Settlement device, its program, and settlement method

Abstract

To provide a settlement device, a program thereof, and a settlement method capable of registering a purchased commodity requiring confirmation by an attendant without having a complicated feeling.SOLUTION: A settlement device comprises acquisition means, detection means, and output means. The acquisition means acquires data related to selling of a purchased commodity which is registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser. The detection means detects a target commodity which requires attendant's confirmation from the data related to the selling of the purchased commodity acquired by the acquisition means. The output means outputs its message to a terminal used by the attendant when the target commodity is detected by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device, a program for causing a computer to function as the settlement device, and a settlement method.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, over-the-counter drugs are sold at retail stores such as supermarkets and drugstores. Over-the-counter drugs are classified into Class 1 drugs, Class 2 drugs, and Class 3 drugs based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. For the sale of Class 1 drugs, explanation by a pharmacist is obligatory. For the sale of Class 2 drugs and Class 3 drugs, explanation by a pharmacist or a registered seller is obligatory.

[0003] By the way, in a sales floor where products are displayed, a transaction processing system is already known in which a customer operates a terminal such as a smartphone by himself / herself to input data related to the purchased products, and the customer also pays for the purchased products by operating a dedicated settlement device by himself / herself. By a retail store introducing this type of transaction processing system, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to input data related to the customer's purchased products in the settlement device, so that the time required for settlement can be shortened.

[0004] On the other hand, in this transaction processing system, when a customer inputs data related to a drug as a purchased product without knowing that it is a Class 1 drug, Class 2 drug, or Class 3 drug, an error occurs in the settlement terminal because explanation by a pharmacist or a registered seller has not been made, and the sale is made impossible. In this case, it is necessary to re-enter the data related to the purchased products, which is troublesome.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a settlement device, a program thereof, and a settlement method that can register purchased goods that require confirmation by an attendant without complication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the settlement device includes an acquisition means, a detection means, and an output means. The acquisition means acquires data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser. The detection means detects target goods that require confirmation by an attendant from the data related to the sale of purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means. The output means outputs, when the target goods are detected by the detection means, to a terminal used by the attendant. Analyze to a terminal used by the attendant. A notification command including data on the job types for which the target product can be sold and the product name of the target product

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, in a sales floor where products are displayed, a customer operates a terminal by himself / herself to input data related to purchased products, and the customer also performs self-checkout involving payment for the purchased products by operating a dedicated payment device. A transaction processing system will be exemplified.

[0010] (First Embodiment) [Description of the Configuration of Transaction Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a transaction processing system S. The transaction processing system S includes a shopping support terminal 1, a store server 2, a virtual POS (Point Of Sales) server 3, an accounting machine 4, an access point 5, and an attendant terminal 6. The store server 2, the virtual POS server 3, the accounting machine 4, the access point 5, and the attendant terminal 6 are interconnected by a communication network 7. The communication network 7 is typically a wired or wireless LAN.

[0011] The shopping support terminal 1 is a terminal used for a customer to self-enter data related to purchased goods. The shopping support terminal 1 is a portable terminal equipped with an input device, a display device, a wireless unit, and an imaging device necessary for reading code symbols such as two-dimensional codes or barcodes. For example, a commercially available smartphone equipped with a digital camera, a tablet terminal, etc. can be used as the shopping support terminal 1. The shopping support terminal 1 is an example of an information terminal operated by a purchaser. A customer is an example of a purchaser.

[0012] The store server 2 is a computer that supports all store operations. For that support, the store server 2 manages various databases including a product database. The product database is an aggregate of product records describing data of each product sold in the store. Product data such as product codes, major classification codes, minor classification codes, product names, prices, etc. are described in the product records. The product code is a unique identification code set for each product to individually identify the product. Usually, each product is attached with a barcode representing the product code. The major classification code is a unique identification code set for each product classification to identify the product classification based on the attributes of each product. Product classifications include foodstuffs, daily necessities, pharmaceuticals, clothing, etc. Pharmaceuticals shall include Class 1 pharmaceuticals, Class 2 pharmaceuticals, and Class 3 pharmaceuticals. Class 1 pharmaceuticals are pharmaceuticals that cannot be sold without a pharmacist. For the sale of Class 1 pharmaceuticals, an explanation by a pharmacist is obligatory. A pharmacist is an example of an attendant whose confirmation of Class 1 pharmaceuticals is permitted. Class 2 pharmaceuticals and Class 3 pharmaceuticals are pharmaceuticals that can only be sold by a pharmacist or a pre-registered registered seller. For the sale of Class 2 pharmaceuticals and Class 3 pharmaceuticals, an explanation by a pharmacist or a registered seller is obligatory. A pharmacist or a registered seller is an example of an attendant whose confirmation of Class 2 pharmaceuticals and Class 3 pharmaceuticals is permitted. Class 1 pharmaceuticals, Class 2 pharmaceuticals, and Class 3 pharmaceuticals are hereinafter referred to as confirmation target products. The confirmation target products are an example of target products that require confirmation by an attendant. In addition, in order to classify the products subject to confirmation and other pharmaceuticals with respect to pharmaceuticals, a sub-classification code for the products subject to confirmation and a sub-classification code for other pharmaceuticals are set as sub-codes of the major classification code of pharmaceuticals. That is, sub-classification codes are set for each of the first-class pharmaceuticals, second-class pharmaceuticals, and third-class pharmaceuticals that are products subject to confirmation.

[0013] The virtual POS server 3 is a computer that, in cooperation with the shopping support terminal 1, provides support for making it appear as if a well-known POS terminal is operating. For example, the virtual POS server 3 has the following three functions. The first function is to register product sales data of a product identified by a product code input via the shopping support terminal 1 in a transaction file. The product sales data and the transaction file will be described later. The second function is to display a registration screen created based on the product sales data registered in the transaction file on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1. The third function is to display an accounting barcode on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1 in response to an accounting instruction from the shopping support terminal 1. The accounting barcode will be described later.

