Product registration device and information processing program

Abstract

A product registration device and an information processing program are provided that can prevent inconsistencies between set business days and actual dates. The product registration device includes a determining unit and a notifying unit. The determining unit determines whether a set business day matches an actual date based on a user's operation. The notifying unit issues a warning if the set business day does not match an actual date.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product registration device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In supermarkets and other retail stores, POS (Point Of Sales) terminals are used to register product sales, etc. Employees who operate the POS terminals perform an activation process to activate the POS terminal before opening for business. Typically, a POS terminal is activated within one business day, the business day is set, and after use for business, the terminal is closed after settlement processing.

[0003] Before registering products or carrying out accounting procedures, employees etc. sign on (log in) to the POS terminal they will be using. Note that the sign on operation can be performed while the POS terminal is activated or while it is not activated.

[0004] For example, if the closing process is not performed properly at the POS terminal, the business day will not be changed, which may result in an inconsistency between the actual date at the time of signing on and the business day set at the POS terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-103779 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a product registration device and an information processing program that can suppress inconsistencies between set business days and actual dates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the product registration device includes a determining unit and a notifying unit. The determining unit determines whether a set business day matches an actual date based on a user's operation. The notifying unit issues a warning when the set business day does not match an actual date. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of a POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example of information processing in the POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0010] The following description will be given using an example of a store that sells products. The store is assumed to be a physical store. Products include not only tangible products but also non-tangible products such as services or tickets. Services are services provided to customers. The store may be a store that primarily sells tangible products, or a store that primarily sells the provision of services. For example, a store that primarily sells tangible products includes, but is not limited to, a supermarket or a home improvement store. For example, a store that primarily sells the provision of services includes, but is not limited to, a restaurant or a sports gym.

[0011] A product transaction is the transfer of costs from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, the transaction involves the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, the transaction involves the purchase of a product.

[0012] For example, a store is operated by a business operator. The business operator may be of any type. For example, a business operator may operate multiple stores. The term "business operator" refers not only to the business operator itself, but also to a group of businesses. A group of businesses is a group that operates stores recognized as a group. For example, a group of businesses is a group that operates stores using the same name. A group of businesses may also include franchisees in which the business operator is involved as a franchisor. A business operator is an example of an organization.

[0013] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in the store X. The store X may have multiple POS terminals, including the POS terminal 1. The configuration of the multiple POS terminals may be similar to the configuration of the POS terminal 1.

[0014] For example, the POS terminal 1 has a product registration function. The POS terminal 1 processes the registration of one or more products that are the subject of a transaction using the product registration function. Hereinafter, product registration is also referred to as product registration. Products that are the subject of a transaction are also referred to as transaction products. Product registration is registering a product as a transaction product. For example, product registration includes adding data about the transaction product to data about the transaction. Data about the transaction product is also referred to as transaction product data. Data about the transaction may include transaction product data for each transaction product for one transaction. Data about the transaction is also referred to as transaction data. The POS terminal 1 may store the transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12. The POS terminal 1 can be operated by a user of the POS terminal 1. The user of the POS terminal 1 is mainly a store clerk. The POS terminal 1 is an example of a product registration device.

[0015] The transaction data is data about details of the trading product. The transaction data may include a product code of the trading product. The product code of the trading product is identification information that can uniquely identify the trading product. The transaction data may include a price of the trading product. The price of the trading product is the price per unit of the trading product. The transaction data may include a score of the trading product. The score of the trading product is the number of trading products included in one transaction. For example, the transaction data is stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction.

[0016] For example, the POS terminal 1 has a payment function. The POS terminal 1 processes the payment of a transaction based on transaction data using the payment function. Payment is payment for the transaction. Payment includes accounting. Completion of payment by the POS terminal 1 includes the conclusion of the transaction. The POS terminal 1 is an example of a payment device with a payment function.

