POS system, POS terminal, POS system operation method, and POS terminal operation program

Abstract

By allowing staff to process the next customer's purchases while the current customer is bagging their groceries, we can reduce both customer waiting times and staff processing time at the checkout. [Solution] The POS terminal comprises an employee operation unit for which an employee performs operations related to cashier duties, a first customer operation unit connected to the employee operation unit and operated by a first customer, a second customer operation unit connected to the employee operation unit and operated by a second customer, and a control unit that controls the operation of the employee operation unit according to the status of transactions made by the first customer using the first customer operation unit and the status of transactions made by the second customer using the second customer operation unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a POS system, a POS terminal, a method of operating a POS system, and an operation program for a POS terminal. [Background Art]

[0002] Against the background of environmental protection, plastic shopping bags have become chargeable, the number of shopping customers bringing their own bags has increased, and there are more and more cases where customers pack products by themselves.

[0003] Conventionally, store employees have shortened the transaction time by quickly packing products while customers are making payments. However, when customers pack products themselves after payment, the work required of customers increases, and the time taken for one transaction becomes longer, which increases customers' waiting time and the working time of store employees.

[0004] In a common POS terminal, there is only one customer screen operated by the customer. Furthermore, there is also only one operator screen operated by a store employee, and only operations for one customer can be performed. Therefore, the transaction for the next customer cannot be started until the current customer completes payment and packing.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes that customer service screens for a plurality of customers are displayed on an operator display of a POS terminal used by a store clerk, and the store clerk performs customer service while selecting any one of the customer service screens. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-185084 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] Depending on the size of the store, there may only be space available very close to the POS terminal for customers to bag their purchases. Furthermore, with the introduction of charges for plastic bags, the division of labor between cashiers and customers at the checkout has changed, and customers are increasingly bagging their own purchases. This has resulted in an increase in the time spent per customer at the checkout, specifically, longer waiting times for customers and longer checkout times for cashiers.

[0008] Therefore, the aim is to reduce customer waiting times at the checkout and cashier work time by allowing cashiers to process the next customer's purchases while the current customer is bagging their groceries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The POS system according to this disclosure includes a first display device, a registration device for store employees to register products purchased by customers, a plurality of payment devices for customers to pay for the registered products, a second display device provided on each of the plurality of payment devices, a change device shared among the plurality of payment devices for detecting change, and a control device that displays product information, which is information about products registered in the registration device, on the first display device, selects one of the plurality of payment devices, and if the change device detects change as a result of payment for the product information, displays the change information on the second display device provided on the selected payment device.

[0010] The POS terminal according to this disclosure includes a first display unit, a registration unit in which a store clerk registers products purchased by a customer, a plurality of payment units in which the customer pays for the registered products, a second display unit provided in each of the plurality of payment units, a change unit shared among the plurality of payment units for detecting change, and a control unit that displays product information, which is information about the products registered in the registration unit, on the first display unit, selects one of the plurality of payment units, and if the change unit detects change as a result of payment for the product information, displays the change information on the second display unit provided in the selected payment unit.

[0011] The method of operating a POS system according to this disclosure is a method of operating a POS system having a first display device, a registration device for a store clerk to register products purchased by a customer, a plurality of payment devices for the customer to pay for the registered products, a second display device provided on each of the plurality of payment devices, a change device shared among the plurality of payment devices for detecting change, and a control device, wherein the control device displays product information, which is information about products registered in the registration device, on the first display device, selects one of the plurality of payment devices, and if the change device detects change as a result of payment for the product information, it performs control to display change information on the second display device provided on the selected payment device.

