen shows the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-3) (specifically, that it is in full self-service mode).

[0066] Fig. 9(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 9(B) shows the display content when no products have been registered and the payment method has not yet been decided (when neither a payment method has been decided nor cash has been inserted). In other words, the POS terminal 20-1 displays the registration screen (initial registration screen) as shown in Fig. 9(A) on the clerk display unit 210, and when the payment method has not yet been decided, displays the small screen (small window) SG01 on the customer display unit 205, superimposed on the settlement screen (payment screen), as shown in Fig. 9(B).

[0067] The small screen SG01 allows the customer to select a payment method. The customer selects either cash, credit, or electronic money as the payment method on the small screen SG01. If the customer desires cash as the payment method, they may insert cash (deposit) before selecting cash as the payment method on the small screen SG01. The POS terminal 20-1 closes the small screen SG01 when any payment method is selected on the small screen SG01. Furthermore, if cash is inserted before a payment method is selected on the small screen SG01, the POS terminal 20-1 processes this as cash being selected as the payment method and closes the small screen SG01.

[0068] Fig. 10(A) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 10(A) shows the display contents of the registration screen when one item (canned beer) has been registered and the payment method has not yet been decided (when the payment method has not been decided and cash has not been inserted). In other words, when the clerk registers a canned beer from a state in which the registration screen of Fig. 9(A) (initial registration screen) is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays the registration screen as shown in Fig. 10(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210.

[0069] 10(A), the subtotal button BT10 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the end of product registration. After product registration is completed, the store clerk operates (touches) the subtotal button BT10.

[0070] The 20-2 register button BT12 is a button for specifying the 20-2 register (POS terminal 20-2). A store clerk operates the 20-2 register button BT12 when specifying the POS terminal 20-2 as the terminal to which registration information is to be transmitted (including via the store controller 10; the same applies below)). "(Normal)" displayed on the 20-2 register button BT12 indicates that the operating mode of the POS terminal 20-2 corresponding to the 20-2 register button BT12 is the normal mode.

[0071] The 20-3 register button BT13 is a button for specifying the 20-3 register (POS terminal 20-3). When a store clerk specifies the POS terminal 20-3 as the terminal to which registration information is to be sent, the clerk operates the 20-3 register button BT13. "(Full self-service)" displayed on the 20-3 register button BT13 indicates that the operating mode of the POS terminal 20-3 corresponding to the 20-3 register button BT13 is the full self-service mode.

[0072] The receipt button BT15 is a button for issuing a receipt in the printing unit 213. The store clerk operates the receipt button BT15 when executing a process on the POS terminal 20 that read the receipt (the POS terminal 20 from which the customer has had the receipt read).

[0073] When comparing a POS terminal 20 in normal mode with a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode as a destination of registration information, the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode is more preferable as a destination of registration information than the POS terminal 20 in normal mode. The POS terminal 20 in normal mode is basically operated by a store clerk (see FIG. 5(A)), so there is a continuous stream of processing (e.g., registration processing, customer assistance, etc.), and even if the registration information is sent, it is highly likely that it cannot be processed immediately. Even if it is free (even if there is no store clerk or customer), it is basically preferable to keep it free so that customers who request support from a store clerk can be immediately served. On the other hand, the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode can send and process the registration information immediately if no customer is present, and even if a customer is present, the processing can simply be performed in order, making the above-mentioned problems less likely to occur.

[0074] In other words, a POS terminal 20 in normal mode is generally in a state where a store clerk is using it, while a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode is in a state where a store clerk is not using it. Sending registration information to a POS terminal 20 in normal mode that is in a state where a store clerk is using it may actually slow down processing and become inefficient. Therefore, a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode that is in a state where a store clerk is not using it is more suitable as a destination for sending registration information than a POS terminal 20 in normal mode that is in a state where a store clerk is using it.

[0075] In view of the above, the system is configured to notify the store clerk whether a POS terminal 20 is preferable as a destination of registration information, or which of multiple destinations is more preferable. As an example, in FIG. 10(A), the outline of the 20-3 register button BT13 corresponding to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode, which is a relatively preferable destination of registration information, is indicated by a solid line, while the outline of the 20-2 register button BT12 corresponding to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, which is a relatively unpreferable destination of registration information, is indicated by a dashed line. Note that the above-described notification using the outline is merely an example, and any notification method is not limited as long as it allows the store clerk to recognize whether a POS terminal 20 is preferable as a destination of registration information, or which of multiple destinations is more preferable. For example, the background color of the button for the relatively unpreferable one may be grayed out, or a cross-out mark or diagonal lines may be added to the entire button. In addition, the display size, shape, and display position of the button may be changed depending on whether or not the POS terminal 20 is preferable as a destination for sending registration information, and some information (such as a badge-like image saying ``Priority'' or ``Recommended'') may be attached to the button.

[0076] In view of the above, although the details will be described later, there are cases where transmission of registration information to the POS terminal 20 in normal mode and used by a store clerk is prohibited (for example, prohibition is performed when the "No button BT22" in Fig. 18(A) or Fig. 18(B) is operated). If transmission of registration information to the POS terminal 20 in normal mode and used by a store clerk is prohibited, inefficiency will not occur and processing can be performed efficiently overall.

[0077] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, there are cases where the prohibition of sending registration information to the POS terminal 20 in normal mode when used by a store clerk is lifted (for example, the prohibition is lifted when the "Yes button BT23" in FIG. 18(A) or the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" or the "Yes (Registration) button BT24" in FIG. 18(B) is operated). In other words, when sending registration information to a terminal when used by a store clerk does not result in inefficiency, the registration information can be sent as appropriate, allowing for efficient processing. Alternatively, when not sending registration information to a terminal when used by a store clerk would result in inefficiency, the registration information can be sent as appropriate, allowing for efficient processing. Note that cases where sending registration information to a terminal when used by a store clerk does not result in inefficiency include, for example, when a store clerk is present but processing can be immediately completed by sending the registration information, or when no store clerk is actually present. Examples of situations in which not sending registration information to a terminal being used by a store clerk would be inefficient include when the terminal is unable to settle cash due to a hardware or software failure or insufficient change, when the terminal is unable to issue a receipt due to a hardware or software failure or running out of paper, and when a specific payment type (credit card payment, electronic money payment, etc.) cannot be settled due to a hardware or software failure or inability to support that payment.

[0078] Fig. 10(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 is displaying a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 10(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a small screen SG01 superimposed on the settlement screen (deposit screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Fig. 10(B). Note that in the settlement screen (deposit screen) of Fig. 9(B), no products were registered so the total amount was 0 yen, but in the settlement screen (deposit screen) of Fig. 10(B), a can of beer costing 215 yen has been registered so the total amount is 215.

[0079] Fig. 11(A) is an example of a display on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 11(A) shows the display contents of the registration screen when one item (canned beer) is registered and 500 yen has been deposited. In other words, when the POS terminal 20-1 is in a state where the registration screen of Fig. 10(A) is displayed on the clerk display unit 210 and a customer deposits 500 yen, the POS terminal 20-1 displays the registration screen as shown in Fig. 11(A) on the clerk display unit 210.

[0080] 11(A), because the customer has inserted 500 yen, the display field HR01 in the upper right corner of the screen displays 500. Furthermore, because the customer has inserted 500 yen, the payment will be settled at the customer's own terminal (POS terminal 20-1), and therefore the buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13, and receipt button BT15) used to settle the payment at other terminals (POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3) are not displayed (erased).

[0081] Figure 11(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the registration screen shown in Figure 11(A) is displayed on the clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Figure 11(B). Note that since the customer has inserted 500 yen, the small screen SG01 has been erased.

[0082] Fig. 12(A) is a display example on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 12(A) shows the display contents of the registration screen when a third item (seaweed lunch box) is registered and an additional 500 yen is deposited. In other words, when the POS terminal 20-1 is displaying the registration screen of Fig. 11(A) on the clerk display unit 210, if the clerk registers a second item (asparagus) and a third item (seaweed lunch box) and then a customer deposits an additional 500 yen, the clerk display unit 210 displays the registration screen as shown in Fig. 12(A). Because the customer has deposited an additional 500 yen, 1000 is displayed in the display field HR01 at the top right of the screen in Fig. 12(A).

[0083] Fig. 12(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 12(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Fig. 12(B).

[0084] Before explaining Fig. 13(A), we will explain Fig. 13(B). Fig. 13(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 13(B) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is determined. In other words, when the clerk operates the subtotal button BT10 while the registration screen of Fig. 12(A) is displayed on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1, the settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in Fig. 13(B) is displayed on the customer display unit 205.

[0085] Fig. 13(A) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays a settlement screen such as that shown in Fig. 13(B) on the customer-side display unit 205, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a small screen (small window) SG02 on the clerk-side display unit 210, superimposed on the registration screen, as shown in Fig. 13(A). The small screen SG02 notifies the clerk of settlement-related information (total amount, amount deposited into the device (deposit amount)).

[0086] Before explaining Fig. 14(A), Fig. 14(B) will be explained. Fig. 14(B) is an example of a display on customer-side display unit 205 of POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 14(B) shows the display contents of a settlement screen (change screen) displayed when dispensing change. In other words, when the customer operates the Finish (receipt) button BT40 while the settlement screen (deposit screen) of Fig. 13(B) is displayed on customer-side display unit 205, POS terminal 20-1 displays the settlement screen (change screen) as shown in Fig. 14(B) on customer-side display unit 205.

[0087] Fig. 14(A) is an example of a display on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays a settlement screen (change screen) such as that shown in Fig. 14(B) on the customer display unit 205, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG1 superimposed on the registration screen on the clerk display unit 210 as shown in Fig. 14(A). The message screen MG1 notifies the clerk of a message regarding change.

[0088] Although not shown in Figures 14 and beyond, the customer display unit 205 displays a settlement screen (receipt screen) similar to Figure 8(E), and the clerk display unit 210 displays a message corresponding to the settlement screen (receipt screen).

[0089] (When submitting registration information) Next, other flows will be explained. Fig. 15(A) is an example of a display on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 15(A) shows the display contents of the registration screen when the payment method has not yet been decided (neither the payment method has been decided nor cash has been inserted) at the time of Fig. 12(A) (when three items of merchandise have been registered).

[0090] Because no cash has been inserted yet, the display field HR01 in the upper right corner of the screen in Figure 15(A) shows 0. Also, because there is a possibility that the payment will be settled at the user's own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) or at another terminal (POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3), the screen also shows buttons to be used when settling at the user's own terminal (subtotal button BT10) and buttons to be used when settling at another terminal (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13, receipt button BT15).

[0091] Fig. 15(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 15(A) on the clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a small screen SG01 superimposed on the settlement screen (deposit screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Fig. 15(B).

[0092] Fig. 16(A) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the 20-3 register button BT13 is operated by the clerk from the state shown in Fig. 15(A) (i.e., when the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode is designated), the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG2 as shown in Fig. 16(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210. The message screen MG2 notifies the clerk that registration information has been sent to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-3). Note that the POS terminal 20-1 may erase the message screen MG2 a short time after displaying it and display a registration screen (initial registration screen).

[0093] FIG. 16(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays the message screen MG2 on the clerk display unit 210 as shown in FIG. 16(A), the POS terminal 20-1 displays the message screen MG3 on the customer display unit 205, superimposed on the settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in FIG. 16(B). The message screen MG3 notifies the customer that the settlement will be made at another terminal (specifically, the designated terminal, POS terminal 20-3) (i.e., that the customer should move to another terminal for settlement). Note that while the message screen MG3 is displayed, operations (such as inserting cash) are disabled. In addition, the POS terminal 20-1 may erase the message screen MG3 shortly after displaying it and display the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in FIG. 9(B).

[0094] Fig. 17(A) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 17(A) shows the display contents of the settlement screen when registration information is acquired from another terminal. That is, when the POS terminal 20-3 receives the registration information transmitted from the POS terminal 20-1, the POS terminal 20-3 displays the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Fig. 17(A). Note that, if the POS terminal 20-3 receives the registration information while another customer is operating the terminal, the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) may be displayed after the processing for that other customer is completed.

[0095] (Registration process on the designated terminal side) When registration information is transmitted to another terminal, the designated terminal that receives the registration information may execute the settlement process without performing the registration process, or the designated terminal that receives the registration information may further execute the registration process. In the above example, when the POS terminal 20-1 in the normal mode transmits registration information registering three items (canned beer, asparagus, and nori bento) to the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode (see Figures 16(A) and 16(B)), the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode may immediately start the settlement process using the registration information for the three items (see Figure 17(A)), or may additionally register the fourth and subsequent items without immediately starting the settlement process.

