Registration Device and Program

Abstract

To enable performing improvement of operability for an adjustment device designation operation which is performed as an operation for a screen of a registration device.SOLUTION: A registration device in a commodity sales data processing system comprising the registration device that performs commodity registration processing to register a purchase object commodity of a customer, and a plurality of adjustment devices that perform adjustment processing according to an operation of the customer on the basis of commodity registration information depending on the commodity registration processing comprises: a control section that displays a second image operator which has a larger size than a first image operator designating an adjustment device to perform adjustment processing according to performing of a predetermined operation, and which designates an adjustment device to perform adjustment processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a registration device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a POS system (product sales data processing system) that separately includes a registration device that executes a product registration process according to an operation of a store clerk for product registration, and a settlement device that executes a settlement process according to the product registration process executed by the registration device according to an operation of a customer. In such a registration device of a POS system, there is known a technique of displaying a settlement device designation button for performing an operation of designating a settlement device that executes a settlement process corresponding to a product registration process (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, the settlement device designation operation performed on the screen of the registration device is, for example, performed every time a product registration process corresponding to one transaction is completed, and is an operation with a relatively high frequency among the operations on the registration device. For this reason, as the settlement device designation operation performed on the screen of the registration device, for example, good operability including high visibility is required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the operability of the settlement device designation operation performed as an operation on the screen of the registration device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a registration device that executes a product registration process for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices that execute a settlement process according to a customer's operation based on product registration information corresponding to the product registration process. The registration device in the product sales data processing system includes a control unit that displays a second image operator for designating a settlement device that executes the settlement process, having a size larger than that of a first image operator for designating a settlement device that executes the settlement process, in response to a predetermined operation being performed.

[0007] In addition, one aspect of the present embodiment is a program for causing a computer, which is a registration device in a product sales data processing system having a registration device that executes a product registration process for registering a product to be purchased by a customer and a plurality of settlement devices that execute a settlement process according to a customer's operation based on product registration information corresponding to the product registration process, to function as a control unit that displays a second image operator for designating a settlement device that executes the settlement process, having a size larger than that of a first image operator for designating a settlement device that executes the settlement process, in response to a predetermined operation being performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an effect is obtained in that the operability of a settlement device designation operation performed as an operation on the screen of the registration device is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a POS system 1 according to the present embodiment. The POS system 1 shown in the figure includes a management device 10, two registration devices 20-1 and 20-2, and three settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3. In the following description, when the registration devices 20-1 and 20-2 are not particularly distinguished, they will be referred to as the registration device 20. Also, when the settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 are not particularly distinguished, they will be referred to as the settlement device 30. The management device 10, the registration device 20, and the settlement device 30 are interconnected by a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 11.

[0011] Note that the configuration of the POS system 1 shown in the figure is an example. For example, in the POS system 1, the number of installed registration devices 20 and settlement devices 30 is not particularly limited as long as each is one or more. Also, the POS system 1 of the present embodiment may have a configuration that does not include the management device 10. Note that, as a configuration of the POS system 1, when the configuration does not include the management device 10, the functions of the management device 10 may be shared by another device (for example, one representative registration device 20 among a plurality of registration devices 20).

[0012] The management device 10 is an information processing device that manages the POS system 1. In the POS system 1, it manages registration devices 20, settlement devices 30, etc., and manages various information such as product masters. The management device 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master to the registration device 20 and each settlement device 30. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name (product name, item name), selling price, discount information, etc. for each product. The management device 10 obtains a product master in which the latest product information is reflected from the outside (for example, a server at the head office, a removable storage medium), and appropriately transmits it to the registration device 20 and each settlement device 30.

[0013] The registration device 20 executes a product registration process for registering the product to be purchased. The operation for registering a product (product registration operation) is performed, for example, by an operation of reading the barcode attached to the product using a scanner, or an operation on a preset button or the like displayed on the product registration screen. Through such a product registration operation, for example, product identification information is input to the registration device 20, and the registration device 20 obtains product information corresponding to the input product identification information. In addition, the registration device 20 generates and stores information (hereinafter referred to as settlement information) used for settlement of the products registered for each transaction.

[0014] The settlement information may include transaction identification information for identifying the corresponding transaction, settlement information identification information for identifying the settlement information, registration date and time, product identification information for each registered product, product name for each registered product, selling price, discount information, transaction points (purchase points) indicating the quantity of products to be purchased, and total amount (total price) of the products to be purchased. Further, the settlement information may further include registration device identification information for identifying the registration device 20 that generated the settlement information (i.e., the registration device 20 that registered the products related to the settlement information). In this way, the settlement information has content that reflects the result of the product registration process corresponding to one transaction.

[0015] The settlement information is used in the settlement process in the settlement device 30. The settlement process is a process of paying and settling the price of the registered products by selectively using cash, electronic money, credit cards, etc.

[0016] In this embodiment, a plurality of settlement devices 30 are installed, and any one of the plurality of settlement devices 30 executes the settlement process using the settlement information generated in the registration device 20. As modes for designating the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process from among the plurality of settlement devices 30, the following first designation mode and second designation mode can be mentioned.

[0017] The first designation mode is a mode in which a store clerk designates the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process at the registration device 20. That is, the store clerk designates the settlement device 30 to execute the settlement process from among the plurality of settlement devices 30 by performing an operation of designating the settlement device 30 on the registration device 20. Note that in the registration device 20, operation information indicating the operating status of each settlement device 30 may be displayed, and when the store clerk designates the settlement device 30 in the registration device 20, the operating status of each settlement device 30 may be confirmed.

[0018] When the clerk designates the settlement device 30, the settlement information generated in the registration device 20 is transmitted to the designated settlement device 30 via the LAN 11. That is, when the settlement device 30 is designated following the product registration process, the registration device 20 transmits settlement information reflecting the result of the product registration process to the designated settlement device 30. In this embodiment, the registration device 20 directly transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 30, but it may also transmit the settlement information to the settlement device 30 via the management device 10.

[0019] Also, the second designation mode is a mode in which a medium for settlement processing (accounting ticket (registered trademark)) is issued from the registration device 20, and the customer reads the accounting ticket handed from the clerk at one settlement device 30. That is, by having the customer read the accounting ticket handed from the clerk at the settlement device 30, the settlement device 30 that executes the settlement process is designated from among the plurality of settlement devices 30. The accounting ticket has registration device identification information indicating the issuing registration device 20 and settlement information printed (printed) in the form of either a barcode (one-dimensional code) or a two-dimensional code. When the settlement device 30 reads the code of the accounting ticket, it acquires the settlement information indicated by the read code.

[0020] The settlement device 30 executes a settlement process according to the customer's operation. Also, when the settlement process is completed, the settlement device 30 notifies the registration device 20 of the completion of the settlement process.

[0021] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, a configuration example of the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance example of the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the registration device 20. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the settlement device 30.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the registration device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a storage unit 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit 205 for store clerks, a display unit 205a for customers, an operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, a buzzer 208, a printing unit 209, and a card reader 210. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0023] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the registration device 20 by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 202. The storage unit 202 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 201 and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0024] The RAM 203 is the main storage device of the CPU 201 and stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 203 stores the product master obtained from the management device 10 and the settlement information generated after the product registration process. The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product.

[0025] The display unit 205 for store clerks is a touch panel (e.g., a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various types of information for store clerks. For example, the display unit 205 for store clerks displays a product registration screen with preset buttons associated with product information (such as product codes).

[0026] The display unit 205a for customers displays various types of information for customers. For example, the display unit 205a for customers displays the price of the registered product. The display unit 205a for customers may also be a touch panel (e.g., a liquid crystal touch panel).

[0027] The operation unit 206 is provided with various operation buttons (such as a subtotal key, a current total key, a setting key, a correction key, and a preset key, etc.) for operating the registration device 20. For example, when an operation button (preset key) of the operation unit 206 is operated, the operation unit 206 accepts an operation input for the product information (such as a product code) preset and registered in the preset key.