[0012] The POS terminal operation program according to this disclosure is an operation program for operating a POS terminal having a first display unit, a registration unit for a store clerk to register products purchased by a customer, a plurality of payment units for the customer to pay for the registered products, a second display unit provided in each of the plurality of payment units, a change unit shared among the plurality of payment units for detecting change, and a control unit, wherein the control unit displays product information, which is information about the products registered in the registration unit, on the first display unit, selects one of the plurality of payment units, and if the change unit detects change as a result of payment for the product information, it displays the change information on the second display unit provided in the selected payment unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This allows us to provide a POS system, POS terminal, POS system operation method, and POS terminal operation program that reduce customer waiting times and cashier work times by enabling cashiers to process the next customer's transaction while the current customer is bagging their groceries. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the POS terminal related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a self-checkout type POS terminal related to this disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a diagram of a cashier-assisted checkout type POS terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a diagram of a related POS terminal. [Figure 5] It is a top view diagram showing an operation example of a related POS terminal. [Figure 6] It is a top view diagram showing an operation example of a POS terminal according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of operation when a related POS terminal is used. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of operation when a POS terminal according to the present disclosure is used. [Figure 9] It is a transaction table according to the present disclosure. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of a POS terminal will be described with reference to the drawings. A POS terminal 1 includes a cashier operation unit 11, a first customer operation unit 12, a second customer operation unit 13, a change dispensing unit 14, a product reading unit 15, a settlement unit 16, and a control unit 17.

[0016] Here, the cashier operation unit 11 includes a first display unit 31 and a registration unit 32. Further, the first customer operation unit 12 and the second customer operation unit 13 are each assumed to be a plurality of settlement units 33 that allow a customer to settle payment for registered products. Here, the settlement unit 33 can include the product reading unit 15 and the settlement unit 16 which are used for settlement. A display unit provided corresponding to each settlement unit 33 is defined as a second display unit 34.

[0017] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminal 1 is configured to include the first display unit 31, the registration unit 32, the settlement unit 33, the second display unit 34, the change dispensing unit 14, and the control unit 17.

[0018] In the following description, the explanation is given assuming that the device is POS terminal 1, but the invention can be treated as being implemented by a POS system configured with one or more devices. In this case, each part constituting POS terminal 1 or POS terminal 2 described later can be treated as a device that respectively performs the function of each part.

[0019] The clerk operation unit 11 is an operation unit through which a clerk performs operations related to checkout operations. For example, the clerk operation unit 11 uses a touch-panel type operation screen that allows operation by a clerk touching the screen.

[0020] In the clerk operation unit 11, the portion that performs screen display is defined as a first display unit 31, and the portion that is used by the clerk to register products purchased by a customer is defined as a registration unit 32. For example, the first display unit 31 can be a display device, and the registration unit 32 can be an input device such as a keyboard.

[0021] The first customer operation unit 12 is connected to the clerk operation unit 11, and is an operation unit for a first customer to perform operations. For example, the first customer operation unit 12 can use a touch-panel type operation screen that allows operation by the first customer touching the screen.

[0022] The second customer operation unit 13 is connected to the clerk operation unit 11, and is an operation unit for a second customer to perform operations. For example, the second customer operation unit 13 can use a touch-panel type operation screen that allows operation by the second customer touching the screen.

[0023] The change unit 14 is an automatic change dispenser used when a customer performs cash payment. The change unit 14 can detect the presence or absence of change.

[0024] The product reading unit 15 is a portion for a clerk to read product information.

[0025] The payment unit 16 is a portion having a function for a customer to perform payment.

[0026] The control unit 17 controls the operation of the POS terminal 1 for performing cashier duties. Specifically, the control unit 17 can control the operation of the clerk operation unit 11 according to the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer operation unit 12 and the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer operation unit 13.

[0027] Here, the control unit 17 can control the system to display product information, which is information about products registered in the registration unit 32, on the first display unit 21, select one of the multiple settlement units 23, and if the change unit 14 detects change as a result of settlement for the product information, display the change information on the second display unit 34 provided on the selected settlement unit 23.

[0028] This allows cashiers to process the next customer's purchase while the current customer is bagging their groceries, thus reducing both customer waiting times and cashier workload.

[0029] Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), an example of the detailed configuration of the POS terminal 1 shown in Embodiment 1 will be described. Here, Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show a self-checkout type POS terminal where the customer makes the payment themselves. Here, the self-checkout type POS terminal will be described in comparison with related POS terminals that are generally in use, but the same applies to POS terminals where the store clerk makes the payment. Components that perform the same functions as the POS terminal 1 described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and some of the description will be omitted.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the POS terminal 1 includes a staff operation unit 11, a first customer operation unit 12, a second customer operation unit 13, a change dispenser 14, a product reading unit 15, a payment unit 16, a control unit 17, and a monitoring unit (surveillance camera unit) 20.

