Commodity sales data processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To grant benefits to customers as appropriate.SOLUTION: An article sales data processor includes first acquisition means, retention control means, transaction processing means, writing means, and display control means. The first acquisition means acquires membership information from a medium. The retention control means allows the retention means to retain the membership information. The transaction processing means is capable of processing multiple transactions. If the membership information is retained in the retention means when the transaction is completed, the writing means writes the privilege information to be granted to the member to the medium. The display control means is capable of displaying information in active display, which indicates that it is operable with respect to one of the transactions, and in inactive display, which indicates that it is inoperable with respect to other transactions other than the one transaction. The retention control means removes the membership information from the retention means if the membership information is retained in the retention means when a transaction of a customer in the active display is displayed in the inactive display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to increase the frequency of customer visits to each store, a service has been provided in which benefits such as points are given. For example, a customer is given a membership card (point card), and in a transaction, the customer is prompted to present the membership card, and points are given to the membership card or transactions are made using the given points.

[0003] As a related technique, a privilege point management method has been disclosed in which points can be accumulated by the customer himself / herself using a personal information processing device even when the customer does not purchase a product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, POS registers that can process multiple transactions by switching or processing multiple transactions simultaneously in parallel have become widespread.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art, when processing multiple transactions, there is a problem that points may be given to a customer different from the customer to whom points should originally be given, and thus points may not be given appropriately. For example, when a previous customer is presenting a membership card and conducting a transaction, if the next customer's transaction is started and multiple transactions are processed, there is a risk that the points that should be given to the next customer may be given to the previous customer.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of appropriately granting benefits to customers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems, a merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires member information from a medium; a holding control unit that causes the holding unit to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition unit; a transaction processing unit capable of processing a plurality of transactions; a writing unit that writes privilege information to be granted to the member to the medium when member information is held in the holding unit when a transaction by the transaction processing unit is completed; a display control unit capable of displaying each transaction with an active display indicating that a state is operable with respect to one transaction among the plurality of transactions and a non-active display indicating that a state is inoperable with respect to other transactions other than the one transaction; and the holding control unit deletes the member information from the holding unit when the member information is held in the holding unit when the transaction of the customer actively displayed by the display control unit becomes non-actively displayed. The merchandise sales data processing apparatus is characterized by the above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 is an example of a commodity sales data processing system. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes a management server Sv, a store controller 2, and a POS register 3. Each device is connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication line 6. The communication line 6 is a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like. It is assumed that the management server Sv and the POS register 3 communicate via the store controller 2. However, it is not limited to this, and the management server Sv and the POS register 3 may communicate directly. In FIG. 1, the number of POS registers 3 is shown as a plurality, but it may be one.

[0010] The management server Sv is an example of a management device. The management server Sv is a server device that manages various types of information such as information related to customers, information related to the store St, and information related to products. Information related to customers includes, for example, membership information of customers who have registered as members. The membership information includes customer information of customers and point information granted, etc. (see Figure 4). Also, the information related to the store St managed by the management server Sv includes information such as sales and the number of customers visiting the store for each store St. Further, the information related to products managed by the management server Sv includes information such as the inventory quantity of products and the number of products sold for each store St.

[0011] The store controller 2 is a management device that performs clerical work such as product management, aggregation of sales results, and customer management in the store St. The store controller 2 stores a product master 500 (see Figure 5) that stores membership information and product information for each product. The product master 500 is a data table that stores product information associating, for example, product codes, product names, prices, etc. for each product, details of which will be described later.

[0012] The POS register 3 is an example of a product sales data processing device. The POS register 3 is a cash register device including a product registration processing unit that performs product registration processing and a settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing for the registered products. The product registration processing unit registers the products to be purchased by the customer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "purchased products") and generates registration information. The settlement processing unit executes a settlement process to settle with the total amount of the purchased products (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "purchase amount") using the registration information generated by the product registration processing unit.

[0013] Note that the POS system 1 may include a portable terminal device held by a store clerk. The portable terminal device is, for example, a smartphone or a mobile phone. The portable terminal device notifies or answers a call request from the POS register 3 accordingly. Thereby, in the POS system 1, it becomes possible for the store clerk to quickly support the customer. Note that the portable terminal device may be lent to each store clerk or may be owned by each store clerk.

[0014] (Appearance Example of POS Register 3) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the schematic appearance of POS register 3. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of POS register 3 as seen from the clerk (operator) side. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), POS register 3 includes a clerk-side display unit 21, a key operation unit 22, a customer-side display unit 23, a card settlement unit 24, a printing unit 25, and a card read / write terminal 26.

[0015] The clerk-side display unit 21 is a touch display operated by the clerk. The clerk-side display unit 21 displays preset keys and the like, displays various information to the clerk, and accepts various inputs from the clerk.

[0016] The key operation unit 22 is a keyboard provided with various keys. The various keys are operation keys (hardware keys or buttons) such as numeric keys for inputting quantities and amounts, keys corresponding to products for registering products, and closing keys for closing the accounts. The key operation unit 22 accepts various inputs from the clerk.

[0017] The customer-side display unit 23 is a touch display that displays various information to the customer. The customer-side display unit 23 displays various information to the customer and accepts various inputs from the customer. For example, when a product that requires age confirmation is registered, the customer-side display unit 23 displays an age confirmation screen and accepts an age confirmation operation from the customer.

[0018] The card settlement unit 24 is a settlement mechanism that performs settlement using a contact-type card (e.g., a magnetic card). The cards read by the card settlement unit 24 are, for example, credit cards, prepaid cards, etc. For example, the card settlement unit 24 can read the information of the card and perform settlement using the read information.

[0019] The printing unit 25 is a printer device that prints the specifications of the purchased products as various forms (receipts). In addition to receipts, the printing unit 25 can also print various documents such as receipts.

[0020] The card reading and writing terminal 26 is a settlement mechanism that performs settlement using a non-contact card (e.g., an IC card). The cards read by the card reading and writing terminal 26 are, for example, credit cards, membership cards Mc, prepaid cards, etc. The membership card Mc stores the number of points (point information) granted. The card reading and writing terminal 26 can, for example, read the cumulative number of points stored in the membership card Mc and write the updated number of points to the membership card Mc. In addition, the card reading and writing terminal 26 is equipped with a display and an operation unit. The display displays the number of points and the balance. The operation unit accepts the number of points to be used.

