Sales processing device and its program

Abstract

To allow users to check if they have forgotten to enter their membership information. [Solution] The sales processing device comprises a registration means, a member acquisition means, a payment method acceptance means, a confirmation means, and a settlement means. The registration means registers the products that the buyer will purchase. The member acquisition means acquires member information set for the buyer. The payment method acceptance means accepts the payment method for the products registered by the registration means. The confirmation means confirms whether the member information should be entered if member information has not been acquired when the payment method is accepted by the payment method acceptance means. The settlement means settles the price of the products registered by the registration means using the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sales processing apparatus and a program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In a retail store, one of the sales promotion methods for increasing consumers' purchasing desire is a point service. The point service is a service in which points are given to consumers who purchase goods, the points are accumulated for each consumer, and consumers can obtain benefits according to the accumulated points.

[0003] In order for a consumer to receive the point service, it is necessary to register as a member in advance. A member card recording member information is issued to the consumer who has registered as a member. Consumers can receive the point service by presenting the member card when shopping at the retail store. However, even if a consumer has registered as a member, if they forget to present the member card, they cannot obtain the member information and thus cannot receive the point service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sales processing apparatus that can confirm the omission of input of member information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the sales processing device comprises a registration means, a member acquisition means, a payment method acceptance means, a confirmation means, and a settlement means. The registration means registers the products to be purchased by the buyer. The member acquisition means acquires member information set for the buyer. The payment method acceptance means accepts the payment method for the products registered by the registration means. The confirmation means confirms whether the member information should be entered if member information has not been acquired when the payment method acceptance means accepts the payment method. The settlement means settles the price of the products registered by the registration means using the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a product sales system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the sales processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory of the sales processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor in the sales processing unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the sales processing program. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the sales processing program. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the sales processing program. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the sales processing program. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the registration screen. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a sub-plan layout. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a payment availability notification screen. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a payment waiting notification screen. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the payment selection screen. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the display on the "Calling a Store Clerk" screen. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of how the membership declaration confirmation image is displayed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes an embodiment of a sales processing device that can check for forgotten member information entry, using diagrams. First, the product sales system including the sales processing device will be explained using Figure 1.

[0009] [Description of the product sales system configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a product sales system 1 according to one embodiment. The product sales system 1 includes an input device 2 and a sales processing device 3. The input device 2 and the sales processing device 3 are connected by a transmission cable 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable (see Figure 2). The input device 2 and the sales processing device 3 may also be connected wirelessly.

[0010] The input device 2 is attached to the checkout counter 4. The checkout counter 4 is positioned along a passage PA through which consumers purchasing goods, or buyers, walk in the direction of the arrows shown in the diagram. The input device 2 is mounted approximately in the center of the top surface of the checkout counter 4, with the area upstream of the input device 2 in the passage PA designated as space for placing purchased items before registration, and the area downstream designated as space for placing purchased items after registration.

[0011] Input device 2 is a device equipped with a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a touch panel 23, a keyboard 24, a display 25, and a card reader 26 as input / output devices. Input device 2 has the stationary scanner 21 positioned so as to protrude upward from the top surface of the checkout counter 4, and the handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, keyboard 24, display 25, and card reader 26 are arranged around the stationary scanner 21.

[0012] More specifically, input device 2 fixes a stationary scanner 21 to the top surface of checkout counter 4. The stationary scanner 21 is vertical and fixed so that its barcode reading window is on the side opposite to the aisle PA. Input device 2 attaches a handheld scanner 22 to one side of the stationary scanner 21. Input device 2 also mounts a touch panel 23 to the top of the stationary scanner 21 so that its operation panel surface faces the same direction as the reading window of the stationary scanner 21. Input device 2 also mounts a keyboard 24 to one side of the touch panel 23 so that its key surface faces the same direction as the operation panel surface of the touch panel 23. Input device 2 also mounts a display 25 to one side of the stationary scanner 21 so that its display screen faces the aisle PA. Note that the display 25 may be a touch panel. The input device 2 has a card reader 26 attached to the other side of the touch panel 23, opposite the keyboard 24, such that its reading section faces the same direction as the operation panel surface of the touch panel 23.

[0013] With such an arrangement of the input / output devices, a store clerk standing in the space SP on the opposite side of the passage PA across the checkout counter 4 can operate the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24 to input information related to the products purchased by the purchaser, i.e., the so-called purchased products. Information related to the purchased products includes, for example, product codes, purchase quantities, discount amounts, etc. The store clerk can confirm the product names, unit prices, etc. of the purchased products based on the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The purchaser can confirm the product names, unit prices, etc. of the purchased products based on the information displayed on the display 25. Also, the store clerk can operate the card reader 26 to input the purchaser's membership information, etc. The membership information includes, for example, the member ID assigned to the purchaser who has become a member. For a purchaser who has become a member, a membership card with the member ID unique to the purchaser recorded thereon is issued. The input device can read membership information such as the member ID from the membership card by means of the card reader 26.

