Product sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of accounting when a customer purchases a commodity with a purchase restriction. [Solution] A product sales data processing device is configured to include a first information input means for inputting information in response to a store clerk, a second information input means for inputting information in response to a customer, and a processing means for executing different processing when specific information is input by the first information input means and when it is input by the second information input means.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The following POS system is known. That is, for products with age restrictions, such as cigarettes, a customer selects the product they wish to purchase on an issuing terminal, which then issues an information medium. The customer then goes to the POS terminal with the information medium and hands it over to a store clerk. Store clerk A then takes the product listed on the information medium from the shelf, and verifies the customer's age by having a barcode scanner read the product code of the product and the age verification code attached to the information medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5854480 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned cigarettes are not displayed on shelves facing customers, but are instead displayed on shelves installed on the clerk side of the cash register, for example, so that before a customer makes a purchase, only clerks can handle them, and customers cannot. (Purchase restricted products) For such purchase-restricted products, customers must tell the store clerk the name of the product they want to purchase and the number assigned to the product.However, if the customer is unable to immediately recognize the product name or number, it will take time to register the product, and the checkout process will take longer.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to improve the efficiency of checkout when a customer purchases a product with a purchase restriction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a product sales data processing device that includes a first information input means for inputting information in response to a store clerk, a second information input means for inputting information in response to a customer, and a processing means that executes different processing when specific information is input by the first information input means and when specific information is input by the second information input means.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a first information input means for inputting information in response to a store clerk, a second information input means for inputting information in response to a customer, and a processing means for executing different processing when specific information is input by the first information input means and when it is input by the second information input means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, the present invention has the effect of improving the efficiency of checkout when a customer purchases a purchase-restricted product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of a POS terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of an operation mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of an operation mode. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation when registering a product. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of registration information. [Figure 13] This is an example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. [Figure 14] 10 shows another example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. [Figure 15] 10 shows another example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. [Figure 16] 10 is a part of a flowchart according to a modified example. [Figure 17] This is an example of display on the store clerk side and the customer side. [Figure 18] 10 is an example of a receipt. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a product registration status screen and a brand number notification screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of brand number information in the present embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a POS terminal in the present embodiment in relation to a purchase-restricted product handling process (first example). [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of a product removal instruction screen and a product reception standby screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal in the present embodiment in relation to a purchase-restricted product handling process (second example). [Figure 24] 10 shows an example of a product type selection screen in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment> [POS system configuration example] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, which are communicatively connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0011] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores, but the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the POS system 1 is introduced into a convenience store.

[0012] Figure 2 shows an example of the installation of a POS terminal. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the customer side. Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Figure 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0014] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These units can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0015] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0016] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during the registration process, settlement information generated during the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0017] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Furthermore, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing instead of the RAM 203.

[0018] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0019] Although the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if an order button for a product is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the product.

[0020] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). The card payment unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least the card recognition unit.

[0021] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the output port.

[0022] The store clerk side display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, and displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk name tags.

[0023] Although the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers a product, the clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0024] The printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side, or from the customer side to the store clerk side (the direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) depending on, for example, the transition of the operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0025] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (other POS terminals 20, store controller 10).

[0026] [Overview of each operation mode] Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, double scan mode, and semi-self-service mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode for counting and inquiring about sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for store clerks or maintenance personnel to perform setup and maintenance work, a training mode for training new employees, etc. In this embodiment, the term "accounting" is a concept that includes, for example, from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered product.

[0027] 5 to 8 are diagrams outlining the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. FIG. 5 is a diagram outlining the normal mode. FIG. 5(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) in the normal mode, and FIG. 5(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram outlining the full self-service mode. FIG. 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of people (customers) in the full self-service mode, and FIG. 6(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram outlining the double scan mode. FIG. 7(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processes (product registration process, payment process) and the actions of people (customers) in the double scan mode, and FIG. 7(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operations of the POS terminal 20 in the double scan mode. FIG. 8 is a diagram outlining the semi-self-service mode. Figure 8(A) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing (product registration processing, settlement processing) and the actions of people (customers) in semi-self-service mode, and Figures 8(B) and 8(C) are flowcharts showing the basic flow of operation of the POS terminal 20 in semi-self-service mode.

[0028] In the following description, as a separate approach from the classification of the above-mentioned four operation modes, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process may be referred to as the settlement mode.

[0029] [Normal mode] The normal mode is an operation mode in which the clerk side executes the registration process and the customer side executes the settlement process, as shown in Fig. 5(A). That is, in the normal mode, as shown in Fig. 5(B), the clerk side is in the registration mode and the customer side is in the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0030] In the normal mode, the clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the clerk's operation (operation of the clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0031] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk display unit 210, and then settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card settlement unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 5(A)).

[0032] 5(B), in the normal mode, first, the clerk side scans the product using, for example, the clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After the subtotal key (for example, the subtotal key displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 or the subtotal key located on the key operation unit 211) is pressed (step S30: YES), the customer side performs settlement using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0033] The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is confirmed), or may insert coins into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 5(A)).

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

[0035] Furthermore, if there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and change notes to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change. After detecting with a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and change notes, the POS terminal 20 controls the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt. This is also true in other operating modes. As described above, in normal mode (as well as double scan mode), a store clerk may or may not be present in front of the customer receiving the change. If a store clerk is present, the above-described control does not necessarily need to be performed (i.e., the dispensing of change and change notes and the issuance of a receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Furthermore, the timing of dispensing change and change notes and issuing a receipt may be controlled depending on the current operating mode and the presence / absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of a store clerk is detected by a sensor).

[0036] [Full Selfie Mode] The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer side performs the registration process and the settlement process, as shown in Fig. 6(A). That is, in the full self-service mode, the customer side is in both the registration mode and the settlement mode, as shown in Fig. 6(B). In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0037] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 6(A)).

[0038] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card settlement unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 6(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 6(A)).

[0039] 6(B), in the full self-service mode, the customer side scans the product using the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES) and registers the product (step S21). After pressing a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer side settles the bill using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), completing the process.

[0040] As described above, in the full self-service mode, the customer performs both the registration process and the settlement process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, the store clerk code can be scanned using the store clerk scanner unit 212. Furthermore, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, various information (for example, the list described in FIG. 15) can be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. For example, during operation in full self-service mode, the clerk-side display unit 210 may be configured to display the same screen as that displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, depending on the registration process and payment process being performed on the customer side. In other words, the clerk-side display unit 210 may display a mirrored version of the content displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. This allows the clerk to understand what operations the customer is performing and the processing status of the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode.

[0041] [Double scan mode] The double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is performed on both the clerk side and the customer side, and the settlement process is performed on the customer side, as shown in Fig. 7(A). That is, in the double scan mode, as shown in Fig. 7(B), both the clerk side and the customer side are in registration mode, and the customer side is in settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from registration to settlement.

[0042] In double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk side (clerk scanner unit 212, clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer scanner unit 206, customer display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the clerk's operation (scanning with clerk scanner unit 212, touching on clerk display unit 210, pressing on key operation unit 211, etc.) and the customer's operation (scanning with customer scanner unit 206, touching on customer display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 7(A)).

[0043] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card settlement unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7(A)).

[0044] That is, in double scan mode, initially, the product is registered on both the clerk side and the customer side. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the product is registered (step S11) by scanning with the clerk-side scanner unit 212 (step S10: YES), and then the product is registered (step S21) by scanning with the customer-side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES). After pressing a subtotal key (e.g., a subtotal key displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 or a subtotal key disposed on the key operation unit 211) or a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer-side display unit 205) (step S41: YES), the customer side performs settlement, for example, using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0045] The store clerk may wait until the customer has completed the payment (until the customer has received the change and receipt), or may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while the payment is being processed (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0046] [Semi-selfie mode] The semi-self-service mode is an operation mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which, as shown in Fig. 8(A), the clerk side of at least one POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Fig. 8) executes the registration process, and the customer side of another POS terminal 20 (one of POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 in the example of Fig. 8) executes the settlement process. That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more terminals (in the example of Fig. 8, one POS terminal 20-1 as shown in Fig. 8(B)) are in the registration-only mode, and the other one or more terminals (in the example of Fig. 8, two POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 as shown in Fig. 8(C)) are in the settlement-only mode.

[0047] In the semi-self mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 8(A)).

[0048] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card settlement unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process in response to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card settlement unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

[0049] When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of Figure 8), the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of Figure 8), and the information necessary for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) is supplied to the POS terminal 20 to which the customer has moved.

