Sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To enable improvement of convenience of a commodity sales data processing device.SOLUTION: A sales data processing device includes registration means capable of executing registration processing of a commodity, adjustment means capable of executing adjustment processing, transmission means for transmitting registration data generated by the registration processing so that the adjustment processing is executed by the other device, declaration means for making a declaration about the execution of the adjustment processing by the self device, and control means for controlling the execution of the adjustment processing by the self device and the execution of the adjustment processing by the other device. When the declaration means makes a declaration, the control means permits the execution of the adjustment processing by the adjustment means regardless of whether the other device is in the middle of the adjustment processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Semi-self-service cash registers, in which a registration device for registering products and a settlement device for settling the price of the products registered on the registration device are separate devices, are becoming more common (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such semi-self-service cash registers, as registration and settlement are performed on separate devices, congestion at the cash register is alleviated. Also, among the registration devices in the semi-self-service cash registers, there are some that allow both product registration and settlement, and allow money to be deposited while the product is being registered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-224364 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When registration and payment are performed on separate devices, congestion at the register can be alleviated as described above, but some customers may be confused about how to pay at the payment device. If customers are confused about how to pay and the time required for payment is prolonged, the advantages of the semi-self-service system are lost and convenience is reduced.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique capable of improving convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing device, which is one aspect of the present invention, comprises a registration means capable of executing product registration processing, a settlement means capable of executing settlement processing, a transmission means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration processing to cause another device to execute the settlement processing, and a declaration means for declaring the execution of the settlement processing on its own device, and is characterized in that when the declaration means declares the execution of the settlement processing on its own device, the transmission of the registration data by the transmission means is prohibited.

[0007] Based on the above, convenience can be improved.

[0008] In the above-mentioned product sales data processing device, when the declaration means has not declared that the device is executing a settlement process and the other device is not in the process of settlement, the transmission means may be permitted to transmit the registration data.

[0009] According to the above, if no declaration is made, the transmission of registration data is permitted, so that the system can be operated in a semi-self-service manner.

[0010] The above-mentioned product sales data processing device may be provided with a display unit for store clerks and a display unit for customers, and when the declaration means declares that the settlement process will be executed on the device itself, it may be possible to display on at least the customer display unit that the settlement process can be executed on the device itself.

[0011] According to the above, at least the customer display unit displays that the settlement process can be performed on the device itself, allowing the customer to recognize that the settlement process can be performed on the device itself, thereby improving customer convenience.

[0012] The above-mentioned product sales data processing device may further comprise a deposit / withdrawal means capable of depositing and withdrawing cash, and when the deposit / withdrawal means is in a prescribed state, the declaration means may be invalidated.

[0013] Based on the above, it is possible to determine whether or not to invalidate the declaration means depending on whether or not the deposit / withdrawal means is in a predetermined state.

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing system comprising a registration and settlement device capable of executing a registration process for registering products and a settlement process, and a settlement device that executes the settlement process in response to customer operation, wherein the registration and settlement device comprises a registration means capable of executing the registration process of products, a settlement means capable of executing the settlement process, a transmission means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration process to cause the settlement device to execute the settlement process, and a declaration means for declaring the execution of the settlement process on its own device, and is characterized in that when the declaration means declares the execution of the settlement process on its own device, the transmission means prohibits the transmission of the registration data.

[0015] Based on the above, convenience can be improved.

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a product sales data processing device, causing the computer to function as a registration means capable of executing product registration processing, a settlement means capable of executing settlement processing, a transmission means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration processing to cause the settlement processing to be executed on another device, and a declaration means for declaring the execution of the settlement processing on the own device, and the program is characterized in that when the declaration means declares the execution of the settlement processing on the own device, the program prohibits the transmission of the registration data by the transmission means.

[0017] Based on the above, convenience can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0018] As described above, the convenience of the product sales data processing device can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation of a POS terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of operation modes of the POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating switching of operation modes of a POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of operation in a normal mode. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart outlining an operation in a normal mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of operation in a normal mode. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of an operation in a normal mode. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in a full self mode. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart outlining an operation in a full self mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in a double scan mode. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart outlining an operation in a double scan mode. [Figure 15] 13 is a display example of a POS terminal in full self-service mode. [Figure 16] 13 is a display example of a POS terminal in full self-service mode. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. [Figure 19] 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing a self-terminal settlement permission process. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing a self-terminal settlement permission process. [Figure 22] 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. [Figure 23] 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. [Figure 24] 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. [Diagram 25] 13 is a display example on the POS terminal 20 in the normal mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, which are communicatively connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20 unless otherwise specified. The POS system 1 may further include a monitoring terminal (not shown) that displays the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminal 20.

[0021] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores (convenience stores, supermarkets, etc.).

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the customer side. Fig. 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Fig. 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0024] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The reference numeral 211a will be described later.

[0025] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0026] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information (registration data) generated during a registration process for registering products, settlement information generated during a settlement process for settling (paying) purchased products, etc.).

[0027] The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing.

[0028] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads various information. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically reads bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on receipts (registered trademarks). In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 may also read codes (bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, and complimentary coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.).

[0029] Although the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if a preset key (a button for ordering the product) corresponding to the product is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer may operate (press) the preset key to register the product.

[0030] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism using various cards (credit cards, prepaid cards such as transportation cards, point cards, etc.). The card payment unit 208 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information on various cards. The read information is used for payment (settlement) of the purchased items. The card recognition unit may recognize various cards not only when the recognized information is used for payment (settlement) of the purchased items (i.e., in the case of credit card payment, prepaid card payment, and the use (consumption) of points held on a point card), but also when the recognized information is not used for payment (settlement) of the purchased items (for example, when a special offer is given by presenting a credit card, when points are given to a point card, etc.). The card payment unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but the card payment unit 208 may include at least a card recognition unit. Further, the card recognition unit in this embodiment is compatible with contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards), but may be compatible with non-contact cards (IC cards) instead of or in addition to contact cards.

[0031] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism, which has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The change machine 209 faces the customer and is operated by the customer. When banknotes or coins are inserted into the input port, they are detected by a sensor (detecting that they have been inserted, detecting the number of coins by denomination, etc.). The card settlement unit 208 and the change machine 209 form a settlement unit.

[0032] The store clerk's display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, which displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (hardware keys, buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads various information. For example, the store clerk scanner unit 212 optically reads barcodes attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk nametags. In addition to the above, the store clerk scanner unit 212 may also read codes printed on bills, gift certificates, and various cards.

[0033] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 212 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (e.g., a key corresponding to a sports newspaper, etc.) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the store clerk may operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210, the store clerk may operate that preset key to register the product.

[0034] The printing unit 213 prints and issues various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 213 can freely rotate to change its orientation (direction of the media issuing port) from the clerk side to the customer side, or from the customer side to the clerk side. The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) based on, for example, a change in operating mode (details to be described later). The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like. Changing the operating mode is also referred to as a transition of the operating mode.

[0035] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other terminals (other devices: other POS terminals 20, store controller 10).

[0036] (Overview of each operation mode) Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. The operation modes are operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode for counting and inquiring sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for a store clerk or maintenance staff to perform setting and maintenance work, a training mode for a new employee to undergo training, etc.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation modes of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 has, for example, three types of operation modes (normal mode (standard mode), full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode)) shown in FIG. 5(A). The POS terminal 20 may have a normal mode (restricted mode) shown in FIG. 5(B) instead of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) shown in FIG. 5(A). The POS terminal 20 may have a semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) shown in FIG. 5(B) instead of or in addition to the normal mode (standard mode) shown in FIG. 5(A). The POS terminal 20 may have a semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) shown in FIG. 5(B) instead of or in addition to the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) shown in FIG. 5(A).

[0038] In Fig. 5(A), the columns indicate each operation mode, and the rows indicate each function ("Product registration (clerk side)", "Product registration (customer side)", "Insert coins", ..., "Read receipt"). The same is true in Fig. 5(B) (however, illustration of each function is omitted in Fig. 5(B)).

[0039] In FIG. 5(A) (as well as FIG. 5(B)), an "o" in a field identified by a column and a row indicates that the function of that row is enabled in the operation mode of that column. For example, an "o" in a field identified by the column "normal mode (standard mode)" and the row "product registration (clerk side)" indicates that product registration (clerk side) is enabled in normal mode (standard mode). Also, a "-" in a field identified by a column and a row indicates that the function of that row is disabled in the operation mode of that column. For example, a "-" in a field identified by the column "normal mode" and the row "product registration (customer side)" indicates that product registration (customer side) is disabled in normal mode.

[0040] (Explanation of each function) Below, an overview of each function shown in FIG. 5(A) will be given.

[0041] (Product registration (store clerk side)) "Product registration (clerk side)" is a function for registering purchased products on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, it is a function for executing registration processing of purchased products by the operation of the clerk (scanning by clerk side scanner unit 212, touching on clerk side display unit 210, operating key operation unit 211).

[0042] (Product registration (customer side)) "Product registration (customer side)" is a function for registering purchased products on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). In other words, it is a function for executing registration processing of purchased products by customer operations (scanning by customer side scanner unit 206, touching customer side display unit 205).