[0014] The sales processing device 3 is a device having a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 as devices integrated with the device main body 30, and is a device equipped with a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, a cashless payment terminal 37, etc. as devices externally attached to the device main body 30. The sales processing device 3 is placed on the top surface of the cash register 5 installed on the opposite side of the passage PA near the downstream end in the checkout counter 4.

[0015] Specifically, the sales processing device 3 places the device main body 30 on the cash register 5 such that the key surface of the keyboard 31 and the operation panel surface of the first touch panel 32 face the side of the space SP where the store clerk stands. Around this device main body 30, a handy scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, a coin dispenser 36, and a cashless payment terminal 37 are arranged. The handy scanner 33 is arranged at a position operable by the store clerk standing in the space SP. The second touch panel 34 is arranged at a position where the display screen is visible to the purchaser standing in the passage PA. The printer 35 is arranged at a position where the purchaser standing in the passage PA can easily receive the receipt. The coin dispenser 36 is arranged at a position where the purchaser standing in the passage PA can easily insert money and take out the dispensed change. The cashless payment terminal 37 is arranged at a position where the purchaser standing in the passage PA can easily operate for cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments.

[0016] With such an arrangement of devices, the purchaser standing in the passage PA can confirm on the spot the information displayed on the second touch panel 34, for example, information related to the payment of the price. The purchaser can receive the receipt issued from the printer 35 on the spot. A purchaser who pays the price in cash can insert cash into the coin dispenser 36 while standing in the passage PA and receive the dispensed change. A purchaser who pays the price by cashless payment can operate the cashless payment terminal 37 while standing in the passage PA and pay the price cashlessly. That is, the sales processing device 3 functions as a payment machine for the price.

[0017] In a large retail store such as a supermarket or a home center, such a configured merchandise sales system 1 is generally installed in parallel in the accounting area (cash register) separated from the sales floor where the merchandise is displayed. On the other hand, in a small retail store such as a specialty store, it is also possible to install only one merchandise sales system 1 in the store.

[0018] Furthermore, the types of devices provided by input device 2 and sales processing device 3 are not particularly limited. Essentially, input device 2 only needs to be a device that allows store staff to input information about the products purchased by the customer and, if the customer is a member, member information. Sales processing device 3 only needs to be a device that registers the sales data of the purchased products entered via input device 2, calculates the price of the purchased products, and allows the customer to pay that price themselves.

[0019] [Description of the sales processing system configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the sales processing device 3. As shown in the figure, the sales processing device 3 includes a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, input device interface 71, and system transmission path 72 in the device body 30. The system transmission path 72 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 72 connects the processor 61 to the other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0020] The sales processing device 3 is configured as a computer by connecting a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change machine interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, and input device interface 71 via a system transmission path 72. The sales processing device 3 then connects a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 to this computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0021] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions as a sales processing device 3 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 61 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0022] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system or application programs are stored. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be auxiliary storage devices 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

[0024] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication interface 65 is an interface for data communication with the store server connected via a communication network. The store server is a computer that stores product data such as the product name and unit price of each product sold in the store, and collects and aggregates sales data of products processed by the sales processing device 3 to manage the overall sales, inventory, etc. of the store. The store server also has a member database that stores accumulated points etc. associated with each member's member ID. Accumulated points are the accumulated value of points awarded to member purchasers for each purchaser. Note that the member database may be provided by a server other than the store server.

[0026] The scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, and payment terminal interface 70 are all interfaces for data communication with devices externally attached to the main unit 30. Specifically, the scanner interface 66 communicates data with the handheld scanner 33. The touch panel interface 67 communicates data with the second touch panel 34. The printer interface 68 communicates data with the printer 35. The change dispenser interface 69 communicates data with the automatic change dispenser 36. The payment terminal interface 70 communicates data with the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0027] The input device interface 71 is an interface for data communication with the input device 2 connected by the transmission cable 6. Specifically, the input device interface 71 communicates data with the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, the display 25, and the card reader 26, respectively.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main storage areas formed in the main memory 62. The sales processing device 3 uses a portion of the volatile storage area in the main memory 62 as the area for the first transaction file 81, the second transaction file 82, the hold file 83, the first flag memory 84, the second flag memory 85, and the payment table 86. The first transaction file 81, the second transaction file 82, and the hold file 83 are all areas for storing sales data of purchased goods that are processed as a single transaction. The sales data includes items such as the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the purchased goods. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the purchase quantity.

[0029] The first flag memory 84 is an area for storing the payment in progress flag PF. The payment in progress flag PF is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not payment for a transaction has been made in the sales processing device 3. In this embodiment, the payment in progress flag PF is set to "0" to indicate that payment has not been made, and the payment in progress flag PF is set to "1" to indicate that payment has been made.

[0030] The second flag memory 85 is an area for storing the member flag MF. The member flag MF is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not a transaction is with a member. In this embodiment, the member flag MF indicating a transaction with a non-member is set to "0", and the member flag MF indicating a transaction with a member is set to "1".