[0014] The accounting machine 4 is a dedicated settlement device that enables a customer who has self-entered data related to purchased products using the shopping support terminal 1 to perform self-settlement involving payment for the purchased products. A plurality of accounting machines 4 are connected to the communication network 7. The settlement method is not particularly limited. Well-known settlement methods such as cash settlement, credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, point settlement, code settlement (also referred to as mobile settlement or smartphone settlement, etc.) can be used.

[0015] The access point 5 is communication equipment installed in the store as a relay point when each server (such as the store server 2, virtual POS server 3, etc.) of the transaction processing system S conducts data communication with the shopping support terminal 1 via a wireless LAN. The wireless LAN complies with, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Note that in FIG. 1, only one access point 5 is shown for the transaction processing system S, but the number of access points 5 is not limited. A plurality of access points 5 may be connected to the communication network 7 depending on the scale of the store, etc.

[0016] The attendant terminal 6 is a terminal for the attendant to monitor the states of the shopping support terminal 1 and the cash register 4. The attendant terminal 6 is an example of a terminal used by the attendant. The attendant includes store clerks, pharmacists, registered sellers, etc. In this embodiment, the store clerk is a person who does not have the qualification as a pharmacist or a registered seller.

[0017] Note that the configuration of the transaction processing system S is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the functions of the store server 2 and the virtual POS server 3 may be realized by one server to reduce the number of servers. Also, separately from the cash register 4, a well-known POS terminal for the attendant to perform the registration operation and settlement operation of the purchased goods, or a semi-self-service registration machine and cash register where the registration machine and the cash register are separated, and the attendant performs the registration operation of the purchased goods for the registration machine and the customer performs the settlement operation at the cash register by themselves may be connected to the communication network 7.

[0018] [Function Explanation of Shopping Support Terminal 1 and Virtual POS Server 3] Next, the main functions of the shopping support terminal 1 and the virtual POS server 3 will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. 2.

[0019] First, for example, a customer who wants to use a smartphone as the shopping support terminal 1 installs a shopping support application program for stores where the transaction processing system S is built, that is, a so-called shopping app, on the smartphone. Then, by performing user registration, the customer can use the smartphone as the shopping support terminal 1.

[0020] Now, the customer carrying the shopping support terminal 1 launches the shopping app before entering the store. Then, as shown by function Pa, the camera of the shopping support terminal 1 is launched and reads the entry code. The entry code is obtained by encoding the setting information related to the store in a predetermined two-dimensional code system and is prepared, for example, at the entrance of the store. The setting information includes, for example, parameters necessary for the shopping support terminal 1 to communicate with the access point 5 using Wi-Fi, or information related to the operation restrictions of the shopping support terminal 1. The customer causes the camera of the shopping support terminal 1 to read the entry code.

[0021] When the entry code is read by the shopping support terminal 1, as shown by function Pb, the shopping support terminal 1 connects to the access point 5 using Wi-Fi. Then, when the shopping support terminal 1 is connected to the access point 5, the shopping support terminal 1 sends a check-in request command COMa to the virtual POS server 3. The check-in request command COMa is sent from the access point 5 to the virtual POS server 3 via the communication network 7. The check-in request command COMa includes the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1. The terminal identification information is unique information different from that of other shopping support terminals 1 used by other customers. For example, the program ID of the shopping app installed on the shopping support terminal 1 is used as the terminal identification information.

[0022] Upon receiving the check-in request command COMa, the virtual POS server 3 creates a transaction file as shown by function Qa. The transaction file is a data file for storing product sales data of products identified by the product codes input via the shopping support terminal 1. The transaction file is created for each shopping support terminal 1. The terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 is associated with each transaction file.

[0023] The virtual POS server 3 that created the transaction file transmits a check-in completion command COMb to the shopping support terminal 1 that is the source of the check-in request command COMa. The check-in completion command COMb is transmitted from the access point 5 to the shopping support terminal 1 via the communication network 7.

[0024] The shopping support terminal 1 that has received the check-in completion command COMb sets the screen of the display device as a registration screen as shown by the function Pc. The registration screen is a screen for displaying the product name, price, etc. of the product identified by the product code input via the shopping support terminal 1, for example. A product registration button is displayed on the registration screen.

[0025] The customer sets the shopping support terminal 1 in the shopping cart or carries it around the sales floor where the products are displayed. Then, when the purchased product is found, the customer inputs the product registration button. When the product registration button is input, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the data of the purchased product as shown by the function Pd. For example, the shopping support terminal 1 enters a barcode reading standby state. The customer causes the barcode attached to the purchased product to be read by the camera. When the barcode of the product is read by the camera, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the product code represented by the barcode as the data of the purchased product.

[0026] Note that a barcode-less button is also displayed on the registration screen. When the purchased product does not have a barcode, the customer inputs the barcode-less button. When the barcode-less button is input, a list of barcode-less products is displayed on the display device. The customer selects the purchased product from the list. When the purchased product is selected, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the product code of the selected product as the data of the purchased product.

[0027] When data of purchased items is input, the shopping support terminal 1 transmits a product registration command COMc to the virtual POS server 3. The product registration command COMc is transmitted from the access point 5 to the virtual POS server 3 via the communication network 7. The product registration command COMc includes the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 and the data of the purchased items.

[0028] Upon receiving the product registration command COMc, the virtual POS server 3 adds product sales data to a transaction file associated with the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1, which is the source of the product registration command COMc, as indicated by function Qb. The product sales data is data including, in a series of number order, the product code, major classification code, minor classification code, product name, price, sales quantity, sales amount, etc. of the purchased items. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the price by the sales quantity. Note that the product sales data of the item to be confirmed includes the major classification code of pharmaceuticals and the minor classification code of the item to be confirmed. For example, the product sales data of pharmaceuticals other than the item to be confirmed includes the major classification code of pharmaceuticals and the minor classification code of other pharmaceuticals. The product sales data is an example of data related to the sales of purchased items.