[0021] In this embodiment, the POS register 3 may integrate the card settlement unit 24 and the card reading and writing terminal 26 into one functional unit. That is, either one of the functional units may be provided in the other.

[0022] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS register 3. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to the parts shown in Figure 2, the POS register 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a communication unit 34, a scanner unit 35, and a drawer 36. Each part shown in Figure 3 is connected via an internal bus and communication lines.

[0023] The CPU 31 is a central arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the POS register 3 by reading and executing the programs stored in the ROM 32. The ROM 32 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 31, including various programs such as the product sales data processing program according to this embodiment.

[0024] The RAM 33 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 33 stores information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing. Information acquired from the outside is, for example, product information 501 acquired from the product master 500 (see FIG. 5) stored in the store controller 2 or point information acquired from the membership card Mc. In addition, information generated during processing stores, for example, registration information generated during product registration processing or settlement information generated during settlement processing. Note that the POS register 3 may be provided with other memories such as a hard disk in addition to the RAM 33.

[0025] The communication unit 34 transmits and receives information between the store controller 2 and other POS registers 3.

[0026] The scanner unit 35 optically reads code information (e.g., barcodes or two-dimensional codes) attached to products, membership codes of membership cards, or staff codes attached to staff name tags. In addition, the scanner unit 35 reads code information written on the product order sheet. In addition to these, the scanner unit 35 reads accounting vouchers (registered trademarks) in which registration information generated in other POS registers 3 is encoded, vouchers, and codes printed on various cards.

[0027] The drawer 36 is a storage unit that stores banknotes and coins received from customers. The drawer 36 is configured to be pulled out in response to an operation of the key operation unit 22. The voice output unit 37 outputs voice. For example, the voice output unit 37 outputs voice when a product is read, operation sounds of the key operation unit 22, warning sounds, voice guidance, and the like.

[0028] Note that the POS register 3 may be provided with an automatic change dispenser (not shown). The automatic change dispenser is a mechanism for performing cash settlement. The automatic change dispenser has a deposit slot for bills and coins and a change outlet for bills and coins. The automatic change dispenser calculates the amount of money deposited into the deposit slot and the amount of change, which is the difference between the deposited amount and the purchase amount, and discharges the calculated amount of change from the change outlet. Note that the deposit slot and the change outlet may be arranged facing the customer side, that is, the customer may deposit cash and take out change.

[0029] (Regarding an example of the member information table) Next, an example of the member information table 400 stored in the management server Sv will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the member information table 400 stored in the management server Sv. As shown in FIG. 4, the member information table 400 includes items such as customer identification information, customer name, telephone number, customer rank, and number of points.

[0030] The customer identification information is identification information that uniquely identifies a customer, for example, a member number. The customer identification information is, for example, information assigned when a member is registered. The customer name is the customer's surname, nickname, etc. The telephone number is the telephone number of a landline installed at the customer's home, the telephone number of a smartphone held by the customer, etc.

[0031] The customer rank is a rank according to the customer's purchase record. The customer rank is represented by, for example, three levels of "A to C". The customer rank is determined according to, for example, the purchase amount and the frequency of store visits within a predetermined period. For example, the customer rank "A" indicates the most excellent member. The customer rank "C" indicates the member with the lowest level of excellence. The customer rank "B" indicates a member with a lower level of excellence than the customer rank "A" and a higher level of excellence than the customer rank "C".

[0032] The point number is the cumulative number of points given to a customer for making a purchase. The point number is given according to, for example, the purchase amount or purchase frequency. Also, the point number may be given different values according to, for example, the day of the week, the date, the purchased product, etc.

[0033] Note that the member information table 400 may include items such as address, email address, date of birth, etc. in addition to the above items, or may include items of purchase history such as purchase amount and purchased products.

[0034] By setting information for each item shown in the member information table 400, member information 401 (401a, 401b, …) is stored as a record. For example, member information 401a indicates that the customer identification information is "C0000001", the customer name is "Taro Teraoka", the phone number is "090 - 7777 - 4444", the customer rank is "A", and the point number is "3850".

[0035] Also, in this embodiment, the member information 401 is also stored in the membership card Mc. Specifically, for example, member information 401a is also stored in the membership card Mc owned by the customer name "Taro Teraoka". Similarly, member information 401b is also stored in the membership card Mc owned by the customer name "Jiro Terayama".

[0036] (Regarding the data structure of the product master) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the product master 500 stored in the store controller 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the product master 500 stored in the store controller 2. The product master 500 shows a table storing product information of each product for each member rank.

[0037] The product master 500 includes items such as membership rank, product code, product name, and price (member price or price according to membership rank). By setting information for each item, product information 501 is stored as a record. Note that each item shown in the product master 500 is just an example, and in addition to these, other items may be included, such as an item indicating the classification of the product, an item indicating the discount rate in the case of a discount target, an item indicating the necessity of age confirmation, and so on.

[0038] The membership rank indicates either one of "A", "B", "C", or a non-member. The product code is identification information uniquely assigned to the product. The product name is the name of the product. The price for membership rank A indicates the price applied to customers with membership rank A. For example, product information 501a indicates that it is applied to customers with product rank "A", the product code is "12345678", the product name is "lettuce", and the price is "￥198".

[0039] Supplementary note on the price of each product shown in FIG. 5. It shows that the price of the product named "lettuce" is uniformly "￥198 regardless of the membership rank. Specifically, it indicates that "lettuce" has the same price (non-member price) for both members and non-members. Also, the price of the product named "milk" is different for members and non-members. Specifically, it shows that the price of "milk" has a member price of "￥190" and a non-member price of "200". Also, the price of the product named "pumpkin" indicates that it is different according to the membership rank. Specifically, it shows that the price of "pumpkin" is different for members and non-members, and furthermore, different for each of the membership ranks "A", "B", "C".

[0040] (Operation example in the POS system 1) Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the processing flow in the POS system 1 and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation example in the POS system 1. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the POS register 3 accepts an operation by a store clerk and performs a registration process for purchased items. Further, the POS register 3 accepts an operation by the store clerk and performs a settlement process using the registration information generated in the registration process. In the settlement process, settlement is performed according to the type of settlement. For example, in the case of cash settlement, input of cash received from the customer by the store clerk and calculation of change are performed. Also, in the case of card settlement using a credit card, inserting the credit card into a connected settlement terminal or the like, reading the card number, and encrypting and transmitting the read card number are performed.