[0028] The communication unit 207 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. The buzzer 208 generates a buzzer sound when it is necessary for the store clerk to confirm an operation, etc. The printing unit 209 prints and issues a medium as necessary. For example, the printing unit 209 can print and issue a receipt.

[0029] The card reader 210 is a device that reads information for, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag in the form of an IC (Integrated Circuit) card.

[0030] In FIG. 2, an external view example of the registration device 20 including the scanner unit 204, the store clerk display unit 205, the operation unit 206, the printing unit 209, and the card reader 210 is shown.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the settlement device 30 includes a CPU 301, a storage unit 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a signature pole 311, a human sensor 312, and a card reader 313. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0032] The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the settlement device 30 by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 302. The storage unit 302 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 301, and stores various information used by the CPU 301 including programs.

[0033] The RAM 303 is the main memory device of the CPU 301 and stores various information. For example, the RAM 303 stores the product master obtained from the management device 10 and the settlement process information reflecting the result of executing the settlement process based on the settlement information obtained from the registration device 20. The scanner unit 304 optically reads, for example, a code (barcode or two-dimensional code) printed on the receipt or a code (member code) attached to a membership card or the like.

[0034] The display unit 305 is a touch panel (for example, a liquid crystal touch panel) and displays various information. For example, the display unit 305 displays a settlement screen on which the total amount and the like are displayed.

[0035] The operation unit 306 includes various operation buttons (such as a correction key and a preset key) for operating the settlement device 30. For example, when an operation button (correction key) is operated, the operation unit 306 accepts correction of the operation input.

[0036] The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices via the LAN 11. The buzzer 308 generates a buzzer sound for notifying an error when an error or the like occurs. The printing unit 309 prints and issues a medium. For example, when the settlement process (that is, the settlement of the purchase amount of the product) is completed, the printing unit 309 prints and issues a settled receipt that the customer can take home.

[0037] The settlement unit 310 performs processes related to settlement. As an example of the types of settlement that the settlement unit 310 in this embodiment can handle, at least one of cash settlement, credit card settlement, and electronic money settlement is mentioned. To support cash settlement, the settlement unit 310 is equipped with a change dispenser. The change dispenser has a banknote insertion slot for inserting and ejecting banknotes, a coin insertion slot for inserting coins, and a change ejection port for ejecting change. The settlement unit 310 uses the change dispenser to execute settlement in cash and outputs the result of the executed settlement (for example, information indicating whether the settlement was successful) to the CPU 301 via a bus. Also, when supporting settlement by using a credit card, the settlement unit 310 is equipped with a credit card reader and performs settlement processing by using the information read by the credit card reader. Also, when supporting settlement by using electronic money, the settlement unit 310 is equipped with an electronic money reader and performs settlement processing by using the information read by the electronic money reader.

[0038] The signal pole 311 has display lights of multiple colors, and by turning on or blinking these display lights, it notifies information indicating that the settlement device 30 is the device designated by the store clerk, or notifies that it is operable. The person detection sensor 312 is a sensor that detects the presence of a person (customer) within a predetermined range in front of the settlement device 30. Note that the detection output of the person detection sensor 312 is used, for example, when the settlement device 30 automatically displays a settlement screen in response to a person approaching the device, to determine whether a person has approached the device. However, the settlement device 30 may be configured such that the settlement screen is displayed, for example, in response to receiving settlement information or reading a barcode printed on a receipt, in which case the person detection sensor 312 may be omitted.

[0039] The card reader 313 is a device that reads information from, for example, an RFID tag in the form of an IC card.

[0040] In FIG. 2, the external configuration of the settlement device 30 including a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a printing unit 309, a settlement unit 310, a signal pole 311, and a card reader 313 is shown.

[0041] The registration device 20 of this embodiment causes the clerk display unit 205 to display an operation screen corresponding to various operations to be performed by various clerks, such as product registration operations and operations related to various settings in the registration device 20 and the POS system 1. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary aspect of a product registration screen AR1, which is one of the operation screens displayed on the clerk display unit 205. The product registration screen AR1 is a screen corresponding to the product registration operation performed by the clerk.

[0042] The product registration screen AR1 in the figure has a structure in which sheets (product registration sheets) indicating the product registration contents corresponding to each transaction are stacked. Each product registration sheet is attached with a tab (product registration tab: an example of a heading area). In the figure, three product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, and TAB1-3 are displayed. The product registration screen AR1 in the figure has a structure in which these three product registration sheets are stacked. Numbers indicating the registration sequence numbers are displayed on the product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, and TAB1-3. The registration sequence number indicates the order in which the product registration was started. In the figure, the registration sequence numbers "1", "2", and "3" are displayed on each of the product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, and TAB1-3, respectively. This indicates that the order in which the product registration was started is the order of the transactions corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-1, the transactions corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-2, and the transactions corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-3. In the following description, when not particularly distinguishing between the individual product registration tabs TAB1-1, TAB1-2, TAB1-3, etc., they will be referred to as the product registration tab TAB1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the fact that three product registration tabs TAB1 are displayed as shown in the figure indicates that there are three transactions in which product registration has not been completed yet (product registration is in progress) in the registration device 20. The store clerk can perform an operation on the product registration sheet arranged at the forefront among these three product registration sheets to perform product registration for the corresponding transaction. For the product registration sheets arranged below the forefront, the product registration is in a pending state for the corresponding transactions. By performing an operation (touch operation) on the product registration tab TAB1, the store clerk can move the product registration sheet with the operated product registration tab TAB1 to the forefront and perform product registration for the transaction corresponding to the product registration sheet moved to the forefront. That is, the store clerk can select, by operating the product registration tab TAB1, the product registration sheet corresponding to any one of the multiple transactions in which product registration is in progress so as to be active, and perform a product registration operation for the transaction corresponding to the active product registration sheet.

[0044] In the figure, a state where the product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-1 is made active is shown. In the active product registration sheet, a product button area AR10 is arranged. In the product button area AR10, product buttons corresponding to each product are arranged. For example, the product name indicating the corresponding product is displayed on the product button. In the product registration operation, the store clerk can specify the product to be registered by operating the product button. Specifically, when it is desired to specify the product with the product name "Product B" as the product to be registered, the store clerk may operate the product button displayed as "Product B" among the product buttons arranged in the product button area AR10. By operating the product button for "Product B", "Product B" is specified as the product to be registered. Subsequently, the store clerk can perform an operation such as inputting the quantity for "Product B", for example. By performing the above operations for each purchased product in sequence, the store clerk can sequentially perform product registration.

[0045] In the product registration sheet of the figure, it is shown that two products are registered at the current stage. Specifically, in the registered product list area AR11 in the product registration sheet of the figure, it is shown that two products, namely "Product A" and "Product B" in this order, are registered. Also, in the registered product area AR12, information about the last registered "Product B" is shown. Further, in the total amount area AR13, it is shown that the total number of products registered so far is "2", and the total amount of these two products is 1900 yen.

[0046] Also, on the screen of the clerk display unit 205, a common area AR20 (an example of a common area) is arranged together with the product registration screen AR1. The common area AR20 is arranged in an area different from the area as the product registration screen AR1 in the entire display area of the clerk display unit 205. In the present embodiment, the area where the product registration screen AR1 is displayed corresponds to, for example, the area where the main operation screen is displayed (an example of an operation screen area), and in this area, the display of the operation screen switches according to the operations and progress of processing by the clerk. The common area AR20 is an area where the display is maintained in the same manner without changing in response to the switching of the display of such a main operation screen. In other words, the common area AR20 provides the same function without changing accordingly even if the function provided by the main operation screen in the clerk display unit 205 is changed.

[0047] In the common area AR20 of the figure, settlement device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2, BT1-3 (an example of a first image operator) are arranged. The settlement device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2 respectively correspond to the settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and are buttons for performing an operation (a settlement device designation operation) for designating the settlement device 30 for executing the settlement process. Note that when there is no particular distinction between the settlement device designation buttons BT1-1, BT1-2, they are described as the settlement device designation button BT1.

[0048] In addition, in the common area AR20, an example in which the enlargement display button BT2 is also arranged is shown. The enlargement display button BT2 will be described later.