[0031] The payment table 86 has a column Ca for the payment code, a column Cb for the payment name, and a column Cc for the linkage flag. Column Ca contains a unique payment code assigned to each payment method, such as cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, prepaid card, and points payment. For credit cards, electronic money, and code payments, the payment code is assigned separately by the payment service provider. Column Cb contains the name of the payment method identified by the payment code described in the corresponding column Ca.

[0032] The Cc column contains a linkage flag. The linkage flag is a 1-bit data that identifies whether the payment method identified by the payment code described in the corresponding column Ca is linked to the points service. In this embodiment, points are awarded when a member purchaser pays using a payment method linked to the points service. A payment method to which points are awarded in this way is called a payment method linked to the points service. In this embodiment, the linkage flag indicating that a payment method is linked to the points service is set to "1", and the linkage flag indicating that a payment method is not linked to the points service is set to "0".

[0033] Incidentally, the payment table 86 in Figure 3 illustrates a case where points are awarded when a member purchaser pays using electronic money from electronic money payment service provider A. For example, if points are to be awarded regardless of the payment method, the linkage flag corresponding to all payment codes should be set to "1".

[0034] [Description of sales processing equipment functions] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3. As shown in the figure, the processor 61 has the functions of a registration means 611, a member acquisition means 612, a payment method acceptance means 613, a confirmation means 614, a prohibition means 615, and a settlement means 616.

[0035] The registration means 611 is a function for registering the goods that a buyer purchases, so-called purchased goods. Based on the information about the purchased goods entered via the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 of the input device 2, the registration means 611 processes the sales data of the purchased goods into the first transaction file 81. When a store clerk operates the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 to input information about the purchased goods that a buyer is purchasing, the registration means 611 generates sales data including the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc., of the purchased goods and processes the registration process into the first transaction file 81.

[0036] The member acquisition means 612 is a function that acquires member information set for a purchaser. The member acquisition means 612 acquires member information such as the member ID assigned to the purchaser, who is a member, from the data of the member card read by the card reader 26. The member acquisition means 612 writes the acquired member information to the first transaction file 81.

[0037] The payment method receiving means 613 is a function that receives payment methods for purchased goods registered by the registration means 611. Payment methods include, for example, cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, prepaid card, and point payment. The payment method receiving means 613 receives payment methods based on the purchaser's input to the second touch panel 34.

[0038] The confirmation means 614 is a function that confirms whether the customer should enter member information when the payment method is accepted by the payment method acceptance means 613 but member information has not been acquired. When the payment method is accepted by the payment method acceptance means 613 without acquiring member information, the confirmation means 614 confirms with the store clerk whether to enter member information. For example, the confirmation means 614 displays an image on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to allow the store clerk to select whether or not to enter member information, and confirms with the store clerk. If the store clerk enters member information, they operate the first operator. If the store clerk does not enter member information, they operate the second operator. The first and second operators are, for example, software keys displayed on the touch panel 23. The first and second operators may also be hardware keys located on the keyboard 24.

[0039] The prohibition means 615 is a function that prohibits the purchaser from operating the device from the time the confirmation means 614 prompts the store clerk to confirm something until that confirmation is completed. In other words, the prohibition means 615 prohibits the purchaser from operating the device from the time an image is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to prompt the store clerk to select whether or not to enter member information until the first or second operator input is made. The prohibition means 615 prohibits the purchaser from operating the device by not accepting operation input to the second touch panel 34. Alternatively, the prohibition means 615 prohibits the purchaser from operating the device by invalidating operation input to the second touch panel 34.

[0040] The payment method 616 is a function that settles the price of goods registered by the registration method 611 using the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance method 613. If member information is entered, the payment method 616 settles the transaction as a transaction with the member. If member information is not entered, the payment method 616 settles the transaction as a transaction with a non-member. Transactions with members include a process of calculating points based on the price of the purchased goods, etc., and adding the points calculated this time to the accumulated points stored in association with the member ID in the member information.

[0041] The functions described above as registration means 611, member acquisition means 612, payment method acceptance means 613, confirmation means 614, prohibition means 615, and payment means 616 are all realized by information processing performed by the processor 61 in accordance with the sales processing program.

[0042] The sales processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The method of installing the sales processing program in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63 is not particularly limited. The sales processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via network communication and installed in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63. The recording medium can be of any form, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0043] [Information Processing Description for Sales Processing Equipment] <First Information Processing> Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the sales processing program. A customer who has collected their purchased items from the sales floor moves to the checkout area. The customer then places their purchased items on the checkout counter 4 in an empty checkout lane PA. When the customer arrives at the checkout area, the store clerk standing in space SP touches, for example, the start button on the touch panel 23. This operation is a command to start input in the input device 2. In other words, it is a command to start registration in the sales processing device 3. Upon receiving this command, the processor 61 starts the first information processing. The processor 61 resets the member flag MF to "0" as ACT1. The processor 61 also sets the screen of the touch panel 23 in the input device 2 to the registration screen SAa (see Figure 9) as ACT2.

