Commodity sales data processing apparatus, commodity sales data processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processor, a commodity sales data processing system and a program, allowing a customer to efficiently and accurately purchase a non-display commodity not displayed in a store.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processor of an embodiment can be operated by a customer himself / herself, and includes reception means and transmission means. The reception means receives an operation of a customer for registering a non-display commodity not displayed in a store as a purchase target. The transmission means transmits linkage information indicating a non-displayed commodity to be purchased registered by a customer to another device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the use of self-service POS (Point of Sales) devices, which allow customers to register the products they wish to purchase, has been increasing in stores. One of the purposes for installing such self-service POS devices in stores is to reduce the workload caused by staff shortages.

[0003] Typically, at self-service POS machines, customers pick up the products they want to purchase and carry them to the machine to register the product and complete the checkout process. However, for off-sale products that are not displayed in the store, such as tobacco, gifts, and food prepared in-store, customers cannot pick up the products and carry them to the self-service POS machine. For this reason, even if a self-service POS machine is available, customers who wish to purchase products that are not displayed in the store must go to a manned cash register and verbally tell an employee the products they want to purchase. Furthermore, when customers verbally communicate the products they want to purchase, there is a risk of mishearing or other issues leading to a mix-up. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a product sales data processing device, a product sales data processing system, and a program that allow customers to efficiently and accurately purchase non-display products that are not on display in a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the product sales data processing device is operable by a customer and includes a reception unit and a transmission unit. The reception unit receives a customer's operation to register a non-displayed product that is not on display in a store as a purchase target. The transmission unit transmits link information indicating the non-displayed product that is on display and is a purchase target registered by the customer to another device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a product sales data processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the manned POS device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a purchasing process for a non-displayed product according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] (Configuration of product sales data processing system S) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product sales data processing system S according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the product sales data processing system S includes, for example, a self-service POS (Point of Sales) device 1 and a manned POS device 2. The product sales data processing system S is installed in a store, such as a convenience store or supermarket. The self-service POS device 1 and the manned POS device 2 are connected by wire or wirelessly via a network N, such as an in-store LAN (Local Area Network). The self-service POS device 1 and the manned POS device 2 may also be connected so as to be able to communicate with a store computer or other server installed in the store.

[0009] The self-service POS device 1 is a product sales data processing device that can be operated by customers themselves. In addition to the normal product registration and transaction processing functions for products displayed in the store, the self-service POS device 1 also has a function for registering non-displayed products to be purchased.

[0010] For example, when a customer purchases a product that is on display in a store, the customer personally brings the product to the self-service POS device 1 and operates the self-service POS device 1 to register the product and perform the transaction process. When a customer purchases a non-displayed product, the customer registers the non-displayed product to be purchased from the non-displayed product registration screen displayed on the display unit of the self-service POS device 1.

[0011] Non-displayed products are products that are not displayed in the store so that customers can pick them up themselves, such as, but not limited to, cigarettes, gifts, and food prepared in the store. Non-displayed products also include products such as cigarettes that are displayed in a location visible to customers but cannot be picked up by customers themselves, and are specified to be picked up by store employees at the customer's request. Self-service POS device 1 is an example of a product sales data processing device and a first product sales data processing device in this embodiment.

[0012] The manned POS device 2 is a product sales data processing device operated by a store employee (clerk). In the manned POS device 2, the employee operates the manned POS device 2 to register the product and process the transaction for the product held by the customer. The manned POS device 2 is also called a manned cash register.

[0013] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to the normal product registration and transaction processing functions, the manned POS device 2 has a function of performing transaction processing for non-display products registered by a customer at the self-service POS device 1. The manned POS device 2 acquires linkage information indicating non-display products registered as purchase targets at the self-service POS device 1, and when the customer comes to the manned POS device 2 carrying a piece of paper on which a code symbol capable of identifying the linkage information is printed, the manned POS device 2 performs transaction processing for the non-display products after confirmation by an employee. The manned POS device 2 is an example of a second product sales data processing device in this embodiment.

[0014] Although FIG. 1 shows one self-service POS device 1 and one manned POS device 2, the merchandise sales data processing system S may include a plurality of self-service POS devices 1 and a plurality of manned POS devices 2.