[0096] Figure 17(B) is an example of a display on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Before displaying the message screen MG2 as shown in Figure 16(A) on the clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 may display a small screen (small window) SG03 superimposed on the registration screen as shown in Figure 17(B) on the clerk display unit 210. In other words, when the 20-3 register button BT13 is operated by the clerk from the state shown in Figure 15(A) (i.e., when the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode is designated), the small screen SG03 as shown in Figure 17(B) may be displayed.

[0097] The small screen SG03 in Fig. 17(B) notifies the store clerk that the operation mode of the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-3) is the full self-service mode, and also allows the sending store clerk to select whether to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process based on the registration information at the designated terminal, or to also perform the registration process based on the registration information at the designated terminal. That is, the store clerk at POS terminal 20-1 operates the "Perform Settlement Only Button BT20" if the designated terminal performs only the settlement process without performing the registration process based on the registration information, and operates the "Perform Registration Process Also Button BT21" if the designated terminal also performs the registration process. Note that while the small screen SG03 is displayed, operations on the small screen SG03 (operation of the "Perform Settlement Only Button BT20" and "Perform Registration Process Also Button BT21") take priority, and other operations (operations on the registration screen, product registration, etc.) are disabled. It should be noted that a button for returning to the small screen SG03 (a button for returning to the state shown in FIG. 15(A) when operated) may be provided.

[0098] When the "Payment Only Button BT20" on the small screen SG03 in FIG. 17(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 clears the small screen SG03 and transmits registration information to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-3) so that the designated terminal starts with the payment process. There are various possible modes for transmitting registration information so that the designated terminal starts with the payment process. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit registration information to the designated terminal in a manner that allows the designated terminal to recognize that the payment process will start. As an example, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit registration information to the designated terminal with information (flag) added to indicate that the payment process will start. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit registration information to the designated terminal together with information (flag) to indicate that the payment process will start.

[0099] When the "also perform registration process button BT21" on the small screen SG03 in FIG. 17(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 clears the small screen SG03 and transmits registration information to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-3) so that the designated terminal starts from the registration process. There are various possible modes for transmitting registration information so that the designated terminal starts from the registration process. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information to the designated terminal in a mode that allows the designated terminal to recognize (determine) that the registration process will start from the registration process. As an example, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information to the designated terminal with information (flag) added to indicate that the registration process will start from the registration process, or may transmit the registration information together with information (flag) to indicate that the registration process will start from the registration process.

[0100] In addition, information (flag) may be added to either the case where the designated terminal starts with the settlement process or the case where the designated terminal starts with the registration process, and the designated terminal may recognize whether to start with the settlement process or the registration process based on whether the information has been added.

[0101] In a mode in which a small screen SG03 such as that shown in FIG. 17(B) is displayed when the 20-3 register button BT13 is operated by a store clerk from the state shown in FIG. 15(A) (i.e., when the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode is designated), the POS terminal 20-1 may display a message screen MG2 such as that shown in FIG. 16(A) on the store clerk side display unit 210 after sending registration information to the designated terminal based on the operation of the "button BT20 for performing only the settlement process" or the "button BT21 for performing the registration process as well" on the small screen SG03.

[0102] Fig. 18(A) is a display example on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the 20-2 register button BT12 is operated by the clerk from the state shown in Fig. 15(A) (i.e., when the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode is designated), the POS terminal 20-1 displays a small screen (small window) SG04 as shown in Fig. 18(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210.

[0103] The small screen SG04 in Fig. 18(A) notifies the clerk that the operation mode of the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) is normal mode or that the designated terminal is being used by another clerk, and also allows the sending clerk to select whether to send the registration information to the designated terminal or not. That is, the clerk at POS terminal 20-1 operates the "No button BT22" if he does not want to send the registration information to the designated terminal, and operates the "Yes button BT23" if he wants to send the registration information to the designated terminal. Note that while the small screen SG04 is displayed, operations on the small screen SG04 (operations of the "No button BT22" and "Yes button BT23") take priority, and other operations (operations on the registration screen, product registration, etc.) are disabled.

[0104] When the "No button BT22" on the small screen SG04 in Fig. 18(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 simply erases the small screen SG04 (returning to the state in Fig. 15(A)). In other words, the registration information is not transmitted to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2).

[0105] When the "Yes button BT23" on the small screen SG04 in Figure 18(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 clears the small screen SG04 and sends registration information to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) so that the designated terminal starts with the settlement process, just as when the "Perform settlement process only button BT20" on the small screen SG03 in Figure 17(B) is operated.

[0106] Fig. 18(B) is a display example on the clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. The POS terminal 20-1 may display the small screen (small window) SG05 shown in Fig. 18(B) on the clerk display unit 210 instead of the small screen SG04 shown in Fig. 18(A).

[0107] 18(B) notifies the clerk that the operation mode of the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) is the normal mode or that the designated terminal is being used by another clerk, and also allows the sending clerk to select whether or not to send registration information to the designated terminal and whether or not to perform registration processing at the designated destination terminal. That is, the clerk at POS terminal 20-1 operates the "No button BT22" if he does not want to send registration information to the designated terminal, operates the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" if he wants to send registration information to the designated terminal and have the designated terminal perform only payment processing without performing registration processing based on the registration information, and operates the "Yes (Registration also) button BT25" if he wants to send registration information to the designated terminal and have the designated terminal perform registration processing as well. While the small screen SG05 is displayed, operations on the small screen SG05 (the "No" button BT22, "Yes (Payment only) button BT24", and "Yes (Registration too) button BT25") take priority, and other operations (operations on the registration screen, product registration, etc.) are disabled.

[0108] When the "No button BT22" on the small screen SG05 in Fig. 18(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 simply erases the small screen SG05, just as when the "No button BT22" on the small screen SG04 in Fig. 18(A) is operated. In other words, the registration information is not transmitted to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2).

[0109] When the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" on the small screen SG05 in Figure 18(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 clears the small screen SG05 and sends registration information to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) so that the payment process will start at the designated terminal, just as when the "Payment only button BT20" on the small screen SG03 in Figure 17(B) is operated.

[0110] When the "Yes (also register) button BT25" on the small screen SG05 in Figure 18(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 clears the small screen SG05 and sends registration information to the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) so that the designated terminal starts with the registration process, just as when the "Also perform registration process button BT21" on the small screen SG03 in Figure 17(B) is operated.

[0111] In addition, when the 20-2 register button BT12 is operated by the store clerk from the state shown in Figure 15(A) (i.e., the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode is specified) and a small screen SG04 such as that shown in Figure 18(A) is displayed, the POS terminal 20-1 may send the registration information to the specified terminal based on the operation of the "Yes button BT23" on the small screen SG04, and then display a message screen MG2 such as that shown in Figure 16(A) on the store clerk side display unit 210 (however, the destination is "register 20-2" instead of "register 20-3"). Similarly, when the clerk operates the 20-2 register button BT12 from the state shown in Figure 15(A) and displays the small screen SG05 as shown in Figure 18(B), the POS terminal 20-1 may send registration information to the designated terminal based on the operation of the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" or the "Yes (Registration as well) button BT25" on the small screen SG05, and then display a message screen MG2 as shown in Figure 16(A) on the clerk side display unit 210 (however, the destination is "Register 20-2" instead of "Register 20-3").

[0112] Figure 19 is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays the small screen SG03 shown in Figure 17(B), the small screen SG04 shown in Figure 18(A), or the small screen SG05 shown in Figure 18(B) on the clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG4 on the customer display unit 205, superimposed on the settlement screen (deposit screen), as shown in Figure 19. The message screen MG4 notifies the customer that the handover of processing to another terminal (designated terminal) is being confirmed (i.e., that a short wait is required, or that there is a possibility that the customer will be transferred to another terminal for settlement). Note that operations (such as inserting cash) are disabled while the message screen MG4 is displayed.

[0113] (Selection 1 on the designated terminal side) The designated terminal that transmits the registration information may be allowed to select whether or not to permit reception of the registration information, that is, whether or not to execute processing based on the registration information (registration processing, settlement processing).

[0114] 20(A) is a display example on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes" button BT23 on the small screen SG04 of FIG. 18(A) (or when the POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes (Payment Only)" button BT24 on the small screen SG05 of FIG. 18(B)), the POS terminal 20-2 that has received the registration information may display the small screen (small window) SG06 as shown in FIG. 20(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210. In other words, when the POS terminal 20-2 receives registration information to which information indicating that payment processing will be started is added, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the small screen SG06 as shown in FIG. 20(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210.

[0115] The small screen SG06 in FIG. 20(A) allows the receiving store clerk to select whether to not process the payment based on the registration information at the terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 that is the designated terminal) or to process the payment based on the registration information at the terminal. That is, the store clerk at the POS terminal 20-2 operates the "No" button BT26 if not to process the payment, and operates the "Yes" button BT27 if to process the payment. Note that while the small screen SG06 is displayed, operations on the small screen SG06 (operations of the "No" button BT26" and "Yes" button BT27) take priority, and other operations are disabled. Note that when the POS terminal 20-2 receives registration information while processing another customer, it may display the small screen SG06 during the processing of the other customer.

[0116] When the "No button BT26" on the small screen SG06 shown in Fig. 20(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 does not perform the settlement process based on the registration information transmitted from the POS terminal 20-1. For example, the POS terminal 20-2 may ignore the registration information and notify the POS terminal 20-1, which is the sender of the registration information, that the settlement process will not be performed.

[0117] Figure 20(B) is an example of a display on the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. When the "Yes button BT27" on the small screen SG06 in Figure 20(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a settlement screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in Figure 20(B) on the customer-side display unit 205. Note that when the "Yes button BT27" is operated while another customer is operating the POS terminal 20-2, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) after the processing for that other customer is completed.

[0118] The POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG06 as shown in Fig. 20(A) before actually receiving the registration information from the POS terminal 20-1. For example, when the "Yes button BT23" on the small screen SG04 of Fig. 18(A) is operated (or when the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" on the small screen SG05 of Fig. 18(B) is operated), the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit inquiry information about whether or not payment processing based on the registration information is possible to the POS terminal 20-2, which is the designated terminal, and the POS terminal 20-2, which receives the inquiry information, may display the small screen SG06. Thereafter, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the response from the POS terminal 20-2. Specifically, when POS terminal 20-2 indicates that it will carry out the settlement process (OK response, response via the "Yes" button BT27 on the small screen SG06), POS terminal 20-1 may send registration information to POS terminal 20-2, with information (flag) added indicating that the settlement process will begin.

[0119] 20(A) may be omitted. In other words, when the POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes" button BT23 on the small screen SG04 of Fig. 18(A) (or when the POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" on the small screen SG05 of Fig. 18(B), the POS terminal 20-2 may display the payment screen (payment method selection screen) of Fig. 20(B) on the customer display unit 205 without displaying the small screen SG06 on the clerk display unit 210.

[0120] The 20-1 register button BT11 is a button for specifying the 20-1 register (POS terminal 20-1). When a store clerk specifies the POS terminal 20-1 as the terminal to which registration information is to be sent, the clerk operates the 20-1 register button BT11. "(Normal)" displayed on the 20-1 register button BT11 indicates that the operating mode of the POS terminal 20-1 corresponding to the 20-1 register button BT11 is the normal mode.

[0121] Fig. 21(A) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes (also register) button BT25" on the small screen SG05 of Fig. 18(B), the POS terminal 20-2 that has received the registration information may display a small screen (small window) SG07 as shown in Fig. 21(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210. In other words, when the POS terminal 20-2 receives registration information to which information indicating that the registration process will be started is added, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG07 as shown in Fig. 21(A) on the clerk-side display unit 210.

[0122] The small screen SG07 in FIG. 21(A) allows the receiving store clerk to select whether to not perform registration processing based on the registration information at the terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 that is the designated terminal) or to perform registration processing based on the registration information at the terminal. That is, the store clerk at the POS terminal 20-2 operates the "No button BT26" if not to perform registration processing, and operates the "Yes button BT27" if to perform registration processing. Note that while the small screen SG07 is displayed, operations on the small screen SG07 (operations of the "No button BT26" and "Yes button BT27") take priority, and other operations are disabled. Note that when the POS terminal 20-2 receives registration information while processing another customer, it may display the small screen SG07 during the processing of the other customer.

[0123] When the "No button BT26" on the small screen SG07 shown in Fig. 21(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 does not perform the registration process based on the registration information transmitted from the POS terminal 20-1. For example, the POS terminal 20-2 may ignore the registration information and notify the POS terminal 20-1, which is the sender of the registration information, that the registration process will not be performed.

