Sales system, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology suitable for a sales system in which registration and adjustment are performed by different devices.SOLUTION: A sales system includes a registration device and an adjustment device. The adjustment device includes means by which a purchase request for an article is newly input by a customer in addition to a commodity registered by the registration device. The registration device includes display means for displaying, on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who has input the purchase request to the input means, a fact that the purchase request has been input to the input means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A semi-self service sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices has become widespread.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not premised on the above semi-self service sales system, it has not been easy to purchase articles such as shopping bags after registration in a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, a sales system according to an aspect of the present invention is a sales system including a registration device and a settlement device, wherein the settlement device includes means for newly inputting a purchase request for an article by a customer in addition to the goods registered by the registration device, and the registration device includes display means for displaying that a purchase request has been input to the input means on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who has input the purchase request to the input means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (First Embodiment) [Configuration Example of POS System] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sales system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, POS terminal 20-2, POS terminal 20-3, a store controller 10, and a management device 30, each of which is communicably connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when not particularly distinguishing between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they are collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0009] The store controller 10 is installed, for example, in the backyard of a store or the like and stores a product master and the like. The product master is information in which product information for each product sold in the store is registered. The POS terminal 20 uses information such as the product name and price of the product registered using the product master, for example, when performing product registration processing.

[0010] The management device 30 stores, for example, the accounting results in the POS terminal 20. Further, the management device 30 may execute control for realizing predetermined functions of the POS terminal 20 or the store controller 10. The management device 30 may be installed in the store or provided as a cloud server outside the store.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of the POS terminal 20. FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as viewed from the customer side. FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 and the like as viewed from the store clerk side. As shown in FIG. 2(A), a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external appearance example of the POS terminal. FIG. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side. FIG. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the store clerk side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the POS terminal 20. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a configuration example of the POS terminal 20 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer-side display unit 205, a customer-side scanner unit 206, a card reader 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk-side display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk-side scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, a communication unit 215, an imaging unit 216, and a signature pole 217. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0014] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing the 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.

[0015] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory, and stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., product master obtained from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during registration processing, settlement information generated during settlement processing, etc.).

[0016] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. The hard disk 204 may store, for example, programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, it may store information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing. Note that instead of the hard disk 204, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided.

[0017] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, and displays various types of information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0018] Note that the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when the customer registers a product, but the customer may register the product by other means. For example, when an order button or the like for the product is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can register the product by operating (pressing) the order button.

[0019] The card reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and performing processing corresponding to settlement. Further, the card reader 208 is capable of reading information such as membership cards and point cards. The card reader 208 of the present embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it suffices as long as it includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0020] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a settlement mechanism using cash, has an inlet for bills and coins and an outlet for bills and coins, calculates the amount of money input into the inlet, calculates the change amount which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and discharges the change from the outlet.

[0021] The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for the clerk, displays various information to the clerk, and accepts various inputs from the clerk. The key operation unit 211 is composed of various keys (buttons) and accepts various inputs from the clerk. The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for the clerk, and optically reads, for example, a barcode (product code, etc.) attached to a product or a clerk code attached to the clerk's name tag.

[0022] The store clerk scanner unit 212 is used when the store clerk registers products, but the store clerk may also register products by other means. For example, if keys corresponding to products (such as keys corresponding to sports newspapers, etc.) are arranged on the key operation unit 211, the store clerk can operate (press) the keys to register the products. Also, if preset keys corresponding to products are displayed on the store clerk display unit 210, the store clerk can operate the preset keys to register the products.

[0023] The printing unit 213 is a printing unit that discharges media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be rotatably changed in the direction (direction of the media outlet) from the store clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the store clerk side. The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or may be automatically changed (mechanically controlled, etc.) according to the transition of the operation mode, for example. Note that the correctness of the orientation of the printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0024] The voice output unit 214 outputs voice. For example, the voice output unit 214 outputs voice guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (other POS terminals 20, store controllers 10).

[0025] The imaging unit 216 is provided to image the state of a customer who performs accounting-related operations at the standing position on the customer side. The captured image obtained by the imaging unit 216 can be used as a monitoring image for monitoring the customer performing accounting. Also, the POS terminal 20 can store the captured image obtained by the imaging of the imaging unit 216 in a storage device such as the hard disk 204.

[0026] The sign pole 217 is a part that gives a predetermined notification to the store clerk by lighting up in a predetermined pattern and color.

[0027] [Overview of Each Operation Mode] Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has multiple operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four types of operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, double scan mode, semi-self-service mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business operations (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include the aggregation mode for aggregating and inquiring sales and inventory, the maintenance mode when store staff or maintenance staff perform setting and maintenance work, the training mode when new employees conduct training, etc. Note that in this embodiment, "accounting" is a concept that includes, for example, from product registration in a single transaction to settlement (payment) for the registered products. Note that in the following description, as a different perspective from the classification of the above four operation modes, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes product registration processing may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing may be referred to as the settlement mode.

[0028] [Normal Mode] The normal mode is an operation mode in which the store staff executes the registration process and the customer executes the settlement process. That is, in the case of the normal mode, the store staff side becomes the registration mode and the customer side becomes the settlement mode. That is, the POS terminal 20 operates as a registration and settlement mode when viewed as a whole from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0029] In the case of the normal mode, the store staff registers the customer's purchased products on the store staff side (store staff scanner unit 212, store staff display unit 210, key operation unit 211). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased products by the operation of the store staff (operations of the store staff scanner unit 212, store staff display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0030] When the registration process by the store staff is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased products on the store staff display unit 210, inserts currency into the change machine 209, or operates the card reader 208 to perform settlement. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process by the operation of the customer (insertion of currency into the change machine 209, operation of the card reader 208).

[0031] Note that the customer may wait until the registration process by the store clerk is completed (until the total amount is determined), or may insert currency into the change machine 209 before the registration process is completed. That is, the POS terminal 20 can accept payment during the registration process.

[0032] Also, the store clerk may wait until the customer's settlement is completed (until the customer receives change or a receipt), or may register the purchased items of the next customer of the customer. That is, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer during the settlement process. Also, the store clerk may be absent during the customer's settlement. That is, during the settlement of the customer, the handling of the customer may be completed.

[0033] Also, when there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispensing of change and change tickets by the change machine 209 to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change, and after recognizing with a sensor or the like that the customer has removed the change and change tickets, controls the issuance of the receipt by the printing unit 213. The same applies to other operation modes. As described above, in the normal mode (the double scan mode is the same), there are cases where there is a store clerk in front of the customer who receives the change and cases where there is no store clerk. When there is a store clerk, it is not always necessary to perform the above-described control (that is, the dispensing of change and change tickets and the issuance of the receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Also, the timing of the dispensing of change and change tickets and the issuance of the receipt may be controlled according to the current operation mode and the presence / absence of the store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of the store clerk is recognized by a sensor).

[0034] [Full Self-Service Mode] The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer executes the registration process on the customer side and the settlement process on the customer side. That is, in the case of the full self-service mode, the customer side becomes both the registration mode and the settlement mode. That is, the POS terminal 20 operates as a registration and settlement mode when viewed throughout the entire registration process to the settlement process.

[0035] In the case of the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased goods on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased goods by an operation of the customer (such as scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206 and touching the customer side display unit 205).

[0036] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased goods on the customer side display unit 205, inserts money into the change machine 209, or operates the card reader 208 in the case of credit card settlement to perform settlement. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process by an operation of the customer (such as inserting money into the change machine 209 and operating the card reader 208).