[0041] Here, the POS register 3 can switch and process a plurality of transactions. Specifically, the POS register 3 can perform a registration process for purchased items of the next customer (hereinafter referred to as "next customer") when performing a settlement process for the previous customer (hereinafter referred to as "previous customer").

[0042] Further, the POS register 3 displays a tab corresponding to the transaction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "transaction tab"). For example, when performing a registration process for purchased items of the previous customer or when performing a settlement process for the previous customer, the POS register 3 actively displays a transaction tab corresponding to the transaction of the previous customer.

[0043] Here, the tab indicates the transaction screen currently being processed and shows an operable state. The tab also includes a display area for checking the presence or absence of other transactions that are on hold (pending) during registration. The tab also has a function of accepting an operation to switch between the active (main) transaction area and the non-active (other) transaction area on the screen. Also, it is visibly displayed whether the tab is currently being processed or on hold. Note that in this embodiment, a plurality of transactions are displayed by tabs on the screen, but it is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of transactions may be displayed by being divided into respective screens. However, even in this case, one of the plurality of transactions should be made actively displayed and the other transactions should be made non-actively displayed so that they can be distinguished, and it is sufficient that they can be switched between each other by, for example, the area where the transaction is displayed or pressing a mechanical key.

[0044] Also, when the previous customer holds the membership card Mc, the previous customer (or the store clerk) causes the membership card Mc to be read by the card reading / writing terminal 26. In this embodiment, in principle, the transaction is carried out with the membership card Mc placed on the card reading / writing terminal 26 from the start to the end of the transaction. When the card reading / writing terminal 26 reads the point information stored in the membership card Mc, it displays the number of points on the customer-side display unit 23 or the store clerk-side display unit 21, or accepts the number of points to be used in the transaction.

[0045] When the settlement process for the previous customer is completed, the POS register 3 writes the point information updated with the number of points granted and the number of points used in this transaction to the membership card Mc. Then, the previous customer is careful not to forget the membership card Mc held in front of the card reading / writing terminal 26 and finishes shopping. After that, similarly for the next customer, the POS register 3 starts the registration process and the settlement process. When the POS register 3 starts the registration process for the purchased items of the next customer, for example, it holds the membership information 401 of the next customer and actively displays the transaction tab corresponding to the transaction of the next customer as the main transaction tab.

[0046] Here, since the POS register 3 can switch and process a plurality of transactions, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(B), when the previous customer is taking a long time to take out cash from the wallet, the store clerk may start the registration process for the next customer. At this time, the POS register 3 deactivates the tab corresponding to the previous customer's transaction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "previous customer transaction tab") and activates the tab corresponding to the next customer's transaction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "next customer transaction tab"). Note that the next customer transaction may be started while the previous customer's goods are being registered, or may be started by performing the provisional closing process of the previous customer transaction.

[0047] Note that the next customer transaction tab may originally be displayed. Specifically, when another tab (any one of a plurality of tabs) is pressed during the registration of the previous customer, the previous customer transaction tab is put on hold (deactivated display), and the pressed tab is displayed as the next customer transaction tab and activated. Also, not limited to this, the next customer transaction tab may be generated and actively displayed by receiving an operation instruction (such as pressing a touch key or a mechanical key) indicating "next customer registration" during the registration of the previous customer. Also, the ability to switch between the previous customer transaction tab and the next customer transaction tab is applicable when the previous customer transaction whose settlement has not been completed is put on hold once, or when the process up to the subtotal is put on hold (provisionally closed) state.

[0048] (Regarding the case where points are not properly awarded) Here, there may be a case where points are not appropriately awarded. To explain this, as shown in FIG. 6(B), assume that the POS register 3 starts the registration process for the next customer and switches and processes a plurality of transactions. In this case, for example, if the membership card of the previous customer is being read by the card reading and writing terminal 26, there is a risk of awarding the points that should be given to the next customer to the previous customer. For this reason, there may be a case where the point information is written to the membership card Mc of a customer different from the customer who should originally be awarded the points. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail that the POS system 1 according to the present embodiment enables appropriate point awarding.

[0049] (Functional Configuration of POS Register 3) First, the functional configuration of the POS register 3 will be described. The POS register 3 includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, an input reception unit, a holding control unit, a transaction processing unit, a writing unit, a transmission control unit, a display control unit, and a request unit. Each unit is realized by the CPU 31 of the POS register 3. That is, when the CPU 31 of the POS register 3 executes a predetermined program (product sales data processing program), the functions of each unit are realized. Further, the POS register 3 includes a holding unit (hereinafter referred to as "member information holding unit"). The member information holding unit is realized by, for example, the RAM 33.

[0050] The first acquisition unit acquires the member information 401 from a medium. The medium stores the member information 401. The medium is, for example, the membership card Mc. However, the medium is not limited to the membership card Mc, and may be a portable terminal device (for example, a smartphone) that stores the member information 401.

[0051] The retention control unit causes the membership information holding unit to hold the membership information 401 acquired by the first acquisition unit. Note that holding the membership information 401 means temporarily storing the membership information 401. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the membership information holding unit can hold only one piece of membership information and cannot hold a plurality of pieces of membership information 401. When the membership information 401 is acquired by the first acquisition unit, the retention control unit causes the membership information holding unit to hold the membership information 401.

[0052] The transaction processing unit can process a plurality of transactions. The plurality of transactions are, for example, two transactions between a previous customer and a next customer. Note that the plurality of transactions are not limited to two transactions and may be three or more transactions. For example, the transaction processing unit can also process three transactions between a previous customer, a next customer, and a subsequent customer. In this case, three transaction tabs will be displayed.

[0053] The writing unit writes privilege information to the membership card Mc. The privilege information is, for example, point information (number of points) to be granted. However, the privilege information is not limited to this and may be information indicating a discount, information indicating an item to be provided, or the like. In the present embodiment, the privilege information will be described as point information. When the membership information 401 is held in the membership information holding unit when the transaction by the transaction processing unit is completed, the writing unit writes the point information to be granted to the member to the membership card Mc. In the case of card payment (credit card, electronic money, code payment, etc.), the writing unit may write the point information to the membership card Mc when the card payment is completed.

[0054] The display control unit can display transaction tabs corresponding to each of the plurality of transactions on the store clerk side display unit 21, and can display each transaction tab in an active display and a non-active display. The active display is a display indicating that one of the plurality of transaction tabs is in an operable state. The non-active display is a display indicating that the other transaction tabs other than one transaction tab are in an inoperable state.