[0044] Figure 9 shows an example of the registration screen SAa display. The registration screen SAa is divided into the current area AAa, the details area AAb, and the total area AAc. The current area AAa is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the most recently purchased product. The details area AAb is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format, in sequential order. The total area AAc is the area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction. The registration screen SAa includes a subtotal button BAa. The subtotal button BAa is a software key. The subtotal button BAa is an operator for commanding the output of the subtotal of purchased products registered as a transaction in the sales processing device 3.

[0045] The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3, which displays the registration screen SAa on the touch panel 23, proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 61 checks whether the member flag MF is set to "1". At this point, the member flag MF has been reset to "0". Therefore, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 61 determines whether the member card has been read by the card reader 26. If the store clerk receives a member card from the customer, the clerk has the card read by the card reader 26.

[0046] When the card reader 26 reads the membership card, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 61 retrieves membership information, including the membership ID, from the membership card and writes it to the first transaction file 81. The processor 61 also sets the membership flag MF to "1" in ACT6.

[0047] If the processing of ACT6 is completed, or if the membership card was not read in ACT4, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT7. The processor 61 checks whether product registration has been performed as ACT7. If product registration has not been performed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT10. The processor 61 checks whether subtotal output has been commanded as ACT10. If subtotal output has not been commanded, the processor 61 returns to ACT3. That is, the processor 61 checks whether the membership flag MF is set to "1". Therefore, if the membership flag MF was set to "1" in ACT6, the processor 61 skips the processing of ACT4 through ACT6 and proceeds to ACT7.

[0048] Thus, while the member flag MF is reset to "0", the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3, which displays the registration screen SAa, waits for a member card to be read, a product to be registered, or a subtotal output to be commanded. When the member card is read and the member flag MF is set to "1", the processor 61 waits for a product to be registered or a subtotal output to be commanded.

[0049] After confirming the registration screen SAa, the store clerk enters the information of the purchased items placed at the checkout counter 4 into the input device 2. For example, the clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased item using the fixed scanner 21 or handheld scanner 22 of the input device 2. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased item is entered into the sales processing device 3 via the input device interface 71. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the clerk displays a list of barcode-less items on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2. The clerk then selects the purchased item from that list. Through this operation, the product code of the barcode-less purchased item is entered into the sales processing device 3 via the input device interface 71.

[0050] When processor 61 confirms that the product code and other information have been entered in ACT7, it recognizes that product registration has been completed. Processor 61 then proceeds to ACT8. Processor 61 executes product sales data processing as ACT8. This process reads the product name, unit price, etc. of the product identified by the entered product code from the product master, generates sales data for the purchased product including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc., and writes it to the first transaction file 81, i.e., registers the product.

[0051] After processing the product sales data, processor 61 proceeds to ACT9. Processor 61 updates the registration screen SAa as ACT9. Specifically, processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 in the current area AAa. At this time, if the sales data of the previously entered purchase product is displayed in the current area AAa, processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of that sales data in the details area AAb. Processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all sales data stored in the first transaction file 81 in the total area AAc.

[0052] After updating the registration screen SAa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT10. That is, the processor 61 checks whether or not a subtotal output has been commanded. When the store clerk finishes inputting information about the purchased items to the input device 2, they touch the subtotal button BAa. When the subtotal button BAa is touched, the processor 61 recognizes that a subtotal output has been commanded. The processor 61 proceeds to ACT11. As ACT11, the processor 61 checks whether or not the purchased items have been registered. If a subtotal output has been commanded without the purchased items being registered, the processor 61 returns to ACT3. If the purchased items have been registered, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT12. As ACT12, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 as the subtotal plane SAb (see Figure 10).

[0053] Figure 10 shows an example of the subplanning screen SAb. The subplanning screen SAb includes a total area AAd that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of purchased items in a single transaction. The subplanning screen SAb also includes a subtotal discount button BAb, a subtotal discount button BAc, a checkout button Bad, and a back button BAe. Each of the buttons BAb, Bac, Bad, and BAe is a software key. The subtotal discount button BAb is an operator used to instruct a discount on the total amount. The subtotal discount button BAc is an operator used to instruct a discount on the total amount. The checkout button BAd is an operator used to instruct that the input of purchased item information has been completed. The back button BAe is an operator used to instruct the user to return to the input of purchased item information.

[0054] After reviewing the sub-planning page SAb, the clerk checks whether any unentered purchased items remain at checkout counter 4. If there are any unentered purchased items, the clerk touches the back button BAe.

[0055] On the other hand, if there are no unentered purchase items, the clerk checks whether the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount or subtotal reduction. For example, if the customer presents a subtotal discount coupon, the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAb and enters the discount amount using the numeric keypad on keyboard 24. This operation reduces the total amount. This process is called subtotal discount processing. Similarly, if the customer presents a subtotal discount coupon, the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAc and enters the discount rate using the numeric keypad on keyboard 24. This operation reduces the total amount. This process is called subtotal discount processing.