[0037] Note that in the full self-service mode, as described above, although the registration process and the settlement process are both executed on the customer side, it does not mean that the store staff can do nothing. That is, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, it is possible to scan the staff code at the store staff side scanner unit 212. Also, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, it is possible to display various information on the store staff side display unit 210. For example, during the operation in the full self-service mode, a screen similar to that displayed on the customer side display unit 205 according to the registration process and the settlement process performed on the customer side may be displayed on the store staff side display unit 210. That is, the content displayed on the customer side display unit 205 may be displayed in a mirrored manner on the store staff side display unit 210. Thereby, the store staff can grasp what operations the customer is performing and what the processing status of the POS terminal 20 is in the full self-service mode.

[0038] [Double Scan Mode] The double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is executed on both the store staff side and the customer side, and the settlement process is executed on the customer side. That is, in the case of the double scan mode, both the store staff side and the customer side are in the registration mode, and the customer side is in the settlement mode. That is, when looking at the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process, the POS terminal 20 operates as a registration and settlement mode.

[0039] In the case of the double scan mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for the purchased items based on the operations of the clerk (scanning by the clerk side scanner unit 212, touch on the clerk side display unit 210, pressing of the key operation unit 211, etc.) and the operations of the customer (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touch on the customer side display unit 205).

[0040] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205, inserts currency into the change machine 209, or operates the card reader 208 in the case of credit card settlement to perform the settlement. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the operations of the customer (insertion of currency into the change machine 209, operation of the card reader 208).

[0041] Note that the store clerk may wait until the customer completes the settlement (until the customer receives the change and the receipt), or may register the purchased items of the next customer. That is, the POS terminal 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer during the settlement process. Also, the store clerk may be absent during the customer's settlement. That is, during the settlement of the said customer, the handling of the said customer may be completed.

[0042] [Semi-self mode] The semi-self mode is an operation mode by two or more POS terminals 20, and is an operation mode in which the registration process is executed on the clerk side of at least one POS terminal 20 and the settlement process is executed on the customer side of another one POS terminal 20. That is, in the case of the semi-self mode, one or more POS terminals 20 are in the registration dedicated mode, and one or more other POS terminals 20 are in the settlement dedicated mode.

[0043] In the semi-self mode, the store clerk registers the customer's purchased items on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode using the store clerk side (the store clerk side scanner unit 212, the store clerk side display unit 210, and the key operation unit 211). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for the purchased items based on the operations of the store clerk (operations of the store clerk side scanner unit 212, the store clerk side display unit 210, the key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0044] When the registration process by the store clerk is completed, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased items on the store clerk side display unit 210, inserts currency into the change machine 209, or operates the card reader 208 to complete the settlement. That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process based on the operations of the customer (inserting currency into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0045] When the registration process is completed on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, and the information necessary for the settlement process (registration information generated on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, etc.) is supplied to the destination POS terminal 20.

[0046] Note that the destination POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20 that executes the settlement process among the POS terminals 20 in the settlement-only mode) may be specified on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, a medium (a medium printed with a barcode or the like for acquiring the information necessary for the settlement process) may be issued on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, and the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that reads the medium may be used as the destination POS terminal 20.

[0047] Note that in the semi-self mode, after the store clerk transmits the registration information, the store clerk can register the purchased items of the next customer. Also, after the store clerk transmits the registration information, the store clerk may be absent.

[0048] Based on the above configuration, the article purchase process will be described. The article purchase process is a process executed during operation in the semi-self mode, and is a process for purchasing articles after the registration at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode is completed and until the settlement process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. In the following description, a plastic bag will be used as an example of the article.

[0049] Conventionally, since the plastic bag is registered in the registration device, if the purchase of the plastic bag is forgotten to be conveyed at the registration device, it is necessary to convey to the store clerk who is registering the goods purchased by the next customer, the attendant clerk, etc., to purchase the plastic bag, or to purchase the plastic bag again by lining up at the cash register. It was not easy to purchase the plastic bag after registration.

[0050] One of the reasons why it was not easy to purchase the plastic bag after registration is that the plastic bag is stored behind the store clerk who operates the registration device or under the counter where the registration measures are installed, so the customer cannot freely access the plastic bag.

[0051] First, an example of the layout of the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self mode suitable for the article purchase process will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the layout using five POS terminals 20. In FIG. 5, the registration device 200a, the registration device 200b, the settlement device 300a, the settlement device 300b, and the settlement device 300c are all POS terminals 20. In FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience, names corresponding to the roles of the semi-self mode are used. Further, when not distinguishing between the registration device 200a and the registration device 200b, they are expressed as the registration device 200. Similarly, when not distinguishing between the settlement device 300a, the settlement device 300b, and the settlement device 300c, they are expressed as the settlement device 300.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the registration devices 200a and 200b are arranged in parallel at positions where two rows of accounting conductors (broken lines in the figure) are formed. Specifically, the registration device 200a is arranged on the counter 2a, and the registration device 200b is arranged on the counter 2b arranged in parallel with the counter 2a. The registration device 200a is installed at a substantially central position of the counter 2a, and the registration device 200b is installed at a substantially central position of the counter 2b. When the counter 2a and the counter 2b are not particularly distinguished, hereinafter, they are collectively referred to as the counter 2.

[0053] The counter 2a and the counter 2b are movable by sliding the shopping basket 9. Note that the arrow A in Fig. 5(b) represents the state where the shopping basket 9 slides on the counter 2a.

[0054] In the above arrangement, when two store clerks operate the registration device 200 side by side (when one store clerk operates the registration device 200a and the other store clerk operates the registration device 200b), queues of shoppers waiting for the registration process can be formed on two parallel rows of accounting conductors (accounting conductor a, registration accounting conductor b).

[0055]

[0056] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, when looking at the counter 2a on which the registration device 200a is arranged, the counter 2b on which the registration device 200b is arranged, and each settlement device 300 from the ceiling side, each settlement device 300 is arranged at a position such that the overall shape is substantially "C"-shaped. In other words, as shown in Fig. 5(b), on a straight line (or in the vicinity of the straight line) connecting one end on the downstream side of the accounting conductor a of the counter 2a (the hatched part in the figure) and one end on the downstream side of the accounting conductor b of the counter 2b (the hatched part in the figure), the settlement device 300 is arranged at a position where the shopper himself / herself performs the accounting process.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, an integration table 3 is arranged between the settlement device 300b and the settlement device 300c. Note that a plastic bag holder 4 for holding plastic bags and a temporary placing table 5 for temporarily placing purchased items are assembled on the integration table 3. The plastic bag holder 4 in FIG. 5(b) holds a plastic bag 8.

[0058] That is, the settlement device 300a is arranged near one end on the downstream side of the accounting lead wire of the counter 2a. Also, the settlement device 300c is arranged near one end on the downstream side of the accounting lead wire of the counter 2b. Further, the settlement device 300b and the integration table 3 are arranged side by side between the settlement device 300a and the settlement device 300c. In addition, a plastic bag holder 4 and a temporary placing table 5 can be installed on the integration table 3.

[0059] The layout shown in FIG. 5 is a layout that enables a store clerk to hand a plastic bag to a customer operating the settlement device 300. Next, a screen example and the like in the article purchase process will be described. In the following description, the registration device refers to the POS terminal 20 operating in the dedicated registration mode, and the settlement device refers to the POS terminal 20 operating in the dedicated settlement mode.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a settlement type selection screen 510 displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 of the settlement device after registering a product. The settlement type selection screen 510 is a screen for accepting a selection of any one of cash, credit card, and electronic money. In the settlement type selection screen 510, when the "Other Settlement" button 511 is pressed, it is also possible to select other settlement types (for example, debit card, mobile payment, etc.).