[0015] (Configuration of self-service POS device 1) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the self-checkout POS device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, a cash deposit / withdrawal unit 4, a code reading unit 5, a card reading unit 6, a printing unit 7, a display unit 8, and an operation unit 9. The CPU 11 is connected to each of the hardware components shown in Fig. 2 via a bus or the like.

[0016] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and controls all the components of the self-checkout POS device 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace for expanding the programs and various data. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 together constitute a control unit 100, which is an example of a computer.

[0017] The storage unit 14 has a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 14 stores various programs that the CPU 11 can execute and various setting information.

[0018] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface connectable to the network N. The communication unit 15 transmits and receives various information to and from the manned POS device 2 or other devices via the network N. In this embodiment, the communication unit 15 transmits link information to the manned POS device 2 via the network N. The communication unit 15 is an example of a transmission means in this embodiment.

[0019] The link information is information indicating non-displayed products that are registered by the customer as items to be purchased in the self-service POS device 1. One piece of link information is generated for each transaction. The link information includes, for example, identification information that can identify the link information, the product code, size, and quantity of the non-displayed product, etc. The content of the link information may vary depending on the type of non-displayed product. In addition, the communication unit 15 may communicate with an external device such as a store computer installed in the store or an electronic payment server that provides electronic payment services installed outside the store.

[0020] The identification information that can identify the link information is, for example, an identification number or code that can identify the link information.

[0021] The deposit / withdrawal unit 4, under the control of the control unit 100, deposits money received from customers and dispenses change to be paid to customers.

[0022] The code reading unit 5 is a reading device that reads information stored in a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. For example, the code reading unit 5 reads a code symbol attached to a product or a code symbol displayed on a user's mobile terminal or the like.

[0023] The card reading unit 6 is a reading device that reads information stored on a card-type medium. The card reading unit 6 reads information from a card medium inserted into a card insertion slot provided in the self-checkout POS device 1. For example, the card reading unit 6 reads information related to electronic payment from a credit card or electronic money card.

[0024] The printing unit 7 is a printing device such as a thermal printer, and is capable of printing characters or code symbols on a medium such as thermal paper. For example, under the control of the control unit 100, the printing unit 7 outputs paper on which is printed information that can identify linkage information related to a non-displayed product that the customer is purchasing. The information that can identify linkage information is printed, for example, as a code symbol that indicates identification information that can identify the linkage information transmitted by the communication unit 15. The printing unit 7 is an example of an output means in this embodiment.

[0025] The printing unit 7 also prints, for example, a receipt for the product purchased by the customer, and outputs (issues) the printed receipt from a receipt issuing port formed on the housing of the self-service POS device 1.

[0026] The display unit 8 is a display configured with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 8 displays various information and images under the control of the control unit 100. The display unit 8 displays a non-display product registration screen on which a customer can register non-display products to be purchased. The display unit 8 is an example of a display means in this embodiment.

[0027] The operation unit 9 is an interface capable of accepting customer operations. The operation unit 9 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 8, and outputs information based on the position touched by the user to the control unit 100. The display unit 8 and the operation unit 9 form a touch screen. The operation unit 9 accepts, for example, a customer's operation to register a non-displayed product as a purchase target. The operation unit 9 is an example of a reception means in this embodiment. Note that the operation unit 9 may be a physical button provided on the housing of the self-service POS device 1 instead of a touch panel.

[0028] The cash deposit / withdrawal unit 4, code reading unit 5, card reading unit 6, printing unit 7, display unit 8, and operation unit 9 shown in Figure 2 may be provided in the housing of the self-service POS device 1, or may be provided near the self-service POS device 1 as peripheral devices and connected to the self-service POS device 1 by wire or wirelessly.

[0029] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-checkout POS device 1 includes a display control unit 101, a reception unit 102, a transmission unit 103, and an output unit 104 as functional components.

[0030] Some or all of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU 11) of the self-checkout POS device 1 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 12, storage unit 14). Also, some or all of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS device 1 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the self-checkout POS device 1.

[0031] The display control unit 101 causes the display unit 8 to display various screens related to product registration and checkout processing. For example, the display control unit 101 causes the display unit 8 to display a non-display product registration screen on which a customer can register a non-display product to be purchased. The display control unit 101 also causes the display unit 8 to display a non-display product display button through which a customer can input an operation to request that the non-display product registration screen be displayed on the display unit 8. The non-display product display button may be provided, for example, on a regular product registration screen on which a customer can register products that are displayed in the store.