[0056] Once the clerk confirms that there are no unentered purchase items and that no subtotal discount or reduction is needed, they touch the checkout button Bad.

[0057] When the touch panel 23 screen is set to subplanning plane SAb, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT21 in Figure 6. The processor 61 checks whether the back button BAe has been pressed as ACT21. If the back button BAe has not been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT22. The processor 61 checks whether the accounting button BAd has been pressed as ACT22. If the accounting button BAd has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT21. In this way, the processor 61, displaying subplanning plane SAb, waits for either the back button BAe or the accounting button BAd to be pressed as ACT21 or ACT22.

[0058] Furthermore, if the subtotal discount button BAb or the subtotal discount button BAc is pressed while ACT21 and ACT22 are in standby mode, the processor 61 performs the subtotal discount processing or subtotal discount processing described above. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby mode for ACT21 and ACT22.

[0059] In the standby state of ACT21 and ACT22, if the back button BAe is pressed by the store clerk's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT23. As ACT23, the processor 61 returns the touch panel 23 screen to the previous registration screen SAa. Then the processor 61 returns to ACT7 in Figure 5. That is, the processor 61 waits for product registration to be performed. Therefore, the store clerk only needs to operate the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input the information of the purchased product that has not yet been entered.

[0060] In the standby state of ACT21 and ACT22, if the payment button BAd is input by the store clerk's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT24. As ACT24, the processor 61 checks the payment in progress flag PF. If no payment operation has been performed in the sales processing device 3, the payment in progress flag PF is reset to "0". If the payment in progress flag PF is reset to "0", the processor 61 proceeds to ACT25. As ACT25, the processor 61 sets the screen of the display 25 to the payment availability notification screen SBa (see Figure 11).

[0061] Figure 11 shows an example of the display of the payment availability notification screen SBa. The payment availability notification screen SBa displays the total points and total amount in the total area ABa, and the first text TXa in the other area. The first text TXa instructs the buyer to move to the payment machine because payment is possible. Upon seeing the first text TXa, the buyer moves to the payment machine, i.e., where the sales processing device 3 is installed, and begins the payment process.

[0062] After displaying the payment notification screen SBa, processor 61 proceeds to ACT26. As ACT26, processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81, that is, the sales data of the purchased goods registered as a transaction, to the second transaction file 82. Also, as ACT27, processor 61 sets the payment in progress flag PF in the first flag memory 84 to "1". At this time, if member information was obtained in ACT5, that member information is also stored in the first transaction file 81 and is copied to the second transaction file 82.

[0063] With this, processor 61 completes the first information processing related to the transaction with the first buyer. Processor 61 then immediately begins the first information processing related to the transaction with the second buyer. That is, processor 61 executes the processing from ACT1 onward in the same manner as described above. At this time, the payment in progress flag PF, which was set to "1" in ACT27 of the first information processing for the first buyer, may not have been reset to "0" by ACT24 of the first information processing for the second buyer.

[0064] In ACT24, if the payment in progress flag PF is set to "1", the processor 61 proceeds to ACT28. As ACT28, the processor 61 sets the screen of the display 25 to the payment waiting notification screen SBb (see Figure 12).

[0065] Figure 12 shows an example of the payment waiting notification screen SBb. The payment waiting notification screen SBb displays the total points and total amount in the total area ABb, and displays a second text TXb in the other area. The second text TXb instructs the buyer to wait because payment is not possible. A second buyer who sees the second text TXb will wait until payment becomes possible.

[0066] After displaying the payment waiting notification screen SBb, processor 61 returns to ACT24. Processor 61 waits for the payment in progress flag PF to be reset to "0" as ACT24. The payment in progress flag PF is reset to "0" in the second information processing described later when the settlement process is completed. Once the payment in progress flag PF is reset to "0", processor 61 proceeds to ACT25. Processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT25 through ACT27 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 61 displays the payment ready notification screen SBa on display 25. Upon seeing this display, the second buyer moves to the location where the sales processing device 3 is installed and begins payment.

[0067] The processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81 to the second transaction file 82. The processor 61 also sets the payment in progress flag PF to "1" and terminates the first information processing for the second buyer. Thereafter, the processor 61 continues to perform the first information processing for the third, fourth, and subsequent buyers in the same manner as described above.

[0068] Here, the processor 61 that performs the first information processing realizes the function of a registration means 611 through the processing of ACT7 and ACT8. The same processor 61 realizes the function of a member acquisition means 612 through the processing of ACT4 and ACT5.

[0069] <Second Information Processing> Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the second information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the sales processing program. The processor 61 performs the second information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0070] The processor 61 waits for the payment flag PF to be set to "1" as ACT31 in Figure 7. In this waiting state, the initial screen is displayed on the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit. The content of the initial screen is not particularly limited. For example, the initial screen may display text or an image such as "Welcome." Alternatively, nothing may be displayed.