[0031] Here, Figure 2(a) shows POS terminal 1 from the perspective of the store clerk, and Figure 2(b) shows POS terminal 1 from the perspective of the customer, with the store clerk and the customer facing each other across POS terminal 1. In this explanation, the side of POS terminal 1 where one store clerk is stationed is referred to as the store clerk area, and the side where two customers are stationed is referred to as the customer area.

[0032] The employee control unit 11 is an operation unit in which employees perform operations related to cashier duties. Here, the employee control unit 11 is described as an operation screen that can be viewed from the perspective of the employee area.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2(a), the screen of the employee control unit 11 displays a first cashier operation screen 18, which is displayed by the cashier operation application and corresponds to the screen of the first customer control unit 12 (described later), and a second cashier operation screen 19, which is displayed by the cashier operation application and corresponds to the screen of the second customer control unit 13. Typically, as shown in Figure 2(a), the first cashier operation screen 18 and the second cashier operation screen 19 are displayed side by side on the screen of the employee control unit 11.

[0034] The first customer operation unit 12 is connected to the store clerk operation unit 11 and is the operation unit operated by the first customer (customer #1). Here, the first customer operation unit 12 is described as an operation screen that can be viewed from the perspective of the first customer who is in the customer area.

[0035] Furthermore, the first customer operating the first customer operation unit 12 will bag the purchased items in area A, which is located near the first customer operation unit 12. Due to space limitations, it will be impossible for anyone else to operate the first customer operation unit 12 while the first customer is bagging the items in area A.

[0036] The second customer operation unit 13 is connected to the store clerk operation unit 11 and is an operation unit operated by a second customer (customer #2). Here, the second customer operation unit 13 is an operation screen that can be viewed from the perspective of the second customer who is in the customer area, and is located next to the first customer operation unit 12.

[0037] Furthermore, the second customer operating the second customer operation unit 13 will bag the purchased items in area B, which is located near the second customer operation unit 13. Due to space limitations, it will be impossible for anyone else to operate the second customer operation unit 13 while the second customer is bagging the items in area B.

[0038] The change dispenser 14 is an automatic change dispenser used when customers make cash payments. Here, the change dispenser 14, which is the change return slot, is located on the customer area side.

[0039] The change dispenser 14 is shared by multiple settlement units 33, namely the first customer operation unit 12 and the second customer operation unit 13. As mentioned above, the change dispenser 14 can also detect the change.

[0040] Furthermore, the change dispenser 14 is equipped with a timing unit 14a that starts timing and measures the elapsed time when it detects the presence of change. Specifically, the timing unit 14a can start timing in response to the detection of change in the change tray of the change dispenser 14, and measure the time the change remains in the tray.

[0041] Furthermore, the change dispenser 14 may use means to measure the weight of the change in the tray, means to acquire an image of the tray from which the change is dispensed, and means to determine whether or not there is change based on this input information. The method of detecting change is not limited to these.

[0042] The product reading unit 15 is where store employees read product information. For example, the product reading unit 15 obtains information about a product by reading the barcode attached to the product.

[0043] The payment unit 16 is a part of the system that has functions for customers to make payments. For example, this payment method can utilize a payment method that reads a code displayed by the POS terminal 1 or a code displayed by the customer, or a cashless payment method such as a credit card held by the customer. The payment unit 16 may also include a cash input slot for inserting cash for cash payments. In this case, the change generated from the cash payment will be discharged into the change unit 14. The payment method used by the payment unit 16 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0044] The control unit 17 controls the operations necessary for performing cashier duties at the POS terminal 1. For example, the control unit 17 controls the operations of the employee operation unit 11, the first customer operation unit 12, the second customer operation unit 13, the change dispenser 14, the product reading unit 15, and the payment unit 16.

[0045] In particular, the control unit 17 can control the state of the staff operation unit 11 according to the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer operation unit 12 and the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer operation unit 13.

[0046] The control unit 17 stores a product information database (DB) containing product information. The control unit 17 also creates a transaction table as shown in Figure 9. The control unit 17 searches the product information database for the product information read by the product reading unit 15, and can register and update the transaction table based on the search results. Typically, a separate transaction table is generated for each customer.