[0017] Payment methods for settling a transaction include offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is payment that does not require the POS terminal 1 to cooperate with other devices via the network N. For example, offline payment is payment with cash, gift certificates, etc. Online payment is payment that the POS terminal 1 executes in cooperation with other devices via the network N. For example, online payment is credit card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, code payment, etc.

[0018] The POS terminal 1 is activated when a user operating the POS terminal 1, such as an employee of store X, performs an opening process. The opening process includes starting up the POS terminal 1 and setting business days. The POS terminal 1 may store an opening time. Business days may be set based on the opening time or may be set based on an operation by an employee or the like. The employee, for example, opens the POS terminal and performs the task of replenishing change in a drawer, an automatic change dispenser, etc.

[0019] The POS terminal 1 records the settlement results from opening to settlement processing as sales for one business day. Settlement processing refers to the work of collecting sales cash at the time of settlement. Settlement processing is also called closing processing. Closing processing includes outputting information including the settlement results from opening to settlement processing to the transaction management server and clearing the business day. Clearing the business day includes deleting the business day set in the opening processing or setting the business day to "not opened." The POS terminal 1 may record data indicating the operating status, including the opening time when the POS terminal 1 opened and the settlement time when the settlement processing was performed.

[0020] The POS terminal 1 aggregates the sales for one business day by executing the settlement process and outputs the aggregated data to the transaction management server. The transaction management server may aggregate the sales data input from all POS terminals 1 and send it to a host server or the like.

[0021] A user of the POS terminal 1 performs a sign-on operation when starting a transaction using the POS terminal 1. The sign-on operation includes the user reading or inputting a clerk code or the like. The sign-on operation includes inputting a sign-on request. The sign-on request is a request for performing sign-on processing based on the operation of the user of the POS terminal 1. The sign-on request includes a record of information that can identify the user who has signed on. The information that can identify the user includes the employee's name, employee ID, or clerk code. The information that can identify the user is also called employee identification information. After performing the sign-on operation, the user of the POS terminal 1 performs a transaction operation using the POS terminal 1.

[0022] When the user of the POS terminal 1 finishes a transaction using the POS terminal 1, the user performs a sign-off operation. The sign-off operation includes a sign-off instruction. The sign-off instruction is a request to perform sign-off processing based on the operation of the user of the POS terminal 1. The sign-off processing includes deleting or updating information that can identify the user who has signed on.

[0023] The POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, a change machine interface 13, a communication interface 14, a scanner 15, an input device 16, a display device 17, a printing device 18, a card reader 19, and an audio output device 20. The main memory 11, the auxiliary storage device 12, the change machine interface 13, the communication interface 14, the scanner 15, the input device 16, the display device 17, the printing device 18, the card reader 19, and the audio output device 20 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 2, the interface is indicated as "I / F".

[0024] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 10 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute processes by each unit described below. The processing circuit 10 executes the program loaded into the main memory 11 to perform various processes.

[0025] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices may be, but are not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10.

[0027] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a management data storage area 121. The management data storage area 121 stores management data. The data in the management data storage area 121 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting management data. The management data is data for managing switching points in the POS terminal 1. The management data includes, for example, data such as business days and employee identification information entered at sign-on. The management data may also include data such as opening time, closing time, sign-on time, and sign-off time. The management data storage area 121 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 12 may store a product master. The product master is data that includes various information about each product, such as the product code, price, and product name. The product master data may include information indicating the type of each product. The auxiliary storage device 12 may also store transaction data.

[0029] The change machine interface 13 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 13 receives inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 13 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0030] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 1 to other devices via the network N in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that the POS terminal 1 can communicate with other devices.

[0031] The scanner 15 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include a code symbol of a product that records a product code. The code symbol of a product is an image attached to the product. The code symbols may include a code symbol that records a store clerk code. The store clerk code is identification information that can uniquely identify a store clerk or employee. The code symbols may include a code symbol for code payment.

[0032] The input device 16 is a device that can input information to the POS terminal 1. For example, the input device 16 may include a keyboard. The input device 16 may also form a touch screen together with the display device 17.