[0071] In ACT27 of the first information processing, when the payment flag PF is set to "1", the processor 61 proceeds to ACT32. As ACT32, the processor 61 sets the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment selection screen SCa (see Figure 13).

[0072] Figure 13 shows an example of the payment selection screen SCa. The payment selection screen SCa includes a group of payment method selection buttons BCa. The payment method selection button group BCa includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, a code payment button, a prepaid button, and a points button. The cash button, credit button, electronic money button, code payment button, prepaid button, and points button are all software keys.

[0073] Furthermore, the payment selection screen SCa includes the total area ACa. The total area ACa displays the total points and total amount for the first buyer making a payment. In other words, the total purchase quantity and total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of the purchased items stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the total area ACa.

[0074] After viewing the payment selection screen SCa, the buyer touches the button corresponding to their desired payment method from the payment method selection button group BCa. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with cash touches the cash button. A buyer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the credit button. A buyer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button. A buyer who wishes to pay with QR code payment touches the QR code payment button. A buyer who wishes to pay with a prepaid card touches the prepaid button. A buyer who wishes to pay with accumulated points touches the points button. When the electronic money button is touched, selection buttons for each electronic money payment provider will be displayed in the area of ​​the payment method selection button group BCa. The buyer can then select the electronic money payment provider they wish to use.

[0075] When the touch panel 23 screen is set to the payment selection screen SCa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT33. The processor 61 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT33. When a payment method is selected by a touch operation on the payment method selection button group BCa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT34. The processor 61 obtains the payment code of the selected payment method as ACT34. Referring to the payment table 86 in Figure 3, if, for example, cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 61 obtains the payment code "10001". If, for example, a credit card is selected, the processor 61 obtains the payment code "10002". If, for example, electronic money from electronic money payment service provider A is selected, the processor 61 obtains the payment code "10003". If, for example, electronic money from electronic money payment service provider B is selected, the processor 61 obtains the payment code "10004".

[0076] Processor 61, having obtained the payment code, proceeds to ACT35. Processor 61 determines, as ACT35, whether the payment method identified by that payment code is linked to the points service. That is, Processor 61 checks the linkage flag set in the payment table 86 for that payment code. If the linkage flag is "0", it means that it is not linked to the points service. Processor 61 then proceeds to ACT36. Processor 61 executes the non-member payment processing as ACT36.

[0077] Non-member payment processing refers to payment processing that does not award points. Specifically, processor 61 executes cash payment processing when cash is selected as the payment method and cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36. Processor 61 executes credit card payment processing when credit card is selected as the payment method and credit card data is read by the cashless payment terminal 37. Processor 61 executes electronic money payment processing when electronic money is selected as the payment method and electronic money is read by the cashless payment terminal 37. Processor 61 executes code payment processing when code payment is selected as the payment method and a barcode or two-dimensional code for code payment is read by the cashless payment terminal 37. In all of these payment processes, processor 61 does not calculate points. Note that payment processing such as cash payment processing, credit card payment processing, electronic money payment processing, and code payment processing are well-known processes, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0078] After completing the non-member payment processing, processor 61 proceeds to ACT 37. As ACT 37, processor 61 controls the output of the receipt. Specifically, processor 61 generates receipt data showing the details of the commercial transaction based on the sales data stored in the second transaction file 82. Then processor 61 outputs this receipt data to printer 35. Thus, printer 35 operates, prints a paper receipt, and issues it. If an electronic receipt ID has been entered in input device 2, processor 61 sends the receipt data along with the electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt server. Thus, the purchaser can obtain a receipt in the form of an electronic receipt by operating their smartphone.

[0079] The processor 61, which controlled the receipt output, proceeds to ACT38. Processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82 as ACT38. Processor 61 also resets the payment in progress flag PF to "0" as ACT39.

[0080] On the other hand, if the linkage flag is "1" in ACT35, that is, if a payment method linked to a point service is selected, such as electronic money payment from electronic money payment service provider B identified by payment code "10004", then processor 61 proceeds to ACT40. Processor 61 checks the member flag MF as ACT40. If the member flag MF is "1", that is, if the purchaser's member information has already been obtained, then processor 61 proceeds to ACT41. Processor 61 executes the member payment process as ACT41. Thus, if the payment method selected on the payment selection screen SCa is electronic money from electronic money payment service provider B and the purchaser's member information has already been obtained, processor 61 executes the member payment process.

[0081] Member payment processing is the process of settling a transaction using a payment method linked to a points service and awarding points. Specifically, processor 61 executes electronic money payment processing using electronic money from electronic money payment service provider B, calculates points based on the price of the purchased goods, etc., and adds the points calculated this time to the accumulated points stored in association with the member ID in the member information.

[0082] After completing the member payment processing, processor 61 proceeds to ACT42. Processor 61 controls the output of the receipt as ACT42. This process is the same as the process of ACT37 described above. However, the points awarded this time are also recorded on the receipt.