[0061] The settlement type selection screen 510 is further provided with a plastic bag purchase button 512. The plastic bag purchase button 512 is a button for purchasing a plastic bag in the settlement device. When the plastic bag purchase button 512 in FIG. 6 is selected, it switches to the plastic bag purchase screen 520 in FIG. 7.

[0062] On the cash register bag purchase screen 520, cash register bag images 521L, 521M, and 521S including the size and price of each size of cash register bag are displayed. Below the L-size cash register bag image 521L, a purchase quantity display area 522L for displaying the purchase quantity is provided. Below the M-size cash register bag image 521M, a purchase quantity display area 522M for displaying the purchase quantity is provided. Below the S-size cash register bag image 521S, a purchase quantity display area 522S for displaying the purchase quantity is provided.

[0063] In each of the purchase quantity display areas 522L, 522M, and 522S, a plus button for increasing the purchase quantity of the corresponding size and a minus button for decreasing the purchase quantity of the corresponding size are provided on the left and right. The customer touches the plus button the required number of times for the cash register bag of the required size. If the customer touches the plus button too many times, the customer touches the minus button to specify the required number. When the customer selects the decision button 523, it is considered that a purchase request for purchasing the specified number of cash register bags has been input to the payment device.

[0064] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when one L-size cash register bag is specified and the decision button 523 is selected, it is displayed that the L-size cash register bag has been registered in the registered item area 524. Accordingly, the purchase points and the total amount are also updated. In this way, the payment device registers the cash register bag as a new item in response to the input of the purchase request and displays the registration result. When the customer selects the payment button 525, the customer returns to the payment type selection screen 510 in FIG. 6.

[0065] In this way, since it becomes possible to register with the payment device, the registration operation with the registration device can be made unnecessary, so that the labor of store clerks and the like can be saved compared with the conventional case. In addition, by displaying the registration result, the customer can recognize that the registration has been completed, so that the item can be registered without giving the customer anxiety.

[0066] In the settlement device, when a purchase request for a cash register bag is input, it is displayed on the registration device. The display indicating that a purchase request for a cash register bag has been input is referred to as a purchase request display. The purchase request display will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen of the clerk-side display unit 210 of the registration device until the input of the purchase request for the cash register bag is displayed on the registration device.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the purchase request display displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210 of the registration device. FIG. 8(A) shows a subtotal screen 610 displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210. In the subtotal screen 610 of FIG. 8(A), the first tab 611 indicating the current transaction with the customer is on, and the second tab 612 is off. The first tab 611 and the second tab 612 are tabs for displaying screens corresponding to different transactions. In addition, status areas 621a, 621b, and 621c are provided on the clerk-side display unit 210. When not distinguishing each of the status areas 621a, 621b, and 621c, it is referred to as the status area 621.

[0068] The status area 621 is an area indicating the status of the settlement device etc. The status area 621 is composed of upper and lower two-stage areas, and the lower stage shows the name of the settlement device. The upper stage shows the status of the settlement device. If the settlement device is in the settlement process, "Settlement" is displayed in the status. If it is in the idle state, "Online" is displayed. If it is in a state where communication with the registration device is not possible, "Offline" (not shown) etc. is displayed. While the subtotal screen is being displayed, in order for the clerk to specify the settlement device for making the current customer perform settlement, the clerk touches the status area 621 corresponding to the settlement device to be specified. At this time, only the status area 621 corresponding to the settlement device displayed as "Online" can be touched. That is, when the settlement device is performing settlement processing, the registration device prohibits the transmission of the registration data generated by the registration process of the goods to be purchased by the next customer to the settlement device. Also, the registration device prohibits the transmission of registration data to a settlement device whose status is "Offline". Note that there may be statuses other than "Settlement", "Online", and "Offline" as the status.

[0069] In FIG. 8, as an example, in accordance with the layout of FIG. 5, the status area 621a corresponds to the settlement device 300a. The status area 621b corresponds to the settlement device 300b. The status area 621b corresponds to the settlement device 300b. The status area 621c corresponds to the settlement device 300c. In the case of FIG. 8(A), “online” is displayed for all the settlement devices. In this state, when a store clerk designates the settlement device 300a as the settlement device for the current customer (the first customer) to perform settlement, the screen shown in FIG. 8(B) is transitioned to, and it becomes possible to register products for the next customer.

[0070] The “next customer” here is an example of another customer different from the customer (the first customer) who inputs a purchase request for a shopping bag in the settlement device 300a. Like this next customer, another customer refers to a customer for whom products are being registered by the store clerk in the registration device while the first customer is performing settlement in the settlement device. Therefore, for example, if the next customer of the first customer is performing settlement in another settlement device or has completed settlement while the first customer is performing settlement, and if the next-next customer (referred to as the next-next-next customer) is a customer for whom products are being registered by the store clerk in the registration device, then the next-next-next customer corresponds to another customer. Also, a next customer for whom product registration has been completed does not correspond to another customer as seen from the first customer. Note that when the next customer is also performing settlement in the settlement device and the next-next customer is registering products, the next-next customer corresponds to another customer as seen from the next customer.

[0071] FIG. 8(B) shows the registration screen 620 for the next customer. In the status area 621a of the registration screen 620, it is shown that the settlement device 300a is performing settlement. When the first customer is registering products for the next customer (the second customer) while performing settlement on the registration screen 620, a purchase request for a shopping bag is input, and the screen shown in FIG. 8(C) is transitioned to.

[0072] FIG. 8(C) shows a registration screen 630 on which a purchase request display is shown. The registration screen 630 shows a screen in which a purchase request display screen 632 indicating that a purchase request for a cash register bag has been input is superimposed on the registration screen 620 in FIG. 8(B). On the purchase request display screen 632, it is displayed that bag L has been requested from the payment device 300a. Also, on the purchase request display screen 632, it is displayed that "Please tell the customer a word and hand bag L to the payment machine A". The "customer" in this "Please tell the customer a word" indicates the second customer. "Please tell the customer a word" means that the registration operation of the second customer's merchandise is temporarily interrupted to hand the cash register bag to the first customer, and it is to tell the second customer an apologetic word.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in the status area 621a of the registration screen 630 in FIG. 8(C), in the status area corresponding to the payment device for which a purchase request has been input, the type of bag for which a purchase request has been input (bag L in FIG. 8(C)) is displayed. By displaying in this way, it is possible to prevent the store clerk from mistakenly handing over different types of bags. When the confirmation button 631 is selected by the store clerk, the purchase request display screen 632 is erased. Also, the status area is displayed with "online" instead of the type of bag.

[0074] In this way, until the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632 is selected by the store clerk, the registration process of the merchandise to be purchased by the second customer is suspended. As a result, the registration operation of the second customer cannot be performed, so it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation of the registration operation of the second customer during an operation such as handing over the cash register bag to the first customer.

[0075] Note that when the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632 is selected by the store clerk, the purchase request display screen 632 is erased, but control may also be performed to erase the purchase request display screen 632 when the store clerk touches the status area 621a of the registration screen 630.

[0076] The flow of the processes described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 will be described using a sequence diagram. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the processes performed between the registration device and the settlement device. In FIG. 9, when the goods purchased by the first customer are registered by the store clerk, the registration device generates registration data (step S101). The registration device transmits the registration data to the designated settlement device upon designation of the settlement device by the store clerk (step S102).

[0077] The settlement device that has received the registration data displays a settlement type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S103). On the settlement type selection screen, when the first customer selects the plastic bag purchase button 512, the settlement device displays a plastic bag purchase screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S104).