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

[0051] That is, in the semi-self mode, initially, the clerk side of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode (POS terminal 20-1) registers the product. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the clerk side scans the product (step S10: YES) using the clerk side scanner unit 212 to register the product (step S11). After pressing the subtotal key (e.g., the subtotal key displayed on the clerk side display unit 210 or the subtotal key disposed on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, when a POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (either POS terminal 20-2 or POS terminal 20-3) is designated (step S31: YES), the registration information is transmitted to the designated POS terminal 20 (step S32), and the process in the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode is completed.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 8 (C), after receiving the registration information (step S49: YES), the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode (i.e., the POS terminal 20 designated by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) performs settlement on the customer side, for example, using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and processing at the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode is completed.

[0053] After transmitting the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase (lower part of FIG. 8(A)). Also, after transmitting the registration information, the store clerk may be absent (lower part of FIG. 8(A)).

[0054] [Operation mode notification] The POS terminal 20 notifies the user of the current operation mode. For example, the current operation mode may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210. Specifically, a screen having an operation mode display field may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the current operation mode may be displayed in the operation mode display field on the screen. Alternatively, a screen on which images corresponding to each operation mode (e.g., button-like images) are arranged may be displayed on the clerk display unit 210, and the image corresponding to the current operation mode may be displayed on the screen in a different display mode from images not corresponding to the current operation mode (e.g., in a more prominent display mode than other images). The operation mode may also be displayed on the customer display unit 205 in a similar manner.

[0055] Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, a message according to the current operation mode may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. Specifically, if the current operation mode is the full self-service mode, for example, while the terminal is on standby, the customer-side display unit 205 may display (for example, in large, scrolling characters) a message indicating that the customer should register the product (such as a message saying "We are asking the customer to scan").

[0056] [Operation mode transition] Next, a description will be given of the transition (switching) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 transitions between operation modes in accordance with an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk (such as an input on an operation mode setting screen or an operation of an operation mode setting button). The POS terminal 20 also transitions between operation modes in accordance with an operation other than the explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk (for example, reading a store clerk code). The POS terminal 20 also transitions between operation modes based on predetermined conditions that are not dependent on the operation of a store clerk (such as time-related conditions such as elapsed time or a predetermined time (schedule), conditions related to the transmission and reception of information such as commands to and from other terminals, etc.).

[0057] 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating an example of transitions in operating modes. Fig. 9(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from normal mode to full self-service mode. Fig. 9(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from full self-service mode to double scan mode. Fig. 10(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode). Fig. 10(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transitions from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode).

[0058] [Transition from normal mode to full self mode] The flowchart in FIG. 9(A) starts when the POS terminal 20 (normal mode) is in an unused state (that is, when neither the store clerk nor the customer is using it).

[0059] Step S100: Start counting the non-use time. Step S101: Determine whether use has been initiated by a store clerk or customer. If use has not been initiated, proceed to step S102. If use has been initiated, proceed to step S104.

[0060] Step S102: Determine whether the non-use time has passed a predetermined time (for example, a preset 10 minutes). If the predetermined time has passed, proceed to step S103. If the predetermined time has not passed, return to step S101. Step S103: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the full self mode. Step S104: The counting of the non-use time ends, and the flow chart of FIG.

[0061] When the mode is switched to the full self-service mode, the store clerk may be notified of the switch to the full self-service mode (for example, by sending information to the terminal carried by the store clerk that there are undelivered products). When the mode is switched to the full self-service mode, a message instructing or requesting the customer to register in self-service mode may be displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

[0062] Although FIG. 9A shows the flow of transition from normal mode to full self mode, the flow of transition from double scan mode to full self mode may also be similar to that of FIG. 9A.

[0063] [Transition from Full Self Mode to Double Scan Mode] The flowchart in FIG. 9(B) starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (full self-service mode).

[0064] Step S110: Determine whether the clerk code has been read by the clerk scanner unit 212. If the clerk code has been read, proceed to step S111. If the clerk code has not been read, the flowchart in Figure 9(B) ends.

[0065] Step S111: The operation mode is shifted from the full self mode to the double scan mode, and the flow chart of FIG.

[0066] [Transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (registration-only mode)] The flowchart in FIG. 10(A) starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

[0067] Step S120: Determine whether an operation to declare a transition to semi-self mode (registration-only mode) has been performed. For example, a button for declaring a transition to semi-self mode (registration-only mode) may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and determine whether the button has been pressed (touched). If an operation has been performed, proceed to step S121. If no operation has been performed, the flowchart in FIG. 10(A) ends.

[0068] Step S121: Determine whether there are any other POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode in the POS system 1. As described above, in the semi-self-service mode, at least one POS terminal 20 in registration-only mode and at least one POS terminal 20 in settlement-only mode are required. Therefore, for example, if the POS terminal 20 in question is POS terminal 20-1, determine whether one of POS terminals 20-2 and 20-3 is operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) and the other is operating in semi-self-service mode (settlement-only mode). If there are no other POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode, proceed to step S122. If there are other POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode, proceed to step S124.

[0069] Step S122: Determine whether or not another POS terminal 20 to be switched to the semi-self mode (payment-only mode) has been designated. If designated, proceed to step S123. If not designated, repeat the process of step S122. Step S123: An instruction to switch to the semi-self mode (payment-only mode) is transmitted to the other designated POS terminals 20.

[0070] Step S124: Determine whether processing is in progress. If processing is not in progress, proceed to step S125. If processing is in progress, repeat the processing of step S124. Step S125: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (mode dedicated to registration), and the flow chart of FIG.

[0071] It is preferable that the operation of step S120 cannot be performed if there are no other POS terminals 20 already operating in semi-self mode and if there are no other POS terminals 20 that can be switched to semi-self mode.

[0072] [Transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (payment-only mode)] The flowchart in FIG. 10(B) starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (normal mode).

[0073] Step S130: Determine whether or not an instruction to switch to semi-self mode (payment-only mode) has been received. If an instruction to switch has been received, proceed to step S131. If an instruction to switch has not been received, the flowchart in Figure 10(B) ends.

[0074] Step S131: Determine whether processing is in progress. If processing is not in progress, proceed to step S132. If processing is in progress, repeat the processing of step S131. Step S132: The operation mode is shifted from the normal mode to the semi-self mode (payment-only mode), and the flow chart of FIG. 10(B) ends.

[0075] Note that Figure 10(B) shows the flow for transitioning from normal mode to semi-self mode (payment-only mode), but the flow for transitioning from full-self mode to semi-self mode (payment-only mode) may also be similar to that shown in Figure 10(B).

[0076] [Display on both the staff and customer sides in double scan mode] The double scan mode is a mode in which registration processing is performed on both the clerk side and the customer side. Below, we will explain the displays on the clerk side display unit 210 and the customer side display unit 205 during registration processing.

[0077] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation when registering a product. The flowchart in Fig. 11 starts constantly (periodically at very short time intervals) in the POS terminal 20 (double scan mode). The dashed rectangle P will be described later.

[0078] Step S400: Determine whether the product has been scanned by the store clerk scanner unit 212 or the like. In other words, determine whether the store clerk has scanned the product using the store clerk scanner unit 212, touched the store clerk display unit 210, or pressed the key operation unit 211 or the like. If the product has been scanned, proceed to step S401. If the product has not been scanned, proceed to step S410.

[0079] Step S401: Register the product. When registering, information indicating that the product has been registered by the store clerk is also registered (stored). Specifically, the registration category "1 (store clerk)" is stored. Step S402: The product is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in the normal display mode. Step S403: The product is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 in a display mode that is more emphasized than the normal display mode.

[0080] Step S410: Determine whether the product has been scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 or the like. In other words, determine whether the customer has scanned the product by the customer-side scanner unit 206 or touched the customer-side display unit 205. If the product has been scanned, proceed to step S411. If the product has not been scanned, return to step S400.

[0081] Step S411: The product is registered. In this registration, information indicating that the product has been registered on the customer side is also registered (stored). Specifically, the registration category "2 (customer side)" is stored. Step S412: The product is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 in a display mode that is more emphasized than the normal display mode. Step S413: The product is displayed on the customer side display unit 205 in the normal display mode.

[0082] Step S420: Determine whether registration of all products to be purchased has been completed. That is, determine whether either the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205 has been pressed. If registration of all products has been completed, proceed to step S421. If not, return to step S400.

[0083] Step S421: Settle the account. Step S422: A receipt is issued by the printing unit 213. The flowchart in FIG. 11 then ends. A receipt may be issued on which the items registered by the clerk and the items registered by the customer are printed in a way that allows them to be distinguished from each other. For example, a mark such as an asterisk or star, or an underline, may be added to either the items registered by the clerk or the customer. Alternatively, a receipt may be issued on which the items registered by the customer and the items registered by the clerk are printed in separate areas. In other words, a receipt may be issued on which the items registered by the customer and the items registered by the clerk are printed in different areas.