[0124] Figure 21(B) is an example of a display on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. When the "Yes button BT27" on the small screen SG07 in Figure 21(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 21(B) on the store clerk display unit 210. Note that when the "Yes button BT27" is operated while another customer is operating the POS terminal 20-2, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the registration screen after the processing for that other customer is completed.

[0125] 20(A), the POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG07 as shown in FIG. 21(A) before actually receiving the registration information from the POS terminal 20-1. For example, when the "Yes (also register) button BT25" on the small screen SG05 of FIG. 18(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit inquiry information about whether or not to perform registration processing based on the registration information to the POS terminal 20-2, which is the designated terminal, and the POS terminal 20-2, which receives the inquiry information, may display the small screen SG07. Thereafter, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on a response from the POS terminal 20-2. Specifically, when the POS terminal 20-2 indicates that registration processing will be performed (an OK response, a response by the "Yes button BT27" on the small screen SG07), the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit registration information to the POS terminal 20-2, to which information (a flag) indicating that registration processing will be started is added, for example.

[0126] 20(A), the display of the small screen SG07 in Fig. 21(A) may be omitted. In other words, when the POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes (Register) button BT25" on the small screen SG05 in Fig. 18(B), the POS terminal 20-2 may display the registration screen in Fig. 21(B) on the clerk display unit 210 without displaying the small screen SG07 on the clerk display unit 210.

[0127] (Selection 2 on the designated terminal side) The designated terminal that transmits the registration information may be allowed to select whether or not to execute the registration process based on the registration information.

[0128] Fig. 22(A) is an example of a display on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 based on the operation of the "Yes button BT23" on the small screen SG04 of Fig. 18(A), the POS terminal 20-2 that has received the registration information may display the small screen (small window) SG08 as shown in Fig. 22(A) on the store clerk display unit 210. In other words, when the transmission side of the registration information does not select whether to cause the designated terminal that is the receiver of the registration information to perform only the settlement process or also the registration process, the designated terminal may select whether to cause only the settlement process or also the registration process.

[0129] When the "Payment Only Button BT28" on the small screen SG08 of Fig. 22(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the payment screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in Fig. 20(B) on the customer side display unit 205, in the same way as when the "Yes Button BT27" on the small screen SG06 of Fig. 20(A) is operated. Note that when the "Payment Only Button BT28" is operated during an operation by another customer, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the payment screen (payment method selection screen) after the processing for that other customer is completed.

[0130] When the "Also perform registration process button BT29" on the small screen SG08 of Fig. 22(A) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 21(B) on the store clerk side display unit 210, just as when the "Yes button BT27" on the small screen SG07 of Fig. 21(A) is operated. Note that when the "Also perform registration process button BT29" is operated during an operation by another customer, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the registration screen after the processing by that other customer is completed.

[0131] In addition to the case where the sender of the registration information does not select whether the designated terminal that is the receiver of the registration information will perform only the settlement process or also the registration process (when the ``Yes button BT23'' on the small screen SG04 of Figure 18(A) is operated), in a form where the final decision is on the receiving side, even when the sender of the registration information selects whether the designated terminal that is the receiver of the registration information will perform only the settlement process or also the registration process (when the ``Yes (Settlement only) button BT24'' or the ``Yes (Registration only) button BT25'' on the small screen SG05 of Figure 18(B) is operated), it may be possible to make it possible for the designated terminal to select whether to perform only the settlement process or also the registration process.

[0132] Fig. 22(B) is a display example on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. The POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG09 as shown in Fig. 22(B) instead of the small screen SG08 in Fig. 22(A).

[0133] When the "No button" on the small screen SG09 in Figure 22(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 will not perform processing based on the registration information sent from the POS terminal 20-1, just as when the "No button BT26" on the small screen SG06 in Figure 20(A) is operated or the "No button BT26" on the small screen SG07 in Figure 21(A) is operated.

[0134] When the "Yes (Payment only) button" on the small screen SG09 of Fig. 22(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the payment screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in Fig. 20(B) on the customer side display unit 205, in the same way as when the "Payment only button BT28" on the small screen SG08 of Fig. 22(A) is operated. Note that when the "Yes (Payment only) button" is operated during another customer's operation, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the payment screen (payment method selection screen) after the processing for that other customer is completed.

[0135] When the "Yes (also register) button" on the small screen SG09 of Fig. 22(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 21(B) on the store clerk display unit 210, similar to when the "Also register button BT29" on the small screen SG08 of Fig. 22(A) is operated. Note that when the "Yes (also register) button" is operated during operation by another customer, the POS terminal 20-2 may display the registration screen after the processing for that other customer is completed.

[0136] (When the send reservation button etc. is operated) Next, another flow will be described. Fig. 23(A) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 23(A) shows the display contents of the registration screen when the clerk operates the transmission reservation button (not shown) from the state shown in Fig. 10(A). The transmission reservation button is a button for reserving (declaring) the intention to transmit registration information. The transmission reservation button may be located on the registration screen or on the key operation unit 211.

[0137] Since a reservation has been made to send registration information, in Figure 23 (A), the subtotal button BT10 used to settle the bill at the user's own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) and the receipt button BT15 used to issue a receipt are hidden (erased).

[0138] Figure 23(B) is an example of a display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. When the POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 23(A) on the clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Figure 23(B).

[0139] Because a reservation has been made to send registration information (since settlement will not be performed on the customer's own terminal), the small screen SG01 that allows the customer to select a payment method is hidden (erased) in Figure 23(B). Furthermore, operations (such as inserting cash) are disabled on the settlement screen (deposit screen) in Figure 23(B). Furthermore, instead of the message "You can insert money" that is displayed in other situations (such as in Figure 10(B)), the settlement screen (deposit screen) in Figure 23(B) displays the message "Your settlement will be performed on another device."

[0140] The POS terminal 20 may have a receipt issuance reservation button (not shown) instead of or in addition to the transmission reservation button. The receipt issuance reservation button is a button for reserving (declaring) the issuance of a receipt. The receipt issuance reservation button may be located on the registration screen or on the key operation unit 211.

[0141] Figure 24(A) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Figure 24(A) shows the display contents of the registration screen when the clerk operates the receipt issuance reservation button from the state shown in Figure 10(A). Because a reservation has been made to issue a receipt, in Figure 24(A) the subtotal button BT10 used to settle the bill at the POS terminal itself (POS terminal 20-1), the 20-2 register button BT12 used to send registration information to POS terminal 20-2, and the 20-3 register button BT13 used to send registration information to POS terminal 20-3 are not displayed (erased).

[0142] In addition, just as when the POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 23(A), when the POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 24(A) on the clerk display unit 210, it also displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) on the customer display unit 205 as shown in Figure 23(B).

[0143] The POS terminal 20 may have an other terminal settlement reservation button (not shown) instead of or in addition to the transmission reservation button or the receipt issuance reservation button. The other terminal settlement reservation button is a button for reserving (declaring) the intention to settle at another terminal. In other words, it is a button that combines the functions of the transmission reservation button and the receipt issuance reservation button. The other terminal settlement reservation button may be located on the registration screen or on the key operation unit 211.

[0144] Fig. 24(B) is an example of a display on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 24(B) shows the display contents of the registration screen when the clerk operates the other terminal settlement reservation button (not shown) from the state shown in Fig. 10(A). Because a reservation for settlement has been made at another terminal, the subtotal button BT10 used for settlement at the own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) is not displayed (erased) in Fig. 24(B).

[0145] In addition, just as when the POS terminal 20-1 displays the registration screen as shown in Figure 23(A), when the POS terminal 20-1 displays the registration screen as shown in Figure 24(B) on the clerk display unit 210, it also displays the settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in Figure 23(B) on the customer display unit 205.

[0146] (Example of operation of POS terminal 20) 25 to 32 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the POS terminal 20. In the explanation of Fig. 25 to 32, it is assumed that the POS terminal 20 is provided with a button for reserving settlement at another terminal (not shown).

[0147] (Outline of each flowchart) First, an outline of each flowchart will be explained. The flowchart in Fig. 25 shows the operations from the start of the registration process in the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode (from a state where no product has been registered yet, and no cash has been inserted or payment type (payment method, payment type, payment method) has been entered), until one of the following operations is performed: a: registration of one product item, b: insertion of cash, c: input of payment type, d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button. Note that the above a to d are added for the convenience of explanation.

[0148] The flowchart in Fig. 26 shows the operations after a: first product registration of one item is performed on the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode, among a: product registration of one item, b: insertion of cash, c: input of payment type, and d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 26 shows the operations after a: product registration of one item is performed in Fig. 25, up to the operation of any of e: operation of the subtotal button BT10, f: operation of the send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13), g: operation of the receipt button BT15, b: insertion of cash, c: input of payment type, and d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button. Note that the above e to g are added for convenience of explanation.

[0149] The flowchart in Fig. 27(A) shows the operation after b: inserting cash (or c: inputting payment type) is performed first among the operations a: registering one item, b: inserting cash, c: inputting payment type, and d: operating the other terminal settlement reservation button in the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 27(A) shows the operation from b: inserting cash (or c: inputting payment type) in Fig. 25 to a: registering one item.

[0150] The flowchart in Figure 27(B) shows the operations after a: registration of one item and b: insertion of cash (or c: input of payment type) are performed in the normal mode POS terminal 20-1, among the operations a: registration of one item, b: insertion of cash, c: input of payment type, and d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button. Specifically, the flowchart in Figure 27(B) shows the operations from b: insertion of cash (or c: input of payment type) in Figure 26 to e: operation of the subtotal button BT10. The flowchart in Figure 27(B) also shows the operations from a: registration of one item of product in Figure 27(A) to e: operation of the subtotal button BT10.

[0151] The flowchart in Fig. 28(A) shows the operation after the d: other terminal settlement reservation button is operated first among a: product registration of one item, b: insertion of cash, c: input of payment type, and d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button in the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 28(A) shows the operation from the operation of the d: other terminal settlement reservation button in Fig. 25 to a: product registration of one item.

[0152] The flowchart in Figure 28(B) shows the operations after a: product registration of one item and d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button are performed in the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode, among a: product registration of one item, b: insertion of cash, c: input of payment type, and d: operation of the other terminal settlement reservation button. Specifically, the flowchart in Figure 28(B) shows the operations from the operation of the d: other terminal settlement reservation button in Figure 26 to the operation of the f: send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) (or g: operation of the receipt button BT15). Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 28(B) shows the operations from the operation of a: product registration of one item in Figure 28(A) to the operation of the f: send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) (or g: operation of the receipt button BT15).

[0153] The flowchart in Fig. 29(A) shows the operations after the e: subtotal button BT10 is operated. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 29(A) shows the operations from when the e: subtotal button BT10 is operated in Fig. 26 until the settlement process is completed. The flowchart in Fig. 29(A) also shows the operations from when the e: subtotal button BT10 is operated in Fig. 27(B) until the settlement process is completed.

[0154] The flowchart in Fig. 29(B) shows the operations after the g: Receipt button BT15 is operated. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 29(B) shows the operations from when the g: Receipt button BT15 is operated in Fig. 26 until the receipt is issued. The flowchart in Fig. 29(B) also shows the operations from when the g: Receipt button BT15 is operated in Fig. 28(B) until the receipt is issued.

[0155] The flowchart in Fig. 30 shows the operation after the f: send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) is operated. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 30 shows the operation from the operation of the f: send button in Fig. 26 until the registration information is sent to another terminal. The flowchart in Fig. 30 also shows the operation from the operation of the f: send button in Fig. 28(B) until the registration information is sent to another terminal.

[0156] The flowchart in Fig. 31 shows other operations after the f: send button (20-3 register button BT13) is operated. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 31 shows a modified example (modification example 1) of the process shown in the dashed rectangle P in Fig. 30.

[0157] The flowchart in Fig. 32(A) shows other operations after the f: send button (20-3 register button BT13) is operated. Specifically, the flowchart in Fig. 32(A) shows a modified example (modification example 2) of the process shown in the dashed rectangle P in Fig. 30. The flowchart in Fig. 32(B) shows the operation on the designated terminal side (POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode) corresponding to the process in Fig. 32(A).

[0158] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 25) At the start of the flowchart in Fig. 25, it is assumed that the POS terminal 20-1 has not yet registered any product, and that neither cash has been inserted nor the payment type has been input. In other words, at the start of the flowchart in Fig. 25, it is assumed that the clerk side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20-1 displays a registration screen (initial registration screen) such as that shown in Fig. 9(A).