[0033] The display device 17 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the display device 17 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display device 17 is an example of a display unit.

[0034] The printing device 18 is a device for issuing transaction details by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 18 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium showing transaction details. The transaction details are described as being a receipt, but they may also be a receipt with a space for entering the recipient's name. The transaction details are also called a transaction receipt. A transaction receipt is an example of a receipt showing transaction data.

[0035] For example, the transaction details include information about the store where the transaction took place, information about the date and time of the transaction, and all or part of the information about the transaction. The transaction details may also include information other than these pieces of information. For example, the information about the store where the transaction took place includes the name of the store. The information about the store where the transaction took place may also include information other than this information. For example, the information about the date and time of the transaction includes the date and time of the transaction. The information about the date and time of the transaction may also include information other than this information.

[0036] For example, the transaction information includes information about the trading product for each trading product. The information about the trading product includes all or part of the product code, name, price, number of items, amount, and type of the trading product. The information about the trading product may also include information other than these.

[0037] The information about the transaction may include a total amount of the transaction. The information about the transaction may include a payment amount, which is the amount of payment for the transaction paid using the customer's selected payment method.

[0038] The card reader 19 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The card reader 19 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The card reader 19 may also include a contactless reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna.

[0039] The audio output device 20 is a device that can output various sounds under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the audio output device 20 is a speaker.

[0040] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 1 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0041] Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described below. The processing circuit 10 realizes a reception processing means 101, a determination means 102, a notification means 103, a product registration means 104, a payment processing means 105, an issuing means 106, and an output means 107. Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as each unit or each function. Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 10 and a main memory 11.

[0042] The reception processing means 101 receives instructions, requests, or information input to the POS terminal 1. For example, the reception processing means 101 receives instructions based on an operation by a user. The reception processing means 101 receives an opening instruction based on an opening operation by a user. The reception processing means 101 sets a business day based on the opening instruction. The reception processing means 101 may also set a business day based on the time when the opening operation was performed. The reception processing means 101 may also set a business day based on an operation by a user to input a business day. The reception processing means 101 receives a closing instruction based on a closing operation by a user. The reception processing means 101 clears the business day based on the closing instruction.

[0043] The reception processing means 101 receives instructions based on a sign-on operation by a user. The instructions based on the sign-on operation are, for example, sign-on requests. For example, the reception processing means 101 acquires a sign-on request based on a user operation. The reception processing means 101 performs sign-on processing based on the sign-on request. The reception processing means 101 records employee identification information based on the sign-on request. The reception processing means 101 may also record the sign-on time. The reception processing means 101 receives instructions based on a sign-off operation by a user. The instructions based on the sign-off operation are, for example, sign-off instructions. The reception processing means 101 acquires a sign-off instruction based on a user operation. The reception processing means 101 performs sign-off processing based on the sign-off instruction. The reception processing means 101 may also record the sign-off time.

[0044] The reception processing means 101 receives instructions based on transaction operations by a user. Transaction operations include, for example, a product registration start operation to start product registration, a membership code reception operation to receive a customer's membership code, and other operations. Product registration start operations include, for example, reading a product code, pressing a product registration button, or pressing a product registration start button. Membership code reception operations include, for example, reading a membership code, entering a membership code, and pressing a membership code reception button. Transaction operations may also include a payment processing start operation to start payment processing. Transaction operations are not limited to the above examples and include any operation related to a transaction performed at the POS terminal 1. An instruction based on a transaction operation is, for example, a transaction processing request. Transaction processing includes product registration start processing, membership code reception processing, and payment processing start processing. Transaction processing is not limited to the above examples and includes any process related to a transaction performed at the POS terminal 1. A transaction processing request is a request to perform transaction processing based on an operation by a user of the POS terminal 1. A transaction processing request may include a record of information that can identify the user who performed the transaction operation. The reception processing means 101 also includes the meaning of an acquisition means for acquiring an instruction, request, or information input to the POS terminal 1.