[0084] FIG. 12 is an example of registration information. Instead of the registration information shown in FIG. 13, the POS terminal 20 may generate registration information as shown in FIG. 12, for example. The registration information shown in FIG. 12 stores the transaction number, transaction date and time, operation mode, product registrant, product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and registration category. The operation mode is information indicating the current operation mode of the POS terminal 20 (at the time of generating the registration information). The product registrant is the registrant who registered the product. The registration category is information indicating whether the product was registered by the store clerk or the customer. If the product was registered by the store clerk, registration category "1" is stored, and if the product was registered by the customer, registration category "2" is stored.

[0085] The registration information shown in Figure 12 is an example of registration information generated when "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A" with product code "SC1111" is registered in step S411 of Figure 11 (registration processing based on scanning by the customer, etc.), then "Star 4 (1mm)" with product code "SC1023" is registered in step S401 (registration processing based on scanning by the store clerk, etc.), then "B Mountain Natural Water (1.5L)" with product code "SC4788" is registered in step S411, then "Nori Bento" with product code "SC6500" is registered in step S401, and then "C Chocolate" with product code "SC3620" is registered in step S411.

[0086] That is, the POS terminal 20 generates registration information of registration category "1 (store clerk side)" in the process of step S401 for the products (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) scanned by the store clerk side scanner unit 212. On the other hand, the POS terminal 20 generates registration information of registration category "2 (customer side)" in the process of step S411 for the products (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain natural water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) scanned by the customer side scanner unit 206.

[0087] Figure 13 shows examples of displays on the clerk side and the customer side. Specifically, Figure 13(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Figure 13(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

[0088] For example, when "C Chocolate" is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 in step S410 of Figure 11, the POS terminal 20 refers to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in Figure 12, displays a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 13(A) on the store clerk-side display unit 210 in step S412, and displays a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 13(B) on the customer-side display unit 205 in step S413.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 13(A), on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered on the clerk side (own side) (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the products registered on the customer side (other side) (Japanese-style large Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) are displayed in an emphasized format (enlarged size). The top part displays the product (Nori bento) most recently registered on the clerk side (symbol NI). The bottom part notifies the user that the current mode (double scan mode) is selected (symbol M).

[0090] As shown in FIG. 13(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered on the customer side (own side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the products registered on the store clerk side (other side) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) are displayed in an emphasized format (enlarged size). The top part displays the product (C Chocolate) most recently registered on the customer side (symbol NI). The bottom part notifies the user that the current mode (double scan mode) is active (symbol M).

[0091] That is, based on the fact that the first product, "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A," has been scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A" is highlighted on the staff side (staff display unit 210) (step S412), and "Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S413). Subsequently, based on the fact that the second product, "Star 4 (1 mm)," has been scanned or the like on the staff side (step S400; YES), "Star 4 (1 mm)" is normally displayed on the staff side (staff display unit 210) (step S402), and "Star 4 (1 mm)" is highlighted on the customer side (customer display unit 205) (step S403). Next, based on the fact that the third product, "Mt. B Natural Water (1.5L)," is scanned or the like on the customer side (step S410; YES), "Mt. B Natural Water (1.5L)" is highlighted on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210) (step S412), and "Mt. B Natural Water (1.5L)" is normally displayed on the customer side (customer side display unit 205) (step S413). Next, based on the fact that the fourth product, "Nori Bento," is scanned or the like on the clerk side (step S400; YES), "Nori Bento" is normally displayed on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210) (step S402), and "Nori Bento" is highlighted on the customer side (customer side display unit 205) (step S403). Next, based on the fact that the fifth product, "C Chocolate," is scanned by the customer (step S410; YES), "C Chocolate" is highlighted on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210) (step S412), and "C Chocolate" is displayed normally on the customer side (customer side display unit 205) (step S413).

[0092] As shown in Figure 13(A), the products registered by the clerk and the customer (large Japanese-style Yakisoba A, Star 4 (1mm), B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), Nori Bento, C Chocolate) are displayed on the clerk side in the order in which they were registered (large Japanese-style Yakisoba A → Star 4 (1mm) → B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L) → Nori Bento → C Chocolate). Therefore, even if the clerk focuses only on the products registered by the clerk (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento), the products (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) are displayed in the order in which they were registered (Star 4 (1mm) → Nori Bento). Similarly, even if the customer focuses only on the products registered by the clerk (Japanese-style large portion Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate), the products (Japanese-style large portion Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in the order in which they were registered (Japanese-style large portion Yakisoba A → B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L) → C Chocolate). The same is true on the customer side (see FIG. 13(B)). The same is also true in the display example of FIG. 14 (described later).

[0093] 13(A) and 13(B), the display format of the products registered by the store clerk (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) and the products registered by the customer (Japanese-style Large Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) is different, so in addition to the overall registration order (Japanese-style Large Yakisoba A → Star 4 (1mm) → B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L) → Nori Bento → C Chocolate), the order of registration by the store clerk (Star 4 (1mm) → Nori Bento) and the order of registration by the customer (Japanese-style Large Yakisoba A → B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L) → C Chocolate) are also easy to recognize. The same is true for the display example in FIG. 14 (described later).

[0094] In FIG. 13, the characters are enlarged for emphasis, but instead of or in addition to enlarging the characters, the characters may be displayed in bold.

[0095] [Another display example 1] The displays on the clerk side and customer side in double scan mode are not limited to those explained using the display example in Figure 13. Figure 14 shows other display examples on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Figure 14(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Figure 14(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

[0096] For example, when "C Chocolate" is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 in step S410 of Figure 11, the POS terminal 20 may refer to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in Figure 12, and display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 14(A) on the store clerk-side display unit 210 in step S412, and display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 14(B) on the customer-side display unit 205 in step S413.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14(A), on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered on the clerk side (your side) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori bento) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the products registered on the customer side (other party's side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in a highlighted format (with a star and moving the first character up by one). Moving the first character up by one character means moving the display start position up by one character (moving it to the left or closer).

[0098] As shown in Figure 14 (B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered on the customer side (own side) (large Japanese-style Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in a normal format (normal size), and the products registered on the store clerk side (other side) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) are displayed in an emphasized format (with a star and the first character moved up by one).

[0099] In Fig. 14, all three types of highlighting (character size, star marking, and character advancement) are used, but it is also possible to use one or two of them instead of all three. Also, other marks (such as asterisks) may be used instead of star marks. Also, instead of or in addition to the above, highlighting may be performed using a background color or by underlining.

[0100] In the flowchart of Figure 11 and the display examples of Figures 13 and 14, examples have been described in which products registered on your side are displayed in a normal manner, and products registered on the other side are displayed in a highlighted manner, but conversely, products registered on the other side may be displayed in a normal manner, and products registered on your side may be displayed in a highlighted manner.

[0101] Furthermore, the clerk display unit 210 may simply display the registered items on either the customer's side or the other party's side in a manner that makes it easy to distinguish which side they were registered on, rather than highlighting either the product registered on the customer's side or the product registered on the other party's side. For example, the word "clerk" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the customer's side, and the word "customer" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the other party's side. A badge-like image with the word "clerk" displayed or a badge-like image with the word "customer" displayed may also be used.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, instead of highlighting either the product registered on your side or the product registered on the other side, the customer side display unit 205 may simply display which side it was registered on so that it can be identified. For example, the word "Customer" may be displayed between the product name and price in the column for the product registered on your side, and the word "Store Clerk" may be displayed between the product name and price in the column for the product registered on the other side.

[0103] [Another display example 2] The displays on the clerk side and customer side in double scan mode are not limited to those described using the display examples in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 15 shows other display examples on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Fig. 15(A) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Fig. 15(B) is an example of a registration screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

[0104] When the fifth product, "C Chocolate," is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 15(A) on the store clerk-side display unit 210 and may display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 15(B) on the customer-side display unit 205.

[0105] Fig. 16 is a part of a flowchart corresponding to another display example 2. Specifically, Fig. 16(A) is a flowchart in which the processing of the rectangle P in the flowchart in Fig. 11 is interchanged. That is, the POS terminal 20 may execute step S1402 of the flowchart in Fig. 16(A) instead of step S402 of the flowchart in Fig. 11, execute step S1403 of the flowchart in Fig. 16(A) instead of step S403 of the flowchart in Fig. 11, execute step S1412 of the flowchart in Fig. 16(A) instead of step S412 of the flowchart in Fig. 11, and execute step S1413 of the flowchart in Fig. 16(A) instead of step S413 of the flowchart in Fig. 11.

[0106] In other words, for example, when "C Chocolate" is scanned by the customer-side scanner unit 206 in step S410 (Figure 11), the POS terminal 20 may refer to the registration information (specifically, the registration category) shown in Figure 12, display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 15(A) on the store clerk-side display unit 210 in step S1412 (Figure 16(A)), and display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 15(B) on the customer-side display unit 205 in step S1413 (Figure 16(A)).