[0043] (Inserting currency) "Deposit of money" is a function to accept the insertion of money (bills and coins). In other words, it is a function to accept the operation of settling with cash (inserting money into the change machine 209).

[0044] (Send registration information to other devices) "Sending registration information to other terminals" is a function to send the registration information generated in the registration process to other terminals (other terminals capable of executing settlement processes, for example, other POS terminals 20) (either directly to the other terminals, or indirectly to the other terminals via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal, etc.; the same applies below).

[0045] (Issuance of bills) The "issuance of a receipt" function encodes the registration information generated in the registration process and issues a printed medium (receipt).

[0046] (Receiving registration information from other devices) "Receiving registration information from another terminal" is a function to receive registration information generated in the registration process of another terminal (receiving directly from another terminal, or receiving indirectly from another terminal via the store controller 10 or a monitoring terminal, etc. The same applies below). The terminal that receives the registration information from another terminal executes the settlement process based on the registration information.

[0047] (Reading the bill) "Read receipt" is a function to read receipts (specifically, the code printed on the receipt or the encoded information). A terminal that reads a receipt issued by another terminal executes the settlement process based on the registration information obtained by reading the receipt.

[0048] (Explanation of each operation mode) Next, an overview of each operation mode shown in FIG. 5(A) and FIG. 5(B) will be described.

[0049] (Normal mode (standard mode)) The normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which product registration (clerk side) is enabled "◯" and product registration (customer side) is disabled "-" as shown in Fig. 5(A). In other words, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which the registration process is not performed on the customer side but is performed on the clerk side.

[0050] In addition, the normal mode (standard mode) is an operating mode in which the insertion of coins, the transmission of registration information to other terminals, and the issuance of accounting tickets are all enabled (○), as shown in Fig. 5(A). In other words, in the normal mode (standard mode), the settlement process after the registration process on the store clerk's side can be performed on the store's own terminal (own device) or can be performed by another terminal. Specifically, in normal mode (standard mode), the settlement process is performed on the terminal itself by accepting coins inserted into the change dispenser 209, and the settlement process is caused to be performed by another terminal by sending registration information to the other terminal (or by issuing a bill).

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the normal mode (standard mode) is an operation mode in which both the reception of registration information from another terminal and the reading of a bill are enabled "○". That is, in the normal mode (standard mode), the settlement process can be executed based on the registration information generated in the other terminal. The settlement process after the reception of the registration information (or the reading of the bill) may be executed in the semi-self-service mode of FIG. 5(A). That is, when the registration information is received (or the bill is read) in the normal mode (standard mode), the device may automatically switch from the normal mode (standard mode) to the semi-self-service mode (only for billing) (permission from a store clerk may be required) and the settlement process may be executed in the semi-self-service mode (only for billing). Also, when the device switches to the semi-self-service mode (only for billing) and the settlement process is executed, the device may automatically switch (return) from the semi-self-service mode (only for billing) to the normal mode (standard mode) (permission from a store clerk may be required), or the device may remain in the semi-self-service mode (only for billing).

[0052] In the normal mode (standard mode), at least one of the reception of registration information from other terminals and the reading of accounting tickets may be disabled ("-").

[0053] (Full self mode) As shown in FIG. 5(A), the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which product registration (customer side) is enabled (O). In other words, the full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side. However, the full self-service mode also enables product registration (clerk side). In other words, the full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side, but also allows registration processing on the clerk side. The state in which registration processing is performed on both the customer side and the clerk side is sometimes referred to as double scan mode.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 5(A), in the full self-service mode, product registration (clerk side) is enabled (circle), but in the full self-service mode, product registration (clerk side) may be disabled (-).

[0055] As shown in Fig. 5(A), the full self-service mode is an operation mode in which insertion of coins is enabled (◯) and transmission of registration information to other terminals and issuance of bills is disabled (-). In other words, the full self-service mode is an operation mode that assumes that the settlement process will be carried out at the terminal.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the full self-service mode is an operation mode in which both reception of registration information from other terminals and reading of bills are enabled "○" in the same way as the normal mode (standard mode). In other words, in the full self-service mode, the settlement process can be executed based on the registration information generated in the other terminal, in the same way as the normal mode (standard mode). The settlement process after reception of the registration information (or reading of the bill) may be executed in the semi-self-service mode of FIG. 5(A). In other words, when the registration information is received (or the bill is read) in the full self-service mode, the mode may automatically switch from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) and the settlement process may be executed in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). In addition, when the mode switches to the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) and the settlement process is executed, the mode may automatically switch (return) from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the full self-service mode, or may remain in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode).

[0057] (Semi-self mode (accounting only mode)) As shown in Fig. 5(A), semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode in which receiving registration information from other terminals, reading receipts, and inserting coins are enabled (◯), and product registration (clerk side) and product registration (customer side) are disabled (-). In other words, semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode in which the registration process is not performed on the terminal itself, but the settlement process is performed solely based on registration information generated on other terminals. Note that because semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode in which registration processes are not performed (because registration information is not generated), sending registration information to other terminals and issuing receipts are both disabled (-), as shown in Fig. 5(A).

[0058] (Normal mode (Limited mode)) As shown in Fig. 5(B), the normal mode (restricted mode) disables the sending of registration information to other terminals and the issuing of accounting tickets, which are enabled (◯) in the normal mode (standard mode) in Fig. 5(A), by setting them to disabled (-). In other words, the normal mode (restricted mode) is an operating mode that limits the function of allowing other terminals to execute payment processing, which is permitted in the normal mode (standard mode).

[0059] (Semi-self mode (registration only mode)) As shown in Fig. 5(B), semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is an operating mode in which product registration (store clerk side), sending of registration information to other terminals, and issuing of receipts are enabled (◯), and product registration (customer side), insertion of coins, receiving of registration information from other terminals, and reading of receipts are disabled (-). In other words, semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is an operating mode in which the registration process is carried out exclusively on the terminal itself, and payment is processed at other terminals. Note that because semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is premised on the registration operation being performed by a store clerk, product registration (customer side) is disabled (-).

[0060] (About enabling and disabling the function) In the above, it has been explained that the various functions (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side), coin insertion, ..., receipt reading in Fig. 5(A)) of the POS terminal 20 itself are enabled "◯" or disabled "-" depending on the operation mode. In other words, it has been explained above that the POS terminal 20 originally has all the functions (product registration (clerk side), product registration (customer side), coin insertion, ..., receipt reading in Fig. 5(A)), and some of these functions are disabled depending on the operation mode (for example, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the POS terminal 20 disables product registration (customer side) "-" when in normal mode (standard mode), and disables sending registration information to other terminals and issuing receipts "-" when in full self-service mode).

[0061] However, the POS terminal 20 may have different executable functions depending on the operation mode, and the POS terminal 20 does not necessarily have to have all the functions from the beginning and disable some of the functions depending on the operation mode. For example, the POS terminal 20 does not have all the functions (programs for realizing the functions) from the beginning, but rather acquires a program for realizing a function required in the operation mode (function corresponding to the function marked as "○" in FIG. 5) from the outside (for example, the store controller 10, a monitoring terminal, a server outside the store (such as a cloud)) depending on the operation mode (for example, when switching the operation mode), and makes it executable, and when a program for realizing a function not required for the operation mode (function corresponding to the function marked as "-" in FIG. 5) exists (when held), the program may be made in an inexecutable state (for example, may be erased). Note that the program for realizing the unnecessary function may be made in an inexecutable state, and then the program for realizing the necessary function may be acquired and made executable. For example, when switching operating modes, the POS terminal 20 may first render all programs inexecutable, regardless of the operating mode to which it is to transition, and then obtain from the outside a program for realizing the functions required in that operating mode and render it executable. In other words, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 may be such that some of the various functions originally provided are disabled "-" depending on the operating mode, or it may be such that only the necessary functions are provided depending on the operating mode.

[0062] The normal mode (standard mode), full self-service mode, semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) in Fig. 5(A), the normal mode (restricted mode) in Fig. 5(B), and semi-self-service mode (registration only mode) have been described above, but the following description will focus on the normal mode (standard mode), full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) in Fig. 5(A). In the following description, the normal mode (standard mode) may be simply referred to as the normal mode. Also, the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) may be simply referred to as the semi-self-service mode.

[0063] (Switching (transitioning) operation modes) Next, a description will be given of switching (transition) of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is basically switched in accordance with an explicit mode switching operation (also called a mode transition operation; details will be described later) for switching the operation mode by a store clerk. In addition, the operation mode of the POS terminal 20 may be switched in accordance with an operation other than the mode switching operation (for example, reading a store clerk code, etc.).

[0064] The POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode without being operated by a store clerk. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to a mode switching command (mode switching instruction) from another terminal (the POS terminal 20, a monitoring terminal, a mobile terminal, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode according to a time condition (for example, the time elapsed since the last operation, a fixed time according to a schedule, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode at the start of a process (for example, at the start of a settlement process based on the received registration information, at the start of a settlement process based on a receipt, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may switch the operation mode at the end of a process (for example, at the end of a settlement process based on the received registration information, at the end of a settlement process based on a receipt).