[0078] The first customer designates the number of purchases and selects the determination button 523 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520. Thereby, a purchase request for the specified number of plastic bags is input to the settlement device (step S105). The settlement device notifies the registration device that the purchase request has been input (step S106). Further, the settlement device additionally registers plastic bags in the registration data (step S108). The registration device, upon receiving the notification that the purchase request has been input, superimposes and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8(C)) on the registration screen (step S107). The store clerk who sees this hands over the plastic bags requested by the first customer. When the store clerk selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device resumes the registration process for the second customer that had been on hold. When the customer selects the payment button 525 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520, the settlement device returns to the settlement type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6), performs the settlement process (step S109), and ends the process.

[0079] In FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 described above, the settlement device registered the plastic bags, but the registration device may register the plastic bags.

[0080] FIG. 10(A) and FIG. 10(B) are sequence diagrams showing the flow of processing performed between a registration device and a settlement device when the registration device registers a plastic bag. In FIG. 10(A), when the goods purchased by the first customer are registered by the store clerk, the registration device generates registration data (step S201). The registration device transmits the registration data to the designated settlement device according to the designation of the settlement device by the store clerk (step S202).

[0081] The settlement device that has received the registration data displays a payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S203). On the payment type selection screen, when the first customer selects the plastic bag purchase button 512, the settlement device displays a plastic bag purchase screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S204).

[0082] The first customer designates the number of purchases and selects the determination button 523 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520. Thereby, a purchase request for the specified number of plastic bags is input to the settlement device (step S205). The settlement device notifies the registration device of the input purchase request and the registration data (step S206). The event that the settlement device returns the received registration data to the registration device seems to call back the registration data from the perspective of the registration device, so it is also called "call back".

[0083] Upon receiving the notification that the purchase request has been input, the registration device superimposes and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8(C)) on the registration screen (step S207). The store clerk who sees this hands over the plastic bag requested by the first customer. When the store clerk selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device performs a registration process of additionally registering the plastic bag in the called-back registration data (step S208). Then, the registration device transmits the registration data with the plastic bag registered (step S209). Thereafter, the registration device resumes the registration process for the second customer that had been on hold. When the registration device is notified that a purchase request has been input from the settlement device, the type and specified number of the requested plastic bags are also notified, so that the registration device can recognize the plastic bags and the number to be registered.

[0084] When the customer selects the payment button 525 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520, the calculation device returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6), performs a calculation process based on the registration data transmitted by the registration device in step S209 (step S210), and ends the process.

[0085] In FIG. 10(B), when the clerk registers the products purchased by the first customer, the registration device generates registration data (step S221). The registration device transmits the registration data to the designated calculation device according to the designation of the calculation device by the clerk (step S222).

[0086] The calculation device that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S223). On the payment type selection screen, when the first customer selects the plastic bag purchase button 512, the calculation device displays the plastic bag purchase screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S224).

[0087] The first customer designates the number of purchases and selects the determination button 523 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520. Thereby, a purchase request for the specified number of plastic bags is input to the calculation device (step S225). The calculation device notifies the registration device that the purchase request has been input (step S226). Here, different from the process shown in FIG. 10(A), the registration data is not transmitted.

[0088] Upon receiving a notification that a purchase request has been input, the registration device superimposes and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see FIG. 8(C)) on the registration screen (step S227). Based on this, the cashier hands the plastic bag requested by the first customer to the customer. When the cashier selects the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632, the registration device performs a registration process of generating new registration data in which the requested plastic bag is registered (step S228). Then, the registration device transmits the new registration data in which the plastic bag is registered (step S229). After that, the registration device resumes the registration process for the second customer that had been on hold. Note that when the registration device is notified from the settlement device that a purchase request has been input, the type and specified number of the requested plastic bags are also notified, so that the registration device can recognize the plastic bags and the number to be registered thereby.

[0089] The settlement device performs an addition process of adding the new registration data and the registration data received in step S222 (step S230). As a result, one registration data including the plastic bags is obtained. When the customer selects the payment button 525 on the plastic bag purchase screen 520 and returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6), a settlement process is performed based on the registration data added in the addition process of step S230 (step S231), and the process ends.

[0090] In the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) described above, as shown in steps S209 and S229, the registration data generated by the registration processes in steps S208 and S228 is transmitted to the settlement device. Normally, the transmission of registration data to the settlement device during the settlement process is not permitted, but when a purchase request for a plastic bag is input, the transmission of the registration data generated by the registration process in step S208 to the settlement device is permitted. By doing so, the registration device can perform the registration process of the plastic bag for which a purchase request has been input in the settlement device. Also, even if the settlement device does not have a registration function, items can be registered.

[0091] In addition, when the clerk touches the status area 621a of the registration screen 630 and the control is set to erase the purchase request display screen 632, in step S208, the registration device performs a registration process of additionally registering a shopping bag in the recalled registration data.

[0092] Furthermore, based on the registration data received in step S206 above, the registration device may display the registration screen of the first customer. This registration screen is displayed as a screen different from the registration screen of the next customer (for example, the screen corresponding to the second tab 612). The registration device displays, on the registration screen, a screen for registering the shopping bag requested by the customer (for example, preset buttons for registering the shopping bag, or a screen similar to the shopping bag purchase screen 520 described in FIG. 7).

[0093] At this time, since the shopping bag to be purchased and the number of purchases are specified by the first customer, the shopping bag to be purchased and the number of purchases may be displayed as the default, and the clerk may be able to register the shopping bag with a single operation. After registering the shopping bag, the clerk selects a subtotal button for displaying the subtotal screen and designates the payment device that has transmitted the registration data. Thereby, the payment device can perform a payment process based on the registration data in which the shopping bag is registered. Thus, when displaying a registration screen for purchasing a shopping bag on the registration device, the purchase request display screen 632 may not be displayed, and additional registration of the shopping bag may not be performed even if the clerk touches the status area 621a.

[0094] In the payment device, after payment is completed, the customer may be able to purchase a shopping bag in the payment device. After payment is completed, the payment device enters the idle state described above. This state is a state of waiting for registration data from the registration device. In this idle state, the payment device displays a shopping bag purchase button 512 (see FIG. 6). Thereby, even after payment is completed, the customer can purchase a shopping bag.

[0095] When the cash register bag purchase button 512 is selected, the processes after step S104 in FIG. 9 or after step S224 in FIG. 10(B) may be performed. That is, the registration of the cash register bag may be performed by the settlement device or the registration device. In any case, the customer is handed the cash register bag by the store clerk.

[0096] In this case, it is necessary to settle the price of the cash register bag. As a settlement method, for example, the settlement device displays a screen on which the settlement method can be selected, and allows the customer to select the settlement method of the cash register bag registered by the registration device or the settlement device. In addition to the screen on which the settlement method can be selected, the type and price of the cash register bag registered by the customer's selection are displayed, and the price of the cash register bag is settled by the selected settlement method. By doing so, even a customer who remembers purchasing a cash register bag after the settlement is completed by the settlement device can purchase the cash register bag without having to line up again in the checkout queue or line up at the service counter.

[0097] In the embodiment described above, the store clerk hands the cash register bag during settlement, but the settlement device may issue a purchase ticket for purchasing the cash register bag. This purchase ticket is, for example, a purchase ticket for receiving a cash register bag from a bag supply device that sells cash register bags.

[0098] The bag supply device will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the bag supply device 703. The bag supply device 703 includes a purchase ticket reception device 750. The purchase ticket reception device 750 includes a reception port 751 for receiving a purchase ticket. When the customer inserts the purchase ticket into the reception port 751, the bag supply device 703 supplies a cash register bag. Hereinafter, the bag supply device 703 will be specifically described.