[0159] Step S100: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the product has been scanned (scanned by the store clerk scanner unit 212, or touched to the store clerk display unit 210). In other words, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not one product item has been registered. If the product has been scanned, the process proceeds to step S110. If the product has not been scanned, the process proceeds to step S128.

[0160] Step S110: The POS terminal 20-1 registers the scanned product, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S120. Step S120: The POS terminal 20-1 displays the subtotal button BT10, send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13), and bill button BT15, as shown in Fig. 10(A), for example. Then, the process proceeds to step S200 in Fig. 26.

[0161] Step S128: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the change dispenser 209. If cash has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S150. If cash has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S130. Step S130: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not a payment type has been input. If a payment type has been input, the process proceeds to step S160. If a payment type has not been input, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0162] Step S140: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the other terminal settlement reservation button has been operated. If the other terminal settlement reservation button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S170. If the other terminal settlement reservation button has not been operated, the process returns to step S100.

[0163] Step S150: The POS terminal 20-1 counts the inserted cash as a deposit, and then proceeds to step S160.

[0164] Step S160: The POS terminal 20-1 prohibits transmission, etc. (transmission of registration information, issuance of receipts). Specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 controls the display of the send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) and receipt button BT15 after this step (step S160). For example, a flag may be provided to be referenced when determining whether to display or hide the send button and receipt button BT15, and the flag may be set to hide in this step. The same applies to the subtotal button BT10 in step S170 below. Next, proceed to step S300 in Figure 27(A).

[0165] Step S170: The POS terminal 20-1 prohibits the settlement process at the terminal (the POS terminal 20-1). Specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 is controlled so as not to accept the insertion of cash or the input of the settlement type after this step (step S170), and is also controlled so as not to display the subtotal button BT10. As a method for not accepting the insertion of cash, for example, the cash insertion slot may be mechanically closed. As a method for not accepting the input of the settlement type, for example, in a mode in which the other terminal settlement reservation button is arranged on the registration screen, the other terminal settlement reservation button may be deleted or disabled (an error notification may be displayed after operation, etc.), or in a mode in which the other terminal settlement reservation button is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the other terminal settlement reservation button may be disabled (an error notification may be displayed after operation, etc.). Next, the process proceeds to step S500 in FIG. 28(A).

[0166] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 26) Step S200: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the product has been scanned. That is, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the second or subsequent product has been registered. If the product has been scanned, the process proceeds to step S210. If the product has not been scanned, the process proceeds to step S212. Step S210: The POS terminal 20-1 registers the scanned product, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0167] Step S212: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the subtotal button BT10 has been operated. If the subtotal button BT10 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S727 in Figure 29(A). If the subtotal button BT10 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S214.

[0168] Step S214: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) has been operated. If the send button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S800 in FIG. 30. If the send button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S216.

[0169] Step S216: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the receipt button BT15 has been operated. If the receipt button BT15 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S910 in Figure 29(B). If the send button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S228.

[0170] Step S228: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the change dispenser 209. If cash has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S250. If cash has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S230. Step S230: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not a payment type has been input. If a payment type has been input, the process proceeds to step S260. If a payment type has not been input, the process proceeds to step S240.

[0171] Step S240: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the other terminal settlement reservation button has been operated. If the other terminal settlement reservation button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S270. If the other terminal settlement reservation button has not been operated, the process returns to step S200.

[0172] Step S250: The POS terminal 20-1 records the deposited cash as a deposit, similar to step S150 in Fig. 25. Then, the process proceeds to step S260.

[0173] Step S260: The POS terminal 20-1 prohibits transmission, etc. (transmission of registration information, issuance of receipts). Specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 makes the send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) and receipt button BT15 invisible (delete). Next, proceed to step S400 in Figure 27(B).

[0174] Step S270: The POS terminal 20-1 prohibits the settlement process at the terminal (the POS terminal 20-1). Specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 controls itself so that it does not accept the insertion of cash or the input of the settlement type after this step (step S270), and also makes the subtotal button BT10 invisible (deletes). Next, the process proceeds to step S600 in FIG. 28(B).

[0175] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 27(A)) Step S300: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not a product has been scanned. That is, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not one product has been registered. If the product has been scanned, the process proceeds to step S310. If the product has not been scanned, the process proceeds to step S327.

[0176] Step S310: The POS terminal 20-1 registers the scanned product, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S320. Step S320: The POS terminal 20-1 displays the subtotal button BT10. That is, because the POS terminal 20-1 has set prohibition of sending etc. (sending registration information, issuing receipts) in step S160 of Figure 25, out of the subtotal button BT10, send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13), and receipt button BT15, only the subtotal button BT10 is displayed, without displaying the send button or receipt button BT15. Next, proceed to step S400 of Figure 27(B).

[0177] Step S327: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the payment is in cash. That is, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether cash has been inserted or whether cash has been selected as the payment type. If the payment is in cash, proceed to step S328. If the payment is not in cash (i.e., if the payment is by credit or electronic money), return to step S300.

[0178] Step S328: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the change dispenser 209. If cash has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S350. If cash has not been inserted, the process returns to step S300.

[0179] Step S350: The POS terminal 20-1 records the deposited cash as a deposit, similar to step S150 in Fig. 25. Then, the process returns to step S300.

[0180] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 27(B)) Step S400: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the product has been scanned, etc. If the product has been scanned, etc., the process proceeds to step S410. If the product has not been scanned, etc., the process proceeds to step S412. Step S410: The POS terminal 20-1 registers the scanned product, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0181] Step S412: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the subtotal button BT10 has been operated. If the subtotal button BT10 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S727 in Figure 29(A). If the subtotal button BT10 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S427.

[0182] Step S427: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the payment is in cash, similar to step S327 in Figure 27(A). If the payment is in cash, proceed to step S428. If the payment is not in cash, return to step S400.

[0183] Step S428: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the change dispenser 209. If cash has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S450. If cash has not been inserted, the process returns to step S400.

[0184] Step S450: The POS terminal 20-1 records the deposited cash as a deposit, similar to step S150 in Fig. 25. Then, the process returns to step S400.

[0185] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 28(A)) Step S500: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the product has been scanned, etc. If the product has been scanned, etc., the process proceeds to step S510. If the product has not been scanned, etc., the process returns to step S500.

[0186] Step S510: The POS terminal 20-1 registers the scanned product, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S520. Step S320: The POS terminal 20-1 displays the send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) and the receipt button BT15. In other words, since the POS terminal 20-1 has set the settlement process at this terminal (POS terminal 20-1) to be prohibited in step S170 of Figure 25, among the subtotal button BT10, send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13), and receipt button BT15, the send button and receipt button BT15 are displayed without displaying the subtotal button BT10. Next, proceed to step S600 of Figure 28(B).

[0187] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 28(B)) Step S600: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the product has been scanned, etc. If the product has been scanned, etc., the process proceeds to step S610. If the product has not been scanned, etc., the process proceeds to step S614. Step S610: The POS terminal 20-1 registers the scanned product, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S614.

[0188] Step S614: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) has been operated. If the send button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S800 in FIG. 30. If the send button has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S616.

[0189] Step S616: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the receipt button BT15 has been operated. If the receipt button BT15 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S910 in Figure 29(B). If the send button has not been operated, the process returns to step S600.

[0190] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 29(A)) Step S727: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the payment is in cash, similar to step S327 in Fig. 27(A). If the payment is in cash, the process proceeds to step S728. If the payment is not in cash, the process proceeds to step S7830.

[0191] Step S728: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the change dispenser 209. If cash has been inserted, the process proceeds to step S750. If cash has not been inserted, the process proceeds to step S780.

[0192] Step S750: The POS terminal 20-1 records the deposited cash as a deposit, similar to step S150 in Fig. 25. Then, the process proceeds to step S780.

[0193] Step S780: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the total deposit amount (total inserted amount) is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount. If the total deposit amount is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount, the process proceeds to step S781. If the total deposit amount is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount, the POS terminal 20-1 displays the Finish (receipt) button BT40. If the total deposit amount is not equal to or greater than the total purchase amount, the process returns to step S728.

[0194] Step S781: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the END (RECEIPT) button BT40 has been operated. If the END (RECEIPT) button BT40 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S782. If the END (RECEIPT) button BT40 has not been operated, the process returns to step S728.

[0195] Step S781: The POS terminal 20-1 executes cash settlement (settlement using the change dispenser 209). For example, the POS terminal 20-1 dispenses change if there is any. Next, the process proceeds to step S784.

[0196] Step S782: The POS terminal 20-1 executes settlement using credit or electronic money (for example, settlement using the card settlement unit 208), and then proceeds to step S784.

[0197] Step S783: The POS terminal 20-1 issues a receipt.

[0198] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 29(B)) Step S910: A payment ticket is issued.

[0199] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 30) Step S800: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether the destination (designated terminal) of the registration information is the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode. If the destination of the registration information is the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode, the process proceeds to step S801. If the destination of the registration information is not the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode, the process proceeds to step S802. Specifically, in the explanations of FIGS. 25 to 32, the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-2 are in normal mode, and the POS terminal 20-3 is in full self-service mode, so if the destination of the registration information is the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode, the process proceeds to step S801. On the other hand, if the destination of the registration information is the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, the process proceeds to step S802.

[0200] Step S801: The POS terminal 20-1 displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk to select whether to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process at the destination (designated terminal, specifically, the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode), or to also perform the registration process. Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20-1 may display a small screen SG03 (see FIG. 17(B)) on which a "Perform settlement process only button BT20" and a "Perform registration process also button BT21" are arranged. Then, proceed to step S810.

[0201] Step S802: The POS terminal 20-1 displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk to select whether or not to transmit the registration information to the destination (designated terminal; specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode), and whether to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process at the destination (designated terminal), or to perform the registration process as well. Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20-1 may display a small screen SG05 (see FIG. 18(B)) on which a "No" button BT22, a "Yes (Settlement only) button BT24," and a "Yes (Registration as well) button BT25" are arranged. Then, proceed to step S830.

[0202] Step S810: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "Perform settlement process only button BT20" has been operated on the small screen SG03 in FIG. 17(B). If it has been selected to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S815. If it has not been selected to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S820.

[0203] Step S815: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information with information (flag) indicating that the transaction will start from the settlement process to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode). Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information together with information (flag) indicating that the transaction will start from the settlement process to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode).

[0204] Step S820: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to also perform registration processing. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "also perform registration processing button BT21" has been operated on the small screen SG03 of Fig. 17(B). If it has been selected to also perform registration processing, the process proceeds to step S825. If it has not been selected to also perform registration processing, the process returns to step S810.

[0205] Step S825: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information with information (flag) indicating that the process will start from the registration process to the designated terminal (specifically, the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode). Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information together with information (flag) indicating that the process will start from the registration process to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode).

[0206] Step S830: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not it is selected on the selection screen to not send the registration information. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "No button BT22" is operated on the small screen SG05 of FIG. 18(B). If it is selected to not send the registration information, the process returns to step S800. If it is not selected to not send the registration information, the process proceeds to step S840.

[0207] Step S840: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "Yes (Settlement Only) Button BT24" has been operated on the small screen SG05 in FIG. 18(B). If it has been selected to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S845. If it has not been selected to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S850.

[0208] Step S845: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information with information (flag) indicating that the transaction will start with the settlement process to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode). Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information together with information (flag) indicating that the transaction will start with the settlement process to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode).

[0209] Step S850: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to also perform registration processing. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "Yes (Register) button BT25" has been operated on the small screen SG05 of Fig. 18(B). If it has been selected to also perform registration processing, the process proceeds to step S855. If it has not been selected to also perform registration processing, the process returns to step S830.

[0210] Step S855: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information to which information (flag) indicating that the process will start from the registration process is added to the designated terminal (specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode). Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information together with the information (flag) indicating that the process will start from the registration process to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode).

[0211] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 31) As described above, the flowchart in Fig. 31 shows a modified example (modification example 1) of the process shown in the dashed rectangle P in Fig. 30. Following step S800 (NO) in Fig. 30, the POS terminal 20-1 may execute step S1802 and subsequent steps in Fig. 31.

[0212] Step S1802: As in step S802 in Fig. 30, the POS terminal 20-1 displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk to select whether to transmit the registration information to the destination (designated terminal, specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode) and whether to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process at the destination (designated terminal) or to perform the registration process as well.Then, the process proceeds to step S1830.

[0213] Step S1830: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the user has selected not to send the registration information on the selection screen, similar to step S830 in Fig. 30. If the user has selected not to send the registration information, the process returns to step S800 in Fig. 30. If the user has not selected not to send the registration information, the process proceeds to step S1840.