[0047] In this context, the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer operation unit 12 includes the reading of product information by the product reading unit 15 for the product purchased by the first customer, and the settlement by the first customer. The same applies to the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer operation unit 13.

[0048] Furthermore, the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer operation unit 12 and the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer operation unit 13 may include the status of receiving change in the change unit 14 when a cash payment is made in the settlement unit 16.

[0049] Therefore, the control unit 17 can control the system to display product information, which is information about products registered in the registration unit 32, on the first display unit 31, select one of the multiple settlement units 23, and, as a result of settling the product information, if the change unit 14 detects change, display the change information on the second display unit 34 provided in the selected settlement unit 23.

[0050] The surveillance camera unit 20 has a camera that photographs the change dispenser 14 and its surroundings from the time the timing unit 14a starts timing until the change dispenser 14 stops detecting change. For example, the surveillance camera provided as the surveillance camera unit 20 is positioned so as to be able to photograph the face of the person receiving the change.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, the surveillance camera unit 20 may consist of multiple units. For example, it may have a first surveillance camera unit 20a located on the back side of the display screen of the employee operation unit 11, a second surveillance camera unit 20b located on the first customer operation unit 12, and a surveillance camera unit 20c located on the second customer operation unit 13. Note that the arrangement of the surveillance camera units 20 is illustrative and not limited to these positions.

[0052] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show a cashier-operated POS terminal 2 where a store employee processes the payment. Figure 3(a) shows the POS terminal 2 from the store employee's perspective, and Figure 3(b) shows the POS terminal 2 from the customer's perspective, with the store employee and customer facing each other across the POS terminal 2.

[0053] Here, POS terminal 2 comprises a staff operation unit 11, a first customer operation unit 12, a second customer operation unit 13, a change dispenser 24, a product reading unit 15, a payment unit 16, a control unit 17, and a monitoring unit 20. Components that perform the same functions as POS terminal 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0054] The change dispenser 24 is an automatic change machine used by store clerks for cash payments. In this case, the change return slot of the change dispenser 24 is located on the side facing the store clerk's area.

[0055] For comparison, Figures 4(a) to 4(d) show commonly used POS terminals. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are self-checkout types, while Figures 4(c) and 4(d) are staff-operated checkout types. Furthermore, Figures 4(a) and 4(c) show the POS terminal from the customer's perspective, while Figures 4(b) and 4(d) show the POS terminal from the staff's perspective.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d), a typical POS terminal is designed for one customer and has one control panel for the customer to operate, while the control panel operated by the store clerk displays a single register screen corresponding to the control panel operated by the customer.

[0057] Next, an example of the operation of POS terminal 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 5(a) to 5(c) and Figures 6(a) to 6(c). Here, Figures 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing an example of operation when using a commonly used POS terminal from an overhead perspective, and Figures 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing an example of operation when using POS terminal 1 or POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment from an overhead perspective. Here, the explanation will assume the use of POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, Figure 7 is a flowchart of the operation when using the relevant POS terminal, and Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation when using POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Figures 7 and 8 show the processing flow on the store clerk side and the processing flow on the customer side, respectively.

[0059] First, we will explain the operational flow when using a commonly used POS terminal, using Figure 7.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5(a), while customers are waiting in line at the register, as shown in Figure 5(b), customer #1 goes to the register counter and places the items on the counter (step S21). At this time, the store clerk is ready to begin the transaction (step S11).

[0061] Customer #1 hands the items to be purchased to the store clerk (Step S22). The store clerk receives the items (Step S12), reads the product information with the product reader, and registers the items (Step S13).

[0062] At this point, the store clerk's process is as follows: If product registration is complete for all items (Yes in step S14), proceed to step S15. If product registration is not complete for all items (No in step S14), return to step S13 and repeat the process until all items are registered.

[0063] Once all items have been registered, the store clerk presents the customer with the total amount and guides them through the payment method (Step S15). The customer selects a payment method on the customer operation screen (Step S23) and pays the purchase amount using the selected payment method (Step S24).