[0107] 15(A), the first area H1 on the clerk side (clerk-side display unit 210) displays products registered on the clerk side (your side) (Star 4 (1 mm), Nori bento) in a normal format (normal size), and the second area H2 on the clerk side (clerk-side display unit 210) displays products registered on the customer side (the other party's side) (Japanese-style large Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5 L), C Chocolate) in an emphasized format (enlarged size). In addition, to show the display contents in each area (first area H1, second area H2), a title such as "Clerk-registered products" is displayed at the top of the first area H1, and a title such as "Customer-registered products" is displayed at the top of the second area H2.

[0108] As shown in Figure 15(B), the first area H1 on the customer side (customer side display unit 205) displays products registered on the customer side (own side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, Mountain mineral water (1.5L), and chocolate C) in a normal format (normal size), and the second area H2 on the customer side (customer side display unit 205) displays products registered on the store clerk side (the other person's side) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori bento) in an emphasized format (enlarged size). In addition, to show the contents displayed in each area (first area H1, second area H2), the title "Products registered by the customer" is displayed at the top of the first area H1, and the title "Products registered by the store clerk" is displayed at the top of the second area H2.

[0109] On the store clerk side, as shown in Figure 15(A), the products registered by the store clerk side (Star 4 (1mm), Nori Bento) are displayed in the first area H1 in the order they were registered (Star 4 (1mm) → Nori Bento), and the products registered by the customer side (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in the second area H2 in the order they were registered (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A → B Mountain Natural Mineral Water (1.5L) → C Chocolate). The same is true on the customer side (see Figure 15(B)).

[0110] In Figure 15, an example is described in which products registered on the user's side are displayed in the first area H1 (left area) and products registered on the other user's side are displayed in the second area H2 (right area). However, the system may also operate conversely as shown in Figure 16 (B), where products registered on the user's side are displayed in the second area H2 (right area) and products registered on the other user's side are displayed in the first area H1 (left area).

[0111] 16(B) is a flowchart in which the processing of the rectangle P in the flowchart in Fig. 11 is interchanged. That is, the POS terminal 20 may execute step S2402 in the flowchart in Fig. 16(B) instead of step S402 in the flowchart in Fig. 11, execute step S2403 in the flowchart in Fig. 16(B) instead of step S403 in the flowchart in Fig. 11, execute step S2412 in the flowchart in Fig. 16(B) instead of step S412 in the flowchart in Fig. 11, and execute step S2413 in the flowchart in Fig. 16(B) instead of step S413 in the flowchart in Fig. 11.

[0112] Figure 17 shows examples of displays on the clerk side and customer side. Specifically, Figure 17(A) is an example of a small plan screen displayed on the clerk side display unit 210. Figure 17(B) is an example of a small plan screen displayed on the customer side display unit 205.

[0113] 11, for example, the POS terminal 20 displays a registration screen as shown in Fig. 13(A) on the clerk display unit 210 in step S412, and displays a registration screen as shown in Fig. 13(B) on the customer display unit 205 in step S413. If it is determined in step S420 that registration of all purchased items has been completed (step S420: YES), the POS terminal 20 displays a settlement screen as shown in Fig. 17(A) on the clerk display unit 210 and a settlement screen as shown in Fig. 17(B) on the customer display unit 205. The customer confirms the total amount on the settlement screen in Fig. 17(B) and settles the payment for all purchased items by inserting cash into the slot of the change dispenser 209 or by having the card recognized by the card recognition unit of the card settlement unit 208 (step S421).

[0114] As shown in Figure 17(A), on the clerk side (clerk side display unit 210), the products registered on the clerk side (your side) are displayed in a normal manner, and the products registered on the customer side (the other party's side) are displayed in a highlighted manner, similar to the registration screen shown in Figure 13(A). At the bottom, there is a button (symbol TG) for returning from the settlement screen to the registration screen.

[0115] As shown in Figure 17(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), products registered on the customer side (your side) are displayed in a normal manner, similar to the registration screen shown in Figure 13(B), and products registered on the clerk side (the other party's side) are displayed in a highlighted manner.

[0116] The sub-plan screens of Figures 17(A)(B) are the sub-plan screens transitioned from the registration screens of Figures 13(A)(B), and the sub-plan screens transitioned from the registration screens of Figures 14(A)(B) and 15(A)(B) are different from the sub-plan screens of Figures 17(A)(B). Specifically, just as the display mode of products on the sub-plan screens transitioned from the registration screens of Figures 13(A)(B) is similar to the display mode of products on the registration screens of Figures 13(A)(B), the display mode of products on the sub-plan screens transitioned from the registration screens of Figures 14(A)(B) may be similar to the display mode of products on the registration screens of Figures 14(A)(B), and the display mode of products on the sub-plan screens transitioned from the registration screens of Figures 15(A)(B) may be similar to the display mode of products on the registration screens of Figures 15(A)(B).

[0117] Figure 18 is an example of a receipt. For example, if "Star 4 (1mm)" and "Special Frankfurt" are both undelivered products in step S215 of Figure 12, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt such as that shown in Figure 18(A). The receipt shown in Figure 18(A) has asterisks next to "Star 4 (1mm)" and "Special Frankfurt."

[0118] 11, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt with asterisks next to "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Nori Bento" registered by the store clerk, as shown in Fig. 18(B). The POS terminal 20 may also issue a receipt with the products registered by the customer and the products registered by the store clerk printed in different areas, as shown in Fig. 18(C).

[0119] [Example 1 of processing for purchase-restricted products] In convenience stores, cigarettes are not displayed on shelves facing customers, but are instead displayed on shelves located on the clerk side of the cash register, so that before a customer makes a purchase, only clerks can handle them and customers cannot (a purchase-restricted product). Tobacco, which is a restricted product, is assigned a number (brand number) for each brand and is displayed on shelves behind the cash register with the brand number indicated. The brand number indicated in this way is information indicating where the corresponding product is located on the shelf (an example of information for identifying the product). When a customer purchases cigarettes, they check the brand number displayed on the shelves behind the cash register for the brand they want to buy, and then tell the store clerk the brand number they have checked along with the number they wish to purchase. The store clerk then takes out the number of cigarettes of the brand that corresponds to the brand number they have been told, registers the cigarettes, and hands them over to the customer. However, there are cases where customers are unable to find the brand of cigarettes they want to buy on the shelves behind the cash register, or where the display location of the brand of cigarettes they want to buy is difficult to see, and this can cause delays in checking the number. In such cases, the registration of the cigarettes is delayed until the customer can check the number, which reduces the efficiency of the checkout process. Therefore, in this embodiment, a customer can perform an operation (brand information input operation) to have the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode printed on a cigarette packet that the customer has already purchased and possesses. Then, the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment executes a process (purchase-restricted product response process) in response to the brand information input operation as follows, so that the customer or a store clerk can know the brand number corresponding to the brand of cigarettes that the customer wants to purchase, without the customer having to check the display shelves behind the cash register counter.

[0120] First, a first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process in this embodiment will be described. In describing the first example of the brand number notification, a case where the POS terminal 20 is set to the normal mode will be taken as an example. In normal mode, for example, a customer who wishes to purchase cigarettes will ask the store clerk to register any other products they wish to purchase. While the store clerk is registering the products other than cigarettes in this manner, the customer takes out a cigarette pack of the same brand of cigarettes that the customer has already purchased and is in possession of. The customer then performs an operation to have the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode printed on the cigarette pack. This operation of having the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode printed on the cigarette pack is a brand information input operation in which the customer inputs information about the brand of cigarettes that the customer wishes to purchase into the POS terminal 20.

[0121] When the normal mode is set, the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 displays a product registration status screen showing the product registration status according to the product registration operation by the store clerk. Figure 19(A) shows an example of the product registration status screen. The product registration status screen in the figure shows that one apple and one pear have been registered in that order. In this case, the customer inputs brand information while the product registration status screen shown in the figure is displayed. In response to the brand information input operation, the POS terminal 20 acquires a product code corresponding to the brand indicated by the barcode read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. The POS terminal 20 stores brand number information that associates a product code for each brand of cigarette with a brand number assigned to each brand when displaying the cigarettes on a display shelf. Fig. 20 shows an example of the brand number information. The POS terminal 20 acquires the brand number associated with the product code acquired in response to the brand information input operation from the brand number information. The POS terminal 20 displays a brand number notification screen on the customer side display unit 205 to notify the customer of the acquired brand number. 19(B) shows an example of the display form of the brand number notification screen WD11. In the figure, the brand number notification screen WD11 is shown in a window format superimposed on the product registration status screen. The brand number notification screen WD11 in the figure displays the brand number corresponding to the brand of the cigarette pack used when entering brand information, as well as a message instructing the user to communicate the displayed brand number to a store clerk. A customer can check the brand number attached to the cigarettes they wish to purchase by looking at the brand number notification screen WD11 displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. The customer then tells the store clerk that they wish to purchase cigarettes, along with the number displayed on the brand number notification screen WD11 and the number of cigarettes to purchase. A confirmation button BT11 is provided on the brand number notification screen WD11. After checking the brand number, the customer operates the confirmation button BT11. When the confirmation button BT11 is operated, the brand number notification screen WD11 is cleared and the display returns to the product registration status screen. The clerk takes the cigarettes associated with the number provided by the customer from the display shelf in the number provided and registers the product. When registering the product, the clerk operates the clerk's scanner unit 212 to read the barcode attached to the cigarette pack that has been taken out.