[0049] In the settlement device designation button BT1, a settlement device status display indicating the current status of the corresponding settlement device 30 is performed. In the figure, an example in which the settlement device status display is performed by a badge BG arranged for each settlement device designation button BT1 is shown. Specifically, an example in which a badge BG displaying "Standby" is arranged on the settlement device designation button BT1-1 in the figure is shown. The status of this settlement device designation button BT1-1 indicates that the settlement device 30-1 is in a state of waiting for the start of the settlement process. That is, at this time, the settlement device 30-1 has not started any settlement-related operations and has not received any settlement instruction information. Also, an example in which a badge BG displaying "Standby", similar to the settlement device designation button BT1-1, is arranged on the settlement device designation button BT1-2 in the figure is shown. In addition, an example in which a badge BG displaying "In Use" is arranged on the settlement device designation button BT1-3 is shown. Further, a diagonal line is drawn on the text "Settlement Machine 3" in the settlement device designation button BT1-3. The status of this settlement device designation button BT1-3 indicates that the settlement device 30-3 is executing a settlement process based on the settlement information obtained by receiving the settlement instruction information in response to the customer's operation. Note that, according to the status of the settlement device 30 as described above, for example, the color, pattern, etc. of the settlement device designation button BT1 itself may be displayed as being changed.

[0050] Note that depending on the settlement device status display, various states other than the above-mentioned "Standby" and "In Use", such as near end, near full, failure, etc., may also be shown. The settlement device status display may be shown in a manner other than the badge BG, such as by text, icons, etc. so as to fit within the settlement device designation button BT1, or by displaying in an area separate from the settlement device designation button BT1.

[0051] Regarding the payment device designation button BT1 corresponding to the payment device 30 in the "in use" state, a display indicating a more detailed state in the "in use" state may be provided. For example, when the payment device 30 in the "in use" state is performing a payment process corresponding to a cash payment type, information regarding the deposited amount as a deposit may be displayed as indicated by the corresponding payment device designation button BT1. In this case, the information regarding the deposited amount as a deposit may be such that, for example, in response to the insertion of currency as a deposit by the payment device 30, the total amount deposited up to the present is shown. Alternatively, at the stage when an amount equal to or greater than the total amount of the goods is inserted and the amount of the deposit is determined, the determined amount of the deposit may be shown. Also, when the payment device 30 in the "in use" state is performing a payment process corresponding to a payment type using a credit card or electronic money, etc., a display indicating that a payment process corresponding to a credit card or electronic money is in progress, such as "credit card payment in progress" or "electronic money payment in progress", etc., may be provided. The display indicating a more detailed state in the "in use" state as described above may be provided, for example, in FIG. 5, instead of the display indicating the "in use" state by the badge BG.

[0052] The display regarding the state of each payment device 30 in the registration device 20 as described above is realized in the POS system 1 by the payment device 30 notifying about its own state periodically or in response to an inquiry from the registration device 20 or the management device 10.

[0053] For example, when the store clerk completes the product registration operation for all products in a transaction corresponding to a product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-1 attached, a subtotal operation is performed. The subtotal operation may be an operation on a button for subtotal operation arranged at a predetermined position on the store clerk display unit 205, or an operation on a physical key for subtotal operation included in the operation unit 206, although illustration is omitted.

[0054] In response to the subtotal operation being performed, the product registration screen AR1 on the clerk display unit 205 is displayed so as to be changed to the subtotal screen. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary aspect of the subtotal screen AR5 that is displayed when the subtotal operation is performed at the stage where products A and B are registered as shown in FIG. 5.

[0055] The subtotal screen AR5 in the figure shows the subtotal result for the transaction corresponding to the product registration tab TAB1-1. On the subtotal screen AR5, in the registered product area AR51, each item for the products registered so far in this transaction is arranged in the order of registration from the upper row to the lower row. In the registered product area AR51 of the figure, items for two products, "Product A" and "Product B", are arranged in the order of registration. In the item of "Product A", since 1 piece of "Product A" with a unit price including tax of 800 yen is registered, it is shown that the amount including tax for "Product A" is 800 yen. In the item of "Product B", since 1 piece of "Product B" with a unit price including tax of 1100 yen is registered, it is shown that the amount including tax for "Product B" is 1100 yen.

[0056] On the subtotal screen AR5, in the subtotal amount area AR52, the subtotal result based on the registration results of the products so far is shown. In the subtotal amount area AR52 of the figure, it is shown that the number of registered products is 2, and the subtotal amount of the 2 registered products is 1900 yen. On the subtotal screen AR5, in the total amount area AR53, the total amount based on the registration results of the products so far is shown. As the total amount, the same 1900 yen as the subtotal amount is shown.

[0057] In addition, the subtotal screen AR5 in the figure is displayed so as to switch from the product registration screen AR1 in FIG. 5 in response to the subtotal operation. On the other hand, the common area AR20 continues to display the same content as when the product registration screen AR1 in FIG. 5 was displayed without being changed in response to the switch from the product registration screen AR1 to the subtotal screen AR5.

[0058] In the state where the subtotal screen is displayed by performing the subtotal operation as described above, the store clerk checks which of the settlement devices 30-1 to 30-3 the settlement device 30 that executes the settlement process corresponding to the transaction should be. In this case, for example, the store clerk can check the settlement device 30 that should execute the settlement process corresponding to the transaction by visually checking which customer is currently corresponding to which settlement device 30. Note that an imaging device may be provided in the settlement device 30. Based on the captured image by the imaging device, for example, when it is determined that the same person has been continuously captured for a certain period of time or more, the captured image may be displayed on the clerk display unit 205 of the registration device 20. In this way, the store clerk can more accurately check which customer is corresponding to which settlement device 30.

[0059] As a settlement device designation operation, the store clerk can perform an operation on the settlement device designation button BT1 corresponding to the confirmed settlement device 30. In correspondence with the example in FIG. 5, the settlement device designation button BT1 that is the target of the settlement device designation operation is the settlement device designation button BT1-1 corresponding to the settlement device 30-1. Therefore, in this case, the store clerk may perform an operation on the settlement device designation button BT1-1 as the settlement device designation operation.

[0060] In response to the operation on the settlement device designation button BT1-1 being performed, the registration device 20 transmits settlement instruction information including settlement instruction information for the transaction corresponding to the product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-1 to the settlement device 30-1. In response to transmitting the settlement information to the settlement device 30-1 as described above, the registration device 20 may delete the product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-1 that has been displayed so far from the product registration screen. Then, instead, for example, the product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-2 is displayed so as to be at the forefront. Also, when the product registration sheet with the product registration tab TAB1-2 is displayed so as to be at the forefront in this way, the registration serial number displayed in the product registration tab TAB1-2 is incremented from "2" to "1", and the registration serial number displayed in the product registration tab TAB1-2 is incremented from "3" to "2".

[0061] The store clerk operating the registration device 20 verbally tells the customer corresponding to the transaction for which the settlement device designation operation has been performed to go to the settlement device 30-1 designated by the settlement device designation operation and have the settlement performed. The customer is made to go to the settlement device 30-1 communicated by the store clerk for settlement. The settlement device 30-1 receives the settlement instruction information transmitted from the registration device 20 as described above. The customer who has gone to the settlement device 30-1 performs an operation for settlement. The settlement device 30-1 executes a settlement process using the settlement information included in the received settlement instruction information according to the operation performed by the customer.

[0062] As understood from the above description, the registration device 20 of the present embodiment can perform an operation on the settlement device designation button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20 as a settlement device designation operation. However, in the example of FIG. 5, the common area AR20 is positioned as a sub-operation area with respect to the area of the main operation screen where the product registration screen or the like is arranged. For this reason, the area occupied by the common area AR20 in the entire screen of the clerk display unit 205 is considerably smaller than that of the main operation area. Therefore, there is a limit to increasing the size of the settlement device designation button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20. Furthermore, the common area AR20 is arranged on the lower edge side of the screen of the clerk display unit 205. Along with this, the settlement device designation button BT1 will also be arranged on the edge side of the screen of the clerk display unit 205. Therefore, some clerks may have the impression that the operability regarding the operation on the settlement device designation button BT1 shown in FIG. 5 is not good in terms of size, position, etc. As can be understood from the description so far, the settlement device designation operation is an operation that is performed every time the product registration corresponding to one transaction is completed. Therefore, the settlement device designation operation is a relatively frequent operation among the operations performed by the clerk operating the registration device 20. For this reason, it is preferable that the operability of the settlement device designation operation be improved as much as possible.