[0045] The determination means 102 determines whether the set business days match the actual date based on a user's operation. The set business days indicate business days set in the POS terminal 1 based on the opening process. The set business days may also be business days stored in the management data. The actual date indicates, for example, a date based on the system time of the POS terminal 1. The determination means 102 may determine whether the set business days in the POS terminal 1 match the actual date based on a sign-on operation by the user. The determination means 102 may determine whether the set business days in the POS terminal 1 match the actual date based on a transaction operation by the user in the idle state. The idle state indicates, for example, a state in which information related to a transaction can be received. The idle state is also called a waiting state. The determination means 102, for example, compares the set business days with the date based on the system time. The determination means 102 determines whether the business days match the actual date based on the comparison result.

[0046] The notification means 103 displays various images on the display device 17. The notification means 103 displays a warning image indicating a warning on the display device 17 when the set business day does not match the actual date. The warning is a warning based on the determination result regarding the business day. The warning includes a warning indicating that the business day does not match the actual date. The warning may include a warning indicating that the requested processing cannot be performed. The warning image includes, for example, a message such as "The business day is different from the current date." The warning image may include a message indicating that the sign-on processing cannot be performed. The warning image may include a message indicating that the transaction processing cannot be performed. The warning image may include a cancel button. The cancel button is a button that allows a cancel instruction to be input to cancel the warning. The cancel instruction is an instruction to perform the requested processing. The warning image may include a close button. The close button is a button that allows an instruction to hide the warning.

[0047] In addition to or instead of a text message, the notification means 103 may output the warning by voice via the audio output device 20. In addition to or instead of a text message, the notification means 103 may output the warning by turning on or blinking a warning light connected to the POS terminal 1.

[0048] The product registration means 104 processes the registration of one or more trading products. The product registration means 104 acquires a product code based on a code symbol of the product. The product registration means 104 registers the product based on the product code. The product registration means 104 may acquire information about the product from a server that manages product information based on the product code.

[0049] The payment processing means 105 processes the payment of the transaction and stores the transaction data in the auxiliary storage device 12.

[0050] The issuing means 106 issues receipts, including transaction receipts.

[0051] Based on the closing operation, the output means 107 outputs information including the settlement result to the transaction management server via the communication interface 14. The information including the settlement result may include transaction data. The information including the settlement result may also include management data.

[0052] (Display example) The image displayed on the display device 17 of the POS terminal 1 will now be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a warning image Ima displayed on the display device 17. The warning image Ima includes, for example, a message Ma for notifying the user of the warning. The message indicates a warning based on the determination result regarding the business day. The message includes a message indicating that the business day does not match the actual date. For example, the message is, "The business day is different from the current date," or "The business day is different from the system time." The message may also include a message indicating that the requested processing cannot be performed. For example, the message is, "Operation cannot be performed," or "Process cannot be performed." This allows the user of the POS terminal 1 to easily recognize that the set business day is different from the system time.

[0054] The warning image Ima includes a cancel button Bb and a close button Ba. The cancel button is a button that can be used to input an instruction to cancel the warning. The close button is a button that can be used to input an instruction to hide the warning. A user of the POS terminal 1 confirms the warning, cancels the warning, and executes the requested processing by operating the cancel button by touch input or the like. The POS terminal 1 acquires the cancel instruction based on the user's operation of the cancel button. The POS terminal 1 executes the requested processing based on the cancel instruction. A user of the POS terminal 1 confirms the warning, and operates the close button by touch input or the like to hide the warning. The POS terminal 1 acquires the hide instruction based on the user's operation of the close button. The POS terminal 1 hides the warning based on the hide instruction.

[0055] The POS terminal 1 may display the warning image Ima on the display device 17 as a pop-up image.

[0056] (Processing example) The processing of the POS terminal 1 will be described. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment. In the following processing, it is assumed that the opening process is performed by the opening operation of the user (store clerk) of the POS terminal 1. The following processing is started when the user of the POS terminal 1 performs a sign-on operation after the opening process is performed.