[0055] The display control unit may change the active display of a transaction tab to an inactive display. For example, when the previous customer transaction tab is actively displayed and settlement is being performed, if the previous customer is taking a long time to take out cash from their wallet and the registration process for the next customer is about to start, the display control unit will change the previous customer transaction tab to an inactive display and the next customer transaction tab to an active display. The switching between the active display and inactive display of the transaction tab may be automatically switched when the registration process for the next customer starts, or may be manually switched according to the operation of the store clerk.

[0056] When the transaction of the customer actively displayed by the display control unit becomes inactive, if the membership information 401 is stored in the storage unit, the storage control unit deletes the membership information 401 from the storage unit. Specifically, when the transaction tab actively displayed by the display control unit becomes inactive, if the membership information 401 stored in the membership information storage unit is the membership information 401 acquired by the first acquisition unit, the storage control unit deletes the membership information 401 from the membership information storage unit. This way, when the transaction to be processed is changed among multiple transactions, it is possible not to grant points to the membership card Mc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent writing point information to the membership card Mc of a member different from the member to whom points should originally be granted.

[0057] Note that the timing for deleting the membership information 401 is the timing when the next customer transaction tab becomes actively displayed (the next customer registration screen becomes valid). Specifically, for example, it is the timing when the next customer registration button is pressed, or the timing when another transaction tab is pressed. Also, not limited to this, the timing for deleting the membership information 401 may be the timing when the next customer transaction tab becomes actively displayed and, in the next customer transaction, the first product is registered. Specifically, the timing for deleting the membership information 401 may be when the next customer registration becomes valid and the registration of one product starts, such as when a product is registered using the preset key or the product barcode is scanned.

[0058] (Regarding the case of acquiring member information 401 from the management server Sv) When the customer does not possess the membership card Mc, the member information 401 is acquired from the management server Sv. This will be specifically described below. The second acquisition unit acquires the member information 401 from the management server Sv that manages the member information 401 for each membership card Mc. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the member information 401 is associated with the member number and the telephone number. Note that the member information 401 only needs to be associated with at least one of the member number and the telephone number.

[0059] The input reception unit receives the input of either the member number or the telephone number. The input reception unit receives the input from, for example, the store clerk side display unit 21. For example, the store clerk asks the customer for the telephone number, and the store clerk operates and inputs the telephone number answered by the customer from the store clerk side display unit 21. Note that the input reception unit may receive the input by the operation of the customer from the customer side display unit 23. The input reception unit is not limited to receiving the input by operation input, and may receive the input by voice input.

[0060] Note that the information received by the input reception unit only needs to be information used for narrowing down the member information. That is, the information received by the input reception unit is not limited to the member number and the telephone number, and may be, for example, the date of birth, the address, the postal code, the email address, etc. However, if the information received by the input reception unit is information input from the numeric keypad, it is desirable that it be a combination of only numbers.

[0061] The second acquisition unit acquires member information 401 from the management server Sv based on the input received by the input reception unit. Specifically, when the input is received by the input reception unit, the second acquisition unit uses the input information to query the management server Sv. The management server Sv identifies the member information 401 including the input information. The management server Sv transmits the identified member information 401 to the POS register 3. Thereby, the second acquisition unit can acquire the member information 401 from the management server Sv.

[0062] When the member information 401 is acquired by the second acquisition unit, the retention control unit causes the member information holding unit to hold the member information 401. That is, the retention control unit causes the member information holding unit in the RAM 33 to hold the member information 401 acquired by the first acquisition unit or the second acquisition unit. When the transaction tab that is actively displayed by the display control unit becomes non-actively displayed, if the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 acquired by the second acquisition unit, the retention control unit causes the member information holding unit to hold the member information 401 as it is. That is, since the member information 401 acquired from the management server Sv is not originally targeted for point assignment to the member card Mc, the retention control unit causes the member information holding unit to hold it as it is.

[0063] (Regarding the transmission of member information 401 to the management server Sv) The POS register 3 transmits the updated member information 401 to the management server Sv in order to have the management server Sv manage the latest member information 401. Specifically, when the transaction by the transaction processing unit is completed, the transmission control unit transmits the point information to be given to the member indicated by the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit to the management server Sv. Whether the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 acquired by the first acquisition unit or the member information 401 acquired by the second acquisition unit, the transmission control unit transmits the point information to the management server Sv. When the management server Sv receives the point information, it updates the point number of the corresponding member information 401.

[0064] (Regarding not writing member information 401 to membership card Mc) Also, the POS register 3 may not write the member information 401 to the membership card Mc when it is in an inactive display state. This will be specifically explained below. When the transaction of a customer who is actively displayed by the display control unit becomes inactive, if the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information acquired by the second acquisition unit, the point information will not be written to the membership card Mc. This is because when the member information 401 acquired by the second acquisition unit is held in the member information holding unit, it is premised that the customer does not possess the membership card Mc in the first place. Therefore, the possibility that the membership card Mc is held over the card reading and writing terminal 26 is low. Furthermore, even if the membership card Mc is read by the card reading and writing terminal 26, it is highly likely that the membership card Mc belongs to a customer different from the customer to whom points are to be awarded (for example, the next customer).

[0065] Note that not writing means prohibiting writing or invalidating writing. For example, when a write button for accepting writing is displayed, not writing may mean prohibiting writing even if the write button is pressed, or invalidating the pressing of the button by making the write button non-displayed or grayed out. Also, when the current total key (closing key) is pressed while the membership card Mc is being read by the card reading and writing terminal 26, the point information may be written to the membership card Mc. For example, as in this embodiment, if a membership card Mc without a membership number verification function is being read by the card reading and writing terminal 26, writing may be performed for any membership card Mc. On the other hand, if the membership card Mc is not being read by the card reading and writing terminal 26, since the point information cannot be written, an error message such as "Please place the card" may be displayed.

[0066] (Request for Acquisition of Member Information 401) The POS register 3 may request the acquisition of member information 401. This will be specifically described below. The request unit requests the acquisition of member information 401 after the start of a transaction. The request unit requests the acquisition of member information 401 before the start of settlement, specifically, before the settlement start button is pressed. The settlement start button is, for example, the "current calculation key" or the "non-cash settlement start button". Thereby, in settlement, the member price or the price according to the member rank can be reflected. The request unit makes a request by means of a notification such as "Please read the membership card with the card reader" or "Please leave the membership card on the card reader until settlement is completed." on the customer-side display unit 23. The request by the request unit may include voice.

