Product sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To improve efficiency of accounting when a customer purchases a purchase limited commodity.SOLUTION: The commodity sales data processing device includes first information input means for inputting information corresponding to a clerk, second information input means for inputting information corresponding to a customer, and processing means for executing different processing depending on a case where specific information is input by the first information input means and a case where the specific information is input by the second information input means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, the effect of improving the efficiency of the transaction process when a customer purchases a product with a purchase restriction can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

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

[0010] <Embodiment> [Example of POS system configuration] 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, when there is no particular distinction between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0011] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores, but in the following explanation, an example in which the POS system 1 is introduced into a convenience store will be explained.

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

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

[0014] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 comprises 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 in the process (e.g., registration information generated in the registration process, settlement information generated in the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0017] The hard disk 204 stores various 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.

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

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

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

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

[0022] The store clerk'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 (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for use by the store clerk, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to the name tags of store clerks.

[0023] 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 can 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 can operate that preset key to register the product.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0034] The store clerk may wait until the customer 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. 5(A)). The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 5(A)). That is, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0035] Furthermore, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and change notes to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and controls the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt after a sensor or the like recognizes that the customer has removed the change and change notes. This is also true in other operation modes. As described above, in normal mode (also in double scan mode), there may or may not be a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change. If a store clerk is present, the above-mentioned control does not necessarily have to be performed (i.e., the dispense of the change and change notes and the issue of the receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Furthermore, the timing of the dispense of the change and change notes and the issue of the receipt may be controlled depending on the current operation mode and the presence / absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of a store clerk is recognized by a sensor).

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

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

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

[0039] That is, in the full self-service mode, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the customer side scans the product using, for example, the customer side scanner unit 206 (step S20: YES) and registers the product (step S21). After pressing a registration completion key (for example, a registration completion key displayed on the customer side display unit 205) (step S40: YES), the customer side performs settlement using, for example, the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

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

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

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

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

[0044] That is, in the double scan mode, first, the clerk side and the customer side register the product. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the clerk side scanner unit 212 scans the product (step S10: YES) to register the product (step S11), and the customer side 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 side 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 side display unit 205) (step S41: YES), the customer side performs settlement, for example, by the change dispenser 209 (step S50), and the process is completed.

[0045] 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(A)). Also, the store clerk may not be present while the customer is paying (lower part of FIG. 7(A)). That is, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may notify information according to the current operation mode. For example, a message according to the current operation mode may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. Specifically, when the current operation mode is the full self-service mode, for example, during standby, a message to the effect that the customer himself / herself should register the product (such as a message "We ask the customer to scan") may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 (for example, a scrolling display in large letters, etc.).

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

[0057] 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example of the transition of operation modes. Fig. 9(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to full self mode. Fig. 9(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from full self mode to double scan mode. Fig. 10(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (mode for registration only). Fig. 10(B) is a flowchart showing the flow of transition from normal mode to semi-self mode (mode for settlement only).

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

[0059] Step S100: The measurement of the non-use time is started. Step S101: Determine whether or not use has been started by a store clerk or a customer. If use has not been started, proceed to step S102. If use has been started, proceed to step S104.

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

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

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

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

[0064] Step S110: Determine whether or not the clerk code has been read by the clerk scanner unit 212. If the clerk code has been read, proceed to step S111. If the clerk code has not been read, the flow chart of FIG. 9B ends.

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

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

[0067] Step S120: Determine whether or not an operation to declare a transition to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) has been performed. For example, a button for declaring a transition to the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, and determine whether or not the button has been pressed (touched). If an operation has been performed, proceed to step S121. If no operation has been performed, the flow chart in FIG. 10(A) ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0098] As shown in FIG. 14(B), on the customer side (customer side display unit 205), the products registered on the customer side (one's side) (Japanese-style large-portion Yakisoba A, B Mountain mineral water (1.5L), C Chocolate) are displayed in a normal manner (normal size), and the products registered on the store clerk side (other party's side) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori bento) are displayed in an emphasized manner (with a star mark and the first character moved up by one).

[0099] In Fig. 14, three types of highlighting (character size, star mark, and character advance) are used, but one or two of them may be used instead of all three. Also, other marks (such as asterisks) may be used instead of star marks. Also, instead of or in addition to the above, highlighting may be performed using a background color or may be underlined.

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

[0101] Also, the store clerk display unit 210 may simply display which side the product was registered on, rather than highlighting either the product registered on the user's side or the product registered on the other side. For example, the word "store clerk" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the user's side, and "customer" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the other side. Note that a badge-like image with "store clerk" displayed or a badge-like image with "customer" displayed may also be used.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the customer side display unit 205 may simply display which side the product was registered on, rather than highlighting either the product registered on the customer side or the product registered on the other side. For example, the word "customer" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the customer side, and the word "store clerk" may be displayed between the product name and price in the field for the product registered on the other side.