[0029] After adding the product sales data to the transaction file, the virtual POS server 3 transmits a registration completion command COMd to the shopping support terminal 1, which is the source of the product registration command COMc. The registration completion command COMd is transmitted from the access point 5 to the shopping support terminal 1 via the communication network 7.

[0030] Upon receiving the registration completion command COMd, the shopping support terminal 1 updates the registration screen as indicated by function Pe. That is, the shopping support terminal 1 updates the registration screen so that the product name, price, etc. of the product sales data added to the transaction file are displayed. On the updated registration screen, an accounting button is also displayed together with a product registration button, etc. The shopping support terminal 1 that has updated the registration screen waits for the data of the purchased items to be input as indicated by function Pf or for the accounting button to be input as indicated by function Pg.

[0031] When the customer finds the following purchased item, the customer inputs the product registration button. When the product registration button is input, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the data of the purchased item. Then, the shopping support terminal 1 transmits a product registration command COMc to the virtual POS server 3. The functions of the shopping support terminal 1 and the virtual POS server 3 after that are the same as those described above.

[0032] The customer who has finished shopping in the store inputs the payment button. When the payment button is input, the shopping support terminal 1 transmits a payment request command COMe to the virtual POS server 3. The payment request command COMe is transmitted from the access point 5 to the virtual POS server 3 via the communication network 7. The payment request command COMe includes the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1.

[0033] After that, as shown by the function Qc, the virtual POS server 3 creates a unique payment barcode. For example, the virtual POS server 3 creates a payment barcode by barcoding the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1, which is the transmission source of the payment request command COMe, in a predetermined barcode system. The virtual POS server 3 that has created the payment barcode transmits a payment permission command COMf to the shopping support terminal 1, which is the transmission source of the payment request command COMe. The payment permission command COMf is transmitted from the access point 5 to the shopping support terminal 1 via the communication network 7. The payment permission command COMf includes the data of the payment barcode.

[0034] The shopping support terminal 1 that has received the payment permission command COMf causes the image of the payment barcode to be displayed on the display device as shown by the function Ph. This payment barcode is used for settlement at the payment machine 4. Therefore, next, the payment machine 4 will be described.

[0035] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Payment Machine 4] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 4. The accounting machine 4 includes a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, a communication interface 405, a change machine interface 406, a scanner 407, a touch panel 408, a printer 409, a reader / writer 410, and a system transmission path 411, etc. The system transmission path 411 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 411 connects the processor 401 and other respective parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0036] The accounting machine 4 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 401, the main memory 402, the auxiliary storage device 403, the clock 404, and the communication interface 405 via the system transmission path 411. Then, the accounting machine 4 connects device interfaces or devices such as the change machine interface 406, the scanner 407, the touch panel 408, the printer 409, and the reader / writer 410 to the computer via the system transmission path 411.

[0037] The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 401 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the accounting machine 4 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 401 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0038] The main memory 402 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 402 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 402 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 402 may store data necessary for the processor 401 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 402 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 401. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory 402 is an example of a storage unit that stores the target product detected by the detection means described later.

[0039] The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 403. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used by the processor 401 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 401, etc. The auxiliary storage device 403 may store the above application program.

[0040] The clock 404 measures the date and time. The processor 401 processes the date and time measured by the clock 404 as the current date and time.

[0041] The communication interface 405 performs data communication with the store server 2, the virtual POS server 3, the cash register 4, the access point 5, the attendant terminal 6, etc. connected via the communication network 7.

[0042] The coin machine interface 406 constitutes an interface with an automatic coin machine (not shown). The coin machine interface 406 inputs the amount data of the currency inserted into the automatic coin machine from the automatic coin machine. The coin machine interface 406 outputs the change data from the accounting machine 4 to the automatic coin machine. The automatic coin machine that has received the change data automatically pays out the currency equivalent to the change data as change.

[0043] The scanner 407 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The scanner 407 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning a laser beam, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0044] The touch panel 408 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 408 displays information to the customer who is the operator of the accounting machine 4 and accepts operation inputs from that customer. The touch panel 408 is an example of a display unit.

[0045] The printer 409 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, etc. on receipt paper. As this type of printer 409, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0046] The reader / writer 410 has a function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or a smartphone, and a function of writing data to the medium. The card may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, prepaid cards, etc., as well as point cards referred to as company point cards, common point cards, etc. The reader / writer 410 may be any type of magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0047] The accounting machine 4 with such a configuration stores an attendant database 4021 and a management database 4023 in a part of the volatile memory area of the main memory 402.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an attendant data record 4022 stored in the attendant database 4021. As shown in FIG. 4, the attendant data record 4022 includes an attendant ID, name, job type, etc. The job type includes a store clerk, pharmacist, registered seller, etc. Note that the attendant data record 4022 is not limited to the data of the above-described items.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management data record 4024 stored in the management database 4023. As shown in FIG. 5, the management data record 4024 includes a major classification code, a minor classification code, a job type that can sell, etc. The job type that can sell is, for example, a pharmacist in the case of Class 1 pharmaceuticals. The job type that can sell is, for example, a pharmacist or a registered seller in the case of Class 2 pharmaceuticals and Class 3 pharmaceuticals. The job type that can sell is, for example, a store clerk, a pharmacist, or a registered seller in the case of other pharmaceuticals. Note that the management data record 4024 is not limited to the data of the above-described items.

[0050] The processor 401 of the accounting machine 4 has functions as an acquisition means 4011, a detection means 4012, an output means 4013, an authentication means 4014, and a control means 4015.

[0051] The acquisition means 4011 is a function of acquiring data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using the information terminal operated by the purchaser, that is, the shopping support terminal 1.

[0052] The detection means 4012 is a function of detecting target goods that require confirmation of an attendant from the data related to the sale of purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means 4011.