[0064] This completes the transaction between the clerk and customer #1, and the cashier service for customer #1 is finished (step S16). At this point, the clerk waits for the customer to bag the purchased items (step S25) and leave the checkout counter (step S26) before calling in the next customer, customer #2 (step S17).

[0065] As shown in Figure 5(c), customer #2 goes to the cash register (step S26), and the clerk begins the transaction with customer #2 (step S18).

[0066] Therefore, when using a commonly used POS terminal, after completing a transaction with customer #1, the employee will be unable to start a transaction with the next customer, customer #2, until customer #1 leaves.

[0067] Next, the operational flow when using POS terminal 1 will be explained using Figure 8. In the following, the control unit 17's control of displays and operations on the clerk operation unit 11 according to the transaction status with customer #1 and customer #2 may be simply described as the operation of the clerk operation unit 11.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6(a), while customers are waiting in line at the register, customer #1 goes to area A of the register counter and places the product in area A of the register counter (step S41). At this time, the store clerk is ready to begin the transaction (step S31).

[0069] When the checkout process begins, POS terminal 1 assigns a unique transaction number to customer #1 and creates the transaction table shown in Figure 9. Here, we assume that the transaction table has already been created in the control unit 17. Then, POS terminal 1 displays a message indicating that a transaction is in progress on the first checkout screen 18 of the employee operation unit 11.

[0070] Customer #1 hands the items to be purchased to the store clerk (Step S42). The store clerk receives the items (Step S32), reads the product information with the product reading unit 15, and registers the items (Step S33).

[0071] More specifically, when a store clerk receives an item from customer #1 and scans the barcode of the item using the item reader 15, the POS terminal 1 searches the item information database stored in the control unit 17 for the item information corresponding to the scanned barcode, registers the corresponding item information in the created transaction table, and displays the item information and the total amount at that time on the first customer operation unit 12.

[0072] At this point, the store clerk's process is as follows: If product registration is complete for all items (Yes in step S34), proceed to step S35. If product registration is not complete for all items (No in step S34), return to step S33 and repeat the process until all items are registered.

[0073] Once all items have been registered, the store clerk presents the total amount to customer #1 and guides them through the payment method (step S35). The customer selects the payment method by touching the screen of the first customer operation unit 12 (step S43) and pays the purchase amount using the selected payment method (step S44).

[0074] At this time, the control unit 17 can identify the selected settlement unit 23 when one of the multiple settlement units 23 is selected and settlement is performed for the product information, and display it on the first display unit 31.

[0075] In other words, when customer #1 operates the first customer operation unit 12 and the payment for the goods is completed, the store clerk operation unit 11 can identify the first customer operation unit 12 and display the payment status on the screen.

[0076] Furthermore, the change dispenser 14 allows customer #1 to receive cash change in accordance with the total amount calculated from the transaction table for customer #1 and the amount of cash inserted, when customer #1 is conducting a transaction, and allows customer #2 to receive cash change in accordance with the total amount calculated from the transaction table for customer #2 and the amount of cash inserted.

[0077] Here, the timing unit 14a can measure the time that change is in the change dispenser 14 when customer #1 makes a payment and change is generated. Then, after the timing unit 14a has measured a predetermined time, if the change dispenser 14 detects change again, the control unit 17 displays a change collection reminder message on the second display unit 34 provided in the selected settlement unit 23.

[0078] In other words, the control unit 17 detects that there is change in the change tray using the change dispenser 14, measures the elapsed time using the timing unit 14a, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, if it detects again that there is change in the change tray of the change dispenser 14, it displays a change collection reminder message on the first customer operation unit 12 used by customer #1, who is the person receiving the change.

[0079] This allows POS terminal 1 to automatically prompt customer #1 to take their change even if they forget to do so.

[0080] Furthermore, if there is change remaining in the change dispenser 14, the control unit 17 can display a standby message indicating that the change dispenser 14 is currently in use on the second display unit 34 provided on each of the multiple settlement units 23, excluding the selected settlement unit 23.

[0081] In other words, POS terminal 1 can display a waiting message on the screen of the second customer operation unit 13 used by customer #2, indicating that the change dispenser 14 is currently in use, until customer #1 receives the change dispensed from the change dispenser 14.