[0063] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the common area AR20, an enlargement display button BT2 is arranged together with the settlement device designation button BT1. The enlargement display button BT2 is a button for performing an operation to enlarge and display the settlement device designation button. When performing the settlement device designation operation, if the clerk thinks that it is difficult to operate with the settlement device designation button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20, the clerk can perform an operation (enlargement instruction operation) on the enlargement display button BT2. In response to the enlargement instruction operation being performed, a settlement designation enlarged screen is displayed on the clerk display unit 205.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary aspect of the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 in the present embodiment. The settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 in the figure shows an exemplary aspect in which it is superimposed and arranged on the operation screen including the subtotal screen AR5 shown in FIG. 6 in a window format. On the settlement-specification enlarged screen WD1, settlement-device specification buttons BT10-1, 10-2, 10-3 (an example of a second image operator) corresponding to each of the settlement devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 are arranged. In the following description, when not particularly distinguishing between the settlement-device specification buttons BT10-1, 10-2, 10-3, they are described as the settlement-device specification button BT10.

[0065] On each of the settlement-device specification buttons BT10, a badge BG indicating the state (status) of the corresponding settlement device 30 is arranged. An example is shown in which two badges BG, i.e., a badge BG indicating that the corresponding settlement device 30-1 is in a standby state and a badge BG indicating that there is a shortage of change (a state where a certain denomination is near the end), are arranged on the settlement-device specification button BT10-1. Also, an example is shown in which two badges BG, i.e., a badge BG indicating that the corresponding settlement device 30-2 is in a standby state and a badge BG indicating that there is a shortage of change, are arranged on the settlement-device specification button BT10-2. Also, an example is shown in which one badge BG indicating that the corresponding settlement device 30-3 is in a use state is arranged on the settlement-device specification button BT10-3. In the example of the figure, for the settlement-device specification buttons BT10-1 and BT10-2, since the corresponding settlement devices 30-1 and 30-2 are both in a standby state and a settlement-device specification operation is possible, they are displayed in an active state. On the other hand, since the corresponding settlement device 30-3 of the settlement-device specification button BT10-3 is in a use state, it is displayed in a non-active state, indicating that the operation is not possible. Specifically, in the non-active state in the figure, the settlement-device specification button BT10-3 is displayed in gray-out and diagonal lines are arranged.

[0066] When the settlement-specification enlarged screen WD1 is displayed, the store clerk can perform a settlement-device specification operation by operating the settlement-device specification button BT10 within the settlement-specification enlarged screen WD1, rather than the settlement-device specification button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20. When the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 is displayed, the operation on the payment device specification button BT1 in the common area AR20 may be disabled. In this case, for the payment device specification button BT1, it is preferable to make it visually recognizable that the operation is disabled, for example, by displaying it in a grayed-out state. Alternatively, even when the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 is displayed, the operation on the payment device specification button BT1 in the common area AR20 may be enabled.

[0067] The payment device specification button BT10 arranged on the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 is larger in size than the payment device specification button BT1 in the common area AR20. Therefore, for the store clerk, it is easier to perform the payment device specification operation by operating the payment device specification button BT10 than by operating the payment device specification button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20. Also, the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 is displayed at the frontmost position approximately in the center of the screen of the store clerk display unit 205. In this regard as well, for the store clerk, the payment device specification button BT10 is easier to operate than the payment device specification button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20 as a payment device specification operation. In this way, in the present embodiment, by displaying the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 on which the payment device specification button BT10 is arranged on the store clerk display unit 205, the operability of the payment device specification operation is improved.

[0068] Also, the payment device specification button BT1 is arranged at a fixed position in the common area AR20 and is small in size. For this reason, frequent touch operations are performed on a specific narrow area on the touch panel of the store clerk display unit 205. Therefore, deterioration corresponding to the use of the area where the payment device specification button BT1 is arranged on the touch panel of the store clerk display unit 205 tends to progress. Therefore, if an adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed as in the present embodiment so that an adjustment device designation button BT1 having a size larger than that of the adjustment device designation button BT1 can be operated, the frequency of operation on the adjustment device designation button BT1 can be suppressed. As a result, it is also possible to suppress the progress of deterioration in the area where the adjustment device designation button BT1 is arranged on the touch panel.

[0069] In addition, in the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1 of the figure, a subtotal area AR31 indicating the total amount (subtotal amount) is arranged. By arranging the subtotal area AR31 in the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1, even when the subtotal screen AR5 is hidden and difficult to see due to the display of the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1, the store clerk can accurately grasp the total amount for the corresponding transaction. Note that in the subtotal area AR31, not only the total amount but also, for example, a breakdown of the total amount according to the registered products (unit price, quantity, amount according to the unit price and quantity for each product, etc.) may be shown.

[0070] In addition, a close button BT20 is arranged in the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1. In response to the operation of the close button BT20, the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1 is erased and returns to the state of FIG. 6.

[0071] As a trigger (erase trigger) for erasing the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1, in addition to the operation on the close button BT20, the following can be cited. For example, the adjustment specification enlargement screen WD1 may be erased using, as an erase trigger, the fact that a code has been read by the scanner unit 204. As a case where a code is read by the scanner unit 204, one example is a case where an operation is performed to read the barcode of a product in response to a customer's offer to purchase an additional product. In this case, the registration device 20 resumes the product registration process that was terminated in response to the previous subtotal operation in response to the reading of the barcode of the product. In response to the resumption of the product registration process, the display on the clerk display unit 205 is returned from the subtotal screen AR5 to the product registration screen AR1. Another case where code reading is performed by the scanner unit 204 is when the barcode of a coupon for which settlement can be completed by the registration device 20 is read. In this case, in response to reading the barcode of the coupon, the registration device 20 erases the settlement specification enlarged screen WD1 and executes a settlement process using the coupon information indicated by the read barcode. At this time, the registration device 20 may display an operation screen corresponding to the settlement process according to the use of the coupon on the clerk display unit 205. Also, the settlement specification enlarged screen WD1 may be erased using, as an erase trigger, the fact that the information of the membership card has been read by the scanner unit 204 or the card reader 210. In this case, the registration device 20 may associate the information of the membership card read for a transaction corresponding to the merchandise registration process that ended in response to, for example, the previous subtotal operation, and execute processes such as point awarding or settlement using the remaining point balance. Also, the settlement specification enlarged screen WD1 may be erased in response to an operation being performed on a key included in the operation unit 206 by the clerk, the key being for designating the use of a coupon for which settlement can be completed by the registration device 20. In this case, the registration device 20 may shift to a settlement process according to the use of the coupon.

[0072] Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 8, an example of the processing procedure executed by the registration device 20 of the present embodiment will be described. Step S101: In response to the start of a merchandise registration operation in the standby state, the registration device 20 starts executing a merchandise registration process corresponding to one transaction. After starting the execution of the merchandise registration process, the registration device 20 executes a merchandise registration process corresponding to each item in response to the merchandise registration operation performed by the clerk for each item purchased. Also, after the start of the merchandise registration process corresponding to one transaction, a merchandise registration screen AR1 with the merchandise registration sheet for the corresponding transaction placed in the frontmost position is displayed on the clerk display unit 205.

[0073] Step S102: After the start of the merchandise registration process, the registration device 20 waits for a subtotal operation to be performed. Step S103: When the subtotal operation is performed, the registration device 20 completes the previous product registration process and changes the display of the main operation screen on the clerk display unit 205 from the previous product registration screen AR1 to the subtotal screen AR5 that reflects the result of the current product registration process. In this case, for the common area AR20, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is no change between when the product registration screen AR1 is displayed and when the subtotal screen AR5 is displayed, and it is displayed in the same manner.