[0065] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining switching of the operation mode of the POS terminal 20. The left side of FIG. 6 shows a combination of operation modes before and after switching (operation mode before switching → operation mode after switching), and the right side shows the conditions (examples) for switching the operation mode. For example, row a shows that, as an example of the conditions for switching the operation mode from the normal mode to the full self mode, there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, and a predetermined time lapse (not used). In other words, when the operation mode is the normal mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation, a mode switching command, or a predetermined time lapse (not used), the operation mode switches from the normal mode to the full self mode. Details of the mode switching operation will be described later.

[0066] (Normal mode → Full self mode) As shown in a, when in normal mode, for example, if a mode switching operation, a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which full self mode is specified as the operation mode to be transitioned to), or a predetermined time has elapsed (a predetermined period of non-use), the operation mode will switch from normal mode to full self mode.

[0067] (Normal mode → Semi-self mode (accounting only mode)) As shown in b, when in normal mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command specifying semi-self mode (accounting only mode) as the destination operating mode), the operating mode switches from normal mode to semi-self mode (accounting only mode). Also, when in normal mode, for example, if registration information is received from another terminal or an accounting ticket is read, the operating mode may be switched from normal mode to semi-self mode (accounting only mode).

[0068] (Full self mode → Normal mode) As shown in c, when in the full self-service mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which the normal mode is specified as the operation mode to be switched to), the operation mode switches from the full self-service mode to the normal mode. Also, when an operation is accepted on the customer side during standby in the full self-service mode (when the registration start button BT30 is operated, when the customer side display unit 205 is touched, or when a product is registered on the customer side scanner unit 206), the full self-service mode may be continued, and when an operation is accepted on the store clerk side (when a product is registered on the store clerk side, when a touch operation on the store clerk side display unit 210 is accepted, or when an operation declaring use (for example, when logging in) is accepted by the store clerk), the operation may be automatically switched to the normal mode. If the timing at which the customer's operation is accepted and the timing at which the store clerk's operation is accepted are the same, it is possible to set in advance which operation mode, full self-service mode or normal mode, will be prioritized, or to display at least one of the screens to confirm the operation mode change or to notify the customer to perform an operation to encourage the change of operation mode.

[0069] (Full self-service mode → Semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode)) As shown in d, when in full self mode, for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command specifying semi-self mode (accounting only mode) as the destination operating mode), the operating mode switches from full self mode to semi-self mode (accounting only mode). Also, when in full self mode, for example, if registration information is received from another terminal or an accounting ticket is read, the operating mode may be switched from full self mode to semi-self mode (accounting only mode).

[0070] (Full self mode → double scan mode) As shown in e, when in full self-service mode, if, for example, a store clerk code is read, the operation mode switches from full self-service mode to double scan mode. Note that double scan mode is one aspect of full self-service mode (a state in which the product registration (store clerk) function is used in addition to the product registration (customer) function. See FIG. 5(A)).

[0071] If the clerk code is read when in the full self-service mode, the operation mode may always switch to the double scan mode regardless of the state of product registration, or may switch to a different operation mode depending on the state of product registration. For example, if the clerk code is read when a product has not yet been registered (i.e., when the customer has not yet registered the product), the operation mode may switch from the full self-service mode to the normal mode, and if the clerk code is read when a product has already been registered (i.e., when the customer has registered the product), the operation mode may switch from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode.

[0072] (Semi-self mode (accounting only mode) → Normal mode) As shown in f, when in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which the normal mode is specified as the operation mode to transition to), the operation mode switches from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the normal mode. Also, when in the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), for example, if a settlement process (for example, a settlement process based on received registration information, a settlement process based on a bill) is completed, the operation mode may be switched from the semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to the normal mode.

[0073] (Semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) → Full self-service mode) As shown in g, when in semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), for example, if there is a mode switching operation or a mode switching command (such as a mode switching command in which full self-service mode is specified as the operation mode to transition to), the operation mode switches from semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to full self-service mode. Also, when in semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode), for example, if a settlement process (for example, settlement process based on received registration information, settlement process based on a bill) is completed, the operation mode may be switched from semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) to full self-service mode.

[0074] The mode switching operation may be any operation that specifies the operation mode of the destination in response to the operation. For example, when a button for each destination is provided (or displayed), the operation mode may be switched to each destination in response to a mode switching operation of pressing each button. Also, when a button that switches the destination each time it is pressed is provided (or displayed), the operation mode may be switched each time the mode switching operation of pressing the button is performed.

[0075] It should be noted that a button for selecting a destination operation mode and a button for confirming the transition to the operation mode selected by the button may be separately provided (or displayed).

[0076] (Transition of operation mode by mode switching operation) Next, the transition of the operation mode by the mode switching operation will be described. The operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is switched according to an explicit mode switching operation by a store clerk (see FIG. 6). Specifically, the operation mode is switched according to the operation of the mode switching button 211a (see FIG. 3(B)) located at the top and right end of the key operation unit 211.

[0077] In addition, since the mode switching button 211a is located at a corner of the key operation unit 211, it is possible to reduce operational errors when switching the operation mode and to easily switch the operation mode. In other words, when the mode switching button 211a is located at a corner of the key operation unit 211, compared to when the mode switching button 211a is located near the center of the key operation unit 211, for example, the number of other buttons adjacent to the mode switching button 211a to be operated is smaller, so that operational errors such as hastily operating other buttons are less likely to occur, and the position of the mode switching button 211a to be operated can be instantly identified, allowing the mode switching operation to be performed without stress.

[0078] Furthermore, since the mode switching button 211a is located in the upper right corner (top row and rightmost) of the key operation unit 211, the mode switching operation can be performed not only when the clerk is on the clerk side but also when the clerk is on the customer side. In other words, a clerk on the customer side cannot usually see the buttons on the key operation unit 211, but the clerk can easily recognize the mode switching button 211a located on the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211 by reaching out from the customer side and feeling for it (by touch), so the clerk on the customer side can perform the mode switching operation without moving to the clerk side.

[0079] In this embodiment, the mode switching button 211a is disposed in the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211, but the mode switching button 211a may be disposed in a position other than the upper right corner of the key operation unit 211 as long as the position is recognizable by touch alone (a position that is relatively easy to recognize). Also, instead of or in addition to disposing the mode switching button 211a in a position recognizable by touch alone (for example, the upper right corner), the mode switching button 211a may be formed so as to be distinguishable from other buttons even from the customer side. For example, the size of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the size of the other buttons to the extent that it can be distinguished by touch alone, the shape of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the shape of the other buttons, or the height of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the height of the other buttons (for example, mode switching button 211a may be made to protrude more than the other buttons), or the feel of all or part of the surface (the surface that the hand touches) of mode switching button 211a may be made different from the feel of the other buttons (for example, only the surface of mode switching button 211a may be made rough or bumpy to the touch, or only the surface of mode switching button 211a may be provided with protrusions or depressions).

[0080] In this embodiment, taking into consideration the various advantages as described above, the mode switching button 211a is arranged on the key operation unit 211. However, instead of or in addition to arranging the mode switching button 211a on the key operation unit 211, a mode switching button (not shown) may be arranged on the screen displayed on the store clerk side display unit 210.

[0081] (Operation in each operation mode) Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of operation in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) when a settlement process is performed at the terminal in normal mode. Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of operation in normal mode. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overview of operation when a settlement process is performed at the terminal in normal mode.

[0082] In normal mode (both when the payment process is performed at the customer's own terminal and when the payment process is performed at another terminal), the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 7). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (scanning by store clerk scanner unit 212, touching store clerk display unit 210, operating key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 7).

[0083] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting currency (cash) into the change machine 209 or by operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 7). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 7).

[0084] That is, when a settlement process is performed at the own terminal in normal mode, first, the clerk scans the products (step S10: YES) and registers the products (step S11), as shown in Fig. 8. After a subtotal key (e.g., a subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) is pressed (step S30: YES), the customer settles the amount using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed. The subtotal key in step S30 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be called a subtotal button, a registration completion key, a registration completion button, a bill key, or a bill button.

[0085] The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is finalized), or may insert cash into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process (upper part of FIG. 7).

[0086] In addition, the customer may select a payment method (also referred to as a payment type, settlement method, or settlement type) before completing the registration process. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept the selection of a payment method during the registration process.

[0087] The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), but may also register the items purchased by the next customer. That is, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer during the payment process (lower part of FIG. 7). The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 7). That is, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0088] Furthermore, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 may control the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and the change note to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and after detecting with a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and the change note, control the printing unit 213 to print a receipt. This is also true in other operation modes.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of operation in normal mode. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) when another terminal is made to execute a settlement process in normal mode (standard mode). FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operation in normal mode, etc. Specifically, FIG. 10(A) is a flowchart for explaining an outline of operation when another terminal is made to execute a settlement process in normal mode (standard mode). Note that FIG. 10(B) is a flowchart showing the basic flow of operation in the other terminal (other device) of FIG. 10(A).

[0090] In normal mode (both when the payment process is performed at the store's own terminal and when the payment process is performed at another terminal), the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) (upper part of FIG. 9). That is, the POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-1 in the example of FIG. 9) executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.) (upper part of FIG. 9).

[0091] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to another POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 9), checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk's display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 9). In other words, the other POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 9).

[0092] The other POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20-2) is provided with information necessary for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated in the POS terminal 20-1).