[0053] The output means 4013 has three functions. The first is the function of outputting to the terminal used by the attendant, that is, the attendant terminal 6, when the target product is detected by the detection means 4012. The second is the function of outputting to the display unit, that is, the touch panel 408, when the target product is detected by the detection means 4012. The third is the function of outputting to the attendant terminal 6 when the target product is stored in the storage unit, that is, the main memory 402.

[0054] The authentication means 4014 is a function of authenticating whether the attendant is allowed to confirm the target product when the target product is detected by the detection means 4012.

[0055] The control means 4015 is a function of controlling to execute the registration process of the target product when it is authenticated by the authentication means 4014 that the attendant is allowed to confirm the target product.

[0056] The functions as the acquisition means 4011, the detection means 4012, the output means 4013, the authentication means 4014, and the control means 4015 are all realized by information processing executed by the processor 401 according to the settlement program. The settlement program is a kind of application program stored in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. The method of installing the settlement program in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403 is not particularly limited. The settlement program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed by communication via the communication network 7 and installed in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0057] [Explanation of the operation of the cash register 4] FIGS. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 401 according to the settlement program. Hereinafter, the main operations of the accounting machine 4 will be described with reference to each figure. Note that the operations described below are examples, and the procedure or the content of the process can be appropriately changed if the same effect can be achieved.

[0058] The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 408 as the accounting waiting screen as ACT1 in FIG. 6. The accounting waiting screen is a screen that displays guidance for guiding a customer who has performed a registration operation of purchased items using, for example, the shopping support terminal 1 to read the accounting barcode displayed on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1 with the scanner 407. The processor 401 waits for the accounting barcode to be read by the scanner 407 as ACT2.

[0059] After finishing shopping in the store and confirming that the accounting barcode is displayed on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1 by inputting the accounting button, the customer moves to the installation location of the accounting machine 4. Then, the customer holds the accounting barcode in front of the scanner 407 of the accounting machine 4 on which the accounting waiting screen is displayed. When the accounting barcode is held in front of the scanner 407, the accounting barcode is read by the scanner 407.

[0060] When the accounting barcode is read by the scanner 407, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. The processor 401 requests the virtual POS server 3 for a transaction file as ACT3. As described above, the accounting barcode is the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 encoded. On the other hand, the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 is associated with the transaction file stored in the virtual POS server 3. Therefore, the processor 401 requests the transaction file associated with the terminal identification information obtained from the accounting barcode. Upon receiving this request, the virtual POS server 3 transmits the transaction file associated with the terminal identification information to the accounting machine 4.

[0061] The processor 401 acquires the transaction file transmitted from the virtual POS server 3 as ACT4 by the function of the acquisition means 4011.

[0062] The processor 401 initializes the number counter n to “0” as ACT5. The processor 401 increments the number counter n by “1” as ACT6. The processor 401 checks whether the number counter n exceeds the maximum value N of a series of numbers in the product sales data registered in the transaction file as ACT7.

[0063] When the number counter n is less than or equal to the maximum value N, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8.

[0064] The processor 401 analyzes the product sales data registered in the transaction file one by one in the order of a series of numbers as ACT8. The processor 401 checks whether the sub-classification code included in the product sales data indicates the product to be confirmed based on the management data record 4024 stored in the management database 4023 as ACT9.

[0065] When the sub-classification code does not indicate the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT10. The processor 401 executes the product registration process for the nth sales product as ACT10. Specifically, the processor 401 registers the sales data of the nth sales product in the sales aggregation memory based on the product sales data analyzed in the process of ACT8. By this registration process, the total amount of the transaction is calculated. The sales aggregation memory is formed in the volatile memory area of the main memory 402. Then the processor 401 returns to ACT6. Then the processor 401 executes the processes of ACT6 to ACT10 in the same manner as described above.

[0066] When the sub-classification code indicates the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 7. That is, the processor 401 detects the product to be confirmed from the product sales data by the function of the detection means 4012.

[0067] Based on the management data record 4024 stored in the management database 4023 as ACT21, the processor 401 extracts the salable job types corresponding to the sub-classification codes and stores the salable job types in the job type memory. The job type memory is formed in the volatile memory area of the main memory 402.

[0068] The processor 401 generates a first notification command as ACT22 by the function of the output means 4013 and controls the communication interface 405 to transmit it to the attendant terminal 6. By this control, the first notification command is transmitted from the communication interface 405 to the attendant terminal 6 via the communication network 7. The first notification command includes the accounting machine ID and the data of the salable job types and the product names of the products to be confirmed. The accounting machine ID is the accounting machine identification information set for each accounting machine 4 to individually identify each accounting machine 4.

[0069] The processor 401 causes the touch panel 408 to display a call screen 100 (see FIG. 9) as ACT23 by the function of the output means 4013.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the call screen 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the call screen 100 includes a message for notifying the customer that there is a product (product to be confirmed) that requires the attendant's confirmation and that the attendant is being called. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 9 is an example.

[0071] The attendant terminal 6 that has received the first notification command causes the touch panel to display a first notification screen 200 (see FIG. 10).

[0072] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first notification screen 200. As shown in FIG. 10, the first notification screen 200 includes a message for notifying an attendant that there is a product (product to be confirmed) for which confirmation by the attendant is required at the accounting machine 4 identified by the accounting machine ID. FIG. 10 shows a case where there is a product "AAA" for which confirmation by a pharmacist is required at the accounting machine 4 with the accounting machine ID "001". Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 10 is an example.

[0073] The attendant who has confirmed the first notification screen 200 rushes to the accounting machine 4 that is the notification target. The attendant causes the scanner 407 to read a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code in which the attendant ID is stored in order to operate the accounting machine 4 in the attendant mode. The code symbol is printed, for example, on an ID card held by each attendant. That is, the processor 401 waits for the code symbol in which the attendant ID is stored to be read by the scanner 407 as ACT24 in FIG. 7.

[0074] When the code symbol in which the attendant ID is stored is read by the scanner 407, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT25.