[0082] This prevents the POS terminal 1 from losing track of which customer's change belongs to which customer in the change dispenser 14, which is used by both customer #1 and customer #2.

[0083] Furthermore, the surveillance camera unit 20 can photograph the change dispenser 14 and its surroundings from the time the change dispenser 14 detects change until it stops detecting change, that is, from the time the timing unit 14a starts timing until it stops detecting change in the change dispenser 14.

[0084] This allows for the recording of individuals who mistakenly take change instead of the customer who is entitled to it. The recording period of the surveillance camera unit 20 is not limited to this and can be changed as needed. For example, the surveillance camera unit 20 may be set to record for several seconds after the change is no longer detected.

[0085] Next, the clerk calls in the next customer, #2 (step S36), and receives payment for the purchase from customer #1, thus concluding the transaction (step S37). Furthermore, once the payment process by customer #1 is complete, the POS terminal 1 displays a message indicating the transaction is complete on the first register operation screen 18 of the clerk operation unit 11.

[0086] Here, customer #2, having been called by the staff in step S36, goes to area B of the cash register counter (step S51). As a result, the transaction with customer #2 is initiated at POS terminal 1 (step S38).

[0087] Specifically, the store clerk starts the register operation by operating the second register operation screen 19 of the clerk operation unit 11. When the register operation by the store clerk is started, the POS terminal 1 assigns a unique transaction number with customer #2 and creates the transaction table shown in Figure 9.

[0088] As a result, for example, the control unit 17 controls the screen of the store clerk operation unit 11 to display a message indicating that a transaction is in progress on the second cash register operation screen 19.

[0089] While the store clerk is conducting a transaction with customer #2, customer #1 can bag the items purchased in area A (step S45) and then leave the checkout counter (step S46).

[0090] Subsequently, the transaction between the store clerk and customer #2 proceeds in the same manner as the transaction between the store clerk and customer #1 described above.

[0091] In other words, the store clerk scans the barcode of the product received from customer #2 using the product reading unit 15, and the POS terminal 1 searches the product information corresponding to the scanned barcode in the product information database in the control unit 17. The control unit 17 then registers the corresponding product information in the created transaction table and displays the product information and the total amount at that time on the screen of the second customer operation unit 13.

[0092] Once the store clerk has finished registering all the items purchased by customer #2, the store clerk will inform customer #2 of the total amount due, and customer #2 will select a payment method from the payment methods displayed on the screen of the second customer operation unit 13 and pay the amount using the selected payment method.

[0093] In step S44, if customer #1 pays with cash, the change dispenser 24 dispenses change in cash according to the total amount calculated from the transaction table and the amount of cash inserted. The store clerk can collect the change dispensed by the change dispenser 24 and give it to customer #1. The same applies to customer #2.

[0094] In this way, with the relevant POS terminal, the checkout process for the next customer, #2, cannot be performed until customer #1 leaves the checkout counter, resulting in a waiting time. However, with the POS terminal 1 shown in this embodiment, the checkout process for the next customer, #2, can be performed before customer #1 leaves the checkout counter, thus reducing the waiting time.

[0095] In other words, the control unit 17 can control the operation of each part of the POS terminal 1 so that a transaction using the second customer operation unit 13, initiated by a second customer, is started before a transaction using the first customer operation unit 12, initiated by a first customer, is completed. In particular, the control unit 17 can control the operation of the employee operation unit 11 as one of the controls for each part of the POS terminal 1.

[0096] Based on the above, the POS terminal 1 can display product information, which is information about products registered in the registration unit 32 of the first customer operation unit 12, on the first display unit 31, i.e., the store clerk operation unit 11. Furthermore, the POS terminal 1 can select one of the multiple settlement units 23, and if the change unit 14 detects change as a result of settlement for the product information, it can display the change information on the second display unit 34 provided in the selected settlement unit 23.

[0097] This allows POS terminal 1 to display information about the change on the screen used by the customer who is supposed to receive the change.

[0098] Furthermore, POS terminal 2, which has the change dispenser 24 located on the staff side, can be operated in the same way as POS terminal 1. In this case, customer #1 and customer #2 can receive the change dispensed from POS terminal 2 without going through the staff.