[0093] The store clerk may use the POS terminal 20-1 to specify the POS terminal 20 that will execute the payment process (either the POS terminal 20-2 or the POS terminal 20-3 in the example of FIG. 9). Alternatively, the store clerk may use the POS terminal 20-1 to issue a medium (a bill) to be read by the POS terminal 20 that will execute the payment process (the POS terminal 20-2 or the POS terminal 20-3 in the example of FIG. 9).

[0094] That is, when the other terminal is to execute the settlement process in the normal mode, as shown in Fig. 10(A), the clerk first scans the product (step S10: YES) and registers the product (step S11). After pressing a subtotal key (e.g., a subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) (step S30: YES), for example, another POS terminal 20 to execute the settlement process is designated (step S31: YES), and the registration information is sent to the designated POS terminal 20 (step S32), completing the process on the registration side.

[0095] After specifying another terminal, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase (lower part of FIG. 9). Also, after specifying another terminal, the store clerk may be absent (lower part of FIG. 9).

[0096] 10(A), another POS terminal 20 is designated after pressing the subtotal key, but it is also possible to designate another POS terminal 20 without pressing the subtotal key. For example, a subtotal key and a key for designating another POS terminal 20 may be arranged on the registration screen (and a key for issuing a bill may also be arranged), and registration information may be transmitted when the key for designating the POS terminal 20 is pressed. In the aspect in which another POS terminal 20 is designated without pressing the subtotal key, it is not necessary to press the subtotal key after pressing the key for designating the other POS terminal 20.

[0097] Although not shown in the example shown in FIG. 10(A), a billing ticket to be read by another POS terminal 20 may be issued, and the other POS terminal 20 may execute the settlement process. The key for issuing a receipt may be pressed after the subtotal key is pressed, or may be pressed before the subtotal key. In the case where the key for issuing a receipt is pressed before the subtotal key is pressed, it is not necessary to press the subtotal key after pressing the key for issuing a receipt.

[0098] The other POS terminal 20 (POS terminal 20-2 in the example of FIG. 9) that has received the registration information transitions (switches) to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) after receiving the registration information (step S40: YES) as shown in FIG. 10(B) if it is not in semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). That is, if the current operation mode (at the time of receiving the registration information) is full-self-service mode (step S41: YES), it transitions from full-self-service mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) (step S42), and if the current operation mode is normal mode (step S43: YES), it transitions from normal mode to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) (step S42). Then, at the customer's side, settlement is performed by, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the settlement process is completed.

[0099] In the example shown in Fig. 10(B), the other POS terminal 20 that received the registration information switches to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) if it was not already in semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode) after receiving the registration information, but it does not have to switch to semi-self-service mode (accounting only mode). In other words, because payment processing is possible even in normal mode or full self-service mode (see Fig. 5), payment processing may be performed in normal mode or full self-service mode.

[0100] As described above, the normal mode (standard mode) includes a function for executing a registration process on the store clerk's side and then executing a settlement process at the customer's side of the terminal using the registration information generated in the registration process (see Figures 7 and 8); a function for sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal (another terminal capable of executing a settlement process, such as another POS terminal 20) to have the other terminal execute the settlement process (see Figures 9 and 10); and a function for issuing a receipt printed with the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for obtaining the registration information) as a code (barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) and having the other terminal execute the settlement process.

[0101] On the other hand, the normal mode (restricted mode), as shown in Figure 5 (B), is a mode in which, among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, the following functions are restricted: a function of sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, and a function of issuing an accounting ticket that is printed by encoding the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for obtaining the registration information), and having the other terminal execute the settlement process.

[0102] Among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above, the function of transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, and the function of issuing a bill on which the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for acquiring the registration information) is coded and printed, and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, are also functions of the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode). In other words, the semi-self-service mode can be classified into a registration-only mode and a settlement-only mode, but the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) includes a function of transmitting the registration information generated in the registration process to another terminal and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, and a function of issuing a bill on which the registration information generated in the registration process (or information for acquiring the registration information) is coded and printed, and having the other terminal execute the settlement process, as shown in FIG. 5(B). In other words, the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) is a mode in which the function of executing the registration process on the customer's side using the registration information generated in the registration process after the clerk executes the registration process is restricted from among the functions of the normal mode (standard mode) described above. In other words, the semi-self mode (registration-only mode) is an operation mode in which the registration process is executed exclusively.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 5(A), the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) includes a function to receive registration information generated in the registration process on another terminal and execute the payment process, and a function to read an accounting ticket issued on another terminal and execute the payment process. In other words, the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is an operating mode that exclusively executes the payment process.

[0104] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation in the full self mode, and Fig. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation in the full self mode.

[0105] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 11). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205) (upper part of FIG. 11).

[0106] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205, and settles the bill by inserting cash into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 11). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 11).

[0107] That is, in the case of the full self-service mode, as shown in Fig. 12, the product is scanned (step S20: YES) and registered (step S21) on the customer side. After a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) is pressed (step S40: YES), the customer performs settlement, for example, using the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed. The registration completion key in step S40 is an operation key for completing the registration process, and may also be called a registration completion button, subtotal key, subtotal button, bill key, bill button, etc.

[0108] In the full self-service mode, as shown in Fig. 11, the customer executes both the registration process and the payment process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, the store clerk can, for example, scan products (double scan mode) and display various information.

[0109] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the double scan mode. Fig. 14 is a flow chart for explaining an outline of the operation of the double scan mode. Note that the double scan mode is one aspect of the full self mode, but for the sake of convenience, the two operation modes are distinguished in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14.

[0110] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (upper part of FIG. 11, upper part of FIG. 13). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (upper part of FIG. 11, (upper part of FIG. 13)).

[0111] During the registration process by the customer, the store clerk registers the products purchased by the customer on the store clerk side (middle part of FIG. 13). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process by the customer's operation and the registration process by the store clerk's operation (middle part of FIG. 13).

[0112] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205, and settles the bill by inserting cash into the change machine 209 or operating the card payment unit 208 (lower part of FIG. 13). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting cash into the change machine 209, operating the card payment unit 208) (lower part of FIG. 13).

[0113] In other words, when the registration process is being performed in full self-service mode (see FIG. 12), if the store clerk code is read by the store clerk side scanner unit 212 (step S110: YES), as shown in FIG. 14(A), the operating mode transitions from full self-service mode to double scan mode (step S111).

[0114] After the mode is switched to the double scan mode, as shown in Fig. 14(B), the clerk scanner unit 212 scans the product (step S10: YES) to register the product (step S11), and the customer scanner unit 206 scans the product (step S20: YES) to register the product (step S21). After pressing a subtotal key (e.g., a subtotal key displayed on the clerk display unit 210 or a subtotal key arranged on the key operation unit 211) or a registration completion key (e.g., a registration completion key displayed on the customer display unit 205) (step S41: YES), the customer uses, for example, the change dispenser 209 to settle the bill (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0115] In the double scan mode, the store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), but may also register the items purchased by the next customer. That is, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer during the payment process (lower part of FIG. 13). Also, the store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 13). That is, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 14(A), when the clerk code is read in the full self-service mode, the operation mode transitions from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode, but reading the clerk code may be one of the login operations. Also, when another operation (for example, a login operation other than reading the clerk code) is performed in the full self-service mode, the operation mode may transition from the full self-service mode to the double scan mode. Also, when no operation is performed by the clerk in the double scan mode (for example, when a predetermined time has passed since the last operation), the operation mode may transition from the double scan mode to the full self-service mode.

[0117] (Operation mode notification) Each POS terminal 20 may notify the current operation mode of the terminal itself. For example, each POS terminal 20 may display the current operation mode of the terminal itself on the store clerk display unit 210. Specifically, each POS terminal 20 may display a screen having an operation mode display field of the terminal on the clerk display unit 210, and may display the current operation mode of the terminal in the operation mode display field on the screen. Also, each POS terminal 20 may display a screen on which images (e.g., button-like images) corresponding to each operation mode are arranged on the clerk display unit 210, and may display the image corresponding to the current operation mode of the terminal on the screen in a different display mode (e.g., a display mode that is more prominent than the display mode of other images) from images that do not correspond to the current operation mode of the terminal. For example, when operating with two operation modes, normal mode and full self-service mode, the normal mode image and full self-service mode image may be displayed at all times, and when the current operation mode of the terminal is normal mode, the normal mode image may be displayed in a display mode that is more prominent than the full self-service mode image, and when the current operation mode of the terminal is full self-service mode, the full self-service mode image may be displayed in a display mode that is more prominent than the normal mode image. Also, each POS terminal 20 may display the current operation mode of the terminal on the customer display unit 205 in the same manner.

[0118] Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may report the current operation mode of the other terminal instead of or in addition to the current operation mode of the own terminal. That is, each POS terminal 20 may report the current operation mode of the other terminal by recognizing the current operation mode of the other terminal. One example of a method for each POS terminal 20 to recognize the current operation mode of the other terminal is a method in which each POS terminal 20 notifies the other terminal of the operation mode after the transition (the latest operation mode) after the transition of the operation mode (directly notifying the other terminal via the LAN 11, or notifying the other terminal via the store controller 10, a monitoring terminal, etc.). Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may report the current processing status of the other terminal as well as the current operation mode of the other terminal.