[0099] When the customer inserts the purchase ticket into the reception port 751, the purchase of the cash register bag R is instructed to the bag supply device 703. This instruction signal is output to a bag storage unit 730 described later in the bag supply device 703, and the cash register bag R is automatically supplied from the bag storage unit 730.

[0100] Above or on the extension of the placement table 714, a temporary placement table 715 is installed. The temporary placement table 715 is a flat platform for temporarily placing perishable items such as bread and egg packs. By storing other highly rigid or heavy items at the bottom side of a plastic bag or a my bag, etc., the placement of perishable items can be adjusted so that they can be stored above. In addition, a chopstick holder box 716 for storing spoons, chopsticks, etc. may be installed on the upper, lower, or side portions of the temporary placement table 715. In the figure, the chopstick holder box 716 is installed below the temporary placement table 715. Also, since the temporary placement table 715 is installed on the extension of the placement table 714, the placement table 714 can be widely used.

[0101] The bag supply device 703 is composed of a bag locking device 703A and a bag storage device 703B. In the bag locking device 703A, a pair of first support columns 717 are erected at both ends of the placement table 714, and a guide plate 718 is connected to the upper ends thereof. The guide plate 718 is formed such that the tip side of the upper surface 718a is a gentle inclined surface 718b in order to guide the movement of the plastic bag fed out from a bag storage portion 730 described later.

[0102] At the intermediate portions in the vertical direction of the first support columns 717, a pair of arm portions 719 extending horizontally forward, that is, on the placement table 714, are connected respectively. At the tip ends of the respective arm portions 719, locking portions 720 for hanging the gripping portions of plastic bags or my bags stand upward and are connected respectively. The locking portions 720 of the arm portions 719 are each formed to be curved outward, making it easier to lock the gripping portions of plastic bags or my bags in a widened state. The pair of arm portions 719 and the locking portions 720 constitute a bag hanging portion 721.

[0103] Next, the bag storage device 703B will be described. At the lower part of the bag storage device 703B, a base portion 724 having a substantially H-shaped plan view, which is composed of, for example, two leg portions 722 and a connecting plate 723 connecting the leg portions 722 to each other, is disposed. Casters 725 are connected to the lower surfaces of the respective leg portions 722, making the bag storage device 703B movable. A pair of second support columns 727 standing upward from the respective leg portions 722 are installed, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped bag storage portion 730 is connected and supported at the upper ends of the second support columns 727. As shown in FIG. 13, in the bag storage section 730, a bundle of plastic shopping bags R is stored, and can be automatically fed out one by one from an opening 731 provided on the lower surface by a known automatic feeding mechanism (not shown). It is preferable that the opening 731 is formed in a shape inclined forward so that the plastic shopping bag R fed out from the opening 731 easily flows downward in the direction of the front arm portion 719.

[0104] The bag storage section 730 shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) is formed by being divided into two parts: a base section 732 and an opening / closing lid section 733. The opening / closing lid section 733 can be opened forward on the customer side via a hinge portion 734 provided at the lower end of the opening side of the base section 732. Moreover, the outer diameter of the opening / closing lid section 733 is formed to be larger than that of the base section 732, and is formed to cover the opening 732a of the base section 732 in the closed state. Further, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a locking arm 735 that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the front surface 733a is fixed to the opening / closing lid section 733, and the bundle of plastic shopping bags R can be locked to the locking arm 735 through a hole portion. Moreover, the locking arm 735 may be formed with a hook 735a at the tip so that the plastic shopping bag R does not accidentally come off.

[0105] The opening / closing lid section 733 closes and integrates with the opening 732a of the base section 732 in the closed state, and can store a bundle of plastic shopping bags R inside. In the stored state, one plastic shopping bag R can be fed out from an opening 731 provided on the lower surface of the base section 732 by an automatic feeding mechanism (not shown) in the bag storage section 730. Further, in a state where the opening / closing lid section 733 is opened via the hinge portion 734, it is held in a horizontal position. At this position, the opening / closing lid section 733 is disposed above the arm portion 719 and is configured not to interfere with the lower bag hanging portion 721.

[0106] Therefore, the opening / closing lid portion 733 opened in the horizontal position can replenish and store a bundle of additional cash register bags R through the opening 733b. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, in a state where the opening / closing lid portion 733 is closed to the base portion 732, a window portion 736 capable of visually checking the remaining amount of the internal cash register bag R is formed on one side surface 733c of the opening / closing lid portion 733. Alternatively, a sensor may be provided to detect the remaining amount of the cash register bag R and issue a warning when the remaining amount becomes small.

[0107] Further, the front surface 733a of the opening / closing lid portion 733 in the bag storage portion 730 has a display portion 738. A poster such as an advertisement may be pasted on the display portion 738, or a display device may be attached to display information, image advertisements, etc. A second display portion 739 having, for example, one or two LED lamps is provided below the display portion 738. The second display portion 739 can be used to recognize the supply position of the cash register bag R and the like. In addition, a store clerk can open the opening / closing lid portion 733 of the bag storage portion 730 to easily replenish the bundle of cash register bags R. The bag storage device 703B of this bag supply device 703 is movable by casters 725 provided on the base portion 724. When the bag storage device 703B is not in use, it can be removed to another location.

[0108] In addition, in the present embodiment, a bag hanging portion 721 including an arm portion 719 and a locking portion 720 is disposed below and in front of a guide plate 718 installed below the opening 731 on the lower surface of the bag storage portion 730. The cash register bag R fed out from the opening 731 of the bag storage portion 730 is guided by the inclined surface 718b of the guide plate 718 and easily flows between a pair of arm portions 719 in front of it.

[0109] When a customer inserts a purchase ticket into the entrance 751, an instruction is given, and automatically, one cash register bag R is fed out downward from the opening 731 on the lower surface of the bag storage portion 730. It is also possible to supply a plurality of cash register bags. For example, after pulling out the first cash register bag R, the second cash register bag R may be fed out from the opening 731 halfway, and after pulling out the second one, the third one may be fed out halfway, and so on, with sequential feeding settings.

[0110] When the plastic bag R is drawn out from an opening (not shown) of the bag storage part 730, the plastic bag R is guided by the inclined surface 718b of the guide plate 718 and flows out between a pair of arm parts 719 installed below the opening. A customer can take the drawn-out plastic bag R by hand, engage the gripping part with the locking part 720 of the two arm parts 719, and widen the opening of the plastic bag R. In this state, the bottom of the plastic bag R is located above the placing table 714. Moreover, since the plastic bag R flows out between the pair of arm parts 719, the customer can smoothly perform the locking operation on the locking part 720.

[0111] Note that whether the number of plastic bags R in the bag storage part 730 has decreased during use can be confirmed by a store clerk through a window part 736 provided on the side surface 733c of the opening / closing lid part 733. And when the plastic bags R in the bag storage part 730 are about to decrease and run out, the opening / closing lid part 733 can be opened to the horizontal position by tilting it forward around a hinge part (not shown). Then, since the plastic bags R remaining in the opening / closing lid part 733 are exposed, a bundle of plastic bags R can be replenished by passing the hole part through a locking arm (not shown). After that, the opening / closing lid part 733 can be rotated and fitted to the base part 732 to return it to the original position.

[0112] In this case, since the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing lid part 733 and the replenishment of the plastic bags R can be performed from the front side of the bag storage part 730, the work of the store clerk becomes easier. Note that the notification when the amount of plastic bags R in the bag storage part 730 has decreased may be displayed on the display part 738, or may be performed by the second display part 739 in a color different from the normal time or by blinking, etc.