[0099] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0100] For example, the employee control unit 11, the first customer control unit 12, and the second customer control unit 13 can each include means of operation other than touching the touch panel screen, and specific examples include using a keyboard or mouse.

[0101] Each drawing is merely illustrative to illustrate one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with one or more other embodiments rather than with only one specific embodiment. As those skilled in the art will understand, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps shown in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0102] For example, Figure 7 shows that in step S36, the next customer #2 is called, in step S37 the transaction with customer #1 is ended, and in step S38 the transaction with customer #2 is started. However, the process of ending the transaction with customer #1 may be performed on the POS terminal 1 before calling customer #2.

[0103] For example, in a transaction with customer #1, after customer #1 operates the first customer operation unit 12 to select a payment method and execute the payment, a transaction with customer #2 can be initiated. For example, although the above explanation assumes that the transaction ends when customer #1's payment is completed, this is not the only explanation. That is, even if there is some other processing to be done after the payment is completed but before the transaction with customer #1 itself ends, a transaction with customer #2 can be initiated.

[0104] Furthermore, the program used in the POS terminal can control the employee's control panel in accordance with the operations performed by the first customer on the first customer control panel and the operations performed by the second customer on the second customer control panel.

[0105] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) The store clerk's control unit is where the store clerk operates the register, A first customer operation unit is connected to the aforementioned employee operation unit and is operated by the first customer, A second customer operation unit is connected to the aforementioned employee operation unit and is operated by a second customer, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of the clerk's control unit according to the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer control unit and the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer control unit. POS terminal. (Note 2) A product reading unit that reads product information, The system further comprises a settlement unit capable of executing a settlement by the first customer or the second customer, The control unit, It has a product information database, which is a database where product information is stored. For the first customer and the second customer, separate transaction tables are created, and when a product is read by the product reading unit, the product information DB is referenced and registered in the transaction table. The transaction status by the first customer using the first customer operation unit includes the reading of product information by the product reading unit for the product purchased by the first customer, and the settlement by the first customer. The transaction status by the second customer using the second customer operation unit includes the reading of product information by the product reading unit for the product purchased by the second customer, and the settlement by the second customer. The POS terminal described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The control unit, In a transaction with the first customer, after the first customer operates the first customer operation unit to select a payment method and execute the payment, a transaction with the second customer is initiated, and information on the goods to be purchased by the second customer is read. The POS terminal described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The control unit, In the first customer operation unit, after a transaction is completed in response to the operation of the first customer, The operation of the store clerk's control unit is controlled by performing control to initiate a transaction with the second customer using the second customer control unit. The POS terminal described in Appendix 1. (Note 5) The aforementioned store clerk control unit is A first cash register operation screen, which corresponds to the screen displayed on the first customer operation unit, A second cash register operation screen, which corresponds to the screen displayed on the second customer operation unit, is displayed simultaneously. The POS terminal described in Appendix 1. (Note 6) It further includes a payment section that allows for cashless or cash payments. The POS terminal described in Appendix 5. (Note 7) If the first customer is conducting a transaction, the first customer may receive change in cash in accordance with the total amount calculated from the transaction table relating to the first customer and the deposit of cash into the settlement unit. If the second customer is conducting a transaction, the system further includes a change dispenser that allows the second customer to receive change in cash, in accordance with the total amount calculated from the transaction table relating to the second customer and the deposit of cash into the settlement dispenser. The POS terminal described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The system further includes a change dispenser that allows the store clerk to collect change in accordance with the total amount calculated from the transaction table of the customer in the transaction and the amount of cash inserted, for each of the first customer or the second customer. The POS terminal described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) The store clerk's control unit is where the store clerk operates the register, A first customer operation unit is connected to the aforementioned employee operation unit and is operated by the first customer, A method for operating a POS terminal having a second customer operation unit connected to the aforementioned employee operation unit and operated by a second customer, The operation of the store clerk's control unit is controlled according to the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer control unit and the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer control unit. How POS terminals work. (Note 10) The store clerk's control unit is where the store clerk operates the register, A first customer operation unit is connected to the aforementioned employee operation unit and is operated by the first customer, An operating program for a POS terminal having a second customer operation unit connected to the aforementioned employee operation unit and operated by a second customer, The operation of the store clerk's control unit is controlled according to the transaction status of the first customer using the first customer control unit and the transaction status of the second customer using the second customer control unit. The operating program for a POS terminal.