[0119] Furthermore, each POS terminal 20 may report information according to its own current operation mode, etc. (operation mode, processing status, etc.). For example, when the current operation mode of the POS terminal 20 is the full self mode, for example when it is in standby, the POS terminal 20 may display various information on the customer side display unit 205. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may report information according to the current operation mode, etc. of other terminals instead of or in addition to the information according to the current operation mode of the terminal itself.

[0120] In addition, even if the operation mode is changed by a store clerk (by a mode switching operation, reading of a store clerk code, etc.), or even if the operation mode is changed without a store clerk's operation (by a mode switching command, the passage of a specified time, etc.), the operation mode of the own terminal and other terminals will be notified.

[0121] (Memory of information on operation mode) Each POS terminal 20 may store, as information on the operation mode, in which operation mode the transaction (process) was performed. For example, when the POS terminal 20-1 operating in the normal mode (standard mode) executes the registration process and the settlement process for a certain transaction, the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process and the settlement process may store information (e.g., information that can identify the operation mode) that the registration process and the settlement process for the transaction were performed in the normal mode (standard mode) as information on the transaction (e.g., settlement information) (or in association with the information on the transaction).

[0122] Each POS terminal 20 may also store at which terminal the transaction (processing) was performed. In the above example, the POS terminal 20-1 may store, as information regarding the transaction, information that the registration process and the settlement process were performed at its own terminal (the POS terminal 20-1). More specifically, the POS terminal 20-1 may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the identification information (terminal identification information) of the terminal that executed the registration process, and may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the settlement process. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20-1 may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal as the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the entire process (registration process, settlement process).

[0123] Also, for example, if the POS terminal 20-1 operating in normal mode (standard mode) first executes a registration process for a certain transaction, and then the POS terminal 20-2 operating in semi-self mode (accounting-only mode) executes a settlement process for the transaction based on the registration information from the above registration process, the POS terminal 20-2 that executed the settlement process may store information that the registration process for the transaction was performed in normal mode (standard mode) as information about the transaction (for example, settlement information) (or in association with information about the transaction), and may also store information that the settlement process for the transaction was performed in semi-self mode (accounting-only mode). In addition to the above, the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process may also store information that the registration process for the transaction was performed in normal mode (standard mode).

[0124] In the above example, the POS terminal 20-2 that executed the settlement process may store information regarding the transaction that the registration process was executed at another terminal (POS terminal 20-1) and may store information that the settlement process was executed at its own terminal (POS terminal 20-2). More specifically, the POS terminal 20-2 may store the terminal identification information of the other terminal (the POS terminal 20-1) as the information (terminal identification information) of the terminal that executed the registration process, and may store the terminal identification information of its own terminal (the POS terminal 20-2) as the terminal identification information of the terminal that executed the settlement process. In the above example, it is sufficient that the POS terminal 20-2 that executes the settlement process is able to acquire the terminal identification information of the POS terminal 20-1 that executed the registration process and information identifying the operation mode (specifically, the normal mode (standard mode)). For example, it is sufficient that the terminal identification information of the POS terminal 20-1 and information identifying the operation mode are supplied from the POS terminal 20-1 side to the POS terminal 20-2 side (for example, transmitted and received as registration information, or supplied via a bill).

[0125] Each POS terminal 20 may also store information about transitions (switching) of operation modes as information about operation modes. For example, when the operation mode of the POS terminal 20-1 transitions from one operation mode to another, the POS terminal 20-1 may store information about which operation mode it transitioned to (e.g., information that can identify the operation mode after transition) together with the time of transition of the operation mode. The POS terminal 20-1 may also store information about which operation mode it transitioned from to (e.g., information that can identify the operation mode before transition, information that can identify the operation mode after transition) together with the time of transition of the operation mode.

[0126] Each POS terminal 20 may store information regarding the transition of the operation mode, whether the operation mode was switched by an operation by a store clerk (by a mode switching operation, by reading a store clerk code, etc.) or whether the operation mode was switched without an operation by a store clerk (by a mode switching command, by the passage of a predetermined time, etc.). In the above case, each POS terminal 20 may store information regarding the basis on which the operation mode was switched (for example, that the operation mode was switched by an operation by a store clerk with the store clerk code "xxx", that the operation mode was switched by a mode switching command from the POS terminal 20 with the terminal identification information "xxx").

[0127] Instead of or in addition to the POS terminal 20, the store controller 10, a monitoring terminal, or the like may store information related to the operation mode.

[0128] Furthermore, the information on the operation mode stored as described above may be output (displayed, transmitted, printed, etc.) as necessary. For example, the POS terminal 20 may print information (information that only the store clerk can recognize, or information that can also be recognized by the customer) indicating that the process (registration process, settlement process) was performed in the full self-service mode on a receipt output in the full self-service mode. Receipts output in other operation modes may be printed in the same manner. Also, for example, the POS terminal 20 (or the monitoring terminal) may display the operation mode at the time of processing. As an example, when a transaction number (information that can identify a transaction) is input into a predetermined search screen or the like, the POS terminal 20 (or the monitoring terminal) may display the terminal (terminal identification information, etc.) on which the process was performed and the operation mode (information that can identify the operation mode) for at least one of the registration process and the settlement process for the corresponding transaction.

[0129] In the following description, it is assumed that the POS terminals 20-1 and 20-2 are in the normal mode (specifically, the normal mode (standard mode)), and the POS terminal 20-3 is in the full self mode.

[0130] (Display example of POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode) Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are display examples of the POS terminal 20 in the full self-service mode. Specifically, Fig. 15(A), Fig. 15(B), Fig. 16(A) to Fig. 16(F) are all display examples of the customer-side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20-3 in the full self-service mode.

[0131] Fig. 15(A) shows the display contents of the registration start screen before the start of the registration process. In Fig. 15(A), the registration start button BT30 on the right of the screen is a button for instructing the start of product registration. A customer operates the registration start button BT30 when starting product registration. The buttons BT35 to BT37 at the bottom left of the screen are buttons for switching the display language between English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively.

[0132] Fig. 15(B) shows the display contents of the registration screen in a state where the second item (daifuku mochi) has been registered. When the registration start button BT30 is operated on the registration start screen shown in Fig. 15(A), the POS terminal 20-3 displays a registration screen in a state where no items have been registered yet, but for the sake of convenience, Fig. 15(B) shows the registration screen after the items (tea and daifuku mochi) have already been registered.

[0133] In FIG. 15(B), image GA01 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-1) (specifically, that it is in normal mode). Image GA02 at the bottom left of the screen indicates the state of the other terminal (POS terminal 20-2) (specifically, that it is in normal mode). The checkout button BT32 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for instructing the end of product registration. The customer presses the checkout button BT32 after product registration is complete. The store clerk call button BT33 is a button for calling a store clerk. The customer presses the store clerk call button BT33 when calling a store clerk (for example, when the customer needs the support of a store clerk).

[0134] As described above, the buttons BT35 to BT37 are buttons for switching the display language to English, Chinese, and Korean, respectively. The "vegetable" button BT38 is a button for displaying each preset key for vegetables.

[0135] Fig. 16(A) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (payment method selection screen) displayed when starting the settlement process. For example, when the checkout button BT32 is operated on the registration screen (see Fig. 15(B)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Fig. 16(A).

[0136] Fig. 16(B) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when starting a cash payment. For example, when cash is operated on the payment method selection screen (see Fig. 16(A)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the deposit screen as shown in Fig. 16(B).

[0137] Fig. 16(C) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (deposit screen) displayed when the deposit amount is decided. For example, when the POS terminal 20-3 receives cash (deposit) that is equal to or greater than the payment amount (purchase amount), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the deposit screen as shown in Fig. 16(C).

[0138] Fig. 16(D) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (change screen) displayed when dispensing change. For example, when the END (receipt) button BT40 is operated on the deposit screen (Fig. 16(C)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the change screen as shown in Fig. 16(D).

[0139] Fig. 16(E) shows the display contents of the settlement screen (receipt screen) displayed when the change has been removed. For example, when the change has been removed from the outlet of the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal 20-3 displays a receipt screen as shown in Fig. 16(E). The POS terminal 20 may have a sensor such as a photosensor installed near the outlet and determine that the change has been removed when the sensor recognizes an object (presumably a customer's hand). Fig. 16(F) is an example of a standby screen. The standby screen may display an advertisement (such as a product advertisement or an event advertisement).

[0140] After displaying the receipt screen (FIG. 16(E)), the POS terminal 20-3 displays the registration start screen (FIG. 15(A)). For example, the POS terminal 20-3 displays the registration start screen after the receipt is removed from the issuing port of the printing unit 213. The POS terminal 20 may be equipped with a sensor capable of recognizing that the receipt has been removed from the issuing port. Also, if no change is to be made, the screen may transition from the deposit screen (FIG. 16(C)) to the receipt screen (FIG. 16(E)) without displaying the change screen (FIG. 16(D)).

[0141] Next, a process for permitting the execution of a settlement process at the own terminal, regardless of whether the other terminal is in the process of settlement or not, when the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal is declared (hereinafter, also referred to as "own terminal settlement permission process") will be described. To explain this process, the layout shown in FIG. 17 is used as an example. In the layout shown in FIG. 17, the POS terminal 20A is provided on the upstream side, and the POS terminal 20C is provided on the downstream side. The POS terminal 20A operates in a normal mode (standard mode), and the POS terminal 20C operates in a semi-self mode (accounting-only mode). Since the POS terminal 20A operates in the normal mode (standard mode), it is possible to control the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal and the execution of the settlement process at the other terminal. The POS terminal 20A is any one of the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 in FIG. 1, and the POS terminal 20C is a terminal different from the POS terminal 20A among the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3.