[0075] The processor 401 extracts the job type corresponding to the attendant ID based on the attendant data record 4022 stored in the attendant database 4021 as ACT25.

[0076] The processor 401 checks whether the job type extracted in the process of ACT25 is included in the job types that can be sold and stored in the job type memory as ACT26 by the function of the authentication means 4014.

[0077] If the job type extracted by the process of ACT25 is included in the job types that can be sold and stored in the job type memory, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT10 in FIG. 6. That is, the processor 401 executes the product registration process for the product to be confirmed by the function of the control means 4015 on the assumption that the product to be confirmed by a qualified attendant has been confirmed. Then, the processor 401 executes the processes of ACT6 to ACT10 in the same manner as described above.

[0078] If the job type extracted by the process of ACT25 is not included in the job types that can be sold and stored in the job type memory, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT27.

[0079] The processor 401 causes the touch panel 408 to display an error screen as ACT27. The error screen is a screen that notifies the attendant, for example, that the ID of the attendant who cannot sell the product to be confirmed and that the barcode storing the ID of the qualified attendant should be read again by the scanner 407. The error screen may further include, for example, a notification of the job types that can be sold. Then, the processor 401 returns to ACT24. That is, the processor 401 waits for the code symbol storing the attendant ID to be read by the scanner 407.

[0080] Return to the description of FIG. 6. When the number counter n exceeds the maximum value N, that is, when the analysis of the product sales data for all the series of numbers is completed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 8.

[0081] The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 408 as a payment method selection screen in ACT31. The payment method selection screen is, for example, a screen on which images of payment method selection buttons such as a cash button, a credit button, and an electronic money button are arranged. When the cash button is touched, cash is selected as the payment method. When the credit button is touched, a credit card is selected as the payment method. When the electronic money button is touched, electronic money is selected as the payment method. Note that the payment methods are not limited to three types: cash, credit card, and electronic money. Any two types may be used, or another payment method may be selectable. Also, there may be only one payment method. In that case, instead of the payment method selection buttons, for example, a payment start button for instructing the start of settlement may be displayed on the payment method selection screen.

[0082] The processor 401 waits for a payment method to be selected in ACT32. Then, when any payment method is selected by an operation input to the payment method selection screen, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT33.

[0083] The processor 401 executes a settlement process in ACT33. For example, when cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 401 subtracts the total amount from the amount inserted into the automatic change dispenser, calculates the change, and executes a process of paying out the change from the automatic change dispenser. For example, when a credit card is selected as the payment method, the processor 401 authenticates the credit card read by the reader / writer 410 and determines the total amount as the credit settlement amount on the condition that it has been approved. For example, when electronic money is selected as the payment method, the processor 401 subtracts the total amount from the balance of the electronic money medium read by the reader / writer 410.

[0084] The processor 401 controls the issuance of a receipt by the printer 409 in ACT34. Transaction detail data such as the name, price, points, purchase amount, total points, total amount, and payment amount of the purchased goods is printed on the receipt. The processor 401 that controls the issuance of receipts finishes the information processing of the procedures shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0085] As described in detail above, when the accounting barcode is read by the scanner 407, the processor 401 of the accounting machine 4, which is one aspect of the settlement device, acquires the transaction file associated with the accounting barcode from the virtual POS server 3. The processor 401 checks for each item whether the sub-classification code included in the product sales data registered in the transaction file indicates the product to be confirmed, based on the management data record 4024 stored in the management database 4023. When the sub-classification code indicates the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 extracts the sellable job types corresponding to the sub-classification code based on the management data record 4024 and stores them in the job type memory. Then, the processor 401 transmits the first notification command to the attendant terminal 6. As a result, the first notification screen 200 is displayed on the touch panel of the attendant terminal 6. Therefore, the attendant can easily know that there is a product (product to be confirmed) for which it is necessary to confirm the store clerk, pharmacist, or registered seller in the accounting machine 4 targeted for notification.

[0086] When the sub-classification code indicates the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 causes the call screen 100 to be displayed on the touch panel 408. Therefore, the customer can grasp that there is a product to be confirmed among the purchased products.

[0087] Also, when the attendant causes the scanner 407 to read a code symbol in which the attendant ID is stored, the processor 401 extracts the job type corresponding to the attendant ID based on the attendant data record 4022 stored in the attendant database 4021. If the job type corresponding to the attendant ID is included in the sellable job types stored in the job type memory, the processor 401 executes the product registration process for the product to be confirmed, assuming that the confirmation has been made by a qualified attendant. Therefore, even when there is a product to be confirmed, the product to be confirmed can be registered simply by causing the scanner 407 to read a code symbol in which a qualified attendant ID is stored. Since the customer or the attendant does not need to re-enter the data related to the purchased product, the product to be confirmed can be registered without any hassle.

[0088] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0089] In the second embodiment, when the processor 401 detects a product to be confirmed from the product sales data by the function of the detection means 4012, it differs from the first embodiment in that the data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025. The confirmation list 4025 will be described later. Also, in the second embodiment, when the analysis of the product sales data for all the serial numbers is completed and the data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025, it differs from the first embodiment in that the second notification command is notified to the attendant terminal 6. The second notification command will be described later. In each drawing related to the second embodiment and its description below, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same elements may be omitted. Incidentally, FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, and 9 used in the description of the first embodiment are also common to the second embodiment, so the description here is omitted.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 4 in the second embodiment. The accounting machine 4 designates a part of the volatile memory area of the main memory 402 as the area of the confirmation list 4025. The accounting machine 4 forms the confirmation list 4025 in this area. The confirmation list 4025 has areas for describing merchandise sales data, sellable job types, and confirmation flags in order of a series of numbers. The merchandise sales data is data including the product code, major classification code, minor classification code, product name, price, number of sales, sales amount, etc. of the purchased product. The sellable job type is a sellable job type corresponding to the minor classification code included in the merchandise sales data based on the management data record 4024. The confirmation flag is flag data for specifying that the confirmation of the product to be confirmed by a qualified attendant has been performed. The confirmation flag is set to "1" when the confirmation of the product to be confirmed by a qualified attendant has been performed. The initial state of the confirmation flag is "0". The merchandise sales data, sellable job type, and confirmation flag are examples of data related to the product to be confirmed. Note that the confirmation list 4025 is not limited to the items described above.