[0122] By notifying the brand number in this way, customers can use a pack of cigarettes they already have to find the brand number and communicate it to the store clerk, without having to check the brand number on the display shelf behind the cash register. This improves the efficiency of accounting for transactions including cigarette purchases.

[0123] An example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 in this example in relation to the purchase-restricted product handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 21. The process in Fig. 21 is executed during the product registration process, and is repeatedly executed until an operation (e.g., a subtotal operation) is performed to instruct the end of the product registration process.

[0124] Step S501: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the store clerk scanner unit 212 has read a barcode. Step S502: The fact that the barcode has been read by the store clerk scanner unit 212 means that the store clerk has performed a product registration operation to have the store clerk scanner unit 212 read the barcode of the product to be registered. Then, the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process using the product information indicated by the read barcode.

[0125] Step S503: After the process of step S502, or if it is determined in step S501 that the barcode has not been read by the store clerk scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 executes the following process: That is, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the barcode of the product, which is a cigarette, has been read by the customer scanner unit 206. If the barcode is not read by the customer side scanner unit 206, or if the barcode is read by the customer side scanner unit 206 but it is determined that the read barcode does not correspond to a tobacco product, processing returns to step S501.

[0126] Step S504: On the other hand, if it is determined in step S503 that the barcode of the product designated as cigarettes has been read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 executes the following process: That is, the POS terminal 20 acquires the brand number associated with the product code indicated in the read barcode from the brand number information. Step S505: The POS terminal 20 displays on the customer side display unit 205 a brand number notification screen WD11 that notifies the customer of the brand number acquired in step S504.

[0127] In the process shown in the figure, if the barcode read in step S501 is for a product such as cigarettes, then cigarettes are registered as a product to be purchased in step S502. In other words, the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment is configured to execute different processes depending on whether the barcode for the same product, cigarettes, is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212 or the customer scanner unit 206.

[0128] Although the process is omitted in the figure, the displayed stock number notification screen WD11 is erased in response to an operation on the confirmation button BT11. Alternatively, the stock number notification screen WD11 may be erased, for example, when a certain period of time has passed since the start of display without any operation being performed on the confirmation button BT11. Also, if the stock number notification screen WD11 is displayed until a subtotal operation is performed, the stock number notification screen WD11 may be erased when the subtotal operation is performed and another screen (for example, a subtotal screen showing the subtotal results) is displayed from the product registration status screen.

[0129] It should be noted that the brand number notification screen WD11 may be made redisplayable after it has been deleted. For this purpose, for example, a button (redisplay button) may be provided on the product registration status screen to instruct the brand number notification screen WD11 to be redisplayed when the brand number notification screen WD11 has been deleted. In this case, if the customer wants to check the brand number again, they can simply operate the redisplay button.

[0130] In addition, the same brand number as that displayed on the brand number notification screen WD11 may be displayed in a predetermined manner on the clerk display unit 210 in synchronization with the display of the brand number notification screen WD11 on the customer display unit 205. In this case, it is preferable that the display on the clerk display unit 210 be displayed in a manner that does not interfere with the product registration operation as much as possible.

[0131] The configuration of the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process may also be applied to the double scan mode.

[0132] [Second example of processing for purchase-restricted products] Next, a second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process will be described. The second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process is applicable to the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. In the full self-service mode, the customer performs all the necessary operations for the transaction, from registering the product to paying. However, when a customer purchases cigarettes in the full self-service mode, because cigarettes are a restricted purchase item, the customer must first inform the store clerk of their intention to purchase the cigarettes and then receive them from the store clerk. In this example, to accommodate such a situation, the store clerk can accurately determine the brand number and hand over the customer the desired brand of cigarettes, without the customer having to check the brand number label on the display shelf behind the cash register and inform the store clerk.

[0133] In this example, a customer who wishes to purchase cigarettes performs a product registration operation in full self-service mode, and then performs a brand information input operation in which the barcode on the cigarette box that the customer is carrying is read by the customer side scanner unit 206. If the barcode read during product registration processing in the full self-service mode is not a purchase-restricted product, the POS terminal 20 uses the product information indicated by the read barcode to register the product. On the other hand, if the barcode read in the full self mode is cigarettes (a purchase-restricted product) corresponding to the brand information input operation, the POS terminal 20 does not register the product. In this case, the POS terminal 20 acquires the brand number associated with the product code indicated in the read barcode from the brand number information. In response to the acquisition of the brand number, the POS terminal 20 transmits a product removal instruction to, for example, a store clerk terminal carried by a store clerk. The product removal instruction instructs the store clerk to remove a desired brand of cigarettes from the display shelf and hand them to the customer while the customer is paying in full self-service mode, and includes information indicating the acquired brand number as the brand of cigarettes to be removed. In response to receiving the product removal instruction, the store clerk terminal notifies the store clerk that the product removal instruction has been received, along with displaying a screen instructing the store clerk to remove the cigarettes by specifying the brand number, for example.

[0134] Furthermore, in response to the acquisition of the brand number, the POS terminal 20 displays a product removal instruction screen on its own store clerk display unit 210. Figure 22(A) shows an example of the product removal instruction screen WD21. The product removal instruction screen WD21 in the figure shows an example in a window format that is displayed so as to be superimposed on a product registration status screen that mirrors and shows the product registration status on the customer side. The product removal instruction screen WD21 in the figure displays the brand number assigned to the brand of cigarettes to be removed, as well as a message instructing the store clerk to remove the cigarettes and hand them to the customer.

[0135] The store clerk notices either the receipt notification of the product removal instruction from the store clerk terminal or the product removal instruction screen WD21 displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20, and removes the cigarettes of the brand number instructed by the product removal instruction or the product removal instruction screen from the display shelf and hands them to the customer. When the store clerk takes out the cigarettes and hands them over to the customer, he or she operates the confirmation button BT21 arranged on the product take-out instruction screen WD21. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT21, the product take-out instruction screen WD21 is cleared.

[0136] In addition, the POS terminal 20 displays a product pickup standby screen on the customer display unit 205 at the same time that the product removal instruction screen is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. The product pickup standby screen is a screen that informs the customer that the store clerk will bring the brand of cigarettes corresponding to the brand information input operation performed by the customer, and that the customer should wait until the cigarettes are received. 22(B) shows an example of the product receipt waiting screen WD22. The product receipt waiting screen WD22 in the figure shows an example in a window format that is displayed so as to be superimposed on the product registration screen corresponding to the product registration operation performed by the customer. A confirmation button BT22 is provided on the product reception standby screen WD22. The customer can check the content displayed on the product reception standby screen WD22 and press the confirmation button BT22. When the confirmation button BT22 is pressed, the product reception standby screen WD22 is cleared.

[0137] An example of a processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 in this example in relation to the purchase-restricted product handling process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 23. The process in Fig. 23 is executed during product registration processing by the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode.

[0138] Step S601: The POS terminal 20 waits for the customer-side scanner unit 206 to read the barcode of the product as a cigarette. Step S602: When the POS terminal 20 determines that the customer-side scanner unit 206 has read the barcode of a product identified as a cigarette, the POS terminal 20 obtains the brand number associated with the product code indicated in the read barcode from the brand number information. Step S603: The POS terminal 20 displays the product removal instruction screen WD21 on the store clerk side display unit 210. The product removal instruction screen WD21 displays the brand number acquired in step S602 as the brand number corresponding to the brand of cigarettes that the store clerk should remove. Step S604: The POS terminal 20 transmits an instruction to the store clerk terminal to take out the product. Step S605: The POS terminal 20 causes the customer display unit 205 to display a product reception waiting screen WD22. Although not shown in the figure, the product removal instruction screen WD21 displayed in step S603 is erased in response to an operation of the confirmation button BT21, as described above. Also, the product receipt standby screen WD22 displayed in step S605 is erased in response to an operation of the confirmation button BT22, as described above.

[0139] The POS terminal 20 in which the brand information input operation has been performed in the full self-service mode may also transmit a product removal instruction to other POS terminals 20. The other POS terminals 20 that have received the product removal instruction will issue a notification in a predetermined manner in response to the product removal instruction. As a result, if there are store clerks operating other POS terminals 20, these store clerks will notice the notification of the product removal instruction and, if they are free, will be able to remove the cigarettes themselves, or, if they are not free, will be able to inform another store clerk who is free.

[0140] <Modification> The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output modes, etc. can be changed and modified as appropriate, for example, as in the following modified examples.