[0214] Step S1840: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the selection on the selection screen is made to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, similar to step S840 in Fig. 30. If the selection is made to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S1841. If the selection is not made to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S1850.

[0215] Step S1841: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits inquiry information about whether or not the settlement process is possible based on the registration information to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode), and then proceeds to step S1842.

[0216] When the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) receives inquiry information about whether or not to process the settlement based on the registered information, it displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk (the store clerk at the designated terminal) to select whether or not to process the settlement based on the registered information. Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG06 (see FIG. 20(A)) on which a "No button BT26" and a "Yes button BT27" are arranged.

[0217] Step S1842: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not there has been a response from the designated terminal indicating that the settlement process will not be carried out (that the settlement process will be refused) based on the registration information (NG response, response by the "No" button BT26). If there has been an NG response, the process returns to step S800 in Fig. 30. If there has not been an NG response, the process proceeds to step S1843.

[0218] Step S1843: The POS terminal 20-1 judges whether or not there has been a response (OK response, response by the "Yes" button BT27) from the designated terminal to the effect that the settlement process will be carried out (to the effect that it is permitted) based on the registration information. If there has been an OK response, the process proceeds to step S1845. If there has not been an OK response, the process returns to step S1842.

[0219] Step S1845: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information to which information indicating that the transaction will start with the settlement process is added to the designated terminal, similar to step S845 in Fig. 30. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information to the designated terminal together with the information indicating that the transaction will start with the settlement process.

[0220] Step S1850: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the selection to also perform the registration process has been made on the selection screen, similarly to step S850 in Fig. 30. If the selection to also perform the registration process has been made, the process proceeds to step S1851. If the selection to also perform the registration process has not been made, the process returns to step S1830.

[0221] Step S1851: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits inquiry information about whether or not the registration process based on the registration information is possible to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode), and then proceeds to step S1852.

[0222] When the designated terminal (POS terminal 20-2) receives inquiry information about whether or not to perform registration processing based on the registration information, it displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk (the store clerk at the designated terminal) to select whether or not to perform registration processing based on the registration information. Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG07 (see FIG. 21(A)) on which a "No button BT26" and a "Yes button BT27" are arranged.

[0223] Step S1852: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not there has been a response from the designated terminal indicating that the registration process will not be performed (refusal) based on the registration information (NG response, response using the "No" button BT26). If there has been an NG response, the process returns to step S800 in Fig. 30. If there has not been an NG response, the process proceeds to step S1853.

[0224] Step S1853: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not there has been a response (OK response, response by the "Yes button BT27") from the designated terminal to the effect that registration processing will be performed (to the effect that it is permitted) based on the registration information. If there has been an OK response, the process proceeds to step S1855. If there has not been an OK response, the process proceeds to step S1852.

[0225] Step S1855: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information to which information indicating that the process will start with the registration process is added to the designated terminal, similar to step S855 in Fig. 30. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit the registration information together with the information indicating that the process will start with the registration process to the designated terminal.

[0226] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 32(A)) As described above, the flowchart in Fig. 32(A) shows a modified example (modification 2) of the process shown in the dashed rectangle P in Fig. 30. Following step S800 (NO) in Fig. 30, the POS terminal 20-1 may execute step S2802 and subsequent steps in Fig. 32(A).

[0227] Step S2802: The POS terminal 20-1 displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk to select whether or not to transmit the registration information to the destination (designated terminal, specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode). Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20-1 may display a small screen SG04 (see FIG. 18(A)) on which a "No button BT22" and a "Yes button BT23" are arranged. Then, proceed to step S2830.

[0228] Step S2830: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to not send the registration information. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "No button BT22" has been operated on the small screen SG04 in Fig. 18(A). If it has been selected to not send the registration information, the process returns to step S800 in Fig. 30. If it has not been selected to not send the registration information, the process proceeds to step S2860.

[0229] Step S2860: The POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the sending of the registration information has been selected on the selection screen. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 determines whether or not the "Yes button BT23" has been operated on the small screen SG04 of Fig. 18(A). If the sending of the registration information has been selected, proceed to step S2865. If the not sending of the registration information has not been selected, return to step S2830.

[0230] Step S2865: The POS terminal 20-1 transmits the registration information (registration information to which no flag is added) to the designated terminal (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode).

[0231] (Explanation of the flowchart in Figure 32(B)) As described above, the flowchart in FIG. 32(B) shows the operation on the designated terminal side (the POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode) corresponding to the processing in FIG. 32(A).

[0232] Step S2890: The POS terminal 20-2 receives the registration information transmitted in step S2865 of Figure 32(B), and then proceeds to step S2891.

[0233] Step S2891: The POS terminal 20-2 displays a selection screen that allows the store clerk to select whether to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process based on the registration information, or to also perform the registration process based on the registration information. Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20-2 may display a small screen SG08 (see FIG. 22(A)) on which a "Perform settlement process only button BT28" and a "Perform registration process also button BT29" are arranged. Then, proceed to step S2892.

[0234] Step S2892: The POS terminal 20-2 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process. For example, the POS terminal 20-2 determines whether or not the "Perform settlement process only button BT28" has been operated on the small screen SG08 in Fig. 22(A). If it has been selected to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S2893. If it has not been selected to perform only the settlement process without performing the registration process, the process proceeds to step S2894.

[0235] Step S2893: The POS terminal 20-2 executes the settlement process based on the registration information received in step S2890 (displays the settlement screen).

[0236] Step S2894: The POS terminal 20-2 determines whether or not it has been selected on the selection screen to also perform registration processing. For example, the POS terminal 20-2 determines whether or not the "also perform registration processing button BT29" has been operated on the small screen SG08 of Fig. 22(A). If it has been selected to also perform registration processing, the process proceeds to step S2895. If it has not been selected to also perform registration processing, the process returns to step S2892.

[0237] Step S2895: The POS terminal 20-2 executes the registration process based on the registration information received in step S2890 (displays the registration screen).

[0238] An example of the operation of the POS terminal 20 has been explained above using the flowcharts of FIGS. 25 to 32. A supplementary explanation will now be given of some of the display examples on the store clerk display unit 210 shown in FIGS. 9 to 24 using the flowcharts.

[0239] (Figure 9(A) Registration screen (initial registration screen)) The POS terminal 20-1 in the normal mode displays the registration screen (initial registration screen) of FIG. 9(A) at the start of the flowchart of FIG.

[0240] (Registration screen in Figure 10(A)) Following the display state of FIG. 9(A), when the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode scans the first item (canned beer) (step S100 (YES) in FIG. 25) and registers the item (step S110 in FIG. 25), it displays the subtotal button BT10, send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13), and "receipt button BT15" ​​(step S120 in FIG. 25), as shown in FIG. 10(A).

[0241] (Registration screen in Figure 11(A)) Following the display state of Figure 10(A), when 500 yen in cash is inserted (step S228 (YES) in Figure 26) and the deposit is recorded (step S250 in Figure 26), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode hides (deletes) the send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) and the "receipt button BT15" ​​as shown in Figure 11(A) (step S260 in Figure 26).

[0242] (Registration screen in Figure 12(A)) Following the state of the display contents of Fig. 11(A), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode scans the second item (asparagus) and the third item (seaweed lunch box) (step S400 (YES) of Fig. 27(B)), registers each item (step S410 of Fig. 27(B)), and then an additional 500 yen in cash is deposited (step S428 (YES) of Fig. 27(B)) and the deposit is recorded (step S450 of Fig. 27(B)), and the display contents of the registration screen become as shown in Fig. 12(A). The additional 500 yen in cash may be deposited before the scanning of the second item, after the scanning of the second item but before the scanning of the third item, or after the scanning of the third item.

[0243] (Registration screen (small screen SG02) in Figure 13(A)) Following the display content state of Figure 12(A), when the subtotal button BT10 is operated (step S412 (YES) in Figure 27(B)), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode displays the small screen SG02 as shown in Figure 13(A).

[0244] (Registration screen in Figure 15(A)) Following the state of the display contents in Fig. 10(A), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode scans the second item (asparagus) and the third item (seaweed lunch) (step S200 (YES) in Fig. 26), and when each item is registered (step S210 in Fig. 26), the display contents of the registration screen become as shown in Fig. 15(A). In the state of Fig. 15(A), no cash has been inserted and no payment method has been selected yet.

[0245] (Registration screen (small screen SG03) in Figure 17(A), etc.) Following the display content state of FIG. 15(A), when the 20-3 register button BT13 is operated (step S214 (YES) in FIG. 26), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode displays the small screen SG03 as shown in FIG. 17(B) (step S801 in FIG. 30).

[0246] When the "Payment only button BT20" on the small screen SG03 is operated (step S810 (YES) in FIG. 30) and the POS terminal 20-1 sends registration information, including information (flag) indicating that payment will be started, to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode (step S815 in FIG. 30), the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG2 as shown in FIG. 16(A). The POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode that has received the registration information displays a payment screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in FIG. 17(A).

[0247] When the "also perform registration process button BT21" on the small screen SG03 is operated (step S820 (YES) in FIG. 30) and the POS terminal 20-1 transmits registration information, to which information (flag) indicating that registration process will be started is added, to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode (step S825 in FIG. 30), the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG2 as shown in FIG. 16(A). The POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode that has received the registration information displays a registration screen (a screen similar to the registration screen in FIG. 21(B) that was explained as an example for the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode).

[0248] (Registration screen (small screen SG05) in Figure 18(B), etc.) Following the display content state of FIG. 15(A), when the register button BT12 of 20-2 is operated (step S214 (YES) of FIG. 26), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode displays the small screen SG05 as shown in FIG. 18(B) (step S802 of FIG. 30).

[0249] When the "Yes (Payment only) button BT24" on the small screen SG05 is operated (step S840 (YES) in FIG. 30) and the POS terminal 20-1 sends registration information with information (flag) indicating that payment processing will be started to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode (step S845 in FIG. 30), the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG2 (however, the destination is "cash register 20-2" instead of "cash register 20-3") as shown in FIG. 16(A). The POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode that has received the registration information displays the small screen SG06 as shown in FIG. 20(A) (or does not display the small screen SG06) and displays the payment screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in FIG. 20(B).

[0250] When the "Yes (also register) button BT25" on the small screen SG03 is operated (step S850 (YES) in FIG. 30), the POS terminal 20-1 sends registration information, to which information (flag) indicating that the registration process will be started, to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode (step S855 in FIG. 30), the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG2 (however, the destination is "register 20-2" instead of "register 20-3") as shown in FIG. 16(A). The POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode that has received the registration information displays the small screen SG07 as shown in FIG. 21(A) (or does not display the small screen SG07) and displays the registration screen as shown in FIG. 21(B).

[0251] (Registration screen (small screen SG04) in Figure 18(A), etc.) Following the display content state of FIG. 15(A), when the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode operates the register button BT12 of 20-2 (step S214 (YES) in FIG. 26), the small screen SG04 is displayed as shown in FIG. 18(A) (step S2802 in FIG. 32(A)).

[0252] When the "Yes button BT23" on the small screen SG04 is operated (step S2860 (YES) in Figure 32(A)), the POS terminal 20-1 sends registration information (registration information without flags added, etc.) to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode (step S2865 in Figure 32(A)), and the POS terminal 20-1 displays a message screen MG2 as shown in Figure 16(A) (however, the destination is "cash register 20-2" instead of "cash register 20-3").

[0253] The POS terminal 20-2 in the normal mode receives the registration information (step S2890 in FIG. 32(B)), and displays the small screen SG08 as shown in FIG. 22(A) (step S2891 in FIG. 32(B)).

[0254] When the "Perform settlement processing only button BT28" on the small screen SG08 is operated (step S2892 (YES) in Figure 32(A)), the POS terminal 20-2 displays the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) as shown in Figure 20(B) (step S2893 in Figure 32(A)).

[0255] When the "Perform registration process button BT29" on the small screen SG08 is operated (step S2894 (YES) in Figure 32 (A)), the POS terminal 20-2 displays the registration screen as shown in Figure 21 (B) (step S2895 in Figure 32 (A)).

[0256] (Registration screen in Figure 24(B)) Following the display state of Figure 10(A), when the other terminal settlement reservation button (not shown) is operated (step S240 (YES) in Figure 26), the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode hides (deletes) the subtotal button BT10 as shown in Figure 24(B) (step S270 in Figure 26).