[0032] The non-display product registration screen is, for example, a screen on which images of non-display products and product names are displayed in a selectable manner. The images and product names of non-display products may be, for example, image buttons that can be pressed by a customer. When a customer presses the image and product name of a non-display product on the non-display product registration screen, the non-display product is registered as a purchase target.

[0033] Furthermore, the display control unit 101 displays an end button on the non-display product registration screen, which can accept an operation by the customer to end the registration of the non-display product. The end button may be, for example, an image button that can accept an operation to be pressed by the customer.

[0034] The reception unit 102 receives various operations from the customer via the operation unit 9. For example, the reception unit 102 receives an operation from the customer to register a non-displayed item as a purchase target. For example, the reception unit 102 receives an operation from the customer to press a non-displayed item display button displayed on the display unit 8. The reception unit 102 also receives an operation from the customer to register a non-displayed item to be purchased on a non-displayed item registration screen displayed on the display unit 8. The reception unit 102 registers the non-displayed item selected by the customer as a purchase target in, for example, the memory unit 14. The reception unit 102 also receives an operation from the customer to end the registration of the non-displayed item when the end button is pressed.

[0035] The transmission unit 103 transmits the linkage information indicating the non-displayed product to be purchased to another device via the communication unit 15. In this embodiment, when the reception unit 102 receives an operation by the customer to complete the registration of the non-displayed product, the transmission unit 103 transmits the linkage information to the manned POS device 2.

[0036] The output unit 104 controls the printing unit 7 to print various information on paper. For example, the output unit 104 outputs paper on which is printed information that can identify the linkage information of the non-displayed product that the customer is purchasing. As described above, the information that can identify the linkage information is printed, for example, as a code symbol that indicates identification information that can identify the linkage information.

[0037] In addition to the code symbol, the output unit 104 may print out on paper the product name, size, quantity, issue date and time, estimated waiting time, and identification information of the non-display product to be purchased.

[0038] The estimated waiting time for a non-displayed product to be purchased indicates, for example, the approximate time required for cooking the product if the non-displayed product to be purchased is an in-store cooked item. The cooking time may be determined in advance for each product, or the self-service POS device 1 may obtain the status of orders waiting to be cooked from a device installed in the kitchen. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the estimated waiting time, a deadline for transaction processing may be printed on paper. The deadline for transaction processing indicates the deadline by which the customer must bring a piece of paper on which information identifying the linkage information is printed to the manned POS device 2. The deadline for transaction processing may be determined in advance as a specified time, such as "30 minutes from the date and time the customer registers the non-displayed product to be purchased on the self-service POS device 1."

[0039] The identification number is printed in a format that can be seen by store employees as an alternative in case the code symbol printed on paper becomes unreadable due to soiling or the like.

[0040] (Configuration of manned POS device 2) Next, we will explain the configuration of the manned POS device 2. The manned POS device 2 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, a storage unit, a communication unit, a cash deposit / withdrawal unit, a code reading unit, a card reading unit, a printing unit, a display unit, an operation unit, etc., similar to the self-service POS device 1 explained in Fig. 2, for example.

[0041] The CPU, ROM, and RAM of the manned POS device 2 constitute a control unit, which is an example of a computer. The control unit of the manned POS device 2 executes various processes in the manned POS device 2.

[0042] The storage unit of the manned POS device 2 has a storage medium such as a HDD or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit of the manned POS device 2 stores various programs that can be executed by the CPU and various setting information. The storage unit of the manned POS device 2 also stores linkage information received by the communication unit.

[0043] The communication unit of the manned POS device 2 transmits and receives various information to and from the self-checkout POS device 1 or other devices via the network N. For example, the communication unit of the manned POS device 2 receives linkage information from the self-checkout POS device 1. The communication unit is an example of a receiving means in this embodiment.

[0044] The deposit / withdrawal unit of the manned POS device 2 deposits money received from a customer and dispenses change to be paid to the customer under the control of the control unit.