[0057] The processing circuit 10 accepts a sign-on operation by a user (ACT1). ACT1 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a sign-on request based on the sign-on operation by the user of the POS terminal 1.

[0058] The processing circuit 10 determines the business day based on the sign-on request (ACT2). ACT2 may be processing by the determination means 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires information indicating the business days set in the POS terminal 1 based on the sign-on request. The processing circuit 10 acquires the information indicating the business days from the management data stored in the management data storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 acquires the system time. The processing circuit 10 compares the information indicating the business days set in the POS terminal 1 with the actual date based on the system time. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the set business day matches the actual date based on the comparison result. For example, if the information indicating the business day set in the POS terminal 1 matches the actual date based on the system time, the processing circuit 10 determines that the set business day matches the actual date. If the information indicating the business day set in the POS terminal 1 does not match the actual date based on the system time, the processing circuit 10 determines that the set business day does not match the actual date.

[0059] If the set business day matches the actual date (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT7. If the set business day does not match the actual date (ACT3: NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4.

[0060] If the set business day does not match the actual date, the processing circuit 10 issues a warning (ACT4). ACT4 may be processing by the notification means 103 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 10 displays a warning image indicating a warning on the display device 17. The warning image includes, for example, a warning message indicating that the business day does not match the actual date. The warning message includes a message such as "The business day is different from the current date." The warning image includes a cancel button and a close button. In addition to or instead of the warning message, the processing circuit 10 may output a warning via the audio output device 20. In addition to or instead of the warning message, the notification means 103 may output a warning by turning on or flashing a warning light connected to the POS terminal 1.

[0061] The processing circuit 10 determines whether there has been an input by the user (ACT5). ACT5 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines whether there has been an input operation of the cancel button or the close button based on the user's operation. If there has been an input operation of the cancel button or the close button by the user, the processing circuit 10 determines that there has been an input by the user. For example, the processing circuit 10 accepts a hide instruction based on the operation of the close button. The processing circuit 10 accepts a cancel instruction based on the operation of the cancel button. If there has been no input operation of the cancel button or the close button by the user, the processing circuit 10 determines that there has been no input by the user.

[0062] If there is an input from the user (ACT5: YES), the process proceeds from ACT5 to ACT6. If there is no input from the user (ACT5: NO), the process repeats ACT5.

[0063] When there is an input from the user, the processing circuit 10 determines whether a hide instruction has been input (ACT6). ACT6 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT6, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a hide instruction based on an operation of the close button. When there is an input operation of the close button by the user, the processing circuit 10 determines that there is an input of a hide instruction. When there is no input operation of the close button by the user, the processing circuit 10 determines that there is no input of a hide instruction. The absence of an input of a hide instruction corresponds to the user operating the cancel button.

[0064] If a non-display instruction is input (ACT6: YES), the processing transitions from ACT6 to ACT1. In this case, the processing circuit 10 hides the warning image. The processing circuit 10 waits for a sign-on operation. The processing circuit 10 may display a standby image for waiting for a sign-on operation on the display device 17. If a non-display instruction is not input (ACT6: NO), the processing transitions from ACT6 to ACT7.

[0065] The processing circuit 10 executes the requested processing based on the cancellation instruction (ACT7). ACT7 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT7, for example, the processing circuit 10 accepts an input operation of a cancel button by the user. The processing circuit 10 acquires a cancellation instruction based on the input operation of the cancel button. Based on the cancellation instruction, the processing circuit 10 cancels the warning and executes the requested processing. In this example, the processing circuit 10 executes sign-on processing.