[0257] 25 to 32, the POS terminal 20 has been described as having an other terminal settlement reservation button (not shown), but the POS terminal 20 may have a transmission reservation button (not shown) instead of or in addition to the other terminal settlement reservation button. Also, the POS terminal 20 may have a receipt issuance reservation button (not shown) instead of or in addition to the other terminal settlement reservation button (or transmission reservation button).

[0258] When the send reservation button is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 prohibits the settlement process and the issuance of receipts at that terminal. For example, in the flowchart of Fig. 25, when the send reservation button is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 controls so that it does not accept the insertion of cash or the input of the payment type, and also controls so that it does not display the subtotal button BT10 and receipt button BT15. Also, for example, in the flowchart of Fig. 26, when the send reservation button is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 controls so that it does not accept the insertion of cash or the input of the payment type, and also hides (deletes) the subtotal button BT10 and receipt button BT15, as shown in Fig. 23(A).

[0259] When the receipt issue reservation button is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 prohibits the settlement process at that terminal and transmission to other terminals. For example, in the flowchart of Fig. 25, when the receipt issue reservation button is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 controls so that it does not accept the insertion of cash or the input of the payment type, and also controls so that it does not display the subtotal button BT10 and the send button (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13). Also, for example, in the flowchart of Fig. 26, when the receipt issue reservation button is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 controls so that it does not accept the insertion of cash or the input of the payment type, and also hides (deletes) the subtotal button BT10, 20-2 register button BT12, and 20-3 register button BT13, as shown in Fig. 24(A).

[0260] (Prohibition or cancellation of transmission of registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode) The POS system 1 of this embodiment has been described above. According to the POS system 1 of this embodiment, for example, when a POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode sends registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, the POS terminal 20-1 confirms with the sending store clerk whether or not to send the registration information (see Figures 18(A), 18(B), step S802 in Figure 30, step S1802 in Figure 31, step S2802 in Figure 32(A), etc.).

[0261] That is, the POS terminal 20-1 prohibits (prohibits, temporarily prohibits) the transmission of registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode. Also, the POS terminal 20-1 notifies the fact that the transmission of registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode has been prohibited.

[0262] Furthermore, when a POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode sends registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, if the sending clerk performs an operation to send the information in the confirmation above, the POS terminal 20-1 sends the registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2 (see steps S845 and S855 in Figure 30, step S2865 in Figure 32(A), etc.).

[0263] In other words, the POS terminal 20-1 cancels the prohibition on transmission of registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2. More specifically, after informing the POS terminal 20-1 that transmission of registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode has been prohibited, the POS terminal 20-1 cancels the prohibition on transmission based on the fact that the sending store clerk performs an operation to send the registration information.

[0264] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode transmits registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, the sending clerk (the clerk logged in to the POS terminal 20-1) can select whether the POS terminal 20-2, which is the destination of the registration information, should also perform registration processing based on the registration information, or should only perform settlement processing based on the registration information (see FIG. 18(B), steps S845 and S855 in FIG. 30, steps S1845 and S1855 in FIG. 31, etc.). Furthermore, the POS terminal 20-2, which is the destination of the registration information, displays the selection possible by the sending clerk (i.e., instructions to the receiving clerk (the clerk logged in to the POS terminal 20-1)) (see FIG. 20(A) and FIG. 21(A)).

[0265] In other words, when the POS terminal 20-1 sends registration information addressed to another POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, it also sends instruction information (instruction information on how to process the registration information (payment only, or registration as well) to the other store clerk (the store clerk logged in to the POS terminal 20-2) along with the registration information; in this embodiment, this is special information (flag)).

[0266] (Prohibits either settlement on your own device or settlement on another device) Furthermore, according to the POS system 1 of this embodiment, when cash is inserted into the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode hides the buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13, and receipt button BT15) used for settling at other terminals (POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3) (see FIG. 11(A), step S160 in FIG. 25, step S260 in FIG. 26, etc.). The same applies when a payment type is selected (see step S160 in FIG. 25, step S260 in FIG. 26, etc.).

[0267] In other words, when the payment is to be settled at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-1), before the payment is actually settled (for example, while the registration process is being carried out), POS terminal 20-1 prohibits the sending of registration information to other terminals (POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3) and also prohibits the issuance of a receipt.

[0268] On the other hand, when a declaration is made using the send reservation button, the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode hides the subtotal button BT10 used to settle the bill at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) and the receipt button BT15 used to issue a receipt (see FIG. 23(A)). Also, when a declaration is made using the receipt issuance reservation button, the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode hides the subtotal button BT10 used to settle the bill at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) and the send buttons (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13) used to send registration information to other terminals (see FIG. 24(A)). Also, when a declaration is made using the other terminal settlement reservation button, the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode hides the subtotal button BT10 used to settle the bill at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) (see FIG. 24(B), step S170 in FIG. 25, step S270 in FIG. 26, etc.).

[0269] In other words, when settlement is to be made at another terminal (POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3), POS terminal 20-1 prohibits settlement at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-1) before the actual settlement (for example, while the registration process is being carried out).

[0270] The POS system 1 of this embodiment has been described above, but the data configuration, processing flow, display and output modes, etc. can be changed and modified as appropriate.

[0271] For example, in the above embodiment, when POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode sends registration information addressed to POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, it prompts the sending store clerk to confirm whether or not to send the registration information to POS terminal 20-2. However, POS terminal 20-1 may also be configured to prompt the sending store clerk to confirm whether or not to send the registration information to a terminal other than POS terminal 20-2 (specifically, POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode).

[0272] For example, in addition to the "No button BT22" and the "Yes button BT23," a "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button" may be placed on the small screen SG04 of Figure 18 (A), and when the "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button" is operated, the small screen SG04 may be cleared and registration information may be sent to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-time mode rather than the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode so that the settlement process begins.

[0273] Alternatively, a "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button" may be arranged instead of the "Yes button BT23" on the small screen SG04 of Fig. 18(A). In other words, the "No button BT22" and the "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button" may be arranged on the small screen SG04 instead of the "Yes button BT23". In other words, the POS terminal 20-1 may prohibit the transmission of registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode.

[0274] Furthermore, in addition to the "No button BT22," "Yes (settlement only) button BT24," and "Yes (also register) button BT25," the small screen SG05 in Figure 18 (B) may be provided with a "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button (settlement only)" and a "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button (also register)," and when the "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button (settlement only)" is operated, the small screen SG05 may be cleared and registration information may be sent to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode rather than the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode so that the settlement process may begin, and when the "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button (also register)" is operated, the small screen SG05 may be cleared and registration information may be sent to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode rather than the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode so that the registration process may begin.

[0275] Alternatively, the "Yes (settlement only) button BT24" on the small screen SG05 of Figure 18 (B) may be replaced with a "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) (settlement only) button," and the "Yes (register as well) button BT25" may be replaced with a "Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) (register as well) button."

[0276] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode transmits registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, the POS terminal 20-1 gives the sending store clerk the option of whether to transmit the registration information to the POS terminal 20-2. However, the POS terminal 20-1 may simply prohibit the transmission of registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2 without providing the option. For example, the POS terminal 20-1 may perform control similar to that when the "No button BT22" on the small screen SG04 in FIG. 18(A) or the small screen SG05 in FIG. 18(B) is operated, without displaying the small screen SG04 in FIG. 18(A) or the small screen SG05 in FIG. 18(B). The POS terminal 20-1 may notify the fact that the transmission of registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2 has been prohibited.

[0277] In addition, the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode may provide the option of whether to send registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode as the destination, and whether to provide the option of how to process the registration information at the destination (settlement only, registration as well) if the registration information is sent to that destination, depending on the authority of the sending store clerk. For example, if the sending clerk has high authority, the small screen SG05 of Figure 18(B) may display the ``No button BT22,'' ``Yes (settlement only) button BT24,'' and ``Yes (register as well) button BT25,'' as well as the ``Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button (settlement only)'' and ``Send to other device (POS terminal 20-3) button (register as well)''; if the sending clerk has medium authority, the small screen SG04 of Figure 18(A) or the small screen SG05 of Figure 18(B) may be displayed; and if the sending clerk has low authority, no options may be given (it may simply be possible to prohibit the sending of registration information addressed to POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode).

[0278] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, which is the destination of the registration information, provides the receiving store clerk with the option of whether or not to process the registration information at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-2) (see FIGS. 20(A), 21(A), etc.), but whether or not to provide the receiving store clerk with this option may vary depending on the authority of the receiving store clerk. For example, if the receiving store clerk has high authority, the small screen SG06 in FIG. 20(A) or the small screen SG07 in FIG. 21(A) may be displayed, and if the receiving store clerk does not have high authority, no option may be provided (for example, the registration information from another terminal may be processed according to a preset setting as to whether or not to process the registration information).

[0279] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, which is the destination of the registration information, provides the receiving clerk with a choice of how to process the registration information (payment only, registration as well) at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-2) (see FIGS. 22(A), 22(B), etc.), but whether or not the receiving clerk is provided with the choice may vary depending on the authority of the receiving clerk. For example, if the receiving clerk has high authority, the small screen SG08 in FIG. 22(A) or the small screen SG09 in FIG. 22(B) may be displayed, and if the receiving clerk does not have high authority, no choice may be provided (for example, the registration information from another terminal may be processed according to a preset setting).

[0280] In the above embodiment, the store clerk (either the sending or receiving store clerk) can select how the registration information is processed (payment only or registration as well) at the receiving POS terminal 20-2 (see Fig. 18(B), Fig. 22(A), Fig. 22(B), etc.), but how the registration information is processed (payment only or registration as well) at the receiving POS terminal 20-2 may differ depending on the installation location of the POS terminal 20-2. In other words, whether or not the other terminal to which the registration information is sent takes over (entrusts) the registration process may be determined based on the arrangement of products, etc. (the positional relationship between the other terminal and the products, etc.) instead of or in addition to the authority of the store clerk (either the sending or receiving store clerk).

[0281] For example, for products such as cigarettes, hot snacks, and oden, it is convenient to perform the registration process at the nearest terminal where it is easy to check whether the product is available and how many are left, and to provide the product. Furthermore, in cases of utility bill collection services and home delivery services, only one store stamp may be placed in a designated location. When the store stamp is to be stamped, it is convenient to perform the registration process at the terminal closest to the store stamp. Therefore, whether or not the other terminal receiving the registration information takes over the registration process may be determined based on whether the other terminal is close to the designated location of the product or store stamp. For example, if the location of POS terminal 20-2 is close to the designated location of the product or store stamp, the receiving POS terminal 20-2 may display an option (see FIGS. 18(B), 22(A), 22(B), etc.) to execute (take over) the registration process based on the registration information received from the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1). However, if the location of POS terminal 20-2 is not close to the designated location of the product or store stamp, the option may not be displayed. It is advisable to set in advance for each POS terminal 20 whether the installation location is close to the designated location of the product or store stamp as described above (or whether an option to execute the registration process based on the registration information received from another terminal is displayed).

[0282] Furthermore, since efficiency may be reduced if a novice store clerk is asked to perform tasks that he or she has not yet been trained to perform (such as collection agency, delivery service, in-store cooking, etc.), the decision may be made based on the attributes of the store clerk (experience, proficiency) and the location related to the work (collection agency, inspection stamp used for delivery service, cooking location).

[0283] In the above embodiment, examples of messages based on instruction information transmitted together with registration information to another store clerk (the store clerk at the POS terminal 20-2) include "Do you want to process the registration information (payment only) from the cash register 20-1?" on the small screen SG06 in Fig. 20(A) and "Do you want to process the registration information (registration as well) from the cash register 20-1?" on the small screen SG07 in Fig. 21(B), but the content of the messages is not limited to these. Furthermore, multiple types of messages may be prepared, and the sending store clerk may be allowed to select which message to display.

[0284] In the above embodiment, response buttons ("No button BT26" and "Yes button BT27") are displayed on the small screen SG06 in Fig. 20(A) and the small screen SG07 in Fig. 21(B) along with a message based on instruction information, but it is also possible to display only the message without displaying a response button (a confirmation button (OK button, etc.) that simply clears the small screen may be provided). Also, it is also possible to allow the sending store clerk to select whether or not to display a response button.