[0045] The code reading unit of the manned POS device 2 is a reading device that reads information stored in a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. For example, the code reading unit of the manned POS device 2 reads a code symbol indicating identification information that can identify linkage information from a medium such as thermal paper printed out by the self-service POS device 1. The code reading unit of the manned POS device 2 is an example of a reading means in this embodiment.

[0046] The card reader of the manned POS device 2 is a reader that reads information stored on a card-type medium.

[0047] The printing unit of the manned POS device 2 is a printing device such as a thermal printer, and prints and outputs (issues) receipts for the products purchased by the customer after the transaction process.

[0048] The display unit of the manned POS device 2 is a display configured with a display device such as an LCD, etc. The display unit of the manned POS device 2 is an example of the display means of the second merchandise sales data processing device in this embodiment.

[0049] The operation unit of the manned POS device 2 is a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like that can accept operations from store employees.

[0050] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the manned POS device 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the manned POS device 2 includes a receiving unit 201, a reading unit 202, an identifying unit 203, a display control unit 204, an accounting processing unit 205, and a reception unit 206.

[0051] Some or all of the functional configuration of the manned POS device 2 may be a software configuration realized by cooperation between a processor (e.g., CPU) of the manned POS device 2 and a program stored in a memory (e.g., ROM, storage unit). Also, some or all of the functional configuration of the manned POS device 2 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the manned POS device 2.

[0052] The receiving unit 201 receives the link information from the self-checkout POS device 1 via the communication unit. The receiving unit 201 stores the received link information in, for example, a storage unit.

[0053] The reading unit 202 reads the identification information of the linkage information from the code symbol printed on the paper output from the self-checkout POS device 1 via the code reading unit.

[0054] The identification unit 203 identifies, from the linkage information received by the receiving unit 201, linkage information that corresponds to the identification information read by the reading unit 202 using the code reading unit. The identification unit 203 searches for linkage information stored in the memory unit using the read identification information, for example, and identifies the linkage information that corresponds to the identification information. In other words, the linkage information that corresponds to the identification information read by the reading unit 202 using the code reading unit is the linkage information of the transaction object. The identification unit 203 is an example of an identification means in this embodiment.

[0055] The display control unit 204 causes the display unit to display the non-displayed product to be purchased that is indicated by the link information identified by the identification unit 203.

[0056] The accounting processing unit 205 executes accounting for the non-displayed items to be purchased based on the linkage information received by the receiving unit 201. The accounting processing unit 205 is an example of a checkout means in this embodiment. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 205 executes accounting for the non-displayed items included in the linkage information received by the receiving unit 201 that corresponds to the identification information printed on the paper output from the self-service POS device 1. The linkage information that corresponds to the identification information printed on the paper output from the self-service POS device 1 is identified by the identifying unit 203 described above.

[0057] The reception unit 206 receives operations from store employees via the operation unit.

[0058] (Purchase process flow for non-display items) Next, the flow of the purchase process for non-displayed products in the product sales data processing system S configured as above will be described.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a purchasing process for a non-displayed product according to the embodiment.

[0060] First, the display control unit 101 of the self-checkout POS device 1 causes the display unit 8 to display a non-display commodity display button (S1).

[0061] When the customer presses the non-display commodity display button, the reception unit 102 of the self-checkout POS device 1 receives the pressing of the non-display commodity display button via the operation unit 9 (S2).

[0062] In this case, the display control unit 101 displays a non-display product registration screen on the display unit 8 (S3).

[0063] For example, when a customer presses an image button showing a non-displayed product on the non-displayed product registration screen, the reception unit 102 of the self-checkout POS device 1 receives a registration operation by the customer to register the non-displayed product as a purchase target (S4).

[0064] After registering the non-displayed product to be purchased, the customer presses the end button. In this case, the reception unit 102 of the self-checkout POS device 1 receives the operation to end the registration of the non-displayed product (S5).

[0065] When the reception unit 102 receives an operation by the customer to complete the registration of the non-displayed product, the transmission unit 103 of the self-checkout POS device 1 transmits the link information to the manned POS device 2 (S6).

[0066] The receiving unit 201 of the manned POS device 2 receives the link information from the self-checkout POS device 1 via the communication unit, and stores the received link information in, for example, a storage unit (S7).