[0067] Note that the POS register 3 may also acquire the member information 401 after the start of settlement. In this case, the POS register 3 may perform re-settlement (recalculation) to reflect the member price or the price according to the member rank.

[0068] (Request for Acquisition of Member Information 401 When Re-Activated) The POS register 3 may request the acquisition of member information 401 when it is re-activated. This will be specifically described below. The display control unit may re-activate the transaction tab that is in non-active display. For example, when registering products with the next customer transaction tab in active display, the previous customer's settlement preparation may be complete and the previous customer's settlement process may start. In this case, the display control unit, according to the operation of the store clerk, activates the previous customer transaction tab and de-activates the next customer transaction tab.

[0069] After the membership information 401 is deleted by the retention control unit, when the transactions that have been inactivated and displayed by the display control unit are actively displayed again, the request unit requests the first acquisition unit to acquire the membership information 401. For example, after the membership information 401 of a former customer is deleted by the retention control unit, when the transactions of the former customer are actively displayed again by the display control unit, the request unit requests the first acquisition unit to acquire the membership information 401 of the former customer. Specifically, for example, the request unit makes a request by notifying the customer-side display unit 23, such as "Since points will be awarded after settlement, please have your membership card read by the card reader."

[0070] Even if the transactions that have been inactivated and displayed by the display control unit are actively displayed again, it is assumed that the membership information 401 has not been deleted by the retention control unit, that is, it is assumed that the membership information 401 has been acquired from the management server Sv. In this case, the request unit may refrain from requesting the membership information 401.

[0071] (An example of the new transaction start process performed by the POS register 3) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the new transaction start process performed by the POS register 3. In FIG. 7, the POS register 3 determines whether it is the start of a new transaction (step S701). The start of a new transaction is, for example, the pressing of the membership card reading button 1207 (see FIG. 12). However, the start of a new transaction is not limited to this, and it may be the pressing of a button indicating the start of registration, the scanning of goods, etc. The POS register 3 waits until the start of a new transaction (step S701: NO)

[0072] When a new transaction starts (step S701: YES), the POS register 3 issues a notification prompting the user to hold the membership card Mc over the card reading and writing terminal 26 (step S702). Then, the POS register 3 determines whether the membership card Mc has been held over the card reading and writing terminal 26 (step S703). When the membership card Mc has been held over the card reading and writing terminal 26 (step S703: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether the unupdated flag is ON (step S704). The unupdated flag is a flag indicating that the point information stored in the membership card Mc has not been updated to the latest point information because the membership card Mc was not held in the past (e.g., the previous) transaction.

[0073] When the unupdated flag is OFF (step S704: NO), that is, when the point information stored in the membership card Mc has been updated to the latest point information, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, when the unupdated flag is ON (step S704: YES), that is, when the point information stored in the membership card Mc has not been updated to the latest point information, the POS register 3 sends a request to the management server Sv to transmit the latest point information using the member number obtained from the membership card Mc (step S705).

[0074] Then, the POS register 3 receives the latest point information from the management server Sv and updates the point information of the membership card Mc (step S706). Next, the POS register 3 obtains the member information 401 from the membership card Mc (step S707) and proceeds to step S711.

[0075] In step S703, when the membership card Mc is not held up (step S703: NO), specifically, for example, when the membership card Mc is not held up and it is accepted that the membership card Mc is not read, the POS register 3 determines whether it has accepted a request to obtain the member information 401 from the management server Sv (step S708). When it has not accepted a request to obtain the member information 401 from the management server Sv (step S708: NO), that is, for example, when the customer conducting the transaction is a non-member, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S712. On the other hand, when it has accepted a request to obtain the member information 401 from the management server Sv (step S708: YES), that is, when the customer conducting the transaction is a member and does not possess the membership card Mc, the POS register 3 accepts the input of a phone number or member number and makes a transmission request for member information to the management server Sv (step S709).

[0076] Then, the POS register 3 obtains the member information 401 by receiving the member information 401 from the management server Sv (step S710). Next, the POS register 3 causes the member information holding unit of the RAM 33 to hold the member information 401 (step S711). Then, the POS register 3 actively displays a tab indicating a new transaction (step S712) and ends the new transaction start process.

[0077] (An example of the product registration process performed by the POS register 3) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process performed by the POS register 3. In FIG. 8, the POS register 3 determines whether a product has been scanned or the like (step S801). Scanning a product or the like means, for example, that the barcode attached to the product is read by the scanner unit 35 or that a button corresponding to the product is pressed from the store clerk display unit 21 or the key operation unit 22.

[0078] The POS register 3 waits until a product is scanned or the like (step S801: NO). When the POS register 3 has scanned a product or the like (step S801: YES), it determines whether the customer conducting the transaction is a member, specifically, whether member information 401 is stored in the member information storage unit (step S802). When the member information storage unit does not store the member information 401 (step S802: NO), that is, when the customer conducting the transaction is a non-member, the POS register 3 refers to the product master 500, registers the product at the non-member price (step S803), and ends the product registration process.

[0079] In step S802, when the member information storage unit stores the member information 401 (step S802: YES), that is, when the customer conducting the transaction is a member, the POS register 3 refers to the product master 500 and determines whether the price of the product is the member price (step S804). When the price of the product is not the member price (step S804: NO), for example, when it is "lettuce: ¥198" in the product master 500, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S803. When the price of the product is the member price (step S804: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether there is a price corresponding to the member rank (step S805).

[0080] When there is a price corresponding to the member rank (step S805: YES), for example, when it is "pumpkin" in the product master 500, the POS register 3 registers the product at the price corresponding to the member rank (step S806) and ends the product registration process. On the other hand, when there is no price corresponding to the member rank (step S805: YES), for example, when it is "milk" in the product master 500, that is, when it is a price uniformly applied to members (member price), the POS register 3 registers the product at the member price (step S807) and ends the product registration process.

[0081] (An example of a multiple transaction process performed by the POS register 3) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a plurality of transaction processes performed by the POS register 3. In FIG. 9, the POS register 3 determines whether there has been a change in the active display of the transaction tab (step S901). The change in the active display of the transaction tab is performed by accepting a change operation of the active display or by newly starting the registration of the next customer. The POS register 3 waits until there is a change operation of the active display of the transaction tab (step S901: NO).