[0113] As described above, according to the bag supply device 703 according to the present embodiment, the required number of plastic bags R can be surely and automatically supplied from the bag storage part 730. Moreover, the plastic bags R are drawn out from the opening 731 on the lower surface of the bag storage part 730, pass through the inclined surface 718b of the guide plate 718 below it, and flow out between a pair of arm parts 719 provided in the front. Therefore, the customer can smoothly perform the operation of grasping the supplied plastic bag R, hanging the gripping part on the locking part 720 of the arm part 719, and widening the opening.

[0114] Also, when the number of plastic bags R in the plastic bag storage section 730 decreases, the opening / closing lid section 733 can be opened forward to replenish the plastic bag R, making the operation easy. Moreover, the quantity of the plastic bag R can be confirmed through the window section 736 on the side surface 733c of the plastic bag storage section 730.

[0115] Regarding the purchase ticket described above, for example, it may be one with a code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code described thereon. In this case, the bag supply device 703 is configured to include a scanner for reading the code. Alternatively, a device capable of settling accounts with cash, a credit card, or electronic money may be provided in the bag supply device 703, and the settlement may be made with cash, a credit card, or electronic money. When cash, a credit card, or electronic money is used, the purchase ticket becomes unnecessary.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed between the registration device and the settlement device when issuing a purchase ticket. In FIG. 12, when the clerk registers the goods purchased by the first customer, the registration device generates registration data (step S301). The registration device transmits the registration data to the designated settlement device according to the designation of the settlement device by the clerk (step S302).

[0117] The settlement device that has received the registration data displays a settlement type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S303). On the settlement type selection screen, when the first customer selects the plastic bag purchase button 512, the settlement device displays a plastic bag purchase screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S304).

[0118] At the checkout bag purchase screen 520, the customer of the first customer specifies the number of bags to purchase and selects the decision button 523. As a result, a purchase request for the specified number of checkout bags is input to the cash register (step S305). The cash register adds the checkout bags to the registered data (step S306). When the customer selects the payment button 525 on the checkout bag purchase screen 520, the cash register returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) and performs the payment process (step S307). The cash register issues a purchase ticket at the printing unit 213 (step S308) and ends the process.

[0119] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing performed between the registration device and the cash register when a purchase ticket is issued and the registration device registers the checkout bags. In FIG. 13, the registration device generates registration data when the goods purchased by the customer of the first customer are registered by the store clerk (step S401). The registration device transmits the registration data to the specified cash register according to the specification of the cash register by the store clerk (step S402).

[0120] The cash register that has received the registration data displays the payment type selection screen 510 (see FIG. 6) (step S403). When the first customer selects the checkout bag purchase button 512 on the payment type selection screen, the cash register displays the checkout bag purchase screen 520 (see FIG. 7) (step S404).

[0121] At the checkout bag purchase screen 520, the customer of the first customer specifies the number of bags to purchase and selects the decision button 523. As a result, a purchase request for the specified number of checkout bags is input to the cash register (step S405). The cash register notifies the registration device of the input purchase request and the registration data (step S406).

[0122] Upon receiving a notification that a purchase request has been entered, the registration device superimposes and displays a purchase request display screen 632 (see Fig. 8(C)) on the registration screen (step S407). When the confirmation button 631 on the purchase request display screen 632 is selected by the store clerk, the registration device performs a registration process of additionally registering a shopping bag in the recalled registration data (step S408). Then, the registration device transmits the registration data in which the shopping bag is registered (step S409). After that, the registration device resumes the registration process for the second customer on hold.

[0123] When the payment button 525 on the shopping bag purchase screen 520 is selected by the customer and the payment device returns to the payment type selection screen 510 (see Fig. 6), the payment device performs a payment process based on the registration data transmitted by the registration device in step S409 (step S410). The payment device issues a purchase ticket at the printing unit 213 (step S411) and ends the process.

[0124] In this way, since the payment device issues a purchase ticket, the payment device does not need to register the items, so it does not need to be provided with a registration function, and thus it can support the purchase of items with only the payment function.

[0125] In the first embodiment described above, the registration device is a POS terminal 20, but it may be a dedicated registration terminal that has only a registration function without a payment function.

[0126] Also, in the first embodiment, the shopping bag is handed to the store clerk who performs the registration operation, but it is not limited to this. For example, a management device communicable with the POS terminal 20 is provided. And when a purchase request is entered in the payment device, a purchase request display screen indicating that a purchase request for a shopping bag has been entered may be displayed on the management device. Thereby, a store clerk looking at the management device or an attendant store clerk guiding the store may hand the shopping bag to the customer.

[0127] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, as a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices, a semi-self service sales system was described. Using FIG. 14, another sales system different from the semi-self service sales system will be described.

[0128] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a network for explaining a sales system 801. The sales system 801 shown in FIG. 14 includes a head office server 810, a cloud server 820, a store controller 830 (for example, a server or the like), a transaction status management device 840 (for example, a personal computer or the like), a registration settlement device 850, a settlement device 851, and a mobile terminal 860.

[0129] The sales system 801 can be introduced into various business formats (supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores, home centers, home appliance mass retailers, etc.). Hereinafter, the sales system 801 will be described as being introduced into a supermarket S. In FIG. 14, the dashed line T indicates the inside of the supermarket S (product display area, accounting area, backyard, etc.). As shown in FIG. 14, the store controller 830, the transaction status management device 840, the registration settlement device 850, and the settlement device 851 are installed inside the supermarket S. These are communicably connected via a LAN 819 (which may be wired or wireless). There is a mobile terminal 860 inside the store. The head office server 810 and the cloud server are installed outside the store (for example, at the head office or a data center).

[0130] In FIG. 14, the number of each device (terminal) is an example. For example, in FIG. 14, "..." is illustrated on the right side of the transaction status management device 840, but the number of the transaction status management devices 840 installed inside the store may be one or more. Also, for example, in FIG. 14, two mobile terminals 860 are illustrated, but the number of mobile terminals 860 used inside the store changes according to the number of customers.

[0131] The registration settlement device 850 is used by a store clerk or a customer. Specifically, the registration settlement device 850 registers products based on the operations of the store clerk or the customer, and settles the registered products based on the operations of the customer.

[0132] The mobile terminal 860 is used by a customer. Specifically, the mobile terminal 860 registers products based on the operations of the customer. The mobile terminal 860 may be the customer's personal property, or it may be lent by the store side. The mobile terminal 860 may be used while attached to a shopping cart (not shown).

[0133] The settlement device 851 is used by a customer. Specifically, the settlement device 851 settles the products registered by the mobile terminal 860 based on the operations of the customer. That is, in the sales system 801, a service in a mode where the customer registers products by using the mobile terminal 860 and settles the products by using the settlement device 851 (which may be referred to as service A) is provided.

[0134] The head office server 810 is a server that manages the entire sales system 801. The head office server 810 stores, for example, various setting information (such as product master, special sale file, etc.) and various performance information (such as sales performance information, product sales performance information, etc.). The head office server 810 communicates with the cloud server 820 and the store controller 830. The head office server 810 may communicate with other devices (such as the transaction status management device 840, the registration settlement device 850, the settlement device 851, etc.). The head office server 810 may be composed of multiple servers.

[0135] The cloud server 820 is a server that provides Service A. The cloud server 820 stores various types of information necessary for the operation of Service A (for example, product master, transaction information (also referred to as cart information), etc.). The cloud server 820 communicates with the head office server 810 and the mobile terminal 860. The cloud server 820 may communicate with other devices (for example, store controller 830, transaction status management device 840, settlement device 851, etc.). The cloud server 820 may be composed of multiple servers.