[0142] In the layout shown in FIG. 17, a customer first goes to the upstream POS terminal 20A, and a clerk registers a product at the POS terminal 20A. In this embodiment, in principle, depositing money into the change dispenser 209 is prohibited, and the settlement process is executed at the downstream POS terminal 20C. When the execution of the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A is declared, or when the settlement process cannot be executed at the POS terminal 20C, the settlement process is executed at the POS terminal 20A as an exception. Therefore, in the POS terminal 20A, the settlement at the POS terminal 20C is set as a default for any customer. The declaration of the execution of the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A is made by the clerk. In the case of a customer who is considered to be unfamiliar with the operation of the POS terminal 20C (for example, a child, an elderly person, etc.), the clerk declares the execution of the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A. When the execution of the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A is declared, the execution of the settlement process is permitted regardless of whether the POS terminal 20C is in the middle of the settlement process or not. In the following description, a customer who is permitted to settle the bill at the POS terminal 20A may be referred to as a target customer.

[0143] As an example, the period during which it is possible to declare the execution of the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A is while the previous customer is being served (registration of the product of the previous customer of the target customer and transmission of the registration data) and the period from registration of the product of the target customer to completion of registration. For example, in Fig. 17, customer 1 is a customer who is accustomed to settlement at the POS terminal 20C, and customer 2 is a customer (target customer) who is not accustomed to settlement at the POS terminal 20C. First, as shown in Fig. 17(A), the registration process of the product of customer 1 is being carried out, and then, as shown in Fig. 17(B), customer 2 lines up at the POS terminal 20A.

[0144] At this time, the clerk determines that customer 2 is the target customer, and declares that customer 2, who is the next customer, will execute the settlement process at POS terminal 20A while customer 1's products are being registered. After customer 1's products are registered, customer 1 settles the payment at POS terminal 20C, while customer 2's products are registered at POS terminal 20A, and customer 2 can settle the payment at POS terminal 20A. As described above, since POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process, customer 2 can deposit money during the registration process. Even if customer 2 is confused about how to deposit money, the clerk can immediately assist him, and the settlement process can be carried out smoothly, which increases customer convenience and improves the productivity of POS terminal 20.

[0145] Next, examples of screens displayed on the customer display unit 205 and the store clerk display unit 210 will be described. FIG. 18(A) shows a registration screen that is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 when execution of the payment process is permitted.

[0146] The registration screen shown in Fig. 18(A) displays a self-terminal settlement button 301, another-terminal settlement button 302, next customer settlement reservation button 303, register C designation button 304, permission display field 305, and deposit display field HR01. Of these, the self-terminal settlement button 301, the other-terminal settlement button 302, next customer settlement reservation button 303, and register C designation button 304 change their display mode (in the figure, they are shown as white (referred to as white display), hatched (referred to as hatched display), and diagonal lines (referred to as diagonal line display)). A button displayed in white (for example, the next customer settlement reservation button 303 in Fig. 18(A)) indicates that it can be pressed by a store clerk. A button displayed in hatched (for example, the self-terminal settlement button 301 in Fig. 18(A)) indicates that it has been pressed by a store clerk or automatically selected by the POS terminal 20. A button displayed with diagonal lines (for example, other terminal settlement button 302 in FIG. 18(A)) indicates that the store clerk cannot press it.

[0147] 18, the self-terminal settlement button 301 indicates that it has been pressed by a store clerk or automatically selected by the POS terminal 20. The other-terminal settlement button 302 and register C designation button 304 indicate that they cannot be operated by a store clerk. The next customer settlement reservation button 303 indicates that it can be pressed by a store clerk.

[0148] In this embodiment, since the only POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) is POS terminal 20C, only the register C designation button 304 for designating settlement at POS terminal 20C is displayed; however, buttons similar to the register C designation button 304 are provided for each POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode) that can be designated by POS terminal 20A.

[0149] The self-terminal settlement button 301 and next customer settlement reservation button 303 are buttons for declaring the execution of settlement processing at the self-terminal (the POS terminal 20A in this embodiment). The difference between these buttons is whether the target customer is the customer currently being served or the next customer. Specifically, the self-terminal settlement button 301 is a button for a currently served customer to declare that settlement processing will be executed at the POS terminal 20A. The next customer settlement reservation button 303 is a button for a customer following the currently served customer (corresponding to customer 2 in FIG. 17) to declare that settlement processing will be executed at the POS terminal 20A.

[0150] In the example of FIG. 17, there was Customer 1 before the target customer, but there is not necessarily a customer before the target customer. Therefore, when there is no customer before the target customer, the store clerk declares that the customer currently being served (target customer) will execute the settlement process at the POS terminal 20A by pressing the self-terminal settlement button 301. On the other hand, when the next customer is the target customer, the store clerk presses the next customer settlement reservation button 303. As a result, while the default setting is that settlement is made at another terminal for all customers, settlement at the self-terminal is exceptionally permitted for the next customer, and when it becomes possible to register the next customer's product, the registration screen of FIG. 18(A) that is displayed when the next customer's product can be registered has the settlement at the self-terminal confirmed, so the self-terminal settlement button 301 is displayed with a shaded area, and the other-terminal settlement button 302 and the register C designation button 304 are displayed with diagonal lines. The register C designation button 304 displays the status of the POS terminal 20C. In the case of FIG. 18(A), "Processing" is displayed, indicating that the settlement process is in progress. Other displayed states include "offline" indicating that the device is operating offline, "fault occurred" indicating that a fault has occurred, "replenish change" indicating that change is being refilled, "checking" indicating that the POS terminal 20C is being checked, and "out of paper" indicating that receipts have run out. When the POS terminal 20C cannot be used, such as "processing", "offline", "fault occurred", "replenish change", "checking", or "out of paper", the register C designation button 304 is displayed with diagonal lines. When the change dispenser 209 (cash deposit / withdrawal unit) of the device itself is in a specified state (detecting an error such as a fault, near full, or near end), the own terminal settlement button 301 and next customer settlement reservation button 303 may be displayed with shading to disable them. This does not apply when a payment method other than cash is selected.

[0151] The permission display field 305 is a field that displays whether or not the customer currently being served is permitted to deposit money at the customer's own terminal, and if permitted, "Deposit permitted" is displayed, and if not, "Deposit not permitted" is displayed. The deposit display field HR01 is a field that displays the amount of a deposit from a customer when it is possible to deposit money at the customer's own terminal.

[0152] FIG. 18(B) is a diagram showing a customer-side screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 when the execution of the settlement process is permitted. The customer-side screen displays a notification field 310 and a small screen 311. The notification field 310 displays a message to encourage settlement at the terminal and a message indicating that money can be deposited into the change dispenser 209. In the case of FIG. 18(B), a message saying "Please settle at this register. You can deposit money" is displayed in the notification field 310. In this way, information (message displayed in the notification field 310) corresponding to the control result (settlement process at the terminal or settlement process at the other terminal) of controlling the execution of the settlement process at the terminal and the execution of the settlement process at the other terminal can be displayed at least on the customer-side display unit 205. This allows the customer to take action according to the control result (settlement at the terminal), thereby improving the convenience of the customer.

[0153] The small screen 311 allows the customer to select a payment method. On the small screen 311, the customer selects either cash, credit, or electronic money as the payment method. If the customer desires cash as the payment method, he / she may insert cash (a deposit) before selecting cash as the payment method on the small screen 311. When any payment method is selected on the small screen 311, the POS terminal 20A clears the small screen 311. Furthermore, when cash is inserted before a payment method is selected on the small screen 311, the POS terminal 20A processes it as if cash was selected as the payment method, and clears the small screen 311.

[0154] 18, the number of registered items is 0, but regardless of the number of registered items, the display modes of the local terminal settlement button 301, other terminal settlement button 302, next customer settlement reservation button 303, and register C designation button 304 are the same, and the same message is displayed in the notification field 310. Next, a description will be given of the screen that is displayed when execution of settlement processing is not permitted.

[0155] FIG. 19(A) is a diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 when execution of the settlement process is not permitted. The registration screen shown in FIG. 19(A) displays a self-terminal settlement button 301, another-terminal settlement button 302, next customer settlement reservation button 303, register C designation button 304, permission display field 305, and deposit display field HR01. In the case of FIG. 19(A), execution of the settlement process is not permitted, but the self-terminal settlement button 301 is displayed in white. This is because, as described above, settlement at the self-terminal can be permitted even during registration of a corresponding customer. Also, since settlement at the other terminal is set as the default, the other-terminal settlement button 302 is displayed in a shaded manner. Also, the permission display field 305 displays "Deposit not permitted". Since deposit is not permitted at the self-terminal, the deposit amount from the customer "0" is displayed in the deposit display field HR01.