[0074] Step S104: In a state where the subtotal screen AR5 is displayed, the registration device 20 determines whether an enlargement instruction operation has been performed. The enlargement instruction operation is an operation performed on the enlargement display button BT2 in the common area AR20.

[0075] Step S105: If it is determined that the enlargement instruction operation has been performed, the registration device 20 causes the payment specified enlargement screen WD1 to be displayed. Note that when an operation on the enlargement display button BT2 is performed while the payment specified enlargement screen WD1 is already being displayed, the registration device 20 may be configured to handle the operation as invalid.

[0076] Step S106: After the process of Step S105, or if it is determined in Step S104 that the enlargement instruction operation has not been performed, the registration device 20 determines whether a payment device specification operation has been performed. As Step S106, when the payment specified enlargement screen WD1 is not being displayed, the registration device 20 determines whether an operation has been performed on the payment device specification button BT1 in the common area AR20. On the other hand, when the payment specified enlargement screen WD1 is being displayed, as Step S106, the registration device 20 determines whether an operation has been performed on the payment device specification button BT1 on the payment specified enlargement screen WD1.

[0077] Step S107: When it is determined in step S106 that the settlement device designation operation has not been performed, the registration device 20 determines whether or not an erasure trigger for the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 has occurred. Note that in a situation where the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 is not being displayed, the processing of step S107 may be skipped. If it is determined that the erasure trigger has not occurred, the process returns to step S106.

[0078] Step S108: When it is determined in step S107 that the erasure trigger has occurred, the registration device 20 erases the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 that has been displayed so far.

[0079] Step S109: For example, when the close button BT3 is operated as the erasure trigger, in response to the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 being erased in step S108, a process of returning to the state before the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 was displayed is executed. Specifically, the registration device 20 executes a process of returning to a state where the subtotal screen AR5 is displayed as the main operation screen as shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, when the erasure trigger that has occurred this time is, for example, reading of a code by the scanner unit 204, reading of member card information, an operation on a physical key for coupon use designation, etc., the registration device 20 will transition to processes such as resuming product registration processing and settlement processing. That is, in this case, the registration device 20 transitions to a predetermined other process different from the process of displaying the state before the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 is displayed. Therefore, the registration device 20 determines whether or not it is necessary to transition to other processes according to the erasure trigger that has occurred this time. For example, when the erasure trigger this time is an operation on the close button BT3, since the settlement designation enlargement screen WD1 can be erased in step S108 and the subtotal screen AR5 can be directly displayed in the foreground, it is determined that there is no need to transition to other processes. When it is determined that there is no need to transition to other processes, the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, when the cancellation trigger is the reading of a code by the scanner unit 204, the reading of membership card information, an operation on a physical key for specifying coupon use, etc., the registration device 20 determines that a transition to another process is necessary. Step S110: When it is determined in step S109 that a transition to another process is necessary, the registration device 20 transitions to another process according to the generated cancellation trigger.

[0080] Step S111: When it is determined in step S106 that the settlement device designation operation has been performed, the registration device 20 transmits settlement instruction information to the settlement device 30 designated by the settlement device designation operation.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> Subsequently, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary aspect of the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 in this embodiment. Similar to the previous first embodiment, the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 in this figure may be displayed when a store clerk operates the enlarged display button BT2 in the common area AR20 after the subtotal operation. In this figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0082] In the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 in this figure, settlement instruction buttons BT11-1 to BT11-4 (an example of a third image operator) are arranged. In the POS system 1 of this embodiment, for example, for a predetermined settlement type that does not require handling of cash, it is possible to complete the settlement process at the registration device 20 without performing the settlement process by the settlement device 30. The settlement instruction buttons BT11-1 to BT11-4 are buttons for designating a predetermined one of the settlement types for which the settlement process can be completed at the registration device 20 and for instructing the registration device 20 to execute the settlement process.

[0083] As a payment type (single payment type) that can complete the payment process in the registration device 20, in this embodiment, there are payments using credit cards, payments using electronic money, payments using points, payments using vouchers, and the like. The payment instruction button BT11-1 is a button for which an operation to instruct the execution of a payment process corresponding to payment using a credit card among the single payment types is performed. When an operation on the payment instruction button BT11-1 is performed, the registration device 20 transitions to a payment process corresponding to the use of a credit card. The payment instruction button BT11-2 is a button for which an operation to instruct the execution of a payment process corresponding to payment using electronic money among the single payment types is performed. When an operation on the payment instruction button BT11-2 is performed, the registration device 20 transitions to a payment process corresponding to the use of electronic money. The payment instruction button BT11-3 is a button for which an operation to instruct the execution of a payment process corresponding to payment using points among the single payment types is performed. When an operation on the payment instruction button BT11-3 is performed, the registration device 20 transitions to a payment process corresponding to the use of points. The payment instruction button BT11-4 is a button for which an operation to instruct the execution of a payment process corresponding to payment using vouchers among the single payment types is performed. When an operation on the payment instruction button BT11-4 is performed, the registration device 20 transitions to a payment process corresponding to the use of vouchers. In the following description, when the payment instruction buttons BT11-1 to BT11-4 are not particularly distinguished, they are described as the payment instruction button BT11.

[0084] In the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 of the previous first embodiment, the subtotal area AR31 was arranged. It can be said that the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 in which the subtotal area AR31 is arranged has a function of providing information regarding the product registration processing result (subtotal result) of the corresponding transaction by showing the total amount. That is, in the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1, it may have functions other than accepting a settlement device designation operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, a settlement instruction button BT11 is arranged on the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1. That is, in the present embodiment, the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 is provided with a function of receiving an operation for instructing the registration device 20 to execute a settlement process according to the settlement type corresponding to the single settlement type.

[0085] After the subtotal operation, the store clerk can appropriately select and perform an operation for designating the settlement device and an operation for designating the single settlement type and instructing the execution of the settlement process on the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 displayed. That is, for example, when the store clerk receives a request from a customer to settle with the registration device 20 according to the single settlement type, the store clerk can operate the settlement instruction button BT11 corresponding to the single settlement type designated by the customer to complete the settlement with the registration device 20. On the other hand, for example, when the settlement should be made according to a settlement type other than the single settlement type such as a settlement including handling of cash, or when the customer desires to settle with the settlement device 30 even if it is the single settlement type, the store clerk may operate the settlement device designation button BT10.

[0086] As a modification example of the present embodiment, an operator (settlement operator) corresponding to the settlement instruction button BT11 may be arranged at a predetermined position on the entire screen at the stage when, for example, the product registration screen illustrated in FIG. 5 or the subtotal screen illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed. Alternatively, the settlement operator may be arranged at a predetermined position on the screen of the customer display unit 205a at a predetermined timing after the start of product registration. If the operation on the settlement operator displayed as described above is performed at a timing earlier than when the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 is displayed and the instruction for the settlement process to the registration device 20 has been completed, the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 may be changed from the mode of FIG. 9 as follows. That is, in this case, on the payment specification enlargement screen WD1, a display indicating the payment type specified by the operation on the previous payment operator may be performed. In this way, when performing a display indicating the payment type specified on the payment specification enlargement screen WD1, the payment instruction button BT11 may not be arranged, or the payment instruction button BT11 may be changed to a mode indicating that the operation is unavailable, such as being grayed out. By doing so, it is possible to prevent duplicate operations of instructing the payment process to the registration device 20 at the display stage of the payment specification enlargement screen WD1.

[0087] <Third Embodiment> Next, the third embodiment will be described. On the payment specification enlargement screens WD1 of FIGS. 7 and 9 corresponding to the previous first and second embodiments, the payment device designation buttons BT10 corresponding to all of the payment devices 30 associated with the registration device 20 were arranged. The registration device 20 can specify the associated payment device 30 as the transmission destination of the payment instruction information. Specifically, in the examples of the payment specification enlargement screens WD1 of FIGS. 7 and 9, three payment device designation buttons BT10 corresponding to each of the three payment devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 arranged in the POS system 1 were arranged. In this case, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the payment device designation button BT10 corresponding to the payment device 30 that cannot be specified as the transmission destination of the payment instruction information because it is currently in use was also constantly displayed although it was in an inactive state.