[0136] The store controller 830 is mainly a device that controls the transmission and reception of information between devices inside and outside the store. That is, the store controller 830 communicates with each device within the LAN 819 (for example, the registered settlement device 850, settlement device 851, etc.) and each device outside the LAN 819 (for example, the head office server 810). For example, the store controller 830 receives the product master and the special sale file from the head office server 810 and supplies them to the registered settlement device 850 and the settlement device 851.

[0137] The transaction status management device 840 is mainly a device that manages (monitors and controls) the devices within the store. For example, the transaction status management device 840 communicates with each device within the LAN 819 and monitors the processing status, operation status, etc. of each device within the LAN 819. Note that the transaction status management device 840 communicates with devices outside the store (for example, the head office server 810, cloud server 820) (communicates directly or via the store controller 830), and may refer to transaction information (cart information) stored in the cloud server 820, for example.

[0138] FIG. 15 shows a display example of the mobile terminal 860, etc. FIG. 15(A) is a transaction start screen (menu screen) of Service A. When using (registering) Service A, the mobile terminal 860 displays a transaction start screen as shown in FIG. 15(A). Various buttons are arranged on the transaction start screen. For example, on the transaction start screen, a shopping start button BT600 for receiving a shopping start instruction is arranged.

[0139] FIG. 15(B) is a registration screen (initial registration screen) displayed after the shopping start button BT600 is operated on the transaction start screen of FIG. 15(A). The upper side of the registration screen is mainly an imaging image display area HR601 for displaying the captured image. The lower side of the registration screen is mainly a registration information display area HR602 for displaying the registration information of the product.

[0140] FIG. 15(C) is a registration screen when the barcode attached to the product (bread) is being imaged on the registration screen of FIG. 15(B). That is, when registering a desired product (product to be purchased), the customer causes the barcode attached to the product to be read as shown in FIG. 15(C).

[0141] FIG. 15(D) is a registration screen after the registration of the product is completed (registration screen after the registration of the product). Specifically, the mobile terminal 860 transmits the product code obtained from the barcode to the cloud server 820. The cloud server 820 refers to the product master and obtains the product name "bread" and the price "￥220" based on the product code. The cloud server 820 stores the product information (product code, product name "bread", quantity "1", price "￥220", etc.) as the transaction information (cart information) of the transaction, and transmits the product information (product name "bread", price "￥220", etc.) to the mobile terminal 860. The mobile terminal 860 that has received the product information from the cloud server 820 reflects the product information of the product in the registration information display area HR602. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(D), the mobile terminal 860 displays the registration information (product name "bread", quantity "1", price "￥220") of the product (reference sign a) and displays the total information (approximate total "1 piece ￥220") (reference sign b). The mobile terminal 860 displays a part (quantity) of the registration information as a quantity button BT603. The quantity button BT603 is a button for changing the quantity.

[0142] Also, after registering a product (one item of product), as shown in FIG. 15(D), the mobile terminal 860 operably displays a button BT604 to proceed to the cashier that accepts accounting instructions. When the customer proceeds to settlement (accounting) (when finishing registering the product), the customer operates the button BT604 to proceed to the cashier.

[0143] FIG. 15(E) is a registration screen after the registration of a second item of product (oolong tea) is completed following the scene of FIG. 15(D). That is, the mobile terminal 860 transmits the product code obtained from the barcode attached to the second item of product to the cloud server 820. The cloud server 820 refers to the product master and obtains the product name "oolong tea" and the price "￥150" based on the product code. The cloud server 820 stores the product information (product code, product name "oolong tea", quantity "1", price "￥150", etc.) as transaction information of the transaction, and transmits the product information (product name "oolong tea", price "￥150", etc.) to the mobile terminal 860. The mobile terminal 860 that has received the product information from the cloud server 820 reflects the product information of the second item in the registration information display area HR602. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(E), the mobile terminal 860 displays (adds) the registration information (product name "oolong tea", quantity "1", price "￥150") of the product and displays (updates) the total information (approximate total "2 items ￥370").

[0144] Figure 15(F) is a two-dimensional code display screen that is displayed after the button BT604 to proceed to checkout is operated following the scene in Figure 15(E). A two-dimensional code for settlement 805 is displayed on the two-dimensional code display screen. The two-dimensional code for settlement 805 is a two-dimensional coding of the information necessary to execute the settlement process. For example, the two-dimensional code for settlement 805 is a two-dimensional coding of the transaction identification information (cart identification information) that identifies the transaction information of the transaction from among a plurality of transaction information stored in the cloud server 820. Note that as long as the transaction information of the transaction can be acquired after reading, the information to be two-dimensionally coded does not have to be transaction identification information. For example, the two-dimensional code for settlement 805 may be a two-dimensional coding of the location information of the transaction information of the transaction (the storage location in the sales system 801, such as a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier)).

[0145] Also, an estimated total display area HR606 and a back button BT607 are arranged on the two-dimensional code display screen. In the example of Figure 15(F), the estimated total display area HR606 is displayed as the estimated total "2 items ￥370". The back button BT607 is a button for returning to shopping (restarting shopping). When the back button BT607 is operated, the mobile terminal 860 displays a registration screen (the registration screen immediately before the operation of the button BT604 to proceed to checkout) instead of the two-dimensional code display screen.

[0146] Figure 15(G) shows a state in which the two-dimensional code for settlement 805 is read by the settlement device 851. After finishing product registration, the customer causes the settlement device 851 to read the two-dimensional code for settlement 805 displayed on the mobile terminal 860 as shown in Figure 15(G).

[0147] Note that the settlement device 851 displays a settlement start screen before starting settlement (in a standby state, etc.), and when the two-dimensional code for settlement 805 is read on the settlement start screen, it displays a product list screen.

[0148] (Display example of the settlement device 851) Figures 16 and 17 are display examples of the settlement device 851. Specifically, FIG. 16 is an example of a settlement start screen displayed on the settlement device 851. FIG. 17 is an example of a product list screen displayed on the settlement device 851. Hereinafter, the settlement start screen shown in FIG. 16 will be described in order from the upper part of the screen.

[0149] The upper part of the settlement start screen is provided with an input method display area HR11 and an input method switching button BT13, and messages MS12 and MS14 are displayed, similar to the screen (registration screen, etc.) on the customer-side display unit 205 of the registered settlement device 850.

[0150] A message MS100 for causing the mobile terminal 860 to read the settlement two-dimensional code 805 (a QR code (registered trademark) in the figure) displayed on the mobile terminal 860 is displayed. Below the message MS100, an image GA110 showing how to read the settlement two-dimensional code 805 is displayed. When the settlement two-dimensional code 805 is read, the process proceeds to the product list screen shown in FIG. 17.

[0151] Below the message MS100, a clerk call button BT50 and a shopping bag purchase button BT51 are provided, similar to the screen (registration screen, etc.) on the registered settlement device 850. When the shopping bag purchase button BT51 is operated (touched), the process proceeds to a shopping bag purchase screen (not shown) similar to FIG. 7.

[0152] FIG. 17 is an example of a product list screen displayed on the settlement device 851. Hereinafter, the product list screen shown in FIG. 17 will be described.

[0153] Below the messages MS12 and MS14, a message MS120 for checking the content of the product registered by the mobile terminal 860 and operating the accounting button if there is no problem with the content is displayed.