[0106] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in Appendices 2 to 8 that are dependent on the POS terminal in Appendice 1 may also be dependent on Appendices 9 and 10 in the same way as in Appendices 2 to 8. Some or all of the elements described in any appendice may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1 POS terminal 2 POS terminals 11 Clerk operation section 12. First Customer Operations Unit 13. Second Customer Operations Department 14 Change Department 15. Product reading unit 16. Payment Department 17 Control Unit 18. First cashier screen 19. Second cashier screen 20 Monitoring Department 24 Change Department 31 First display unit 32 Registration Department 33 Clearing Department 34 Second display section

Claims

1. A first display device and A registration device in which store employees register the products purchased by customers, Multiple payment devices for customers to pay for the registered products, A second display device provided in each of the aforementioned plurality of payment devices, A change dispenser shared among the aforementioned multiple payment devices for detecting change, A control device that displays product information, which is information about products registered in the registration device, on the first display device, selects one of the plurality of payment devices, and when the change dispenser detects change as a result of payment for the product information, displays the change information on the second display device provided on the selected payment device. A POS system having [a certain feature].

2. The aforementioned change dispenser further includes a timing device that starts timing after detecting that there is change, If the timekeeping device has measured a predetermined time and the change dispenser has detected change again, The control device displays a message prompting the collection of change on a second display device provided in the selected payment device. The POS system according to feature 1.

3. Furthermore, equipped with surveillance camera equipment, From the timekeeping device starts timing until the change dispenser stops detecting change, The aforementioned surveillance camera device photographs the change dispenser and its surroundings. The POS system according to feature 2.

4. The control device is one of the second display devices provided in each of the plurality of payment devices, For a second display device provided in a payment device other than the selected payment device, Display a waiting message indicating that the change dispenser is currently in use. The POS system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Select one of the aforementioned payment devices and, as a result of settling the product information, The control device identifies the selected payment device and displays it on the first display device. The POS system according to feature 2.

6. Select one of the aforementioned payment devices and, as a result of settling the product information, The control device identifies the selected payment device and displays it on the first display device. The POS system according to feature 3.

7. Select one of the aforementioned payment devices and, as a result of settling the product information, The control device identifies the selected payment device and displays it on the first display device. The POS system according to feature 4.

8. The first display unit and A registration area where store staff register the products purchased by customers, Multiple settlement units where customers settle payments for the registered products, A second display unit is provided in each of the aforementioned multiple settlement units, A change-dispensing unit that is shared among the aforementioned multiple settlement units and detects the change, A control unit that displays product information, which is information about products registered in the registration unit, on the first display unit, selects one of the plurality of settlement units, and when the change unit detects change as a result of settlement for the product information, displays the change information on the second display unit provided on the selected settlement unit. A POS terminal having [a specific feature / feature].

9. A first display device and A registration device in which store employees register the products purchased by customers, Multiple payment devices for customers to pay for the registered products, A second display device provided in each of the aforementioned plurality of payment devices, A change dispenser shared among the aforementioned multiple payment devices for detecting change, Control device and A method for operating a POS system having, The control device is The system displays product information, which is information about products registered in the registration device, on the first display device, selects one of the plurality of payment devices, and when the change dispenser detects change as a result of payment for the product information, it controls the system to display the change information on the second display device provided in the selected payment device. How the POS system operates.

10. The first display unit and A registration area where store staff register the products purchased by customers, Multiple settlement units where customers settle payments for the registered products, A second display unit is provided in each of the aforementioned multiple settlement units, A change-dispensing unit that is shared among the aforementioned multiple settlement units and detects the change, Control unit and An operating program for operating a POS terminal having, The control unit, The product information, which is the information of the product registered in the registration unit, is displayed on the first display unit. When one of the plurality of settlement units is selected and settlement is performed for the product information, and the change unit detects change, the change information is displayed on the second display unit provided on the selected settlement unit. The operating program for a POS terminal.

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