[0091] FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 401 according to the settlement program in the second embodiment. FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively correspond to FIGS. 6 and 7 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same processing steps as in the first embodiment. Note that the content of the operations described below is an example. The operation procedure and content are not particularly limited as long as the same results can be obtained.

[0092] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, after the processor 401 executes the processes of ACT1 to ACT8 in the same manner as described above, the processor 401 performs the processes of ACT41 and ACT42.

[0093] As ACT41, the processor 401 confirms whether the minor classification code included in the merchandise sales data indicates a product to be confirmed based on the management data record 4024 stored in the management database 4023.

[0094] When the sub-classification code does not indicate the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT41 and returns to ACT6.

[0095] When the sub-classification code indicates the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT41 and proceeds to ACT42. That is, the processor 401 detects the product to be confirmed from the product sales data by the function of the detection means 4012.

[0096] The processor 401 describes the data related to the product to be confirmed in the confirmation list 4025 as ACT42. Specifically, the processor 401 describes the product sales data of the product to be confirmed in the confirmation list 4025. The processor 401 extracts the sellable job types corresponding to the sub-classification codes included in the product sales data based on the management data record 4024, and describes the sellable job types in the confirmation list 4025. The processor 401 sets the confirmation flag to "0". Then the processor 401 returns to ACT6. The processor 401 executes the processes of ACT6 to ACT8, ACT41, and ACT42 in the same manner as described above.

[0097] When the number counter n exceeds the maximum value N, that is, when the analysis of the product sales data for all the series of numbers is completed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT51 in FIG. 13.

[0098] The processor 401 checks whether the data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025 as ACT51. The processor 401 recognizes that there is a product to be confirmed when at least one piece of data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025. The processor 401 recognizes that there is no product to be confirmed when no data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025.

[0099] If no data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025, that is, if there is no product to be confirmed, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT51 and proceeds to ACT52. The processor 401 executes the product registration process for the first to the Nth purchased products registered in the transaction file as ACT52. Specifically, the processor 401 registers the sales data of the purchased products in the sales aggregation memory based on the product sales data analyzed in the process of ACT8 in FIG. 12. The total amount of the transaction is calculated by this registration process. Then it proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 8. The processor 401 executes the processes of ACT31 to ACT34 in the same manner as described above.

[0100] If at least one piece of data related to the product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025, that is, if there is a product to be confirmed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT51 and proceeds to ACT53.

[0101] The processor 401 controls the communication interface 405 to generate a second notification command as ACT53 by the function of the output means 4013 and transmit it to the attendant terminal 6. By this control, the second notification command is transmitted from the communication interface 405 to the attendant terminal 6 via the communication network 7. The second notification command includes the data of the confirmation list 4025.

[0102] The attendant terminal 6 that has received the second notification command causes the second notification screen 300 (see FIG. 14) to be displayed on the touch panel.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second notification screen 300. As shown in FIG. 14, the second notification screen 300 includes a message for notifying an attendant that there is a product (product to be confirmed) for which confirmation by one or more attendants is required, by the accounting machine 4 identified by the accounting machine ID. FIG. 14 shows a case where, in the accounting machine 4 with the accounting machine ID of "002", there are a product "BBB" that requires confirmation by a pharmacist and a product "CCC" that requires confirmation by a pharmacist or a registered seller. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 14 is an example.

[0104] Return to the description of FIG. 13. In the second embodiment, after the processor 401 executes the processes of ACT23 to ACT25 in the same manner as described above, the processor 401 performs the process of ACT54.

[0105] The processor 401 initializes the number counter m to "0" as ACT54. The processor 401 increments the number counter m by "1" as ACT55. The processor 401 checks whether the number counter m exceeds the maximum value M of a series of numbers in the confirmation list 4025 as ACT56.

[0106] When the number counter m is less than or equal to the maximum value M, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT56 and proceeds to ACT57. The processor 401 checks whether the confirmation flag at the m-th position in the confirmation list 4025 is set to "0" as ACT57.

[0107] When the confirmation flag at the m-th position in the confirmation list 4025 is not set to "0", that is, when the confirmation flag is set to "1", the processor 401 determines NO in ACT57 and returns to ACT55. The case where the confirmation flag is set to "1" means that the confirmation of the product to be confirmed by a qualified attendant has already been performed.

[0108] If the confirmation flag at the m-th position in the confirmation list 4025 is set to "0", the processor 401 determines YES in ACT57 and proceeds to ACT58.

[0109] The processor 401 checks, as ACT58, whether the occupation extracted in the process of ACT25 is included in the sellable occupation corresponding to the confirmation flag at the m-th position in the confirmation list 4025 by the function of the authentication means 4014.

[0110] If the occupation extracted in the process of ACT25 is not included in the sellable occupation corresponding to the confirmation flag at the m-th position, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT58 and returns to ACT55.

[0111] If the occupation extracted in the process of ACT25 is included in the sellable occupation corresponding to the confirmation flag at the m-th position, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT58 and proceeds to ACT59.

[0112] The processor 401 sets the confirmation flag at the m-th position in the confirmation list 4025 to "1" on the assumption that the confirmation of the product to be confirmed by a qualified attendant has been performed as ACT59. Then the processor 401 returns to ACT55. The processor 401 executes the processes of ACT55 to ACT59 in the same manner as described above.

[0113] If the number counter m exceeds the maximum value M, that is, when the confirmation of the confirmation list 4025 for all the series of numbers is completed, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT56 and proceeds to ACT60. The processor 401 checks, as ACT60, whether there is a confirmation flag set to "0" in the confirmation list 4025.