[0141] [First Modification] For example, cigarettes are sold either individually or in cartons, which are boxes containing multiple cigarettes (for example, 10 cigarettes). In other words, even if the cigarettes are the same brand, they are sold under different product types depending on the unit of the cigarettes they are sold in. When the product types differ between the individual cigarettes and the cartons, for example, the individual cigarettes and the cartons may be assigned different brand numbers.

[0142] Therefore, the POS terminal 20 of this modified example is configured as follows under the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process or the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process. That is, in response to the customer's brand information input operation, the POS terminal 20 displays on the customer-side display unit 205 a product type selection screen on which the customer selects whether to purchase a single item or a carton. In the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, the product type selection screen is displayed prior to the brand number notification screen WD11 (FIG. 19(B)). In the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, the product type selection screen is displayed prior to the product removal instruction screen WD21 (FIG. 22(A)) and the product receipt waiting screen WD22 (FIG. 22(B)).

[0143] 24 shows an example of a product type selection screen. The product type selection screen in the figure includes a brand area AR30, a single item button BT31, and a carton button BT32. The brand area AR30 displays the brand of cigarettes indicated by the cigarette barcode entered by the brand information input operation, i.e., the brand of cigarettes that the customer is about to purchase. The single item button BT31 is a button that is operated when a customer wishes to purchase a single item of the tobacco product of the brand displayed in the brand area AR30. The carton button BT32 is a button that is operated when a customer wishes to purchase a carton of the tobacco product of the brand displayed in the brand area AR30.

[0144] The customer checks the brand area AR30 on the displayed product type selection screen to confirm that the brand is the one they specified when they input the brand information. Then, as a product type selection operation, if the customer intends to purchase a single item, they operate the single item button BT31, and if the customer intends to purchase a carton, they operate the carton button BT32.

[0145] In response to the product type selection operation, in the first example of the purchase-restricted product response processing, the POS terminal 20 displays on the customer display unit 205 a brand number notification screen WD11 showing the brand number of the single item or carton selected by the product type selection operation. In addition, in the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, the POS terminal 20, in response to the product type selection operation, displays on the clerk display unit 210 a product removal instruction screen WD21 showing the brand number of the single item or carton selected by the product type selection operation, and displays on the customer display unit 205 a product receipt waiting screen WD22.

[0146] In some stores, brand information is not provided for products in cartons, and the store clerk may remove the products only after the customer has informed the store of the brand and the carton they are purchasing. In this case, in the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, when a carton is selected by operating the carton button BT32 as a product type selection operation, the brand number notification screen WD11 may display, for example, the brand number of the individual item, and then display a message to the customer instructing them to specify the brand number of the individual item and inform a store clerk that they wish to purchase a carton. In the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process, the product removal instruction screen WD21 may display the brand number of the individual item, and then display a message to the store clerk instructing them to remove a carton of the brand corresponding to the displayed brand number from the product shelf.

[0147] [Second Modification] The configuration of the first example of the purchase-restricted product handling process can be applied to a POS terminal configured to handle transactions compatible only with the normal mode of this embodiment. The configuration of the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process can be applied to a POS terminal configured to handle transactions compatible only with the full self-service mode of this embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration of the second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process can be applied to a POS terminal in which a store clerk performs operations from product registration to checkout.

[0148] [Third Modification] Furthermore, the target product in this embodiment is not limited to cigarettes, but may be, for example, medicines sold at drug stores.

[0149] [Fourth Modification] In each of the above embodiments, the processing performed by the POS terminal 20 is different depending on whether the information is read by the customer side scanner unit 206 or the same information is read by the store clerk side scanner unit 212, in accordance with purchase restriction items such as cigarettes. However, the configuration described above in which the POS terminal 20 executes different processing when the same information is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212 and when the same information is read by the customer scanner unit 206 (hereinafter also referred to as input response processing switching) can be applied to products other than those with purchase restrictions.

[0150] In this modified example, the input response process is switched by taking a case where the information to be read is a coupon. In this modified example, a barcode is printed on the coupon. The barcode on the coupon may include information indicating the type of coupon, the benefits given to the customer based on the coupon specifications, and usage conditions such as the expiration date.

[0151] In this case, when the barcode on the coupon is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process to call a store clerk, and when the barcode on the coupon is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process corresponding to the provision of a special benefit based on the information read from the barcode. In this case, for example, a customer who wishes to use a coupon may have the customer-side scanner unit 206 read the barcode on the coupon, which calls a store clerk, and the store clerk will go to the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located. The store clerk receives the coupon from the customer, has the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 read the barcode, and causes the POS terminal 20 to execute a process according to the coupon. When the coupon has been used, the store clerk can collect it as a used coupon. For example, the POS terminal 20 may display or sound a notification to the store clerk so that the store clerk does not forget to collect the coupon.

[0152] In the above example, the POS terminal 20 may first determine whether the corresponding coupon can be used (whether the conditions for use are met) in response to, for example, reading the barcode of the coupon by the customer-side scanner unit 206. If the POS terminal 20 determines that the corresponding coupon can be used, it may then execute processing to call a store clerk.

[0153] Furthermore, among various types of coupons, for example, for discount coupons, the POS terminal 20 may perform processing so that the discount is reflected in the corresponding transaction in response to reading of the barcode by the customer-side scanner unit 206. This allows the customer to complete the settlement using a discount coupon on their own even in full self-service mode. However, since used coupons must be collected by a store clerk, the POS terminal 20 also performs processing to call a store clerk in response to reading of the barcode of a discount coupon. On the other hand, when the barcode of the coupon is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 executes processing according to the granting of the benefit, corresponding to any type of coupon, including discount coupons.

[0154] [Fifth Modification] The input response process switching may be performed when the information to be read is a payment slip for utility bills or the like, or a ticket issuing slip or the like. In this case, when the barcode on the paper is read by the customer side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process to call a store clerk, and when the barcode on the paper is read by the store clerk side scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute a corresponding process based on the information read from the barcode (for example, settlement processing if it is a payment slip, settlement processing for the ticket fare if it is a paper for issuing a ticket, and processing for issuing the ticket).

[0155] Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may execute the process up to settlement according to the customer's operation and also execute the process of calling a store clerk in response to the barcode on the paper being read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. In response to the call for a store clerk, the store clerk goes to the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located and performs tasks such as stamping the paper, cutting the paper and handing the customer a copy, and storing the store copy. In this case, when the barcode on the paper is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute processing such as payment of utility bills and issuing of tickets in response to operations by the store clerk.

[0156] [Sixth Modification] The input response process switching may also be applied to products (insulated products) such as prepared foods that are kept warm, such as steamed buns and fried chicken. Such insulated products are also a type of purchase-restricted product that can only be handled by store clerks and cannot be handled by customers before they are purchased by the customer. In this case, for example, a store displays cards with barcodes corresponding to the warm products, and customers go to the POS terminal 20 with the card for the warm product they want to purchase. In this case, when the barcode on the card is read by the customer side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 executes a process to call a store clerk, and when the barcode on the card is read by the store clerk side scanner unit 212, it executes a process corresponding to the transaction for the warmed product based on the information read from the barcode.

[0157] Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may execute processes from product registration corresponding to the warmed product to settlement according to the customer's operation in response to the barcode on the card being read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. In this case, the customer can complete payment in full self-service mode by operating their own POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 then executes processing to call a store clerk. In response to the call, the store clerk goes to the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located and hands the warmed product corresponding to the barcode read by the customer to the customer. In this case, when the barcode on the card is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212, the POS terminal 20 may execute processing corresponding to the transaction (product registration, settlement) for the insulated product based on the information read from the barcode.

[0158] [Seventh Modification] In addition, the processing when a barcode is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 and the processing when a card barcode is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212 may, for example, include some of the same processing, with additional processing added in one case, or may include some of the same processing, with different processing added in each case. Furthermore, instead of reading a barcode, information may be input by reading information through communication with a card or the like having an RFID tag.

[0159] [Eighth Modification] [About operation modes] The POS terminal 20 switches to full self-service mode if it is left unused for a certain period of time (see Figure 9(A)), but when a store clerk is using it (except for the operation to set it to full self-service mode), the switch to full self-service mode may be prohibited.

[0160] Furthermore, the full self-service mode is switched to the double scan mode by reading the clerk code (see FIG. 9(B)). However, instead of reading the clerk code, the full self-service mode may be switched to the double scan mode by touching the display screen of the clerk-side display unit 210. Note that when operating in the full self-service mode, a screen on which buttons corresponding to each clerk are arranged may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and the clerk may be identified depending on the button touched on the screen. Also, the full self-service mode may be switched to the double scan mode by operating the key operation unit 211. Note that buttons corresponding to each clerk may be arranged on the key operation unit 211, and the clerk may be identified depending on the button operated on the key operation unit 211.