[0067] In addition, the output unit 104 of the self-checkout POS device 1 controls the printing unit 7 to print and output a code symbol indicating identification information that can identify the linkage information on paper (S8). The customer takes the paper and moves to the manned POS device 2.

[0068] The store clerk operating the manned POS device 2 receives from the customer a paper on which a code symbol indicating identification information capable of identifying the linked information is printed, and reads the code symbol with the code reading unit of the manned POS device 2. The reading unit 202 of the manned POS device 2 obtains the result of the code reading unit reading the identification information printed on the paper output from the self-service POS device 1 (S9).

[0069] The identification unit 203 of the manned POS device 2 identifies the linkage information received by the receiving unit 201 that corresponds to the identification information read by the reading unit 202 using the code reading unit, i.e., the linkage information for the transaction target (S10). Here, for example, the display control unit 204 of the manned POS device 2 causes the display unit to display the non-displayed product to be purchased indicated by the linkage information identified by the identification unit 203. The display control unit 204 may, for example, cause the display unit to display the product name and image of the non-displayed product to be purchased. This display allows the store clerk to confirm the non-displayed product to be purchased. If the manned POS device 2 also has a display unit on the customer's side, the store clerk and the customer may both visually confirm the non-displayed product to be purchased displayed on the display unit.

[0070] The transaction processing unit 205 of the manned POS device 2 then executes transaction processing for the non-displayed item included in the transaction target association information identified by the identification unit 203 (S11). After the customer makes payment, the store clerk hands over the non-displayed item to the customer. If the non-displayed item cannot be handed over on the spot, the printing unit of the manned POS device 2 may issue a voucher or the like. This is where the processing in this sequence diagram ends.

[0071] In this way, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment can be operated by a customer, accepts a customer's operation to register a non-displayed product that is not on display in the store as a purchase target, and transmits linkage information indicating the non-displayed product registered as a purchase target to the manned POS device 2. Therefore, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment allows a customer to efficiently and accurately purchase a non-displayed product that is not on display in the store.

[0072] For example, as a comparative example, if a self-service POS device without the above-described functions is installed in a store, even if the self-service POS device is available, a customer who wishes to purchase an item that is not on display in the store must go to a manned POS device and verbally tell an employee about the item they wish to purchase. This can lead to customers congesting the manned POS device or taking a long time to purchase the item. Furthermore, when customers verbally communicate the desired item, there is a risk of mishearing or other issues resulting in a mix-up. In contrast, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment allows customers to register the non-displayed item they wish to purchase, thereby alleviating congestion at the manned POS device 2 and reducing the possibility of a mix-up.

[0073] Furthermore, for customers with speech or hearing impairments, verbally informing a store clerk of the products they want can be a significant psychological burden. However, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment allows customers to register non-display products they wish to purchase by themselves, potentially reducing the psychological burden they feel when making a purchase.

[0074] The self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment also displays a non-display product registration screen on which customers can register non-display products to be purchased, and accepts the customer's operation to register the non-display products to be purchased via the non-display product registration screen. Therefore, with the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment, customers can decide to purchase the desired non-display products while checking them on the non-display product registration screen. This reduces the occurrence of mistaken purchases due to customer misremembering, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment outputs paper on which information that can identify the linkage information is printed. Therefore, according to the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment, when a customer goes to the manned POS device 2 with the paper, the manned POS device 2 can easily identify the linkage information that indicates the non-displayed product that the customer is purchasing from the linkage information that has already been acquired. This method reduces the possibility of mix-ups compared to when the customer communicates verbally. Furthermore, the self-service POS device 1 of this embodiment does not output the linkage information on paper, but transmits it to the manned POS device 2 in advance and prints identification information that can identify the linkage information on paper, eliminating the need to re-enter the product code of the non-displayed product that the customer is purchasing at the manned POS device 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the product sales data processing system S of this embodiment includes a self-service POS device 1 and a manned POS device 2, and the manned POS device 2 receives linkage information from the self-service POS device 1 and executes accounting processing for the non-displayed product to be purchased based on the received linkage information. Therefore, the product sales data processing system S of this embodiment can automatically link the non-displayed product to be purchased that the customer registered themselves at the self-service POS device 1 to the manned POS device 2, thereby reducing the possibility of mix-ups occurring.