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

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

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

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

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

[0108] As shown in Fig. 15(B), the first area H1 on the customer side (customer display unit 205) displays products registered on the customer side (own side) (Japanese-style large serving Yakisoba A, Yama no Tennensui (1.5L), C Chocolate) in a normal state (normal size), and the second area H2 on the customer side (customer display unit 205) displays products registered on the store clerk side (other party) in an emphasized state (enlarged size) (Star 4 (1mm), Nori bento). In addition, to show the display contents in each area (first area H1, second area H2), the title "Products registered by customer" is displayed at the top of the first area H1, and the title "Products registered by store clerk" is displayed at the top of the second area H2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0116] In addition, the sub-planning screen of Figure 17 (A) (B) is a sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen of Figure 13 (A) (B), and the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen of Figure 14 (A) (B) and the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen of Figure 15 (A) (B) are different from the sub-planning screen of Figure 17 (A) (B). Specifically, just as the display mode of the product on the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen of Figure 13 (A) (B) is similar to the display mode of the product on the registration screen of Figure 13 (A) (B), the display mode of the product on the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen of Figure 14 (A) (B) may be similar to the display mode of the product on the registration screen of Figure 14 (A) (B), and the display mode of the product on the sub-planning screen transitioned from the registration screen of Figure 15 (A) (B) may be similar to the display mode of the product on the registration screen of Figure 15 (A) (B).

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

[0118] Also, for example, in step S422 of Fig. 11, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt with asterisks on "Star 4 (1 mm)" and "Nori bento" registered by the store clerk, as shown in Fig. 18(B). Also, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt with the products registered by the customer and the products registered by the store clerk printed in different areas, as shown in Fig. 18(C).

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

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

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

[0122] By notifying the brand number in this way, customers can use a cigarette pack they already have to find out the brand number and tell it to the store clerk, without having to check the brand number on the display shelf behind the cash register counter. This makes accounting, including cigarette purchases, more efficient.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0129] After the brand number notification screen WD11 is deleted, the brand number notification screen WD11 may be redisplayed. For this purpose, for example, a button (redisplay button) for instructing the brand number notification screen WD11 to be redisplayed may be provided on the product registration status screen in response to the deletion of the brand number notification screen WD11. In this case, if the customer wants to check the brand number again, he or she can operate the redisplay button.

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

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

[0132] [Second example of handling purchase-restricted products] Next, a second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process will be described below. The second example of the purchase-restricted product handling process is applicable to the POS terminal 20 in which the full self-service mode is set. In the full self-service mode, the customer performs the operations required for accounting, from product registration to payment. However, when a customer purchases cigarettes in the full self-service mode, because cigarettes are a purchase-restricted product, the customer must inform the store clerk of his / her intention to purchase the cigarettes and then receive them from the store clerk. In this example, to deal with such a case, the store clerk can accurately determine the brand number and hand the customer the cigarette of the brand desired, without the customer having to check the brand number label on the display shelf behind the cash register and inform the store clerk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0150] In this modified example, the input response process switching is performed by taking a case where the information to be read is a coupon ticket. In this modified example, a barcode is printed on the coupon ticket. The barcode on the coupon ticket may include information indicating the type of coupon ticket, the contents of the benefit given to the customer according to the coupon ticket specifications, and information on the terms of use such as the expiration date.

[0151] In this case, the POS terminal 20 may execute a process to call a store clerk when the barcode of the coupon is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, and may execute a process corresponding to the provision of a special benefit based on the information read from the barcode when the barcode of the coupon is read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212. In this case, for example, a customer who wishes to use a coupon may have the barcode of the coupon read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, which calls a store clerk, and the store clerk will go to the POS terminal 20 where the customer is located. The store clerk receives the coupon from the customer, has the barcode read by the store clerk-side scanner unit 212, and can cause the POS terminal 20 to execute a process according to the coupon. When the coupon has been used, the store clerk can collect it as a used coupon. For example, the POS terminal 20 may display or sound a notification to remind the store clerk to collect the coupon.

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

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

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

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

[0156] [Sixth Modification] The input response process switching may also be applied to products (insulated products) such as prepared foods that are kept warm, such as steamed buns and fried chicken. Before a customer purchases such an item, it is a type of purchase-restricted product that can only be handled by store clerks and cannot be handled by customers. In this case, for example, cards with bar codes corresponding to warm products are displayed in a store, and a customer goes to the POS terminal 20 with the card for the warm product that he or she wishes to purchase. In this case, when the barcode on the card is read by the customer side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 executes a process to call a store clerk, and when the barcode on the card is read by the store clerk side scanner unit 212, it executes a process corresponding to the transaction for the heat-retaining product based on the information read from the barcode.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0163] Also, the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode may be made to function as a semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode). That is, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) transmits registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) and causes the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (payment-only mode) to execute payment processing, but the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) may transmit registration information to the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode and causes the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode to execute payment processing. Note that, when a customer is not operating the POS terminal 20 operating in the full self-service mode, the POS terminal 20 operating in the semi-self-service mode (registration-only mode) may be made to transmit registration information. When a customer is operating the POS terminal 20, the registration information may not be transmitted, or even if a customer is operating the POS terminal 20, the registration information may be transmitted so that payment is immediately made after the customer finishes operating the POS terminal 20.