[0161] Furthermore, after transmitting a transition instruction to another POS terminal 20, if the POS terminal 20 is currently processing, it transitions to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) after the processing is completed (see FIG. 10(A)), but it may also be forced (immediately) transitioned to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) after transmitting a transition instruction. For example, if a customer is performing a settlement process on the customer side and a transition instruction is transmitted, the mode may immediately transition from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode), while the ongoing settlement process may be allowed to continue until it is completed.

[0162] Furthermore, after receiving a transition instruction from another POS terminal 20, a POS terminal 20 operating in a normal mode or the like transitions to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) after the completion of processing if the POS terminal 20 is currently processing (see FIG. 10(B)), but may also forcibly (immediately) transition to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) after receiving a transition instruction. For example, if a transition instruction is received while a store clerk is performing registration processing on the store clerk side, the mode may immediately transition from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode), while the ongoing registration processing may continue to be executed until completion.

[0163] Furthermore, a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode may be configured to function in semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode). That is, a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) transmits registration information to a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) and causes the POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) to execute payment processing, whereas a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) may transmit registration information to a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode and cause the POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode to execute payment processing. Note that registration information may be transmitted from a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) when a customer is not operating the POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode. The registration information may not be transmitted when a customer is operating the POS terminal 20, or the registration information may be transmitted even when a customer is operating the POS terminal 20 so that payment is immediately processed after the customer has finished operating the POS terminal 20.

[0164] Furthermore, in relation to the transmission of registration information, a send button may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 that is the sender of the registration information. The clerk-side display unit 210 may display send buttons for all other POS terminals on the LAN 11 in a manner that allows each POS terminal to be identified (for example, by displaying terminal numbers such as "register 1" and "register 2"), or may display send buttons for POS terminals that can be destinations (POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) and POS terminals 20 operating in full-self-service mode) in a manner that allows each POS terminal to be identified. One or more POS terminals 20 that are permitted as destinations for sending registration information from the POS terminal 20 may be determined in advance (i.e., the pairing of the registration side and the settlement side may be determined in advance), and the send button may be displayed based on this.

[0165] Furthermore, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently capable of transmitting registration information and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in different display modes. For example, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently capable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in a normal display mode, and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in a special display mode (e.g., grayed out). Buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 that are currently unable to transmit registration information may be made inoperable or prohibited from operation (e.g., they may be made inoperable).

[0166] Furthermore, the status of each POS terminal 20 to which registration information is sent (e.g., standby, in use, near end, near full, offline, etc.) may be notified. For example, the status of each POS terminal 20 may be shared on the LAN 11 (e.g., sending and receiving information indicating the status, centralized management in the store controller 10 or a representative POS terminal 20, etc.), and information indicating the status of each POS terminal 20 (e.g., badge-like images indicating "standby," "in use," "near end," etc.) may be displayed on the above-mentioned button (or associated with the button). Note that in the case of a POS terminal 20 operating in full self-service mode, the terminal is in standby mode when not operated by a customer, changes from standby to in use when a customer starts registration, and changes from in use to standby again when payment is completed. The in-use state may be divided into "registering" and "payment" before and after operation of the registration completion key (subtotal key).

[0167] Furthermore, when a customer is using the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode, the transition to the normal mode may be restricted. For example, when a customer is processing a settlement in the full self-service mode, the transition to the normal mode may be permitted, and when a customer is processing a registration in the full self-service mode, the transition to the normal mode may be prohibited (at least, an immediate transition may be prohibited).

[0168] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the POS terminal 20 changes operating modes in accordance with an explicit mode transition operation by a store clerk, even in the case of an explicit mode transition operation, the operation may be restricted depending on the operating mode before the transition (current operating mode), the operating mode to which the transition is to be made, the operating status, etc.

[0169] The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be scheduled according to the working status of the store clerk (working status, working schedule, scheduled working schedule). However, depending on the operating mode before transition (current operating mode), the operating mode to be transitioned to, the operating status, etc., there may be cases where the operation mode is controlled according to the schedule or not.

[0170] In the above description, the POS terminal 20 displays the operation mode on the display unit (the store clerk display unit 210, the customer display unit 205) to notify the operation mode, but the manner of notifying the operation mode is not limited to this. For example, the POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a patrol light (registered trademark), a display board, etc. (or a patrol light, a display board, etc. may be connected to the POS terminal 20), and the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be notified by the patrol light, the display board, etc. Furthermore, the POS system 1 may be equipped with a patrol light, a display board, etc. (or a patrol light, a display board, etc. may be connected to the LAN 11), and the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 in the store may be notified by the patrol light, the display board, etc. By using a patrol light, a display board, etc., the operation mode can be seen even from a distance (apart from the store clerk display unit 210).

[0171] [Ninth Variation] [Display in double scan mode] In the above flowchart (see FIG. 11), when either the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or the registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205 is pressed (step S420: YES), the subtotal screen (see FIG. 17) is displayed. In other words, product registration is completed either by the clerk (subtotal key) or the customer (registration completion key). However, the manner in which product registration is completed (the operation to display the subtotal screen) is not limited to this.

[0172] For example, the subtotal screen may be displayed only when the clerk's subtotal key is pressed. In other words, the customer may not be required to perform the operation to complete product registration, but only the clerk may perform the operation to complete product registration. In this mode, the customer display unit 205 may display the registration completion key in a manner indicating that the operation is invalid (for example, grayed out), or it may not display the registration completion key at all.

[0173] Also, the subtotal screen may be displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed. That is, if the clerk's subtotal key is pressed first (when the subtotal key is pressed), the subtotal screen may be displayed when the customer presses the registration completion key, and if the customer presses the registration completion key first (when the registration completion key is pressed), the subtotal screen may be displayed when the clerk presses the subtotal key.

[0174] In a mode in which a subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, when one of the subtotal key and the registration completion key is pressed, the fact that the other key has been pressed may be notified. For example, if the subtotal key is pressed first, the customer display unit 205 may display a message indicating that the subtotal key has been pressed (i.e., that the clerk has performed a product registration operation. For example, a message such as "The clerk has completed product registration"). On the other hand, if the registration completion key is pressed first, the clerk display unit 210 may display a message indicating that the registration completion key has been pressed (i.e., that the customer has performed a product registration operation. For example, a message such as "The customer has completed product registration").

[0175] Furthermore, when the subtotal key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the customer display unit 205 that the subtotal key has been pressed, the display mode of the registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205 may be highlighted (blinking, etc.) until the registration completion key is pressed. Similarly, when the registration completion key is pressed, instead of or in addition to displaying on the clerk display unit 210 that the registration completion key has been pressed, the display mode of the subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 may be highlighted (blinking, etc.) until the subtotal key is pressed.

[0176] In a mode in which the subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, the registration completion key may be prohibited from being pressed (for example, grayed out or hidden) until the subtotal key is pressed, and then allowed to be pressed after the subtotal key is pressed (for example, displayed in a pressable display mode). Alternatively, the subtotal key may be prohibited from being pressed until the registration completion key is pressed, and then allowed to be pressed after the registration completion key is pressed.

[0177] In a mode in which the subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, if the clerk's subtotal key has been pressed but the customer's registration completion key has not yet been pressed, the clerk may be in a provisionally completed state for registration, and product registration may be permitted. In other words, when the clerk presses the subtotal key, the other party (customer) may be notified that the subtotal key has been pressed, but even after the subtotal key has been pressed, the clerk may be allowed to register (additionally register) products that the customer has not yet registered until the subtotal screen is displayed (before the customer's registration completion key is pressed).

[0178] Note that if a product is additionally registered after the clerk has performed an operation to complete product registration (if a product is additionally registered when registration is provisionally completed), the clerk must perform an operation to complete product registration again (press the subtotal key) in order to display the subtotal screen. In other words, after additional product registration, the subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk presses the subtotal key again and the customer presses the registration completion key. Alternatively, the clerk may not be required to perform an operation to complete product registration again. In other words, after additional product registration, the subtotal screen may be displayed when the customer presses the registration completion key, even if the clerk does not press the subtotal key again.

[0179] After the subtotal key is pressed but before the registration completion key is pressed, the clerk may be allowed to additionally register the customer's product as described above, or may be allowed to register the next customer's product as described in FIG. 21(A). After the subtotal key is pressed but before the registration completion key is pressed, the clerk may be allowed to declare (specify) whether to additionally register the customer's product or to register the next customer's product on the clerk display unit 210. For example, the declaration may be made using a button displayed on the clerk display unit 210.

[0180] In double scan mode, if the same item is scanned on both the customer side and the clerk side, a notification that the same item has been scanned on both the customer side and the clerk side may be displayed. For example, a message such as "The same item has been scanned" or "This is the xxth scan" may be displayed on the display unit. The message may be displayed at least on the clerk side. In other words, if the same item is scanned on both the customer side and the clerk side, a message is always displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, but the message may or may not be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. For example, if the clerk side scans an item identical to an item already scanned on the customer side, a message may be displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210. If the customer side scans an item identical to an item already scanned on the clerk side, a message may be displayed on both the customer-side display unit 205 and the clerk-side display unit 210. Furthermore, whether or not the above-mentioned message is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 may be controlled depending on, for example, a setting operation (or a switching operation) performed by the clerk.