[0077] Furthermore, the manned POS device 2 of the product sales data processing system S of this embodiment reads the identification information of the linkage information from the code symbol printed on the paper output from the self-service POS device 1 and identifies the linkage information corresponding to the read identification information. The manned POS device 2 executes the checkout process for the non-displayed product registered as a purchase target indicated in the identified linkage information. For example, if multiple customers register non-displayed products to purchase, the manned POS device 2 receives multiple pieces of linkage information. According to the product sales data processing system S of this embodiment, when a customer approaches the manned POS device 2 with a piece of paper on which information that can identify the linkage information is printed, the manned POS device 2 can accurately identify which of the multiple pieces of linkage information the customer is paying for. This reduces the occurrence of mix-ups with transactions by other customers.

[0078] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the transmitting unit 103 of the self-service POS device 1 transmits the linkage information directly to the attended POS device 2, but the linkage information may be transmitted via another device. For example, the transmitting unit 103 of the self-service POS device 1 may transmit the linkage information to a store computer or another server. In this case, the receiving unit 201 of the attended POS device 2 receives the linkage information from the store computer or another server. In this case, the linkage information may be stored in the store computer or another server, and the receiving unit 201 of the attended POS device 2 may obtain, from the server, the linkage information corresponding to the identification information read by the reading unit 202. The store computer or another server is an example of another device in this modification.

[0079] Furthermore, if the non-displayed product to be purchased is a product prepared in the store, the kitchen can quickly grasp the customer's registration information and prepare it. For this reason, the transmission unit 103 of the self-service POS device 1 may also transmit link information to a device installed in the kitchen. Alternatively, the device installed in the kitchen may receive link information from the store computer or another server, etc.

[0080] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, a customer registers a non-display item to be purchased from the non-display item registration screen displayed on the display unit 8 of the self-service POS device 1, but the method for registering a non-display item to be purchased is not limited to this. For example, if a customer repeatedly purchases the same item, such as cigarettes, the customer may bring in a used product package, and the code reader 5 of the self-service POS device 1 may read the two-dimensional code printed on the package to register the product as a non-display item to be purchased. Alternatively, if the self-service POS device 1 is equipped with a camera, the camera may photograph the used product package to identify the product and register it as a non-display item to be purchased.

[0081] Furthermore, even when a non-display product registration screen is used, the specifications of the non-display product registration screen are not limited to a screen that displays images of non-display products and product names in a selectable manner as described above. For example, the non-display product registration screen may be a search screen in which a customer inputs the product name of a non-display product.

[0082] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the output unit 104 of the self-checkout POS device 1 controls the printing unit 7 to print information that can identify the linkage information as a code symbol on paper. However, the method for outputting the information that can identify the linkage information is not limited to this. For example, the output unit 104 of the self-checkout POS device 1 may output a code symbol indicating identification information of the linkage information to a member app linked to the self-checkout POS device 1. In this case, a member app (application program) installed on a mobile device such as a smartphone of a customer displays a code symbol indicating the identification information on the screen of the mobile device. The customer goes to the manned POS device 2 and presents the code symbol displayed on the screen of the mobile device to a store clerk. In this case, the store clerk reads the code symbol using a code reading unit of the manned POS device 2, as in the case of paper. In this case, the code symbol may be generated by the self-checkout POS device 1 or may be generated from identification information of the linkage information by the member app on the customer's mobile device. If the member app on the customer's mobile device generates the code symbol, the output unit 104 of the self-checkout POS device 1 outputs the identification information of the linkage information to the member app linked to the self-checkout POS device 1.

[0083] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a customer purchases only non-display items, but the self-service POS device 1 may also be used when a customer simultaneously purchases both items displayed in the store and non-display items. In this case, the self-service POS device 1 may perform transaction processing for both the items displayed in the store and the non-display items, and may send linkage information indicating the non-display items for which transaction processing has been completed to the manned POS device 2 or another device. In this case, if it is determined that the non-display items cannot be purchased at the manned POS device 2, the manned POS device 2 will perform a refund process for the price of the non-display items that the customer was unable to purchase. Existing functions can be used for the refund process.