[0156] FIG. 19(B) is a diagram showing a customer-side screen displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 when the execution of the settlement process is not permitted. The customer-side screen displays a notification field 310. The notification field 310 displays a message to encourage the customer to settle the bill at another terminal and a message indicating that the change machine 209 cannot be deposited. In the case of FIG. 19(B), a message saying "Sorry, please settle the bill at the neighboring register. Money cannot be inserted" is displayed in the notification field 310. In this way, information corresponding to the control result of controlling the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal and the execution of the settlement process at the other terminal (message displayed in the notification field 310) can be displayed at least on the customer-side display unit 205. This allows the customer to take action according to the control result (settle the bill at the other terminal), thereby improving the convenience of the customer.

[0157] In Fig. 19(A), the status of the POS terminal 20C is "vacant", but if the status of the POS terminal 20C is not "vacant", the notification field 310 in Fig. 19(B) is not displayed. This is because even after the registration of the product is completed, the status of the POS terminal 20C may not become "vacant", in which case the payment will be made at the terminal itself, and therefore the notification field 310 is not displayed to confuse the customer. In this way, the POS terminal 20A in this embodiment allows the execution of the payment process at the terminal itself when the other terminal is in the process of payment, and allows the transmission of the registration data when the other terminal is not in the process of payment.

[0158] In the example screen of Figure 19 described above, the number of registered items is set to 0 points, but regardless of the number of points of the registered items, the display manner of the local terminal settlement button 301, other terminal settlement button 302, next customer settlement reservation button 303, and register C designation button 304 is the same, and the same message is also displayed in the notification field 310.

[0159] Next, a flowchart showing the above-mentioned self-terminal settlement permission process will be described. Figures 20 and 21 are diagrams showing a flowchart showing the self-terminal settlement permission process in the POS terminal 20A. The flowcharts shown in Figures 20 and 21 show the process from the time when the previous customer's transaction is completed (or when the start-up process is completed after the power is turned on) to the time when settlement or registration data is transmitted.

[0160] The POS terminal 20 initializes the free flag to OFF, initializes the permission flag to OFF, and initializes the display mode of each button (step S101). The free flag is a flag indicating whether or not settlement processing is possible at the other terminal to which the registration data is sent, and is ON when settlement processing is possible and OFF when it is not possible. The permission flag is a flag indicating whether or not settlement at the own terminal is permitted, and is ON when settlement at the own terminal is permitted and OFF when it is not permitted. The various buttons whose display modes are initialized in step S101 are the own terminal settlement button 301, other terminal settlement button 302, and register C designation button 304, and are displayed in white.

[0161] The POS terminal 20A judges whether the reservation flag is on or not (step S102). The reservation flag is a flag indicating whether the next customer settlement reservation button 303 was pressed while the previous customer was being served, and is on when pressed and off when not pressed. If the reservation flag is on (step S102: YES), a permission display is performed (step S103). The permission display means displaying "Deposit permitted" in the permission display field 305, displaying the own terminal settlement button 301 in a cross-hatched manner, displaying the other terminal settlement button 302 and the register C designation button 304 in a diagonal line, and displaying the message "Please settle at this register. You can deposit money" in the notification field 310.

[0162] The POS terminal 20A turns on the permission flag (step S104). Also, turns off the reservation flag (step S105). At this time, the next customer settlement reservation button 303 is displayed in white. In the above step S102, if the reservation flag is off (step S102: NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0163] The POS terminal 20A judges whether the free flag is off (step S106). That is, it judges whether the settlement is impossible at the POS terminal 20C. If the free flag is on (step S106: NO), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 21. If the free flag is off (step S106: YES), the POS terminal 20A inquires of the other terminal (the POS terminal 20C) whether the settlement is possible, and receives the reply.

[0164] As a result of the inquiry, the POS terminal 20A judges whether the other terminal is available for settlement (step S108). If settlement is not available (step S108: NO), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 21. If settlement is available (step S108: YES), the POS terminal 20A turns on the vacant flag (step S109) and updates the display mode of the register C designation button 304 (step S110). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19(A), the status displayed on the register C designation button 304 is updated to a display mode that indicates "vacant."

[0165] The POS terminal 20A judges whether the permission flag is off (step S111). If the permission flag is on (step S111: NO), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 21. If the permission flag is off (step S111: YES), the POS terminal 20A displays a denial of permission (step S112). The denial of permission means displaying "Deposit not permitted" in the permission display field 305, displaying the other terminal settlement button 302 in a shaded manner, and displaying a message in the notification field 310 saying "Sorry, please settle the payment at the neighboring cash register. Money cannot be deposited."

[0166] 21, the POS terminal 20A judges whether or not the barcode attached to the product has been scanned (step S201). If the barcode has been scanned (step S201: YES), the POS terminal 20A registers the product, displays the registered product on the customer display unit 205 and the store clerk display unit 210 (step S202), and returns to step S106. If the barcode has not been scanned (step S201: NO), the POS terminal 20A judges whether or not the next customer settlement reservation button 303 has been pressed (step S203).

[0167] When the next customer settlement reservation button 303 is pressed (step S203: YES), the POS terminal 20A turns on the reservation flag (step S204) and returns to step S106. At this time, the next customer settlement reservation button 303 is displayed in a shaded manner. When the next customer settlement reservation button 303 is not pressed (step S203: NO), the POS terminal 20A judges whether the own terminal settlement button 301 is pressed and the permission flag is off (step S205). In other words, when settlement at the own terminal is not permitted, the POS terminal 20A judges whether the store clerk has permitted settlement at the own terminal. This allows the store clerk to declare that the customer currently being served (target customer) will execute settlement processing at the POS terminal 20A by using the own terminal settlement button 301, even if there is no customer in front of the target customer.

[0168] When the self-terminal settlement button 301 is pressed and the permission flag is off (step S205: YES), the POS terminal 20A displays the permission as described above (step S206), turns on the permission flag (step S207), and returns to step S106. In this way, when the self-terminal settlement button 301 is pressed to declare execution of the settlement process at the own terminal, the customer side display unit 205 displays that the settlement process can be executed at the own terminal.

[0169] If the self-terminal settlement button 301 has not been pressed or the permission flag is on (step S205: NO), the POS terminal 20A judges whether the subtotal button has been pressed and the permission flag is on (step S208). In other words, it judges whether the subtotal button has been pressed when settlement at the self-terminal is permitted.

[0170] If the subtotal button is pressed and the permission flag is on (step S208: YES), the POS terminal 20A displays the settlement screen (step S209), performs the settlement process (step S210), and ends the process. If the subtotal button is not pressed or the permission flag is off (step S208: NO), the POS terminal 20A judges whether the register C designation button 304 is pressed, the vacant flag is on, and the permission flag is off (step S211). In other words, it judges whether the register C designation button 304 is pressed when settlement is possible at the POS terminal 20C and settlement at the terminal itself is not permitted.

[0171] If the register C designation button 304 is pressed, the vacant flag is on, and the permission flag is off (step S211: YES), the POS terminal 20A transmits the registration data to the POS terminal 20C (step S212) and ends the process. If the register C designation button 304 is not pressed, the vacant flag is off, or the permission flag is on (step S211: NO), the process returns to step S106.

[0172] In the above step S211, the permission flag being on indicates that the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal has been declared. Therefore, as shown in step S211, when the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal has been declared, the process does not branch to the registration data transmission process at step S212. That is, the transmission of the registration data is prohibited. Furthermore, the permission flag being off indicates that the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal has not been declared. Furthermore, the free flag being on indicates that the other terminal is not in the settlement process. In this state, when the register C designation button 304 is pressed, the process branches from step S211 to step S212, and the registration data is transmitted. That is, when the execution of the settlement process at the own terminal has not been declared and the other terminal is not in the settlement process, the transmission of the registration data is permitted.

[0173] Next, an example of screen transition from registration to settlement when settlement at the terminal itself is permitted will be described. When a can of beer costing 215 yen is registered and 500 yen is inserted by the customer while the registration screen of Fig. 18(A) is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20A displays a registration screen as shown in Fig. 22(A) on the store clerk display unit 210. Also, since the product has been registered, the subtotal button BT10 is displayed.

[0174] When the POS terminal 20A displays a registration screen as shown in Fig. 22(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20A displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in Fig. 22(B) on the customer display unit 205. Since the customer has inserted 500 yen, the small screen 311 is cleared.

[0175] POS terminal 20A, when the clerk registers the second item (asparagus) and the third item (seaweed lunch) with the registration screen of Fig. 22(A) displayed on clerk display unit 210, and the customer further inserts 500 yen, displays a registration screen as shown in Fig. 23(A) on clerk display unit 210. Since the customer has further inserted 500 yen, 1000 is displayed in the deposit display field HR01 in the upper right corner of the screen in Fig. 23(A).

[0176] When the POS terminal 20A displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 23(A) on the store clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20A displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) such as that shown in FIG.

[0177] Also, on the registration screen in FIG. 23(A), the status of the POS terminal 20C displayed on the Register C designation button 304 is “empty,” but because settlement at the terminal itself is permitted and the customer has already inserted 1,000 yen, the status remains diagonally lined out and does not change.