[0181] Furthermore, in the above, during product registration (registration screen) and after registration (minor plan screen), the clerk-side display unit 210 displays the product registered on your side (clerk side) and the product registered on the other side (customer side) in different display modes (see Figures 13(A), 14(A), 15(A), and 17(A)), and the customer-side display unit 205 displays the product registered on your side (customer side) and the product registered on the other side (clerk side) in different display modes (see Figures 13(B), 14(B), 15(B), and 17(B)), but the display modes on the clerk-side display unit 210 and the customer-side display unit 205 are not limited to this.

[0182] For example, the clerk-side display unit 210 may display products registered on the user's side (clerk side) without displaying products registered on the other side (customer side), and the customer-side display unit 205 may display products registered on the user's side (customer side) without displaying products registered on the other side (clerk side). Alternatively, the clerk-side display unit 210 may display products registered on the user's side (clerk side) and products registered on the other side (customer side) in different display modes, as shown in FIG. 13(A) and other figures, and the customer-side display unit 205 may display products registered on the user's side (customer side) without displaying products registered on the other side (clerk side). Alternatively, the clerk-side display unit 210 may display products registered on the user's side (clerk side) without displaying products registered on the other side (customer side), and the customer-side display unit 205 may display products registered on the user's side (customer side) and products registered on the other side (clerk side) in different display modes, as shown in FIG. 13(B) and other figures.

[0183] The clerk display unit 210 may be configured to allow a user to declare (designate) whether or not to display products registered on the other side (customer side) on the user's side (the clerk display unit 210). Alternatively or additionally, the clerk display unit 210 may be configured to allow a user to declare (designate) whether or not to display products registered on the other side (clerk side) on the customer side (customer display unit 205). Alternatively or additionally, the customer display unit 205 may be configured to declare (designate) whether or not to display products registered on the other side (clerk side) on the user's side (the customer display unit 205). In either case, the user may be able to make the declaration using a button or the like displayed on the screen.

[0184] Furthermore, during product registration, the products registered on the user's side and the products registered on the other side may be displayed in different display areas, as shown in Fig. 15, and after product registration, the products registered on the user's side and the products registered on the other side may be displayed in a common display area, as shown in Fig. 17. That is, when transitioning from the registration screen to the subtotal screen by pressing a subtotal key or the like, the products registered on the user's side and the products registered on the other side, which were displayed in different display areas on the registration screen before pressing the subtotal key or the like, may be displayed in a common display area on the subtotal screen after pressing the subtotal key or the like. Furthermore, when transitioning from the subtotal screen to the registration screen by pressing the registration screen button (symbol TG in Fig. 17(A)), the products registered on the user's side and the products registered on the other side, which were displayed in a common display area on the subtotal screen before pressing the registration screen button, may be displayed in different display areas on the registration screen after pressing the registration screen button.

[0185] Note that the clerk-side display unit 210 may be configured to allow a user to declare (designate) whether the product registered on the user's side and the product registered on the other side are to be displayed in different display areas or in a common display area during or after product registration on the clerk-side display unit 210 or the customer-side display unit 205. Also, instead of or in addition to the above, the customer-side display unit 205 may be configured to allow a user to declare (designate) whether the product registered on the user's side and the product registered on the other side are to be displayed in different display areas or in a common display area during or after product registration on the customer-side display unit 205. In either case, the user may be able to make the declaration using a button or the like displayed on the screen.

[0186] [Tenth Modification] [Regarding analysis, etc.] The POS system 1 may store an electronic journal and utilize it for various analyses. The electronic journal may include various pieces of information such as those shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 12, as well as the output information shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 (including customer information). For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) may store an electronic journal for each transaction and analyze the operating status of each operation mode (e.g., operating time for each mode by time period and day of the week, by staff member, or unconditionally), product sales results (e.g., number of items sold), the status of vouchers used (e.g., number of vouchers issued, ratio of vouchers issued to number of items sold, time required for product delivery after issuance of a voucher, etc.), and the registration status of store clerks and customers in double scan mode (e.g., ratio of product registrations by store clerk and customer; this may be by store clerk, or by customer if customer attributes (gender, age, etc.) can be identified based on membership numbers, etc.). The analysis results may be output as a list, etc.

[0187] In addition, by storing in the electronic journal, for example, the start time of registration (in seconds) of the first item in each transaction and the start time of displaying the sub-page, it may be possible to analyze the time required (for example, the time required until the registration process is completed (until the sub-page starts to be displayed)) by operation mode (for example, by operation mode and number of items purchased, etc.).

[0188] [Eleventh Modification] In the above, the current operating mode of the POS terminal 20 is displayed (for example, symbol M in Figure 17), but the current operating modes of other POS terminals 20 may also be displayed by, for example, obtaining information regarding the operating modes of other POS terminals 20 via LAN 11.

[0189] [12th Modification] In the POS terminal 20 of the above embodiment, for example, the display surface of the customer-side display unit 205 faces the opposite side to the display surface of the clerk-side display unit 210, and the change dispenser 209 can be operated on the side facing the display surface of the customer-side display unit 205. In other words, the POS terminal 20 of the above embodiment is positioned so that the clerk and the customer face each other. However, the POS terminal 20 may be configured such that the clerk display unit 210, the customer display unit 205, and the change dispenser 209 are positioned so that, for example, when the clerk and the customer are standing in front of each other and facing each other, their directions are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0190] [Summary of the embodiment] (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 20) that includes a first information input means for inputting information in response to a store clerk, a second information input means for inputting information in response to a customer, and a processing means that executes different processing when specific information is input by the first information input means and when specific information is input by the second information input means. According to the above configuration, when the information indicated by the barcode of a restricted product such as cigarettes is read by the store clerk scanner unit 212 (an example of a first information input means), a product registration process is performed. On the other hand, when the information indicated by the barcode of the same restricted product is read by the customer scanner unit 206 (an example of a second information acquisition means), a screen containing content that provides guidance to the store clerk or customer on preparing the product corresponding to the read information can be displayed. This will improve the efficiency of checkout when customers purchase restricted items.

[0191] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device as described in (1) above, wherein the processing means, at least one of the first information input means and the second information input means, inputs information by reading information from a predetermined medium. According to the above configuration, for purchase-restricted products such as the cigarettes that have barcodes printed on their packages, information can be obtained by reading the barcodes.

[0192] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein when the specific information is input by the second information input means, the processing means displays information for identifying the product corresponding to the specific information on the store clerk display unit. According to the above configuration, when the information indicated by the barcode of a purchase-restricted product is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206 (second information acquisition means), information (e.g., brand number) for identifying the product corresponding to the read information can be displayed to the store clerk. The information for identifying a product is not limited to the brand number, but may be a number, symbol, or the like that is permanently assigned to the product shelf itself.

[0193] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein when the specific information is read by the second information input means, the processing means displays information regarding the selection of multiple products corresponding to the specific information on a customer display unit (e.g., customer side display unit 205). According to the above configuration, when there are multiple products that correspond to the information indicated by the barcode of the purchase-restricted product, the customer can select the product to purchase from among the multiple products.

[0194] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a program for causing a computer to function as a first information input means for inputting information in response to a store clerk, a second information input means for inputting information in response to a customer, and a processing means for executing different processing when specific information is input by the first information input means and when specific information is input by the second information input means.

[0195] The programs for implementing the functions of the POS system 1, POS terminal 20, etc. described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs may be loaded and executed by a computer system to perform the processing of the POS system 1, POS terminal 20, etc. Here, "loading and executing a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1. POS system 10...Store Controller 20...POS terminal 201...CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Hard disk 205…Customer side display section 206...Customer side scanner 208...Card Payment Department 209...Change machine 210…Staff side display section 211...Key operation section 212…Clerk side scanner 213…Printing Department 214...Audio output unit 215…Communications Department

Claims

1. A product sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, an information input means for inputting information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing means for, when information corresponding to a payment slip is input by said information input means, executing a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk carry out settlement corresponding to said payment slip; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. A computer as a product sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, an information input means for inputting information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing means for executing a process of calling a store clerk when information corresponding to the payment slip is input by the information input means, so that the store clerk can carry out the settlement corresponding to the payment slip; A program to function as a

3. A merchandise sales data processing method in a merchandise sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, comprising: an information input step in which an information input unit of the commodity sales data processing device inputs information in response to a customer using a scanner unit; a processing step in which, when information corresponding to a payment slip is input by the information input step, a processing unit of the product sales data processing device executes processing to call a store clerk to have the store clerk carry out settlement corresponding to the payment slip; A merchandise sales data processing method comprising:

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