[0088] In contrast, the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 of this embodiment arranges the payment device designation button BT10 corresponding to the payment device 30 for which transmission of the payment instruction information is currently possible, and omits the arrangement of the one corresponding to the payment device 30 for which transmission of the payment instruction information is impossible.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows an example of the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 in the present embodiment. Similar to the previous first embodiment, the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 in the figure may be displayed when a store clerk operates the enlargement display button BT2 in the common area AR20 after the subtotal operation. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In the figure, currently, among the three payment devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 arranged in the POS system 1, it is possible to transmit payment instruction information to the payment devices 30-1 and 30-2, and the situation corresponds to that it is impossible to transmit payment instruction information to the payment device 30-3. According to such a current situation, in the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 in the figure, two payment device designation buttons BT10-1 and BT10-2 corresponding to the payment devices 30-1 and 30-2 among the payment devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 are arranged. On the other hand, in the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 in the figure, the payment device designation button corresponding to the payment device 30-3 is not arranged.

[0090] In the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 in such a manner, only the operable payment device designation button BT10 is arranged. Thereby, an erroneous operation in which a store clerk accidentally touches the payment device designation button BT10 corresponding to the payment device 30 for which it is impossible to specify as the transmission destination of the payment instruction information is prevented.

[0091] <Fourth Embodiment> Subsequently, the fourth embodiment will be described. In each of the above embodiments, after the subtotal operation, the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed in response to an operation on the enlargement display button BT2 as the enlargement instruction operation. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed in response to the subtotal operation being performed. That is, in the present embodiment, the subtotal operation corresponds to the enlargement instruction operation. According to the present embodiment, there is no need to perform an additional enlargement instruction operation after the subtotal operation, and the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 can be immediately displayed in response to the subtotal operation.

[0092] The payment specification enlargement screen WD1 displayed in this embodiment may be in any of the modes shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10. In addition, when the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed in window form as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 in this embodiment, the main operation screen displayed on the back side of the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 may also be the subtotal screen AR5, similar to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10. Also, the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 displayed in this embodiment may also be erased in response to the occurrence of an erasure trigger similar to the previous embodiment. After the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 is erased, the registration device 20 may be configured to be able to display the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 again in response to an operation on the enlargement display button BT2 in the common area AR20. Further, in a state where the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 has been erased, the registration device 20 can transmit payment instruction information to the payment device 30 in response to an operation on the payment device designation button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20.

[0093] <Modification Example> Hereinafter, a modification example of this embodiment will be described. [First Modification Example] In each of the above embodiments, the enlargement instruction operation for displaying the payment specification enlargement screen WD1 was an operation on the enlargement display button BT2 after the subtotal operation, or the subtotal operation. That is, the timing at which the enlargement instruction operation is performed has been set to be after the completion of product registration corresponding to one transaction. In contrast, in this modification example, the enlargement instruction operation may be performed at any time after product registration in one transaction has started, regardless of whether the subtotal operation is performed before or after. In the case of this modification example where the enlargement instruction operation is enabled before and after the subtotal operation in this way, the enlargement instruction operation is preferably an operation on the enlargement display button BT2 and is performed as an operation different from the subtotal operation. In this case, if the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed at the stage before the subtotal operation, since the product registration process has not been completed yet, operations on the settlement device designation button BT10 are not accepted. Therefore, under this modified example, when the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed at the stage before the subtotal operation, the subtotal operation may be enabled while the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 is being displayed. In this case, the settlement device designation button BT10 arranged on the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 may be set to an active state in response to the subtotal operation being performed.

[0094] Also, when the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed at the stage before the subtotal operation, the subtotal area AR31 may be configured to display, for example, a mode indicating that the subtotal result is uncertain until the subtotal operation is performed because the product registration process has not been completed. Then, in response to the subtotal operation being performed, a display reflecting the determined subtotal result, such as displaying the total amount, may be performed in the subtotal area AR31.

[0095] [Second Modified Example] In this modified example, similar to the first modified example, the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 can be displayed by an enlargement instruction operation regardless of before and after the subtotal operation. As described above, when the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed at the stage before the subtotal operation, if the subtotal operation has not been performed, operations on the settlement device designation button BT10 are not accepted. In this case, it is possible to take the view that it is not useful to display the settlement device designation button BT10 on the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 until the subtotal operation is performed. Therefore, in this modified example, when the settlement specification enlargement screen WD1 is displayed before the subtotal operation, on the displayed settlement specification enlargement screen WD1, for example, instead of the settlement device designation button BT10, a display showing the status of each settlement device 30 in more detail than the badge BG is performed.

[0096] FIG. 11 shows an example of the mode of the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 displayed in this modified example. In the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 of the figure, a change money state area AR121, a payment processing state area AR122, and a printer state area AR123 are arranged. In the change money state area AR121, the change money states of the respective payment devices 30-1 ("payment machine 1"), 30-2 ("payment machine 2"), and 30-3 ("payment machine 3") are shown. In the example of the figure, corresponding to the classification for each denomination, for each of the payment devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3, "number" and "state" corresponding to the number of each denomination are shown. In the payment processing state area AR122, the respective change money states with the payment devices 30-1 ("payment machine 1"), 30-2 ("payment machine 2"), and 30-3 ("payment machine 3") are shown. In the figure, an example is shown where the payment devices 30-1 and 30-2 are each "waiting", and the payment device 30-3 is "in use". In the printer state area AR123, the printer states of the respective payment devices 30-1 ("payment machine 1"), 30-2 ("payment machine 2"), and 30-3 ("payment machine 3") are shown. In the figure, an example is shown where the payment devices 30-1 and 30-3 are "normal", and the payment device 30-2 is "receipt end".

[0097] In the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 of the figure, when presenting the information of the payment devices 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3, it is presented in a mode sorted for each information item as the change money state, the payment processing state, and the printer state. By adopting such a mode of presenting information, it becomes easier for the store clerk to grasp the states of the payment devices 30-1 and 30-3 by paying attention to each of the change money state, the payment processing state, and the printer state.

[0098] Note that, unlike the example in the figure, when presenting detailed information about a plurality of payment devices 30 on a single payment specification enlarged screen WD1, the change status, payment processing status, and printer status may be presented in a manner grouped for each of the plurality of payment devices 30. Whether to adopt the mode in the figure or the mode in which the change status, payment processing status, and printer status are grouped for each of the plurality of payment devices 30 may be preset, for example, by an operation on the registration device 20.

[0099] When a subtotal operation is performed on the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 of this modification example, for example, under the state where the content shown in the figure is displayed, it is changed to a mode in which the payment device designation button BT10 is arranged as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, etc. Alternatively, when a subtotal operation is performed, the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 of this modification example may be changed to a mode in which, for example, in addition to the content shown in the figure, the payment device designation button BT10 is further arranged. Alternatively, the payment specification enlarged screen WD1 of this modification example may be in a mode in which the payment device designation button BT10 has already been arranged together with detailed information such as the change status area AR121, the payment processing status area AR122, and the printer status area AR123 from the stage when the display is started. Moreover, the payment device designation button BT10 may be made in an inactive state and inoperable until a subtotal operation is performed. Then, when a subtotal operation is performed, the payment device designation button BT10 may be changed to an active state and be in an operable state.

[0100] [Third Modification Example] The payment device designation button BT10 arranged on the payment designated enlarged screen WD1 is larger in size than the payment device designation button BT1 in the common area AR20. For this reason, the degree of deterioration of the touch panel corresponding to the area where the touch operation is performed on the area corresponding to the payment device designation button BT10 is lower compared to the common area AR20. However, further, there is no particular reason to prevent the progress of deterioration of the touch panel corresponding to the operation on the payment device designation button BT10 of the payment designated enlarged screen WD1, and it can be said to be preferable.