[0083] The processor 61, which controls the output of the receipt, proceeds to ACT43. As ACT43, the processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82. Also, as ACT44, the processor 61 resets the paying flag PF and the member flag MF to "0".

[0084] On the other hand, in ACT40, if the member flag MF is "0", that is, if the purchaser's member information has not been obtained, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT51 in Figure 8. In ACT51, the processor 61 switches the screen of the second touch panel 34 from the payment selection screen SCa to the staff call screen SCb (see Figure 14).

[0085] Figure 14 shows an example of the SCb screen display. The SCb screen is used to inform customers paying using the sales processing device 3 that a store employee is being called. The second touch panel 34 does not accept touch operations while the SCb screen is displayed. In other words, the sales processing device 3 is prohibited from receiving any input.

[0086] When the second touch panel 34 screen is set to the "Calling a Store Clerk" screen SCb, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 52. As ACT 52, the processor 61 executes a process to confirm with the store clerk whether to enter membership information. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the processor 61 displays a membership declaration confirmation image PUa on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2, which is operated by the store clerk. The membership declaration confirmation image PUa is an image that displays text asking the store clerk whether it is alright to not declare membership or not. The membership declaration confirmation image PUa has an affirmative button BAf for [Yes] and a negative button BAg for [No]. The affirmative button BAf is the first operation that the store clerk operates when entering membership information. The negative button BAg is the second operation that the store clerk operates when not entering membership information. If, for example, the registration screen SAa is displayed on the touch panel 23, the membership declaration confirmation image PUa is displayed as a pop-up overlaid on the registration screen SAa.

[0087] After the store clerk has confirmed the membership declaration confirmation image PUa, the clerk will check with the customer who has selected a payment method in the sales processing device 3 to see if they have forgotten to present their membership card. If the customer has not forgotten to present their membership card, the clerk will touch the negative button BAg. If the customer has forgotten to present their membership card, the clerk will touch the positive button BAf.

[0088] In ACT52, the processor 61 displays the member declaration confirmation image PUa on the touch panel 23 and proceeds to ACT53. In ACT53, the processor 61 checks whether or not it has been declared that member information will be entered. If it detects that the negative button BAg on the member declaration confirmation image PUa has been touched by the store clerk, the processor 61 recognizes that it has been declared that member information will not be entered. The processor 61 proceeds to ACT54. In ACT54, the processor 61 clears the store clerk call screen SCb that was displayed on the second touch panel 34. Clearing the store clerk call screen SCb releases the operation input prohibition state of the sales processing device 3. The processor 61 proceeds to ACT36 in Figure 7. The processor 61 executes the processes of ACT36 to ACT39 in the same way as described above. That is, the processor 61 executes the non-member payment process. The processor 61 also controls the output of the receipt. After that, the processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82 and resets the payment in progress flag PF to "0".

[0089] In response to this, in ACT53, if the processor 61 detects that the store clerk has touched the affirmative button BAf on the member declaration confirmation image PUa, the processor 61 recognizes that the customer has declared that they will enter their member information. The processor 61 then proceeds to ACT55. As ACT55, the processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81, i.e., the sales data of the purchased goods by the second buyer after the first buyer who paid using the sales processing device 3, to the hold file 83. The processor 61 also copies the data stored in the second transaction file 82, i.e., the sales data of the purchased goods by the first buyer, to the first transaction file 81 as ACT56.

[0090] After completing the processing of ACT55 and ACT56, processor 61 proceeds to ACT57. In ACT57, processor 61 determines whether or not the membership card has been read by the card reader 26. The store clerk has the card reader 26 read the membership card received from the customer who forgot to present their membership card. Once the card reader 26 has read the membership card, processor 61 proceeds to ACT58. In ACT58, processor 61 retrieves the membership information, including the membership ID, from the membership card and writes it to the first transaction file 81. Also, in ACT59, processor 61 sets the membership flag MF to "1".

[0091] After completing the processing of ACT58 and ACT59, processor 61 proceeds to ACT60. Processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81 as ACT60, namely the sales data of the purchased goods by the first buyer and member information, to the second transaction file 82. Processor 61 also copies the data stored in the hold file 83 as ACT61, namely the sales data of the purchased goods by the second buyer, to the first transaction file 81.

[0092] After completing the processing of ACT60 and ACT61, processor 61 proceeds to ACT62. As ACT62, processor 61 clears the "Calling a store employee" screen SCb that was displayed on the second touch panel 34. Clearing the "Calling a store employee" screen SCb releases the operation input restriction state of the sales processing device 3.

[0093] After clearing the "Calling a store employee" screen SCb, processor 61 proceeds to ACT41 in Figure 7. Processor 61 executes the processes of ACT41 through ACT44 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 61 executes the member payment process. Processor 61 also controls the output of the receipt. After that, processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82 and resets the payment in progress flag PF and member flag MF to "0".