[0285] In the above embodiment, the instruction information is described as an example in which special information (flag) added to the registration information or special information (flag) transmitted together with the registration information is used. However, it is also possible to control whether the designated terminal starts with the settlement process or the registration process without using special information (flag, etc.). For example, the designated terminal may start with the settlement process when it receives registration information including the total amount, and start with the registration process when it receives registration information not including the total amount. In other words, the POS terminal 20-1 may transmit registration information including the total amount to the designated terminal when the "Perform Settlement Only Button BT20" on the small screen SG03 of FIG. 17(B) is operated, the "Yes Button BT23" on the small screen SG04 of FIG. 18(A) is operated, or the "Yes (Settlement Only) Button BT24" on the small screen SG05 of FIG. 18(B) is operated. In addition, when the "Also perform registration process button BT21" on the small screen SG03 of Figure 17(B) is operated, or when the "Yes (also register) button BT25" on the small screen SG05 of Figure 18(B) is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 may send registration information that does not include the total amount to the designated terminal.

[0286] In addition, in the above embodiment, in order to reduce the amount of data sent and received, the message displayed on the receiving terminal (such as "Do you want to process the registration information (only settlement) from cash register 20-1?") itself is not sent and received, but the message displayed on the receiving terminal itself may also be sent and received.

[0287] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20-1 in normal mode displays small screens (small screens SG04 and SG05) for registration information addressed to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode after the send button (20-2 register button BT12) is pressed, and prohibits (temporarily prohibits) transmission of the registration information to the destination (POS terminal 20-2), but the manner of prohibiting transmission is not limited to this. For example, prohibition (complete prohibition) may be achieved by hiding the send button (20-2 register button BT12). Furthermore, the send button may be displayed but not respond to operation, or may respond to operation of the send button but result in an error.

[0288] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20-1 that transmits the registration information performs different processing depending on the operation mode (normal mode, full self-service mode) of the receiving POS terminal 20 (see step S800 in FIG. 30, etc.), but as described above, the normal mode is basically used by store clerks. In other words, the POS terminal 20-1 performs different processing depending on the usage status of the receiving POS terminal 20 (usage status inferred from the operation mode).

[0289] In the above embodiment, the processing is made different depending on the operation mode of the receiving POS terminal 20 (see step S800 in FIG. 30, etc.), but for example, instead of the operation mode of the receiving POS terminal 20, the processing may be made different depending on the usage status (actual usage status) of the store clerk at the receiving POS terminal 20. As an example, in the case of (a) below, the processing may proceed to step S801 in FIG. 30 (the same processing as in the case of full self-service mode), and in the case of (b) below, the processing may proceed to step S802 in FIG. 30 (the same processing as in the case of normal mode). (a) When the receiving POS terminal 20 (regardless of the operating mode) is not being used by a store clerk (b) When the receiving POS terminal 20 (regardless of the operating mode) is being used by a store clerk

[0290] Furthermore, for example, the processing may be varied depending on the usage status (actual usage status) of the store clerk at the receiving POS terminal 20 in addition to the operation mode of the receiving POS terminal 20. As an example, in the following cases (A), (B), and (C), the processing may proceed to step S801 in Fig. 30, and in the following case (D), the processing may proceed to step S802 in Fig. 30. Alternatively, in the following case (A), the processing may proceed to step S801 in Fig. 30, and in the following cases (B), (C), and (D), the processing may proceed to step S802 in Fig. 30. (A) When the receiving POS terminal 20 (full self-service mode) is not being used by a store clerk (B) When the receiving POS terminal 20 (normal mode) is not being used by a store clerk (C) When the receiving POS terminal 20 (full self-service mode) is being used by a store clerk (D) When the receiving POS terminal 20 (normal mode) is being used by a store clerk

[0291] Whether the receiving POS terminal 20 is being used by a store clerk may be determined by a sensor or the like that detects the presence of a person near the terminal. For example, if no person is detected for a predetermined period of time (about 10 seconds), it may be determined that the terminal is not being used by a store clerk. The sensor may be installed in each POS terminal 20, or may be installed on the ceiling, wall, etc.

[0292] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned sensor-based method, whether the receiving POS terminal 20 is being used by a store clerk may be determined (estimated) based on the time it has been left unused (non-operated time) since it was last operated. If the time is short (for example, if it is less than a predetermined threshold (reference time)), it may be determined that the terminal is being used by a store clerk, and if the time is long (for example, if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold), it may be determined that the terminal is not being used by a store clerk. The threshold may be different for each store, day of the week, time period, and installation location (each terminal).

[0293] In the above embodiment, when cash is inserted (deposit is detected), the POS terminal 20-1 hides the buttons used for settling at another terminal (20-2 register button BT12, 20-3 register button BT13, and receipt button BT15) (see FIG. 11(A) and the like), and when the other terminal settlement reservation button is operated, it hides the subtotal button BT10 used for settling at its own terminal (see FIG. 24(B) and the like). In other words, by erasing an unnecessary button, processing by that button is prohibited. However, the manner in which processing is prohibited is not limited to the method of erasing a button. For example, a button may be displayed (e.g., displayed in a manner that makes it clear that it is prohibited) but does not respond to operation, or a button may respond to operation but result in an error.

[0294] In addition, when the amount of money inserted (deposit amount) is equal to or greater than the purchase amount, rather than when cash is inserted, the button used to settle the transaction at another terminal may be hidden, or the button operation may be unresponsive or result in an error.

[0295] In the case of a mode in which the button is hidden or the like when the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the purchase amount, the display in the display field HR01 of the registration screen may be displayed in a manner that indicates whether the deposited amount is less than the purchase amount or equal to or greater than the purchase amount. For example, the words "greater than" or "less than" may be displayed, or a mark indicating that the amount is equal to or greater than the purchase amount may be displayed. In addition, the color of the amount's text, the size of the text, the thickness and style of the text, the color of the background (display field), etc. may be different depending on whether the amount is less than the purchase amount or equal to or greater than the purchase amount. Note that even in the case of a mode in which the button is hidden or the like when cash is deposited, the display may be similarly displayed in a manner that indicates whether the deposited amount is less than the purchase amount or equal to or greater than the purchase amount.

[0296] If the amount deposited was once equal to or greater than the purchase amount, but the purchase amount is increased by a subsequent product registration and the amount deposited is now less than the purchase amount, the button will not be hidden, as described above, because the amount deposited was equal to or greater than the purchase amount in the past but is currently less than the purchase amount. If the amount deposited was equal to or greater than the purchase amount in the past but is currently less than the purchase amount (in other words, if the amount deposited was equal to or greater than the purchase amount at least once), the button may be hidden.

[0297] Furthermore, regardless of whether the display in the display field HR01 of the registration screen is displayed in a manner that indicates whether the inserted amount is less than the purchase amount or equal to or greater than the purchase amount, the display field HR01 may display information indicating whether a payment type has been selected (decided), information that can identify the selected payment type, or information that has been read (for example, information that can identify the type of credit card or electronic money). For example, characters, symbols, or pictures (illustrations) corresponding to the selected (or read) credit card or electronic money may be displayed.

[0298] Instead of or in addition to the display field HR01, information indicating whether the deposited amount is less than or equal to the purchase amount, information indicating whether a payment type has been selected, information that identifies the selected payment type, information that identifies the read information, etc. may be displayed in another position on the screen. As an example, it may be displayed in the entire area (sheet, tab) "1" where the display field HR01 is provided. For example, the deposit status (information on whether the deposited amount is less than or equal to the purchase amount) may be displayed using the background color of the entire area "1," and an image corresponding to the selected credit card, etc. may be displayed in a position different from the display field HR01 on the area "1."

[0299] As described above, when cash is inserted, the button used to settle the transaction at another terminal is hidden, so that even if transaction information is sent by mistake (for example, when the transaction information is sent because cash has not been inserted or a payment type has not been selected), the transmission may be canceled. For example, a Cancel Send button (not shown) may be displayed until the next transaction (registering the next customer's product, depositing money, and selecting a payment type) begins, and the transmitted transaction information may be returned to the sender when the Cancel Send button is pressed. This allows the customer to insert cash or select a payment type, and the store clerk to modify the details of the registered products. Note that returning to the sender means returning to the original state (the state before the transaction information was sent by mistake) by pressing the Cancel Send button, and is not limited to when transaction information is actually sent or received after pressing the Cancel Send button. For example, in a mode in which the sender retains registered information after transmission, the registering side may treat the registered information retained after pressing the Cancel Send button as information before transmission, and the receiving side may discard the registered information (or may ignore it so that it will not be used again).

[0300] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that the POS terminal 20-1 disables the insertion of cash into the change dispenser 209 when settlement is not performed at its own terminal (when the other terminal settlement reservation button is operated, etc.), but specifically, for example, the cash (banknotes, notes) insertion slot may be blocked (or may not be opened), or cash inserted into the insertion slot may be ejected as is. Furthermore, when settlement is not performed at its own terminal, the input operation of the payment type is also disabled (see step S170 in FIG. 25, step S270 in FIG. 26, etc.), but specifically, the small screen SG01 on which the buttons corresponding to each payment type are arranged may be hidden, or the buttons may be displayed (e.g., displayed in a manner that makes it clear that they are prohibited) but do not respond to operation, or the buttons may respond to operation but result in an error.

[0301] In the above embodiment, the payment types are three types: cash, credit card, and electronic money (see FIG. 15, etc.), but other payment types (for example, gift certificates, coupons, complimentary coupons, various prepaid cards, debit payment, etc.) may also be used. Note that the POS terminal 20 may determine that the settlement process should be performed at the terminal where the payment was made if a payment is made as part of the total purchase amount (for example, if a payment is made to cover the shortfall in the face value of a gift certificate, etc.) or if no payment is made but change is due (for example, if a gift certificate, etc. that provides change for the purchase of a product less than the face value is used).

[0302] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each POS terminal 20 notifies the other terminals of the operating mode after the transition when the terminal itself transitions to another operating mode, so that the POS terminal 20-1 always knows the latest operating mode of the other terminals. Therefore, when transmitting registration information to another terminal, the POS terminal 20-1 can confirm the operating mode of the other terminal that is the destination (destination) by referring to the operating mode of the other terminal that the terminal itself already knows (i.e., without making an inquiry via the LAN 11). Note that when transmitting registration information to another terminal, the POS terminal 20-1 may again inquire about the operating mode of the other terminal that is the destination via the LAN 11.

[0303] In the case of an aspect in which processing is varied depending on the usage status of a store clerk at the destination POS terminal (receiving POS terminal 20), each POS terminal 20 may notify other terminals of the changed usage status when the usage status of the store clerk at its own terminal changes, so that when sending registration information to other terminals, the POS terminal 20-1 may refer to the usage status of the store clerk at other terminals that its own terminal already knows, and check the usage status of the store clerk at the other terminal that is the destination (destination).When sending registration information to other terminals, the POS terminal 20-1 may inquire about the usage status of the store clerk at the other terminal that is the destination.

[0304] That is, the POS terminal 20-1 that transmits the registration data determines the operation mode of the other terminal that is the destination based on the operation to transmit the registration data by checking the operation mode of the other terminal that it already knows or by inquiring about the operation mode of the other terminal that is the destination via the LAN 11. The same applies to the usage status of the store clerk at the other terminal.

[0305] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 displays the small screen SG02 superimposed on the registration screen (Figure 13 (A)), but when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20-1 may also display (switch to) a small screen that displays information, etc. displayed on the small screen SG02 instead of (switch to) the registration screen.

[0306] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20 is provided with one printing unit 213 that can be freely rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the store clerk side (see Figures 2 to 4), but instead of one printing unit 213, it may be provided with two printing units (a printing unit fixedly facing the store clerk side and a printing unit fixedly facing the customer side).

[0307] In the above embodiment, when transmitting registration information to another terminal, the store clerk specified (selected) the terminal to which the registration information was to be sent (destination). However, when transmitting registration information to another terminal, the store clerk may simply specify that the registration information be sent without specifying the terminal to which the registration information is to be sent. In other words, only a send button may be provided. In an aspect in which the store clerk specifies that the registration information is to be sent without specifying the terminal to which the registration information is to be sent, the sending terminal selects one destination terminal according to a predetermined priority and sends the registration information to the selected terminal. In an aspect in which the destination terminal is selected according to priority, the store clerk is notified of which terminal was selected (which terminal is the destination of the registration information) before transmitting the registration information to the terminal selected according to priority, when transmitting the registration information to the terminal selected according to priority, or after transmitting the registration information to the terminal selected according to priority.

[0308] For example, when registration information is transmitted from the POS terminal 20-1 to other terminals (POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3), the predetermined priority may be set higher for the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode than for the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode (the registration information may be transmitted preferentially to the POS terminal 20-3 in full self-service mode). When transmitting registration information to the POS terminal 20-2 in normal mode, which has a lower priority, the same processing as when a store clerk is operating the POS terminal 20-2 (processing from step 802 in FIG. 30) may be executed.