[0082] Note that before the process of step S901, the POS register 3 may determine whether it is in the process of a plurality of transactions. The process of a plurality of transactions is, for example, a process in which the process of the previous customer (settlement process or registration process) and the process of the next customer (registration process) are switched and performed. The POS register 3 waits until it is in the process of a plurality of transactions, and when it is in the process of a plurality of transactions, it may start the process of step S901.

[0083] When there is a change operation of the active display of the transaction tab (step S901: YES), the POS register 3 performs a switching process between the active display and the non-active display of the transaction tab (step S902). Then, the POS register 3 determines whether the member information holding unit holds the member information 401 (step S903). When the member information holding unit does not hold the member information 401 (step S903: NO), that is, when the customer corresponding to the transaction tab that has become non-active is a non-member or when the held member information 401 has already been deleted, the POS register 3 ends the plurality of transaction processes.

[0084] On the other hand, when the member information holding unit holds the member information 401 (step S903: YES), that is, when the customer corresponding to the transaction tab that has become non-active is a member, the POS register 3 determines whether the member information 401 is the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S904).

[0085] When the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S904: YES), the POS register 3 deletes the member information 401 from the member information holding unit (step S905) and ends the multiple transaction process. On the other hand, when the member information 401 is not the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S904: NO), that is, when the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 obtained from the management server Sv, the POS register 3 holds the member information 401 as it is (step S906) and ends the multiple transaction process.

[0086] (An example of the settlement start process performed by the POS register 3) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the settlement start process performed by the POS register 3. In FIG. 10, the POS register 3 determines whether it is the start of settlement (step S1001). The start of settlement means, for example, that the settlement start button (for example, the subtotal button) displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 is pressed. The POS register 3 waits until the start of settlement (step S1001: NO).

[0087] When the start of settlement occurs (step S1001: YES), the POS register 3 executes the settlement process (step S1002). In the settlement process, for example, the selection of the settlement type and the settlement corresponding to the selection of the settlement type are performed. For example, when the cash settlement type is accepted, the settlement is made in cash, and when the credit card settlement type is accepted, the settlement is made by credit card.

[0088] Then, the POS register 3 determines whether the member in the current transaction is a member holding a member card (step S1003). When the member holds a member card (step S1003: YES), the POS register 3 issues a receipt for the member holding the member card (the holding receipt 1800 in FIG. 18(A)) (step S1004) and ends the series of processes.

[0089] On the other hand, when the customer is not a member who holds a membership card (step S1003: NO), that is, when the customer does not hold a membership card, the POS register 3 issues a receipt for a customer who does not hold a membership card (the non-holding receipt in Fig. 18(B)) (step S1005) and ends a series of processes. A statement to grant points at a later date is printed on the non-holding receipt.

[0090] (An example of the point granting process performed by the POS register 3) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the point granting process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 11, the POS register 3 determines whether the settlement is completed (step S1101). Completion of settlement means completion of payment. For example, when the payment type is cash, it means that the cash key is pressed. When the payment type is a credit card, it means that the POS register 3 communicates with the credit card server and the payment by credit card is completed. Note that completion of settlement is not limited to this, and it may also mean issuance of a receipt, or when an automatic change dispenser is used, it may mean that change is dispensed.

[0091] The POS register 3 waits until the settlement is completed (step S1101: NO). When the settlement is completed (step S1101: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit (step S1102). When member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit (step S1102: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether the member information 401 is the member information 401 obtained from the membership card Mc (step S1103).

[0092] When the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 obtained from the membership card Mc (step S1103: YES), the POS register 3 writes point information including the points to be granted this time to the membership card Mc held in front of the card reading / writing terminal 26 (step S1104). Then, the POS register 3 transmits the point information to the management server Sv (step S1105) and ends the point granting process.

[0093] In step S1103, when the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is not the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S1103: NO), that is, when it is the member information 401 obtained from the management server Sv, the POS register 3 does not write the point information to the member card Mc (step S1106). Thereby, even if the member card Mc of the next customer is held in front of the card reading / writing terminal 26, the point information of the previous customer cannot be written to the member card Mc.

[0094] Furthermore, the POS register 3 turns on the unupdated flag (step S1107) and proceeds to step S1105. The unupdated flag is a flag indicating that the point information stored in the member card Mc has not been updated to the latest point information. In other words, it is a flag for updating to the latest point information in the next transaction using the member card Mc.

[0095] In step S1102, when the member information 401 is not held in the member information holding unit of the RAM 33 (step S1102: NO), it is determined whether the member information 401 has already been deleted in this transaction (step S1108). When the member information 401 has not already been deleted in this transaction (step S1108: NO), that is, when the customer conducting the transaction is a non-member, the POS register 3 ends the point awarding process without writing the point information.

[0096] When the member information 401 has already been deleted in this transaction (step S1108: YES), that is, when the customer conducting the transaction is a member and there has been a switch from the active display to the non-active display of the transaction tab, the POS register 3 requests the acquisition of the member information 401 of the previous customer (step S1109). In this acquisition request, the POS register 3 issues a notification prompting, for example, the card reading / writing terminal 26 to read the member card Mc of the previous customer.

[0097] Then, the POS register 3 determines whether it has acquired the member information 401 from the membership card Mc (step S1110). The POS register 3 waits until it acquires the member information 401 (step S1110: NO). Note that if the card reading / writing terminal 26 does not read the member information 401 within a certain period after the POS register 3 issues a request to acquire the member information 401, the POS register 3 may end the point process as it is, that is, it may end the point awarding process without writing the point information. In step S1110, if the member information 401 is acquired (step S1110: YES), the acquired member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit (step S1111), and the process proceeds to step S1104.

[0098] (Screen example of POS register 3) Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, a screen example of the POS register 3 will be described. FIGS. 12 to 17 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk side display unit 21 or the customer side display unit 23. FIG. 12(A) shows a registration start screen 1200. In FIG. 12(A), on the registration start screen 1200, a previous customer transaction tab TB1 indicating a transaction of a customer (previous customer) is actively displayed. The registration start screen 1200 includes a registered product display area 1201, a registered product list area 1202, a price display area 1203, preset keys 1204, a subtotal button 1205, a next customer registration button 1206, and a membership card reading button 1207.