[0094] After completing the processing of ACT39 or ACT44, processor 61 terminates the second information processing. Thus, the payment of the first buyer is processed by the sales processing unit 3. Then, when the payment in progress flag PF is set to "1" again in ACT27 in Figure 6, processor 61 repeatedly executes the second information processing described above. Thus, the payment of the second buyer is processed by the sales processing unit 3. Thereafter, the payments of the third, fourth, and subsequent buyers are processed sequentially by the sales processing unit 3 in the same manner.

[0095] Here, the processor 61 that performs the second information processing realizes the function of a payment method acceptance means 613 through the processing of ACT32 to ACT34. The processor 61 realizes the function of a confirmation means 614 through the processing of ACT52 and ACT53. The processor 61 realizes the function of a prohibition means 615 through the processing of ACT51 and ACT54 or ACT62. The processor 61 realizes the function of a settlement means 616 through the processing of ACT36 and ACT41.

[0096] [Effects of Transaction Processing Equipment] As detailed above, the sales processing device 3 has a registration means 611, a member acquisition means 612, a payment method acceptance means 613, a settlement means 616, and a confirmation means 614. This confirmation means 614 functions to confirm whether or not to enter member information when member information has not been acquired upon receiving a payment method. Therefore, the sales processing device 3 can be provided that can confirm whether or not member information has been forgotten to be entered.

[0097] Furthermore, the sales processing device 3 has a function as a prohibition mechanism 615. This function prohibits input to the sales processing device 3 while confirmation is being made as to whether or not to enter member information. Therefore, there is no concern that incorrect input operations will cause the sales processing device 3 to malfunction.

[0098] [Other embodiments] The above describes an embodiment of a sales processing device that can confirm that employee information has not been entered, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, a sales processing device 3 separated from the input device 2 was illustrated, but the present invention may also be applied to a standalone sales processing device 3 equipped with at least some of the input / output devices of the input device 2. In this case, the confirmation means 614 may display the member declaration confirmation image PUa on the first touch panel 32.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where member information is entered or confirmed when a payment method linked to a points service is selected. In this regard, member information may be entered or confirmed regardless of whether or not it is linked to a points service. In other words, the processing of ACT35 in Figure 7 may be omitted. In this case, the linkage flag column may be omitted from the payment table 86.

[0101] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1…Product sales system, 2…Input device, 3…Sales processing device, 4…Checkout counter, 5…Cash register counter, 6…Transmission cable, 21…Fixed scanner, 22…Handheld scanner, 23…Touch panel, 24…Keyboard, 25…Display, 26…Card reader, 30…Main unit, 31…Keyboard, 32…Touch panel, 33…Handheld scanner, 34…Touch panel, 35…Printer, 36…Automatic change dispenser, 37…Cashless payment terminal, 61…Processor, 62…Main memory, 63…Auxiliary storage device, 64…Clock, 65…Communication Interface, 66... ​​Scanner interface, 67... Touch panel interface, 68... Printer interface, 69... Change machine interface, 70... Payment terminal interface, 71... Input device interface, 72... System transmission path, 81... First transaction file, 82... Second transaction file, 83... Hold file, 84... First flag memory, 85... Second flag memory, 86... Payment table, 611... Registration means, 612... Member acquisition means, 613... Method acceptance means, 614... Confirmation means, 615... Prohibition means, 616... Payment means.

Claims

1. A registration method for customers to register the products they purchase, A means for acquiring member information set for the aforementioned purchaser, A payment method receiving means that accepts payment methods for goods registered by the aforementioned registration means, When the payment method is accepted by the payment method acceptance means, if the member information has not been obtained, a confirmation means is provided to confirm whether the member information should be entered. A payment means that settles the price of the goods registered by the registration means using the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance means, A sales processing device equipped with the following.

2. The sales processing device according to claim 1, wherein the payment means settles the transaction as a transaction with a member if the member information is entered, and settles the transaction as a transaction with a non-member if the member information is not entered.

3. The sales processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation means confirms whether the member information is entered when the payment method received by the payment method acceptance means is a predetermined payment method.

4. The aforementioned registration means is a means for registering products purchased by a customer through the operation of a store employee. The aforementioned payment method acceptance means is a means for accepting payment methods through the buyer's actions. The sales processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation means prompts a store clerk who registers the products purchased by the buyer to confirm.

5. A prohibition means that prohibits the customer from performing any actions until the store clerk is prompted to perform the check using the aforementioned check means and the check is completed. The sales processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. The computer for the sales processing system, A registration method for customers to register the products they purchase. Member acquisition means for acquiring member information set for the aforementioned purchaser, A payment method receiving means that accepts payment methods for goods registered by the aforementioned registration means, When the payment method is accepted by the payment method acceptance means, if the member information has not been obtained, a confirmation means to confirm whether the member information should be entered, and, A payment means that settles the price of the goods registered by the registration means using the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance means. A program designed to function as such.

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