[0066] According to this example, the POS terminal 1 determines whether the set business day matches the actual date based on a user's operation, and can issue a warning if the set business day does not match the actual date. For example, the POS terminal 1 can determine whether the business day set in the POS terminal 1 matches the date based on the system time based on a user's sign-on operation. Therefore, in cases where the business day set in the POS terminal 1 does not match the actual date, such as when the closing process is not performed properly and the business day set in the POS terminal 1 remains the previous business day, the POS terminal 1 can issue a warning when the user signs on. For example, the user can perform the closing process or change the business day setting based on the warning. This allows the POS terminal 1 to prevent inconsistencies between the business day set in the POS terminal 1 and the actual date when the user signs on.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example of information processing in the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment. In the following process, it is assumed that the opening process is being performed by the user (store clerk) of the POS terminal 1. In the following process, it is assumed that the POS terminal 1 is in an idle state after the opening process is performed. The following process is started when the user of the POS terminal 1 performs a transaction operation.

[0068] The processing circuit 10 accepts a transaction operation by a user when the POS terminal 1 is in an idle state (ACT11). ACT11 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a transaction processing request based on a transaction operation by a user of the POS terminal 1.

[0069] As in ACT2, the processing circuit 10 determines a business day based on the receipt of a transaction processing request (ACT12). ACT12 may be processing by the determination means 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires information indicating business days set in the POS terminal 1 based on the receipt of a transaction processing request. The processing circuit 10 acquires the information indicating business days from the management data stored in the management data storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 acquires the system time. The processing circuit 10 compares the information indicating business days set in the POS terminal 1 with the actual date based on the system time. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the set business day matches the actual date based on the comparison result. For example, if the information indicating business days set in the POS terminal 1 matches the actual date based on the system time, the processing circuit 10 determines that the set business day matches the actual date. If the information indicating business days set in the POS terminal 1 does not match the actual date based on the system time, the processing circuit 10 determines that the set business day does not match the actual date.

[0070] If the set business day matches the actual date (ACT13: YES), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT 17. If the set business day does not match the actual date (ACT13: NO), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT14.

[0071] As in ACT4, the processing circuit 10 issues a warning when the set business day does not match the actual date (ACT14). ACT14 may be processing by the notification means 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT14, for example, the processing circuit 10 displays a warning image indicating a warning on the display device 17. Note that the processing circuit 10 may output the warning as sound via the audio output device 20 in addition to or instead of a warning message. The notification means 103 may output the warning by turning on or blinking a warning light connected to the POS terminal 1 in addition to or instead of a warning message.

[0072] As in ACT5, the processing circuit 10 determines whether there has been an input from the user (ACT15). ACT15 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines whether there has been an input operation of the cancel button or the close button based on an operation by the user. If there has been an input from the user (ACT15: YES), the processing transitions from ACT15 to ACT16. If there has been no input from the user (ACT15: NO), the processing repeats ACT15.

[0073] Similarly to ACT6, when there is an input from the user, the processing circuit 10 determines whether a hide instruction has been input (ACT16). ACT16 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT16, for example, when there is an input operation of the close button by the user, the processing circuit 10 determines that there is an input of a hide instruction. When there is no input operation of the close button by the user, the processing circuit 10 determines that there is no input of a hide instruction. The absence of an input of a hide instruction corresponds to the input operation of the cancel button by the user.

[0074] If a non-display instruction is input (ACT16: YES), the processing transitions from ACT16 to ACT11. In this case, the processing circuit 10 does not display the warning image. The processing circuit 10 waits for a transaction operation. The processing circuit 10 may display a standby image for waiting for a transaction operation on the display device 17. If a non-display instruction is not input (ACT16: NO), the processing transitions from ACT16 to ACT17.

[0075] Similar to ACT7, the processing circuit 10 executes the requested processing based on the cancellation instruction (ACT17). ACT17 may be processing by the reception processing means 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT17, for example, the processing circuit 10 accepts an input operation of a cancel button by the user. The processing circuit 10 acquires a cancellation instruction based on the input operation of the cancel button. Based on the cancellation instruction, the processing circuit 10 cancels the warning and executes the requested processing. In this example, the processing circuit 10 executes the transaction processing.