[0099] The registered product display area 1201 is an area for displaying the products most recently registered by the store clerk. The registered product list area 1202 is an area for displaying a list of the products registered by the store clerk. The amount display area 1203 is an area for displaying the total amount of the registered products. The preset keys 1204 are provided with keys corresponding to a plurality of products respectively, and when each key is pressed by the store clerk, the registration of the corresponding product is accepted. Further, the preset keys 1204 are provided with tabs for each type such as vegetables, fruits, and meats, and when each tab is pressed (selected), the keys are switched to the keys corresponding to the pressed type. FIG. 12(A) shows a state in which the tab of the vegetable type is selected.

[0100] The subtotal button 1205 is a button for accepting the end of product registration. The subtotal button 1205 is pressed by the store clerk when the registration of all products is completed. The next customer registration button 1206 is a button for accepting the switching between the transaction of the previous customer and the transaction of the next customer by starting the registration of the next customer.

[0101] The membership card reading button 1207 is a button for accepting the start of reading the membership information from the membership card Mc held up to the card reading and writing terminal 26. In the present embodiment, the membership card reading button 1207 is pressed at the start of new registration. When the membership card reading button 1207 is pressed, the notification image 1210 shown in FIG. 12(B) is displayed on the store clerk side display unit 21, and the notification screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the customer side display unit 23.

[0102] In FIG. 12(B), the notification image 1210 indicates a notification prompting the member card Mc to be held up to the card reading / writing terminal 26. Suppose a store clerk requests a customer to present the member card Mc, and the customer states that they do not have the member card Mc. If the customer is a member, the store clerk presses the non-member possession button 1211. When the non-member possession button 1211 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 16(B) or FIG. 17(A) is displayed, and it is possible to obtain member information 401 from the management server Sv by searching for a phone number or member number. On the other hand, if the customer is not a member, the store clerk presses the non-member button 1212. In this case, the transaction will be conducted without any privileges being granted to the customer.

[0103] FIG. 13(A) shows a notification screen 1300 displayed on the customer-side display unit 23. The notification screen 1300 indicates a notification prompting the customer to hold the member card Mc up to the card reading / writing terminal 26. When the customer holds the member card Mc up to the card reading / writing terminal 26, the POS register 3 reads the member information 401.

[0104] FIG. 13(B) shows a registration screen 1310 on the store clerk-side display unit 21 when the member information 401 has been read and further products have been registered. The registration screen 1310 includes a member information display 1311. The member information display 1311 is a display based on the member information 401 read from the member card Mc. The member information display 1311 includes, for example, a display of the customer name and the point number. The member information display 1311 indicates that the member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit. Also, on the registration screen 1310, the registered product display area 1201 and the registered product list area 1202 indicate that "pumpkin" has been registered. The price display area 1203 displays the price of "pumpkin".

[0105] Here, assume that the next customer registration button 1206 is pressed and the transaction is switched to the next customer. The transaction may be switched to the next customer, for example, when a customer (the previous customer) who is conducting the transaction shown on the registration screen 1310 goes to the sales floor to pick up additional items to purchase. Also, other examples include cases where, for example, the previous customer takes time to withdraw cash during settlement. When the next customer registration button 1206 is pressed, the screen transitions to, for example, the next customer registration start screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14(A).

[0106] FIG. 14(A) shows the next customer registration start screen 1400. On the next customer registration start screen 1400, the next customer transaction tab TB2 indicating the next customer's transaction is actively displayed, and the previous customer transaction tab TB1 indicating the previous customer's transaction is inactively displayed. Similar to the previous customer registration start screen 1200, the next customer registration start screen 1400 displays each display area 1201 to 1203 and each button 1204 to 1207.

[0107] FIG. 14(B) shows the next customer registration screen 1410. On the next customer registration screen 1410, the registered item display area 1201 and the registered item list area 1202 indicate that "lettuce" is registered. The amount display area 1203 shows the amount of "lettuce". When the previous customer transaction tab TB1 is pressed on the next customer registration screen 1410, the screen transitions to the registration screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15(A).

[0108] The registration screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15(A) has different content displayed in the member information display 1311 compared to the registration screen 1310 shown in FIG. 13(B). Specifically, on the registration screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15(A), it is displayed that the member information display 1311 has been deleted. This is because the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit has been deleted due to the front customer transaction tab TB1 switching from active display to non-active display. Note that on the registration screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15(A), nothing may be displayed in the member information display 1311. When the subtotal button 1204 is pressed on the registration screen 1500, the notification image 1510 shown in FIG. 15(B) is displayed on the store clerk side display unit 21, and the notification screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the customer side display unit 23.

[0109] In FIG. 15(B), the notification image 1510 indicates a notification prompting the customer to hold the membership card Mc over the card reading and writing terminal 26. Note that the notification image 1510 is different from the notification image 1210 shown in FIG. 12(B) in that the membership non-possession button 1211 and the non-member button 1212 are not displayed. This is because it is clear that the former customer holds the membership card Mc since there is a history of deleting the former customer's member information 401. Note that the membership non-possession button 1211 and the non-member button 1212 may also be displayed in the notification image 1510. When the customer holds the membership card Mc over the card reading and writing terminal 26, the POS register 3 reads the member information 401.

[0110] FIG. 16(A) shows the transaction completion screen 1600 displayed on the customer side display unit 23 when the member information 401 has been read and the settlement is completed. The transaction completion screen 1600 displays the points awarded to the membership card Mc and the cumulative point count. This enables the customer to grasp that the awarded points have been stored on the membership card Mc.

[0111] FIG. 16(B) shows a search screen 1610 for member information 401 using a telephone number. On the search screen 1610, the tab 1204a of the preset key 1204 is selected, and the member information call button 1204b is displayed. The POS register 3, for example, when the member information call button 1204b is pressed, accepts the input of a telephone number (11 digits) from the key operation unit 22. The store clerk asks the customer for the telephone number and enters the customer's answer. The entered telephone number is displayed in the amount display area 1203. When the telephone number is entered and the member information call button 1204b is pressed again, the POS register 3 sends the telephone number to the management server Sv and makes an inquiry about the member information 401.

[0112] The management server Sv refers to the member information table 400, searches for the member information 401 using the telephone number (11 digits), and sends the search result to the POS register 3. If the search result is one person, the POS register 3 displays the member information 401 of the customer indicated by the search result. Also, for example, if the search result is multiple people (such as a family), the POS register 3 displays the names of multiple people. Then, the store clerk asks the customer for the name and selects the name corresponding to the customer's answer from among the displayed names of multiple people. Then, the POS register 3 displays the member information 401 of the selected customer.