[0101] Therefore, as this modification example, the position targeted for the touch operation on the touch panel as the payment device designation operation performed on the payment designated enlarged screen WD1 is configured to be appropriately changed.

[0102] Specifically, in this modification example, in the payment device designation button BT10 arranged on the payment designated enlarged screen WD1, the positions where characters such as "cash register 1", "cash register 2", "cash register 3", etc. are displayed may be appropriately changed. When a store clerk operates on the payment device designation button BT10, there is a tendency to perform a touch operation targeting the position where the character is displayed in the area of the payment device designation button BT10 unconsciously. Therefore, by appropriately changing the position of the character displayed in the payment device designation button BT10, it becomes possible to disperse the positions where the touch operation is performed when the store clerk operates a certain payment device designation button BT10.

[0103] Also, as this modification example, after arranging a target mark indicating the position where the finger is to be touched during the touch operation in the payment device designation button BT10, the position of the target mark may be appropriately changed in the payment device designation button BT10.

[0104] Also, as this modification example, the position where the payment device designation button BT10 is arranged on the payment designated enlarged screen WD1 may be appropriately changed. Also, as a modification example, the position where the settlement specification enlarged screen WD1 is arranged on the entire screen of the clerk display unit 205 may be appropriately changed.

[0105] In this modification example, the change of the position that becomes the target of the touch operation may be performed, for example, each time the display of the settlement specification enlarged screen WD1 is started in one registration device 20. Alternatively, in a state where the settlement specification enlarged screen WD1 is being displayed, the position that becomes the target of the touch operation may be changed at the timing when a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0106] [Fourth Modification Example] In each of the above embodiments, the POS system 1 including a product registration device that performs product registration processing according to a clerk's operation and a settlement device that executes settlement processing according to a customer's operation is taken as an example. However, the configuration of this embodiment that associates a transaction corresponding to product registration performed by the registration device 20 with respect to settlement-related operations may be applied to the following POS systems. That is, the configuration of each of the above embodiments may also be applied to a POS system including a plurality of POS registers configured such that a clerk performs a product registration operation and a customer performs an operation corresponding to settlement in the presence of the clerk. In the case of such a POS system, an instruction (transmission of settlement instruction information) may be given so that settlement processing is executed at any one of a plurality of other POS registers from the POS register where product registration has been performed. In addition, the configurations of the above-described embodiments can also be applied to a POS system including a plurality of POS registers that can be switched among a first accounting mode in which a store clerk performs a product registration operation and an operation corresponding to settlement, a second accounting mode in which a store clerk performs a product registration operation and a customer performs an operation corresponding to settlement, and a third accounting mode in which a customer performs a product registration operation and an operation corresponding to settlement. In the case of such a POS system, for example, an instruction (transmission of settlement instruction information) may be given so that settlement processing is executed at any one of other POS registers in the state of the second accounting mode or the third accounting mode from a POS register that has performed product registration according to the operation of the store clerk under the first accounting mode or the second accounting mode.

[0107] [Fifth Modification Example] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as a mode for designating the settlement device 30 that executes settlement processing among a plurality of settlement devices 30, there are a mode (first designation mode) in which a store clerk designates the settlement device 30 that executes settlement processing using the registration device 20, and a mode (second designation mode) in which an accounting ticket handed to a customer is issued from the registration device 20, and the customer reads the accounting ticket handed from the store clerk at one settlement device 30. However, the mode for designating the settlement device 30 is not limited to the above-described mode. For example, the settlement device 30 may be designated as in the following third designation mode to seventh designation mode.

[0108] As a third designation mode, in response to an operation performed on a transmission button displayed on the store clerk display unit 205 in response to completion of product registration (or an operation that declares completion of product registration may also be acceptable), the registration device 20, for example, makes an inquiry about the status to the settlement device 30 to recognize a settlement device 30 capable of performing settlement processing (for example, no failure has occurred and it is not in use), and determines one settlement device 30 from among the settlement devices 30 that are not in use according to a predetermined rule. Then, the registration device 20 transmits settlement information to the determined settlement device 30 and instructs execution of settlement processing.

[0109] As a fourth specified mode, set in advance the priority order of the settlement processing for the settlement device 30. Then, in response to the completion of product registration, display so that the operation of the transmission button for instructing the transmission of settlement information to the settlement device 30 becomes effective on the clerk display unit 205. In response to the operation of the transmission button, the registration device 20 checks whether the settlement processing of the settlement device 30 is possible in the order according to the set priority order. If it is not confirmed that the settlement processing is possible, check the next settlement device 30 in the priority order. Then, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement information to the settlement device 30 for which it was first confirmed that the settlement processing is possible and instructs the execution of the settlement processing.

[0110] Note that as the priority order of the settlement device 30 according to the predetermined rule in the above third specified mode, or the settlement device 30 in the fourth specified mode, for example, it may be determined based on the number assigned to the settlement device 30. Alternatively, it may be determined based on the distance from the registration device 20 to the settlement device 30. Alternatively, it may be determined based on the relationship between the breakdown of the denominations of the change predicted based on the total amount and the number of each denomination of the currency stored in the change machine of the settlement device 30.

[0111] As a fifth specified mode, the registration device 20 transmits the settlement information to all the settlement devices 30. When the settlement device 30 that has received the settlement information becomes in a state where it can execute the settlement processing using the settlement information included in the settlement information it has received, it transmits a settlement processing execution notice notifying that it will execute the settlement processing to the registration device 20, which is the transmission source of the settlement information. The registration device 20 performs a display (settlement processing execution display) indicating the settlement device 30 that is the transmission destination of the settlement processing execution notice in response to the reception of the settlement processing execution notice. The clerk may inform the customer which settlement device 30 will execute the settlement processing by looking at the settlement processing execution display. At this time, together with the settlement processing execution display, the sign pole 311 of the settlement device 30 that has transmitted the settlement processing execution notice may be lit in a predetermined pattern, or a predetermined notification sound may be output from the settlement device 30 to notify that it will execute the settlement processing.

[0112] According to the designation of the settlement device 30 according to the above-described third to fifth designated modes, it is not necessary to determine which settlement device 30 should execute the settlement process.

[0113] As a sixth designated mode, a salesclerk moves a shopping basket containing a product for which product registration has been completed by the registration device 20 to any one of the basket placement areas provided corresponding to each settlement device 30. The basket placement area is provided with a sensor (such as a weight sensor or an optical sensor) for detecting the placed shopping basket. When it is determined by the sensor that a shopping basket is placed in the basket placement area, the corresponding settlement device 30 makes a request, acquires the corresponding settlement information from the registration device 20, and is made to execute the settlement process. Also in this case, the settlement device 30 that has come to execute the settlement process may notify that it executes the settlement process by lighting the sign pole 311 or outputting a notification sound or the like. Note that instead of the sensor for detecting the placed shopping basket, for example, a motion sensor or an imaging device may be provided corresponding to the salesclerk. Then, based on the detection output of the motion sensor or an image obtained by imaging with the imaging device, the registration device 20 determines the movement of the salesclerk, and based on the determined result, determines in which of the basket placement areas provided corresponding to each settlement device 30 the salesclerk has placed the shopping basket. Then, the settlement device 30 corresponding to the determined basket placement area may be determined as the settlement device 30 that should execute the settlement process.

[0114] As a seventh designated mode, the registration device 20 transmits settlement instruction information including settlement information and transfer order information in which the transfer order among a plurality of settlement devices 30 is set to one of the settlement devices 30. The transfer order information may be one that designates the transfer order cyclically among the settlement devices 30. If the settlement device 30 that has received the settlement instruction information is capable of executing the settlement process, it transmits a settlement process execution notification to the registration device 20 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction information, and executes the settlement process using the settlement information included in the received settlement instruction information. On the other hand, when the settlement device 30 that has received the settlement instruction information is unable to execute the settlement process, it transfers the received settlement instruction information to the next settlement device 30 in the transfer order according to the transfer order information included in the received settlement instruction information. By doing so, even by sequentially transferring the settlement instruction information among the settlement devices 30, a procedure corresponding to the designation of the settlement device 30 for which the settlement process should be executed is realized.