[0114] If there is a confirmation flag set to “0”, the processor 401 determines YES in ACT60 and proceeds to ACT61. The case where there is a confirmation flag set to “0” means that in at least one item to be confirmed, the attendant ID stored in the code symbol read by the scanner 407 corresponds to an occupation for which sales are not possible.

[0115] The processor 401 causes an error screen to be displayed on the touch panel 408 as ACT61. The error screen may further include, for example, when there are a plurality of items to be confirmed, a notification that there is an item to be confirmed that has been confirmed by a qualified attendant, and that there is an unconfirmed item to be confirmed because the attendant ID cannot sell the item to be confirmed. Then the processor 401 returns to ACT24. That is, the processor 401 waits for the code symbol storing the attendant ID to be read by the scanner 407.

[0116] If there is no confirmation flag set to “0”, the processor 401 determines NO in ACT60 and returns to ACT52. That is, the processor 401 executes the product registration process from the first to the Nth registered in the transaction file by the function of the control means 4015, assuming that a qualified attendant has confirmed all of the one or more items to be confirmed. Then it proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 8. The processor 401 executes the processes of ACT31 to ACT34 in the same manner as described above. Thus, the processor 401 ends the information processing of the procedures shown in FIGS. 8, 12, and 13.

[0117] Thus, in the second embodiment, when the sub-classification code included in the product sales data registered in the transaction file indicates the product to be confirmed, the processor 401 describes the data related to the product to be confirmed in the confirmation list 4025. When the analysis of the product sales data for all the serial numbers is completed and the data related to at least one product to be confirmed is described in the confirmation list 4025, the second notification command is transmitted to the attendant terminal 6. As a result, the second notification screen 300 is displayed on the touch panel of the attendant terminal 6. Therefore, when there are a plurality of products to be confirmed, the attendant is notified of this fact in a batch. For this reason, the attendant does not need to rush to each accounting machine 4 that is the notification target for each product to be confirmed, and the labor and burden are reduced.

[0118] Also, when the attendant causes the scanner 407 to read the code symbol in which the attendant ID is stored, the processor 401 extracts the job type corresponding to the attendant ID based on the attendant data record 4022 stored in the attendant database 4021. When a plurality of pieces of data related to the product to be confirmed are described in the confirmation list 4025, it is confirmed one by one whether the job type corresponding to the attendant ID is included in the job types that can sell in the confirmation list 4025. When the job type corresponding to the attendant ID is included in the job types that can sell in the confirmation list 4025, the processor 401 sets the confirmation flag to "1". Then, when the confirmation of the confirmation list 4025 for all the serial numbers is completed and there is no confirmation flag set to "0" in the confirmation list 4025, the processor 401 executes the product registration process for the first to Nth purchased products registered in the transaction file, assuming that the confirmation by a qualified attendant has been performed for all the plurality of products to be confirmed. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of products to be confirmed, it is efficient because the products to be confirmed can be registered in a batch only by causing the scanner 407 to read the code symbol in which the qualified attendant ID is stored.

[0119] As described above, the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been explained, but such embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0120] In the above embodiment, an example was given where a customer sets or carries a smartphone as the shopping support terminal 1 in a shopping cart. For example, a tablet terminal (so-called cart terminal) attached to the shopping cart may be used as the shopping support terminal 1.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the accounting barcode is obtained by encoding the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 in a predetermined barcode system. The accounting barcode is not limited to this. The accounting barcode may be a code unique to the transaction file.

[0122] In the above embodiment, an example was given where the accounting machine 4 stores the attendant database 4021 and the management database 4023 in a part of the volatile memory area of the main memory 402. For example, the storage destinations of the attendant database 4021 and the management database 4023 may be the auxiliary storage device 403 or a storage device externally attached to the accounting machine 4.

[0123] In the above embodiment, when the accounting barcode is read by the scanner 407, the processor 401 acquires the transaction file associated with the accounting barcode from the virtual POS server 3. The method of acquiring the transaction file is not limited to this. For example, an accounting machine code consisting of a barcode or a two-dimensional code system is prepared in the vicinity of the accounting machine 4. The accounting machine code is obtained by encoding the accounting machine ID set in the accounting machine 4. A customer who has finished shopping and moved in front of the accounting machine 4 causes the camera of the shopping support terminal 1 to read the accounting machine code. Then, the terminal identification information and the accounting machine code are transmitted from the shopping support terminal 1 to the virtual POS server 3. The virtual POS server 3 transmits the transaction file associated with the terminal identification information to the accounting machine 4 specified by the accounting machine code. Thus, the processor 401 can acquire the transaction file.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the case where the processor 401 analyzes the product sales data registered in the transaction file one by one in a series of number order was exemplified. For example, when the price included in the product sales data is missing for some reason, the processor 401 may request the store server 2 for price data associated with the product code included in the product sales data. The store server 2 that has received this request may extract the price data from the product record associated with the product code and transmit it to the cash register 4. Note that the missing data is not limited to the price.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the case where the processor 401 causes the call screen 100 to be displayed on the touch panel 408 was exemplified. For example, it may be voice output that there is a product that requires confirmation by an attendant and that the attendant is being called.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the case where the call screen 100 includes a message for notifying the customer that there is a product that requires confirmation by an attendant and that the attendant is being called was exemplified. For example, the call screen 100 may specifically notify the customer of the product that requires confirmation by the attendant. The specific notification may be, for example, "There is a product 'DDD' that requires confirmation by a pharmacist."

[0127] In the above embodiment, the case where the attendant terminal 6 causes the first notification screen 200 to be displayed on the touch panel was exemplified. For example, it may be voice output that there is a product that requires confirmation by the attendant at the cash register 4 identified by the cash register ID.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the case where the products to be confirmed are Class 1 pharmaceuticals, Class 2 pharmaceuticals, and Class 3 pharmaceuticals was exemplified. For example, the products to be confirmed may be alcohol beverages, age-restricted products such as tobacco, so-called 20-prohibited products. In this case, confirmation by a store clerk is required.