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

[0165] Additionally, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 currently capable of transmitting registration information and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in different display modes. For example, buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 currently capable of transmitting registration information may be displayed in a normal display mode, and buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 currently unable to transmit registration information may be displayed in a special display mode (e.g., grayed down). Buttons corresponding to POS terminals 20 currently unable to transmit registration information may be made inoperable or prohibited from being operated (e.g., touch may not be enabled).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0176] In a mode in which a subtotal screen is displayed when both the clerk's subtotal key and the customer's registration completion key are pressed, pressing of the registration completion key may be prohibited (e.g., grayed out, hidden, etc.) until the subtotal key is pressed, and pressing of the registration completion key may be permitted after the subtotal key is pressed (e.g., displayed in a display mode in which it can be pressed). Alternatively, pressing of the subtotal key may be prohibited until the registration completion key is pressed, and pressing of the subtotal key may be permitted after the registration completion key is pressed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0183] In addition, the clerk display unit 210 may be able to declare (designate) whether or not an item registered on the other side (customer side) is to be displayed on the customer's side (the clerk display unit 210). Also, instead of or in addition to the above, the clerk display unit 210 may be able to declare (designate) whether or not an item registered on the customer's side (the clerk side) is to be displayed on the other side (the customer display unit 205). Also, instead of or in addition to the above, the customer display unit 205 may be able to declare (designate) whether or not an item registered on the other side (the clerk side) is to be displayed on the customer's side (the customer display unit 205). In either case, the declaration may be made by a button or the like displayed on the screen.

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

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

[0186] [Tenth Modification] [Regarding analysis, etc.] In the POS system 1, an electronic journal may be stored and utilized for various analyses. The electronic journal may include various information shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 12, etc., and output information shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 18, etc. (including information about customers). For example, the POS terminal 20 (or the store controller 10) may store an electronic journal for each transaction, and analyze the operation status of each operation mode (for example, the operation time of each mode by time period and day of the week, by person in charge, or unconditionally), sales results of products (for example, the number of items sold, etc.), the operation status of the vouchers (for example, the number of vouchers issued, the ratio of vouchers issued to the number of items sold, the time required to deliver the products after the issuance of the vouchers, etc.), and the registration status of the clerk and customer in the double scan mode (the ratio of the number of registered products of the clerk and customer, etc., may be by clerk, or by customer if the attributes of the customer (gender and age) can be grasped based on the membership number, etc.). The analysis results may be output to a list, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0195] In addition, a program for implementing the functions of the POS system 1, the POS terminal 20, etc. described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the POS system 1, the POS terminal 20, etc. described above. Here, "reading a program recorded in a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer system that can be accessed from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. That is, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as the program can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a storage medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that is a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes 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). [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1. POS system 10…Store Controller 20…POS terminal 201...CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Hard disk 205…Customer side display section 206…Customer side scanner 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 product sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, an information input unit for inputting information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing means for, when benefit information corresponding to a coupon is input by the information input means, determining whether or not the coupon can be used, and, when it is determined that the coupon can be used, executing a process corresponding to the provision of the benefit information and executing a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk collect the media that are to be collected in response to the use of the benefit information; a notification means for notifying a store clerk who has responded to the call that the medium will be collected in accordance with the use of the special offer information; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. A computer as a product sales data processing device which performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, an information input means for inputting information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing means for, when benefit information corresponding to a coupon is input by the information input means, determining whether or not the coupon can be used, and, when it is determined that the coupon can be used, executing a process corresponding to the provision of the benefit information and also executing a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk collect the media that are to be collected in response to the use of the benefit information; a notification means for notifying a store clerk who has responded to the call that the medium will be collected in accordance with the use of the special information; A program to function as a

3. A merchandise sales data processing method in a merchandise sales data processing device that performs registration processing and settlement processing in response to customer operations, comprising: an information input step in which an information input unit of the product sales data processing device inputs information by a scanner unit in response to a customer; a processing step in which, when benefit information corresponding to a coupon is inputted in the information input step, a processing unit of the product sales data processing device judges whether or not the coupon can be used, and when it is judged that the coupon can be used, executes a process corresponding to the provision of the benefit information and also executes a process of calling a store clerk to have the store clerk collect the media to be collected in response to the use of the benefit information; a notification step of notifying the store clerk who responded to the store clerk call that the medium will be collected in accordance with the use of the benefit information by a notification unit of the product sales data processing device; A merchandise sales data processing method comprising:

Images