[0154] Below the message MS120, a total information display area HR21, a quantity display area HR22 for products by price range showing the quantities of products in each price range, and a registration information display area HR24 are provided. By reading the settlement two-dimensional code 805, the settlement device 851 requests the transaction information of the transaction from the cloud server 820, and based on the transaction information acquired (received) from the cloud server 820, it displays the total information of the products registered in the transaction in the total information display area HR21, displays the quantities of products in each price range in the quantity display area HR22 for products by price range, and displays the registration information of individual products in the registration information display area HR24.

[0155] Below the registration information display area HR24, a settlement button BT130 for finishing the confirmation of products and proceeding to accounting is provided. When the settlement button BT130 is operated (touched) (that is, when the settlement button BT130 in FIG. 17 is operated), it transitions to a settlement type selection screen (not shown) similar to that in FIG. 6.

[0156] In the sales system in which products are registered with the mobile terminal 860 and settlement is performed with the settlement device 851 as described above, unlike the case described using the POS terminal 20, the store clerk who performs the registration operation is not involved. Therefore, when a purchase request is input to the settlement device 851, the transaction status management device 840 may display a purchase request display screen indicating that a purchase request for a shopping bag has been input. Thereby, a store clerk looking at the transaction status management device 840 or an attendant store clerk guiding inside the store may hand the shopping bag to the customer. Also, a bag supply device may be provided in the sales system 801. In this case, by issuing a purchase ticket from the settlement device 851, the customer can purchase a shopping bag from the bag supply device.

[0157] In the above-described second embodiment, it may be recorded in the journal that the shopping bag has been registered with the settlement device.

[0158] Hereinafter, a summary of the embodiments will be described. [Title of the Invention] Sales System, and Program [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a sales system and a program. [Background Art] In a registration device, a clerk performs a registration operation of a product, and in a settlement device, a semi-self service sales system in which a customer performs a settlement operation has become widespread. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-241688 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] When registration and settlement are performed by different devices, it has not been easy to purchase an article such as a shopping bag at the time of settlement. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices.

[0159] [Means for Solving the Problems] (1) In order to solve the above-described problems, a sales system according to an aspect of the present invention is a sales system including a registration device and a settlement device, wherein the settlement device includes, in addition to a product registered by the registration device, a new An input means for inputting a purchase request of an article by a customer is provided, and the registration device includes a display means for displaying that a purchase request has been input to the input means on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who has input the purchase request to the input means. It is a sales system provided with. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technique suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices.

[0160] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the settlement device includes a registration means for registering the new article in response to the input of the purchase request to the input means, and a display means for displaying a registration result by the registration means. It was. According to the above configuration, since registration is possible with the settlement device, the registration operation with the registration device can be made unnecessary, and thus the labor of a clerk or the like can be saved as compared with the conventional case. Further, by displaying the registration result, the customer can recognize that the registration has been made, so that the article can be registered without giving the customer anxiety.

[0161] (3) In the configuration of (1) above, when the settlement device is performing settlement processing, the registration device prohibits transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of products purchased by different customers to the settlement device, and includes a transmission means that permits transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of articles to the settlement device when a purchase request is input to the input means. According to the above configuration, articles can be registered even if the settlement device does not have a registration function.

[0162] (4) In any of the configurations of (1) to (3) above, the registration device includes a suspension means that suspends the registration process of products purchased by different customers when a purchase request is input to the input means. According to the above configuration, since the registration operation for the second customer cannot be performed, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation of the registration operation for the second customer during an operation such as handing a shopping bag to the first customer.

[0163] (5) In the configuration of (1) above, the settlement device includes an issuance means that issues a purchase ticket for purchasing the article in response to a purchase request being input to the input means. According to the above configuration, since the settlement device does not need to register articles, it is not necessary to provide a registration function in the settlement device, and thus it is possible to handle the purchase of articles with only the settlement function.

[0164] (6) Further, in order to solve the above-described problems, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a registration device and a settlement device in a sales system to function as a first computer and a second computer, respectively, the program causing the second computer to function as an input means for newly inputting a purchase request for an article by a customer in addition to the product registered by the registration device, and causing the first computer to function as a display means for displaying that a purchase request has been input to the input means on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who input the purchase request to the input means. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a technology suitable for a sales system in which registration and settlement are performed by different devices.

[0165] In addition, a program for realizing the POS terminal 20 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the "computer system" is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

Explanation of Signs

[0166] 1... Sales system, 2... Counter, 3... Accumulation table, 4... Plastic bag holder, 5... Temporary placement stand, 8... Plastic bag, 9... Shopping basket, 10... Store controller, 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3... Terminals, 30... Management device, 200... Registration device, 204... Hard disk, 205... Customer-side display unit, 206... Customer-side scanner unit, 208... Card reader, 209... Change dispenser, 210... Store employee-side display unit, 211... Key operation unit, 212... Store employee-side scanner unit, 213... Printing unit, 214... Audio output unit, 215... Communication unit, 216... Imaging unit, 217... Sign pole, 300... Settlement device, 510... Settlement type selection screen, 511... Button, 512... Plastic bag purchase button, 520... Plastic bag purchase screen, 523... Decision button, 524... Registered product area, 525... Payment button, 610... Subtotal screen, 611... First tab, 620... Registration screen, 621... Status area, 630... Registration screen, 631... Confirmation button, 632... Purchase request display screen, 703... Bag supply device, 703A... Bag locking device, 703B... Bag storage device, 714... Placing table, 715... Temporary placement stand, 716... Chopstick holder box, 717... First support column, 718... Guide plate, 719... Arm part, 720... Locking part, 721... Bag hanging part, 722... Leg part, 723... Connecting plate, 724... Base part, 725... Caster, 727... Second support column, 730... Bag storage part, 731... Opening, 732... Base body part, 732a... Opening, 733... Opening / closing lid part, 733a... Front surface, 733a... has the front surface, 733b... Opening, 733c... Side surface, 734... Hinge part, 735... Locking arm, 735a... Hook at the tip, 736... Window part, 738... Display part, 739... Second display part, 750... Purchase ticket acceptance device, 751... Receiving port, 801... Sales system, 810... Head office server, 820... Cloud server, 830... Store controller, 840... Transaction status management device, 850... Registration and settlement device, 851... Settlement device, 860... Mobile terminal

Claims

1. A sales system including a registration device and a settlement device, wherein the settlement device is provided with input means for newly inputting a purchase request for an article by a customer in addition to the goods registered by the registration device, and the registration device is provided with display means for displaying information indicating the size of the article as if a purchase request has been input to the input means on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who has input the purchase request to the input means. A sales system having the above.

2. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the settlement device is provided with registration means for registering the new article in response to the purchase request being input to the input means, and display means for displaying the registration result by the registration means. The sales system according to claim 1, having the above.

3. The registration device according to claim 1, wherein when the settlement device is performing settlement processing, the registration device prohibits transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of the goods purchased by the different customer to the settlement device, and when a purchase request is input to the input means, the registration device permits transmission of registration data generated by the registration process of the article to the settlement device. The sales system according to claim 1, having the above.

4. The registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when a purchase request is input to the input means, the registration device has suspension means for suspending the registration process of the goods purchased by the different customer. The sales system having the above.

5. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the settlement device is provided with issuing means for issuing a purchase ticket for purchasing the article in response to the purchase request being input to the input means. The sales system according to claim 1, having the above.

6. A program for causing a registration device and a settlement device included in a sales system to function as a first computer and a second computer respectively, wherein the second computer is caused to function as input means for newly inputting a purchase request for an article by a customer in addition to the goods registered by the registration device, and the first computer is caused to function as display means for displaying information indicating the size of the article as if a purchase request has been input to the input means on a registration screen for a customer different from the customer who has input the purchase request to the input means. A program for causing the above.

Images