[0115] In each of the above-described designation modes, the process related to the determination of the settlement device 30 for which the settlement process is to be executed may be executed, for example, by a predetermined device other than the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30, such as the management device 10, in response to the completion of the product registration process by the registration device 20. The predetermined device other than the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 may be, for example, a device provided for monitoring the state of the settlement device 30.

[0116] In addition, a program for realizing functions such as the above-described registration device 20 and settlement device 30 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing such as the above-described registration device 20 and settlement device 30. Here, "reading the program recorded on the recording medium into the computer system and executing it" includes installing the program in the computer system. The "computer system" as used herein is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer system" may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, or dedicated line. Also, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the recording medium includes an internal or external recording medium provided so as to be accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program executable on the terminal device. That is, any form stored in the distribution server is acceptable as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable on the terminal device. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different timings, and then combined on the terminal device, or the distribution servers for distributing the respective divided programs may be different. 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 and holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions. Further, 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 the computer system.

[0117] <Summary of Embodiment> (1) As described above, one aspect of the present embodiment is a registration device (20) that executes a product registration process for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices (30) that execute a settlement process in response to a customer's operation based on product registration information corresponding to the product registration process. In a product sales data processing system (POS system 1), the registration device is of a size larger than a first image operator (for example, a settlement device designation button BT1) that designates a settlement device that executes the settlement process, and includes a control unit that displays a second image operator (for example, a settlement device designation button BT10) that designates a settlement device that executes the settlement process.

[0118] According to the above configuration, in response to a predetermined operation, a settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 including a settlement device designation button BT10 having a size larger than that of the settlement device designation button BT1 can be displayed as an image operator for performing a settlement device designation operation. By enabling an operation on the settlement device designation button BT10 thus displayed, the operability of the settlement device designation operation performed on the screen of the registration device 20 can be improved.

[0119] (2) One aspect of the present embodiment is the registration device according to (1), wherein the control unit displays the second image operator in response to an operation of an operator (for example, an enlarged display button BT2) for instructing the display of the second image operator being operated.

[0120] According to the above configuration, a store clerk can determine whether or not to display the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 and display or not display the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 according to the store clerk's intention.

[0121] (3) One aspect of the present embodiment is the registration device according to (1) or (2), wherein the control unit displays the second image operator in response to an operation (for example, a subtotal operation) corresponding to a declaration of completion of a product registration process corresponding to one transaction.

[0122] According to the above configuration, when the store clerk performs a subtotal operation, it is possible to display the payment specification expansion screen WD1 without performing any other operations in particular.

[0123] (4) One aspect of the present embodiment is the registration device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit displays a third image operator (for example, a payment instruction button BT11) for instructing the execution of payment processing corresponding to each payment type for which payment processing is possible in the registration device, together with the second image operator.

[0124] According to the above configuration, it is possible to display a screen on which the payment instruction button BT11 is arranged together with the payment device designation button BT10. The store clerk can perform operations on both the operation on the payment device designation button BT10 and the payment instruction button BT11 on the same screen according to the payment type designated by the customer at the time of payment.

[0125] (5) One aspect of the present embodiment is the registration device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit erases the display of the second image operator in response to the occurrence of a trigger for erasing the displayed second image operator, and in response to the occurrence of a predetermined trigger among the triggers, further includes processing means for transitioning to a predetermined other process different from the process of displaying the state before the second image operator is displayed.

[0126] According to the above configuration, for example, as an erasure trigger, when operations such as code reading by the scanner unit 204, reading of member card information, and operation on a physical key for coupon use designation are performed, the registration device 20 can erase the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 that has been displayed so far and transition to a process to be executed according to the erasure trigger. Thereby, the store clerk does not need to first perform an operation to erase the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 and then perform operations such as code reading by the scanner unit 204, reading of member card information, and operation on a physical key for coupon use designation to transition the process. That is, when erasing the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 and transitioning to other operations other than the settlement designation operation, the operations to be performed by the store clerk are simplified.

[0127] (6) One aspect of the present embodiment is the registration device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit is arranged in an area different from an operation screen area where the functions provided by the operation screen can be changed, and the first image operator is displayed in a common area (for example, the common area AR20) where the provided functions are not changed regardless of the change in the functions of the operation screen in the operation screen area.

[0128] According to the above configuration, for the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 where the settlement device designation button BT10 is arranged, it can be displayed according to the operation of the store clerk, while the settlement device designation button BT1 can be constantly displayed in the common area AR20. Thereby, the store clerk can operate the settlement device designation button BT1 arranged in the common area AR20 without displaying the settlement designation enlarged screen WD1 depending on the situation. That is, the store clerk can perform the settlement device designation operation by appropriately using the settlement device designation button BT1 and the settlement device designation button BT10 according to the circumstances.

[0129] A program for causing a computer, which serves as a registration device in a merchandise sales data processing system having a registration device that executes merchandise registration processing for registering merchandise to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of settlement devices that execute settlement processing in response to an operation by the customer based on merchandise registration information corresponding to the merchandise registration processing, to function as a control unit that displays a second image operator for designating a settlement device that causes the settlement processing to be executed, the size of which is larger than that of a first image operator for designating a settlement device that causes the settlement processing to be executed, in response to a predetermined operation being performed.

Explanation of Signs

[0130] 1 POS system, 10 management device, 11 LAN, 20 (20-1, 20-2) registration device, 30 (30-1 to 30-3) settlement device, 201 CPU, 202 storage unit, 203 RAM, 204 scanner unit, 205 clerk display unit, 205a customer display unit, 206 operation unit, 207 communication unit, 208 buzzer, 209 printing unit, 210 card reader, 301 CPU, 302 storage unit, 303 RAM, 304 scanner unit, 305 display unit, 306 operation unit, 307 communication unit, 308 buzzer, 309 printing unit, 310 settlement unit, 311 signature pole, 312 person sensor, 313 card reader

Claims

1. A registration device in a product sales data processing system having a product registration process for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices for performing a payment process in response to an operation by a customer based on product registration information corresponding to the product registration process, a declaration section for declaring completion of a product registration process corresponding to one transaction; a control unit that displays information corresponding to the one transaction; A first transmission unit that transmits registration data so that a payment can be made at the payment device in response to the operation of a first image operator; a second transmission unit that transmits registration data corresponding to a product registration process performed under one transaction in response to the operation of a second image operator that is larger than the first image operator so that the product can be settled at the settlement device; Equipped with The control unit switches from the product registration screen to a sub-screen display in response to the declaration by the declaration unit, and displays an operation screen including the second image operator superimposed on the sub-screen display. Registration device.

2. The control unit is Displaying the total amount together with the second image operator The registration device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is When displaying the second image operator, the second image operator corresponding to the settlement device that cannot execute the settlement process is not displayed.

3. The registration device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The registration device is capable of settlement processing corresponding to a plurality of predetermined payment types, The control unit is The plurality of predetermined payment types for which settlement can be processed by the registration device are displayed together with the second image operator. A registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit is After the display of the operation screen is erased, the first image operator arranged together with the small screen is enabled to be operated. A registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer as a registration device in a product sales data processing system having a registration device that executes a product registration process for registering a product to be purchased by a customer, and a plurality of payment devices that execute a payment process in response to an operation by a customer based on product registration information corresponding to the product registration process, a declaration section for declaring the completion of a product registration process corresponding to one transaction; a first transmission unit that transmits registration data so that a payment can be made at the payment device in response to the operation of a first image operator; a second transmission unit that transmits registration data corresponding to a product registration process performed under one transaction in response to the operation of a second image operator that is larger than the first image operator, so that the product can be settled at the settlement device; a control unit that displays information corresponding to the one transaction, the control unit switching from a product registration screen to a display of a sub-screen in response to the declaration by the declaration unit, and displaying an operation screen including the second image operation element superimposed on the sub-screen. A program to function as a

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