[0129] In the second embodiment, the case where the confirmation list 4025 is stored in a part of the volatile memory area of the main memory 402 was exemplified. For example, the confirmation list 4025 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 403. In this case, the auxiliary storage device 403 serves as a storage unit that stores the target product detected by the detection means 4012.

[0130] In the second embodiment, when there are one or more target products for confirmation, when confirmation by a qualified attendant is performed for all the target products for confirmation, the processor 401 executes the product registration process for the first to Nth purchased products registered in the transaction file by the function of the control means 4015. That is, after confirmation by a qualified attendant is performed for all the target products for confirmation, the processor 401 executes the product registration process for all the purchased products including the target products for confirmation. For example, the timing of the product registration process for the target product for confirmation and the purchased product that is not the target product for confirmation may be different. For a purchased product that is not a target product for confirmation, the processor 401 may execute the product registration process for that purchased product, for example, after determining NO in ACT41. Then the processor 401 may return to ACT6. When the product registration process for a purchased product that is not a target product for confirmation is executed as described above, for the target product for confirmation, the processor 401 may execute the product registration process at the following timing. The processor 401 may execute the product registration process for one or more target products for confirmation as ACT52, for example, after determining NO in ACT60. Then the processor 401 may proceed to ACT31 in FIG. 8. The processor 401 may execute the product registration process for the target product for confirmation, for example, after ACT59. In this case, after determining NO in ACT60, the processor 401 may proceed to ACT31 in FIG. 8.

[0131] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. Incidentally, the description of the claims of the present application at the time of filing is appended below. [C1] An acquisition means for acquiring data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser, A detection means for detecting a target product that requires confirmation by an attendant from the data related to the sale of the purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means, An output means for outputting to the terminal used by the attendant when the target product is detected by the detection means, A settlement device comprising: [C2] The output means outputs to the display unit when the target product is detected by the detection means. The settlement device according to [C1]. [C3] When the target product is detected by the detection means, an authentication means for authenticating whether the attendant is allowed to confirm the target product, When it is authenticated by the authentication means that the attendant is allowed to confirm the target product, a control means for controlling to execute the registration process of the target product, The settlement device according to [C1] or [C2], further comprising: [C4] An acquisition means for acquiring data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser, A detection means for detecting a target product that requires confirmation by an attendant from the data related to the sale of the purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means, A storage unit for storing the target product detected by the detection means, An output means for outputting to the terminal used by the attendant when the target product is stored in the storage unit, A settlement device comprising: [C5] The settlement device Acquires data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser, Detects a target product that requires confirmation by an attendant from the acquired data related to the sale of the purchased goods, When the target product is detected, outputs to the terminal used by the attendant, A settlement method. [C6] The computer of the settlement device An acquisition means for acquiring data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser, A detection means for detecting a target product that requires confirmation by an attendant from the data related to the sale of the purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means, and Output means for outputting to the terminal used by the attendant to the effect that the target product has been detected when the target product is detected by the detection means. A program for causing the above to function.

Description of Symbols

[0132] 1... Shopping support terminal, 2... Store server, 3... Virtual POS server, 4... Cash register, 5... Access point, 6... Attendant terminal, 7... Communication network, 401... Processor, 402... Main memory, 403... Auxiliary storage device, 404... Clock, 405... Communication interface, 406... Change machine interface, 407... Scanner, 408... Touch panel, 409... Printer, 410... Reader / writer, 411... System transmission path, S... Transaction processing system, 4011... Acquisition means, 4012... Detection means, 4013... Output means, 4014... Authentication means, 4015... Control means, 4021... Attendant database, 4022... Attendant data record, 4023... Management database, 4024... Management data record, 4025... Confirmation list.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring data related to the sale of purchased goods registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser; A detection means for analyzing the data related to the sale of the purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means and detecting target goods that require confirmation by an attendant; An output means for outputting, to a terminal used by the attendant, a notification command including data on the job types for which the target goods can be sold and the product names of the target goods when the target goods are detected by the detection means; A settlement device comprising the above.

2. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs a message to that effect to a display unit when the target goods are detected by the detection means.

3. An authentication means for authenticating whether an attendant is allowed to confirm the target goods when the target goods are detected by the detection means; A control means for controlling to execute the registration process of the target goods when it is authenticated by the authentication means that the attendant is allowed to confirm the target goods; The settlement device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

4. The settlement device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing the target goods detected by the detection means, wherein the output means outputs the notification command to the terminal used by the attendant when the target goods are stored in the storage unit when the analysis of the data related to all the purchased goods acquired by the acquisition means is completed. The settlement device according to claim 1.

5. The storage unit stores a confirmation list in which, for each of the one or more target goods detected by the detection means, product sales data including data on the job types for which the target goods can be sold and the product names of the target goods are described in association with each other. When the analysis of the data related to all the purchased items acquired by the acquisition means is completed, if data related to at least one of the target items is described in the confirmation list, the settlement device according to claim 4 outputs the notification command including the data in the confirmation list.

6. A settlement device acquires data related to the sale of purchased items registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser, analyzes the data related to the sale of the acquired purchased items and detects target items that require confirmation by an attendant, and when the target item is detected, outputs a notification command including data on the job types for which the target item can be sold and the product name of the target item to the terminal used by the attendant. A settlement method.

7. A computer of a settlement device is caused to function as an acquisition means for acquiring data related to the sale of purchased items registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser, a detection means for analyzing the data related to the sale of the purchased items acquired by the acquisition means and detecting target items that require confirmation by an attendant, and an output means for outputting a notification command including data on the job types for which the target item can be sold and the product name of the target item to the terminal used by the attendant when the target item is detected by the detection means, a program for causing the above to function.

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