[0178] When the clerk operates the subtotal button BT10 while the registration screen of Fig. 23(A) is displayed on the clerk display unit 210, the POS terminal 20A displays a small screen 312 on the clerk display unit 210 as shown in Fig. 24(A) superimposed on the registration screen, and displays a settlement screen (deposit screen) as shown in Fig. 24(B) on the customer display unit 205. The small screen 312 notifies the clerk of settlement-related information (total amount, amount deposited in the machine (deposit amount)). Also, the next customer settlement reservation button 303 shown in Fig. 24(A) is displayed with a shaded area. This is because the clerk judged the next customer to be a target customer and pressed the next customer settlement reservation button 303.

[0179] When a customer operates the Finish (receipt) button BT40 while the settlement screen (deposit screen) of Figure 24 (B) is displayed on the customer display unit 205, the POS terminal 20A displays a message screen 313 superimposed on the registration screen as shown in Figure 25 (A) on the clerk display unit 210, and displays the settlement screen (change screen) as shown in Figure 25 (B) on the customer display unit 205.

[0180] The message screen 313 notifies the store clerk about the change. The POS terminal 20A erases the message screen 313 superimposed on the registration screen without the operation of the store clerk (for example, automatically after a predetermined time has passed). The POS terminal 20A may erase the message screen 313 superimposed on the registration screen in response to the operation of the store clerk (such as touching the message screen 313).

[0181] In the example shown in Figure 24, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20A displays the small screen 312 superimposed on the registration screen (Figure 24 (A)). However, when the subtotal key is operated, the POS terminal 20A may display a small screen that displays the information displayed on the small screen 312, instead of (switching to) the registration screen.

[0182] As described above, in this embodiment, the productivity of the POS terminal 20 is improved by, in principle, having the settlement performed at another terminal. On the other hand, for customers who are considered to be unfamiliar with the operation of the POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode (accounting-only mode), it is possible to exceptionally have the settlement performed at the terminal itself, thereby improving the convenience of the POS terminal 20 and shortening the operation time of customers who are considered to be unfamiliar with the operation, thereby ultimately improving the productivity of the POS terminal 20. Therefore, the self-terminal settlement permission process described in this embodiment is a further improvement of the full-self-service method, improving productivity and convenience.

[0183] In addition, since customers who are unfamiliar with the operation can be permitted to settle their payments on their own terminals, it is possible to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty of customers who are permitted to settle their payments on their own terminals, which can lead to increased average customer spending and word-of-mouth effects, thereby improving store sales.

[0184] In this embodiment, the control results are displayed in the notification field 310 shown in Figures 18(B) and 19(B), allowing the customer to know at a glance which terminal they should use to settle the payment, and enabling the customer to take action according to the control results, thereby improving customer convenience.

[0185] In addition, the next customer can be entered in advance as a target customer by using the next customer settlement reservation button 303, so that the next customer can be handled smoothly.

[0186] In the above embodiment, a customer who is considered to be unfamiliar with operations is used as an example of a target customer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a customer who pays with a credit card or prepaid card (including electronic money) may be the target customer. Even in this case, the productivity of the POS terminal 20 is not impaired because the payment with a credit card or prepaid card is completed in a short time. As an example of operation, the customer is asked to input the payment type at the POS terminal 20A, or the store clerk asks the type of payment, and if it is found that the payment is made with a credit card or prepaid card, the payment at the terminal is permitted.

[0187] Furthermore, when a customer pays with a prepaid card, the customer may be able to check the balance of the prepaid card or to charge the prepaid card. Specifically, while the store clerk is registering the product, the customer may have the card payment unit 208 read the prepaid card to check the balance or insert coins into the change machine 209. In this way, the customer can prevent insufficient balance in advance.

[0188] In addition, in this embodiment, the target customer is determined by the store clerk, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the POS terminal 20 may read a membership card that can acquire attributes including the customer's age, and determine whether or not the customer is a target customer based on the customer's age and other attributes. The POS terminal 20 may also be provided with a key for inputting the customer's age group, and the POS terminal 20 may determine whether or not the customer is a target customer based on the age group input by the key.

[0189] In the above embodiment, the registration data is sent directly from the POS terminal 20A to the POS terminal 20C, but the registration data may be sent via another terminal, such as the store controller 10. Also, although "fault occurred" has been given as an example of the state of the POS terminal 20C, other states such as "maintenance," "call for store clerk," "change forgotten," and "receipt jam" may also be displayed. Also, although "offline" has been given as an example of the above state, in this case, a receipt may be issued by the printing unit 213, and the payment may be made using that receipt. Furthermore, payment information (such as a URL for identifying registration data) may be sent to the customer's mobile terminal, and the information sent to the mobile terminal may be read by the POS terminal 20 to make payment.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20C is in a state where payment is possible, but the POS terminal 20C may be in a state where payment is expected to be completed in a short time, such as when the POS terminal 20C is waiting for the operation just before the payment is completed, such as the finish button BT40 shown in FIG. 16(C). This is effective when the lead from the POS terminal 20A to the POS terminal 20C is relatively long. In this way, when it takes time for a customer to move around, the terminal may be in a state where it is ...

[0191] In addition to "failure" and the like, the registration data cannot be transmitted to the POS terminal 20C when the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is switched to a normal mode or a full self-service mode in which registration information from other terminals is not received. Examples of the timing at which the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is changed include a timing when the peak number of customers ends or is about to end, and a timing when the staff arrangement changes due to the staff work shift. Another example is a timing when the peak number of customers ends and the customer service is sufficient even if the payment is settled at the terminal itself. In this way, when the timing at which payment can be settled at the terminal itself arrives, the default payment at the other terminal may be changed to the default payment at the terminal itself.

[0192] The operation mode of the POS terminal 20C can also be automatically changed by the store controller 10. When the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is changed by the store controller 10, the store clerk is notified, for example, by displaying the change on the store clerk-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20A. In addition, for example, when the operation mode is changed before a customer's operation while the terminal is operating in the full self-service mode, the customer-side display unit 205 may display that the operation mode is changing. In this way, even when the operation mode of the POS terminal 20C is automatically changed by the store controller 10, it may be determined whether the settlement at the terminal itself or the settlement at the other terminal is set as the default depending on the changed operation mode, and the terminal may be controlled to either one.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the layout shown in Fig. 17 is described as an example in which there are two POS terminals 20, but the number and layout of the POS terminals 20 are not limited to this. For example, there may be a layout in which there are four POS terminals 20 in one island, with two POS terminals 20 operating in normal mode (standard mode) and two POS terminals 20 operating in semi-self mode (accounting-only mode).

[0194] In the embodiment described above, even when the POS terminal 20 is in standby, it waits in one of the operation modes of the normal mode, the semi-self-service mode, the full-self-service mode, and the double scan mode, but it may wait in a state that does not belong to any of the operation modes. In this case, it operates in one of the operation modes according to the contents accepted during standby. Specifically, when an operation is accepted on the customer side (when the registration start button BT30 is operated, when the customer side display unit 205 is touched, or when a product is registered by the customer side scanner unit 206), it transitions to the full-self-service mode. Also, when an operation is accepted on the store clerk side (when a product is registered on the store clerk side, when a touch operation is accepted on the store clerk side display unit 210, or when an operation declaring use (for example, login, etc.) is accepted by the store clerk), it transitions to the normal mode. Furthermore, when registration data is received, it transitions to the semi-self-service mode (a mode exclusively for accounting). In this way, the operability of the POS terminal 20 can be improved. When the POS terminal 20 is in standby in a state that does not belong to any of the operation modes, it may perform a mirror display. The mirror display means that an operable screen that can be operated by a store clerk is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. The operable screen is a screen that shows all or a part of the operation unit displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20.

[0195] The program for implementing the POS terminal 20 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, and a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to a storage device that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be for implementing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program).

[0196] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1. POS system 10…Store Controller 20…POS terminal 201…CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Hard disk 205…Customer side display section 206…Customer side scanner section 208…Card payment department 209…Change machine 210…Staff side display section 211...Key operation section 212…Clerk side scanner 213…Printing Department 214...Audio output unit 215…Communications Department

Claims

1. A registration means capable of executing a product registration process; A settlement means capable of executing a settlement process; A transmission means for transmitting registration data generated in the registration process so that another device can execute a settlement process; a declaration means for declaring execution of a settlement process at the device itself based on an operation by a store clerk; a display means for displaying to a store clerk, when the declaration is made by the declaration means, a message indicating that a payment process will be executed by the device itself and a message indicating to a customer that a payment method can be selected; A deposit and withdrawal method that allows cash to be deposited and withdrawn Equipped with A sales data processing device characterized in that, when the deposit / withdrawal means is in a specified state and a cash payment means is selected, the declaration means is invalidated, and when a payment means other than cash is selected even if the deposit / withdrawal means is in a specified state, the declaration means is valid.

2. A program for causing a computer to function as a sales data processing device, The computer, A registration means capable of executing a product registration process; A settlement means capable of executing a settlement process; A transmission means for transmitting the registration data generated in the registration process so that the settlement process can be executed in another device; a declaration means for declaring execution of a payment process at the device itself based on an operation by a store clerk; a display means for displaying to a store clerk, when the declaration is made by the declaration means, that a payment process will be executed by the device itself, and for displaying to a customer that a payment method can be selected; A means of depositing and withdrawing cash Function as a A program characterized by invalidating the declaration means when the deposit / withdrawal means is in a specified state and a payment means by cash is selected, and validating the declaration means when a payment means other than cash is selected even if the deposit / withdrawal means is in a specified state.

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