[0309] Furthermore, the predetermined priority may be determined in accordance with the usage status of the clerk at the receiving POS terminal 20 in addition to the operation mode, as described above.

[0310] Furthermore, in a mode in which the store clerk does not specify the destination terminal (i.e., a mode in which the destination terminal is selected according to priority), a different display may be displayed than in a mode in which the store clerk specifies the destination terminal. For example, if the store clerk specifies POS terminal 20-3, "register 20-3 is in full self-service mode" is displayed (see (B) of FIG. 17), but if POS terminal 20-3 is selected according to priority, "destination is register 20-3 (full self-service mode)" may be displayed. In other words, the store clerk may be notified of which terminal was selected according to priority.

[0311] Supplementary notes A1 to A6 are disclosed below. (Appendix A1) a registration means for registering products and generating registration data; a settlement means capable of settling accounts using the registration data; A transmitting means for transmitting the registration data so that the payment can be made at another device (transmitting the registration data to another device as a destination, such as directly to another terminal or via a store controller or the like to another terminal); a determining means for determining whether the other device is being operated by another store clerk; prohibiting means for prohibiting transmission of the registration data by the transmitting means (temporarily prohibiting transmission by displaying a small screen after pressing the send button, prohibiting transmission by hiding the send button, prohibiting transmission by making the send button unresponsive when operated, prohibiting transmission by causing an error when the send button is operated, etc.); The prohibition means is A sales data processing device characterized in that, when the judgment means judges that the other device to which the registration data is to be sent is being operated by another store clerk (when the operating mode of the other device is judged to be in normal mode, or when it is judged (estimated) that the other device is being used by a store clerk), the transmission means prohibits the transmission of the registration data to the other device.

[0312] According to supplementary note A1, if the device to which the registration information is to be sent is being used by a store clerk, the sending of the registration information is prohibited, allowing for efficient processing (registration processing, payment processing). In other words, generally, sending registration information to a device in use by a store clerk can slow down processing and lead to inefficiency, so by prohibiting the sending of registration information to a device in use by a store clerk, inefficiency can be avoided and processing can be carried out efficiently overall.

[0313] (Appendix A2) The determination means A sales data processing device as described in Appendix A1, characterized in that, based on an operation to transmit the registration data (when the transmission means transmits the registration data), it determines whether another device to which the registration data is to be transmitted is being operated by another store clerk.

[0314] According to Supplementary Note A2, it is possible to make appropriate decisions based on the latest information when necessary.

[0315] (Appendix A3) a notification means for notifying (by means of a small screen, etc.) that the prohibition means has prohibited transmission of the registration data; a cancel operation means for canceling the prohibition of transmission of the registration data prohibited by the prohibition means, A sales data processing device as described in Appendix A1 or Appendix A2, characterized in that after the notification means notifies that the transmission of the registration data to one other device has been prohibited, a cancellation operation (such as operation of the ``Yes button BT23'') is accepted to cancel the prohibition on the transmission of the registration data to the other device.

[0316] According to Supplementary Note A3, even if the device to which the registration information is to be sent is being used by a store clerk, the registration information can be sent depending on the situation, allowing for efficient processing (registration processing, settlement processing). In other words, if sending the registration information to a device being used by a store clerk would not result in inefficiency, the registration information can be sent as appropriate, allowing for efficient processing. Alternatively, if not sending the registration information to a device being used by a store clerk would result in inefficiency, the registration information can be sent as appropriate, allowing for efficient processing.

[0317] (Appendix A4) The prohibition means is The sales data processing device described in Appendix A3 is characterized in that, based on the fact that an operation to transmit the registration data has been performed (when the transmission means transmits the registration data), the transmission of the registration data to another device as a destination is prohibited depending on the judgment result of the judgment means (i.e., the prohibition is not performed before the transmission operation, but is performed after the transmission operation as shown in Figures 18(A)(B), etc.).

[0318] According to Supplementary Note A4, it is possible to effectively prohibit the sending of a message. In other words, unlike the mode of hiding the send button or the mode of making the send button unresponsive when operated, it is not only possible to simply prohibit the sending of a message, but also possible to cancel the prohibition at the discretion of the store clerk as necessary.

[0319] (Appendix A5) The transmitting means The sales data processing device according to any one of Appendix A1 to Appendix A4, wherein the registration data is transmitted together with instruction information to other store staff.

[0320] According to supplementary note A5, other store staff can carry out the process based on the instruction information, so that the process can be carried out efficiently.

[0321] (Appendix A6) A program that causes a computer to function as a sales data processing device, The computer a registration means for registering products and generating registration data; a settlement means capable of settling accounts using the registration data; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration data so that the payment can be settled at another device; a determining means for determining whether the other device is being operated by another store clerk; functioning as a prohibition means for prohibiting the transmission of the registration data by the transmission means; The prohibition means is A program characterized by prohibiting the transmission of the registration data by the transmission means to the other device when the judgment means judges that the other device to which the registration data is to be sent is being operated by another store clerk.

[0322] Supplementary notes B1 to B8 are disclosed below. (Appendix B1) a registration means for executing a registration process for registering a product; a settlement means for executing a settlement process using the registration data generated by the registration means; A transmitting means for executing a transmitting process to transmit the registration data so that the payment can be made at another device (transmitting the registration data to another device as a destination, such as directly transmitting to another terminal or transmitting to another terminal via a store controller, etc.); prohibition means for prohibiting execution of the settlement process; Equipped with The prohibition means prohibits the execution of the settlement process before the execution of the transmission process when the transmission process is to be executed (such as when a declaration is made using a transmission reservation button) (prohibiting the execution of the settlement process by hiding the button used to make settlement on the terminal, prohibiting the execution of the settlement process by making the button used to make settlement on the terminal unresponsive when operated, prohibiting the execution of the settlement process by causing an error when the button used to make settlement on the terminal is operated, etc.).

[0323] According to Supplementary Note B1, it is possible to preferably prevent the erroneous execution of a process that is inappropriate for the situation. Specifically, when a transmission process is being executed, settlement is not performed on the device itself, and therefore, settlement processes that are inappropriate for the situation are prohibited. Therefore, settlement processes that are inappropriate for the situation when the transmission process is being executed will not be erroneously executed. In other words, there will be no mistaken deposits or the like made on the device itself for the transaction.

[0324] (Appendix B2) a registration means for executing a registration process for registering a product; a settlement means for executing a settlement process using the registration data generated by the registration means; a transmitting means for executing a transmitting process for transmitting the registration data so that the payment can be settled by another device; prohibition means for prohibiting execution of the transmission process; Equipped with The prohibition means prohibits the execution of the transmission process before the settlement process is executed (when cash is inserted, when a declaration is made using a transmission reservation button, etc.) (prohibition by hiding the buttons used to settle at other terminals, making the buttons used to settle at other terminals unresponsive when operated, or causing an error when a button used to settle at other terminals is operated, etc.), a sales data processing device characterized by this.

[0325] According to Appendix B2, it is possible to effectively prevent the erroneous execution of a process that is inappropriate for the situation. Specifically, when a settlement process is being executed, registration data is not sent to another device, and transmission processes that are inappropriate for the situation are prohibited. Therefore, transmission processes that are inappropriate for the situation when the settlement process is being executed are not erroneously executed. In other words, registration information for the transaction is not erroneously sent to another terminal.

[0326] (Appendix B3) a registration means for executing a registration process for registering a product; a settlement means for executing a settlement process using the registration data generated by the registration means; a transmitting means for executing a transmitting process for transmitting the registration data so that the payment can be settled by another device; a first determination means for determining whether or not the settlement process is to be executed before the settlement process is executed; a second determination means for determining whether or not the transmission process is to be executed before the transmission process is executed; prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of either the settlement process or the transmission process; The prohibition means is A sales data processing device characterized in that, when the first judgment means determines that the settlement process will be executed before the execution of the settlement process, the execution of the transmission process is prohibited before the execution of the settlement process, and, when the second judgment means determines that the transmission process will be executed before the execution of the transmission process, the execution of the settlement process is prohibited before the execution of the transmission process.

[0327] According to Supplementary Note B3, it is possible to preferably prevent the erroneous execution of a process that is inappropriate for the situation. For example, in a situation where a transmission process is being executed, settlement is not performed on the device itself, so a settlement process that is inappropriate for the situation is prohibited. Therefore, a settlement process that is inappropriate for the situation where a transmission process is being executed will not be executed by mistake. Furthermore, for example, in a situation where a settlement process is being executed, registration data is not transmitted to another device, so a transmission process that is inappropriate for the situation is prohibited. Therefore, a transmission process that is inappropriate for the situation where a settlement process is being executed will not be executed by mistake.

[0328] (Appendix B4) The first determination means A sales data processing device as described in Appendix B3, characterized in that it determines whether or not the settlement process is to be executed based on whether or not money has been deposited into a change dispenser or whether or not a payment type to be applied to the settlement process has been selected.

[0329] According to supplementary note B4, the situation in which the settlement process is to be executed can be suitably determined.

[0330] (Appendix B5) The sales data processing device according to appendix B4, wherein depositing money into the change dispenser and selecting the payment type can be performed even before the registration process is completed.

[0331] According to supplementary note B5, it is not necessary to wait until the registration process is completed, and therefore the time required for the entire process can be shortened.

[0332] (Appendix B6) a declaration means for declaring execution of the transmission process before the transmission process is executed; The second determination means The sales data processing device according to any one of appendices B3 to B5, wherein it is determined whether or not the transmission process is to be executed based on the presence or absence of the declaration by the declaration means.

[0333] According to supplementary note B6, the situation in which the transmission process is to be executed can be suitably determined.

[0334] (Appendix B7) The settlement process is A sales data processing device described in any of Appendix B1 to Appendix B6, characterized in that it is a cash payment process using the total purchase amount and the total deposit amount, which is executed based on a payment operation after the registration process is executed, or a non-cash payment process using the total purchase amount and a medium other than cash for payment, which is executed based on a payment operation after the registration process is executed.

[0335] (Appendix B8) A program that causes a computer to function as a sales data processing device, The computer registration means for executing a registration process for registering a product; a settlement means for executing a settlement process using the registration data generated by the registration means; a transmitting means for executing a transmitting process for transmitting the registration data so that the payment can be settled at another device; functioning as a prohibition means for prohibiting execution of either the settlement process or the transmission process; The prohibition means is A program characterized by prohibiting the execution of the transmission process before the execution of the settlement process when the settlement process is executed, and prohibiting the execution of the settlement process before the execution of the transmission process when the transmission process is executed.

[0336] 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]

[0337] 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 211a...Mode switching button 211a 212…Clerk side scanner 213…Printing Department 214...Audio output unit 215…Communications Department

Claims

1. A sales data processing device in a system having a plurality of sales data processing devices having a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode in which a store clerk registers an item and a customer settles the payment, and a second operation mode in which a customer registers an item and settles the payment, a registration means for executing a registration process for registering a product; a payment means for settling the price by the payment method selected by the customer; a transmitting means capable of transmitting the registration information by the registration means so that the information can be settled in another sales data processing device; Equipped with The settlement means When the operation mode of the sales data processing device is the first operation mode, When a customer inserts cash into the change machine, the payment is settled in cash even if the customer does not select cash as the payment method. The transmitting means When the operation mode of the sales data processing device is the first operation mode, When a customer has not selected a payment method and has not inserted cash into the change dispenser, the registration information is transmitted to enable settlement at another sales data processing device whose operation mode is the second operation mode, and the registration information is not transmitted to enable settlement at another sales data processing device whose operation mode is the first operation mode. A sales data processing device characterized by:

2. Display means for displaying information to the operator Equipped with The display means 2. The sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode of the other sales data processing device can be displayed.

3. A program that causes a computer to function as a sales data processing device in a system that has a plurality of sales data processing devices having a plurality of operation modes, including a first operation mode in which a store clerk registers a product and a customer settles the price, and a second operation mode in which a customer registers a product and settles the price, The computer registration means for executing a registration process for registering a product; A payment means for settling the price using the payment method selected by the customer; a transmitting means for transmitting the registration information from the registration means so that the information can be settled in another sales data processing device; It functions as The settlement means When the operation mode of the sales data processing device is the first operation mode, When a customer inserts cash into the change machine, the payment is settled in cash even if the customer does not select cash as the payment method. The transmitting means When the operation mode of the sales data processing device is the first operation mode, When a customer has not selected a payment method and has not inserted cash into the change dispenser, the registration information is transmitted to enable settlement at another sales data processing device whose operation mode is the second operation mode, and the registration information is not transmitted to enable settlement at another sales data processing device whose operation mode is the first operation mode. A program characterized by:

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