[0084] Alternatively, the self-service POS device 1 may process the transaction only for products displayed in the store, while the manned POS device 2 may process the transaction for non-display products, as in the above-described embodiment. If the store awards points to customers based on a certain payment amount, separating the transactions may result in fewer points being awarded to the customer. Therefore, it is desirable for the display control unit 101 of the self-service POS device 1 to display a message or the like on the display unit 8 explaining the disadvantages of separating the transactions for products displayed in the store and non-display products. The display control unit 101 of the self-service POS device 1 may also display a selection button on the display unit 8 that allows the customer to select whether to separate the transactions for products displayed in the store and non-display products, or to cancel product registration at the self-service POS device 1 and register and process all products at the manned POS device 2. The customer can confirm the message or the like explaining the disadvantages of separating the transactions for products displayed in the store and non-display products, and then operate the selection button to make their selection.

[0085] Alternatively, the self-checkout POS device 1 may be capable of registering only either products that are displayed in the store or products that are not displayed in the store. The setting of whether or not to register may be changeable by, for example, the manager of the store.

[0086] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, the self-service POS device 1 has a function for registering non-displayed products to be purchased in addition to the normal functions of registering and processing items displayed in a store, but the self-service POS device 1 may be a device dedicated to registering non-displayed products. In this case, the self-service POS device 1 does not need to have hardware components (e.g., the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 4, the card reader 6, etc.) that are not used for registering non-displayed products.

[0087] (Variation 6) In the above embodiment, the printing unit 7, display unit 8, operation unit 9, and communication unit 15, which are hardware components of the self-checkout POS device 1, are examples of the output means, display means, reception means, and transmission means, respectively, but examples of each means are not limited to these. For example, the output unit 104, display control unit 101, reception unit 102, and transmission unit 103, which are functions realized by the control unit 100, may be examples of the output means, display means, reception means, and transmission means, respectively.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the communication unit and the code reading unit, which are hardware components of the manned POS device 2, are examples of the receiving means and the reading means, respectively, but examples of each means are not limited to this. For example, the receiving unit 201 and the reading unit 202, which are functions realized by the control unit, may be examples of the receiving means and the reading means, respectively.

[0089] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. Self-service POS device 2 Manned POS device 4. Deposit and Withdrawal Section 5 Code reader 6 Card reader 7 Printing section 8 Display 9 Control section 14 Storage section 15 Communications Department 100 control section 101 Display control unit 102 Reception 103 Transmitter 104 Output section 201 Receiving unit 202 Reading unit 203 Specific section 204 Display control unit 205 Accounting Department 206 Reception N Network S Product sales data processing system [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0091] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 12394 / 1983

Claims

1. A product sales data processing device that can be operated by a customer, a reception means for receiving an operation by the customer to register a non-displayed product that is not on display in the store as a purchase target; a transmitting means for transmitting link information indicating the non-displayed product to be purchased that is registered by the customer to another device; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. The system further includes a display means for displaying a non-display product registration screen on which the customer can register the non-display product to be purchased, the accepting means accepts an operation by the customer to register the non-displayed product to be purchased via the non-displayed product registration screen; The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. further comprising an output means for outputting paper on which information capable of identifying the link information is printed. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The system comprises a first merchandise sales data processing device that can be operated by a customer himself / herself, and a second merchandise sales data processing device that is operated by a store clerk, The first product sales data processing device a reception means for receiving an operation by the customer to register a non-displayed product that is not on display in the store as a purchase target; a transmitting means for transmitting link information indicating the non-displayed product to be purchased that is registered by the customer to the second product sales data processing device or another device; The second product sales data processing device a receiving means for receiving the link information from the first product sales data processing device or the other device; and a checkout means for executing checkout processing for the non-displayed product to be purchased based on the received link information. Product sales data processing system.

5. The first product sales data processing device further comprising an output means for outputting a code symbol capable of identifying the link information; The second product sales data processing device a reading means for reading the identification information of the linked information from the code symbol output from the first product sales data processing device; an identification unit that identifies the link information corresponding to the identification information read by the reading unit, the checkout unit executes checkout processing for the non-displayed product to be purchased that is indicated in the identified link information.

5. The merchandise sales data processing system according to claim 4.

6. a receiving step of receiving a customer's operation to register a non-displayed product that is not displayed in the store as a purchase target; a transmitting step of transmitting link information indicating the non-displayed product to be purchased registered by the customer to another device; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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