[0076] According to this example, the POS terminal 1 determines whether the set business day matches the actual date based on a user's operation, and can issue a warning if the set business day does not match the actual date. For example, the POS terminal 1 can determine whether the business day set in the POS terminal 1 matches the date based on the system time based on a user's transaction operation. Therefore, in cases where the business day set in the POS terminal 1 does not match the actual date, such as when closing processing is not performed properly and the business day set in the POS terminal 1 remains the previous business day, the POS terminal 1 can issue a warning when the user performs a transaction operation. For example, the user can perform closing processing or change the business day setting based on the warning. This allows the POS terminal 1 to prevent inconsistencies between the business day set in the POS terminal 1 and the actual date when a user performs a transaction operation in an idle state.

[0077] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the POS terminal 1 is undergoing the opening process, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the POS terminal 1 is in an unopened state in which the opening process has not been performed and no business days have been set, the POS terminal 1 may determine the business day based on the acceptance of a sign-on operation by the user. The POS terminal 1 may also issue a warning based on the result of the determination of the business day.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, a POS terminal 1 on which a store clerk can perform product registration operations and payment operations has been described as an example of a product registration device, but this is not limiting. The product registration device may be any device that has at least a product registration function. The product registration device may be a POS terminal 1 on which a customer can complete the entire process from product registration to payment. The product registration device may be a POS terminal 1 on which a store clerk only registers products. The product registration device may be a shopping cart system with a product registration function. The product registration device may be a smartphone POS terminal 1 on which a customer can register products using a mobile terminal that the customer owns.

[0079] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 described in the above embodiment may be realized by a server capable of communicating with the POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of a merchandise registration device.

[0080] The units realized by the processing circuit 10 described in the above embodiment are not limited to being realized in a single device such as the POS terminal 1. The units may be realized in a distributed manner in multiple devices. In this case, the collection of multiple devices is an example of a product registration device.

[0081] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by one or more devices. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a program that can cause a computer of one or more devices to execute each function. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0082] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0083] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0084] 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, and modifications 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.

[0085] Some of the above-described embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) a determination means for determining whether a set business day coincides with an actual date based on a user's operation; a notification means for issuing a warning when the set business day does not match the actual date; A product registration device comprising: (2) The determination means determines whether the set business day matches an actual date based on a sign-on operation by the user. (1) A product registration device. (3) The determination means determines whether the set business day coincides with the actual date based on whether a user has performed a trading operation in the idle state. (1) A product registration device. (4) The business days are set based on the opening procedure. (1) A product registration device. (5) The business day is cleared based on the closing process; (1) A product registration device. (6) To the computer: A function to determine whether the set business days match the actual dates based on the user's operation; a function of issuing a warning when the set business day does not match the actual date; An information processing program capable of executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...POS terminal, 10...processing circuit, 11...main memory, 12...auxiliary storage device, 13...change machine interface, 14...communication interface, 15...scanner, 16...input device, 17...display device, 18...printing device, 19...card reader, 20...audio output device, 101...reception processing means, 102...determination means, 103...notification means, 104...product registration means, 105...payment processing means, 106...issuing means, 107...output means, 121...management data storage area, ID...employee, Ima...warning image, N...network, X...store.

Claims

1. a determination means for determining whether the set business day coincides with an actual date based on a user operation; a notification means for issuing a warning when the set business day does not match the actual date; A product registration device comprising:

2. the determination means determines whether the set business day coincides with an actual date based on a sign-on operation performed by a user. The product registration device according to claim 1 .

3. the determination means determines whether the set business day coincides with an actual date based on a transaction operation performed by a user in an idle state; The product registration device according to claim 1 .

4. The business days are set based on the opening process. The product registration device according to claim 1 .

5. The business day is cleared based on the closing process. The product registration device according to claim 1 .

6. On the computer, A function to determine whether the set business days match the actual dates based on the user's operation; a function of issuing a warning when the set business day does not match the actual date; An information processing program capable of executing the above.

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