[0113] FIG. 17(A) shows a search screen 1700 for member information 401 using a member number. On the search screen 1700, the tab 1204a of the preset key 1204 is selected, and the member information call button 1204b is displayed. The POS register 3, for example, when the member information call button 1204b is pressed, accepts the input of a member number (8 digits) from the key operation unit 22. The store clerk asks the customer for the member number and enters the customer's answer. The entered member number is displayed in the amount display area 1203. When the member number is entered and the member information call button 1204b is pressed again, the POS register 3 sends the member number to the management server Sv and makes an inquiry about the member information 401.

[0114] The management server Sv refers to the member information table 400, searches for the member information 401 using the member number (8 digits), and sends the search result to the POS register 3. If the search result is one person, the POS register 3 displays the member information 401 of the customer indicated by the search result.

[0115] Figure 17(B) shows the transaction completion screen 1710 displayed on the customer-side display unit 23 when the settlement is completed when the member information 401 is acquired from the management server Sv. The transaction completion screen 1710 shows that the points granted this time are not stored in the membership card Mc (not posted), prompts the presentation of the membership card Mc for the next shopping, and displays the cumulative point count. As a result, the customer can grasp that the granted points are stored in the management server Sv but not in the membership card Mc.

[0116] (Regarding the receipt issued by the POS register 3) Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by the POS register 3. Figure 18(A) shows the possession receipt 1800 issued when points are stored in the membership card Mc. Figure 18(B) shows the non-possession receipt 1801 issued when the points are not posted in the membership card Mc.

[0117] The possession receipt 1800 and the non-possession receipt 1801 include general information 1810 and member information 1811. The general information 1810 includes, for example, content such as the purchase date and time, store clerk name, product name, amount, tax amount, and the content of the amount exchanged in the settlement.

[0118] In addition, the member information 1811 includes the member number, the cumulative point count up to the previous time, the points granted today, and the updated cumulative point count. Also, in the non-possession receipt 1801 shown in Figure 18(B), the member information 1811 includes the unposted points. The non-possession receipt 1801 includes notification information 1812. The notification information 1812 indicates that points will be granted at a later date.

[0119] By issuing such a possession receipt 1800 and a non-possession receipt 1801, the customer can grasp their own membership number and also check the number of points. Also, when points are not posted on the membership card Mc, as shown on the non-possession receipt 1801, it is printed to prompt the update of the membership information 401 of the membership card Mc in the next transaction.

[0120] As described above, when the transaction tab that is actively displayed becomes non-actively displayed, the POS register 3 of this embodiment deletes the membership information 401 obtained from the membership card Mc from the membership information holding section in the RAM 33 when the membership information 401 is held in the membership information holding section. Thereby, even if the registration process for the next customer is started after the settlement process for the previous customer is started, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the membership card Mc of the previous customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0121] Also, in this embodiment, when the transaction tab of the customer that is actively displayed becomes non-actively displayed, the POS register 3 retains the membership information 401 as it is when the membership information 401 held in the membership information holding section is the membership information 401 obtained from the management server Sv. Thereby, even if the membership card Mc of the next customer is held up to the card reader / writer terminal 26, it is possible to prevent the membership information 401 of the membership card Mc from being held in the membership information holding section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress writing the point information of the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer, and points can be appropriately given to the previous customer.

[0122] Also, in the present embodiment, when the transaction tab that is actively displayed becomes non-actively displayed, if the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 acquired from the management server Sv, the POS register 3 does not write the point information to the member card Mc. As a result, even if the member card Mc of the next customer is held up to the card reading / writing terminal 26, it is possible to prevent the point information of the previous customer from being written to the member card Mc. Therefore, it is possible to suppress writing the point information of the previous customer to the member card Mc of the next customer, and it is possible to appropriately give points to the previous customer.

[0123] Also, in the present embodiment, after the member information 401 of the previous customer is deleted, when the transaction tab of the previous customer is actively displayed again, the POS register 3 requests acquisition of the member information 401 of the previous customer. As a result, the member information holding unit can hold the member information 401 of the previous customer again. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately write the point information of the previous customer to the member card Mc of the previous customer.

[0124] Also, in the present embodiment, the POS register 3 is configured to receive an input of at least one of the member number and the telephone number, and based on the input of the one, acquire the member information 401 from the management server Sv. Thereby, even when the customer does not possess the member card Mc, the points given to the customer can be appropriately managed.

[0125] (Other Embodiments and Variations) Hereinafter, other embodiments and variations will be described. In other embodiments and each variation, the description of the content described in the above-described Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate. Also, it is possible to combine the configurations shown in each embodiment and each variation. Specifically, for example, it is possible to adopt a configuration including all of each embodiment and each variation, or it is possible to adopt a configuration combining two or more of each embodiment and each variation.

[0126] (Embodiment 2) First, Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 1 described above, the POS system 1 using the POS register 3 that performs settlement processing by the operation of a store clerk was described. In Embodiment 2, a POS system 1900 that performs settlement processing (self-checkout) by the operation of a customer using a dedicated POS terminal device 20 for settlement instead of or in addition to the POS register 3 will be described.

[0127] FIG. 19 is a network configuration diagram of the POS system 1900 according to Embodiment 2. The POS system 1900 is an example of a merchandise sales data processing system. As shown in FIG. 19, the POS system 19 includes a management server Sv, a store controller 2, and a plurality of POS terminal devices 20. Each device is connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication line 6. The management server Sv and the POS terminal device 20 communicate via the store controller 2. However, it is not limited to this, and the management server Sv and the POS terminal device 20 may communicate directly.

[0128] In Embodiment 2, a plurality of POS terminal devices 20 are arranged. The POS terminal device 20 can switch its operation mode. The operation mode includes, for example, a registration mode in which merchandise registration is performed and a settlement mode in which settlement is performed. The POS terminal device 20 in the registration mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "registration POS terminal device 20a") is arranged with a store clerk, and merchandise registration is performed by the store clerk. The POS terminal device 20 in the settlement mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "settlement POS terminal device 20b") performs settlement by a customer using the registration information generated in the POS terminal device 20 in the dedicated registration mode. The registration POS terminal device 20a is an example of a registration device. Also, the settlement POS terminal device 20b is an example of a settlement device.

[0129] (Configuration example of the POS terminal device 20) Next, the configuration of the POS terminal device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the appearance of the POS terminal device 20. FIG. 20(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal device 20 as seen from the clerk side. FIG. 20(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal device 20 as seen from the customer side. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal device 20. In FIGS. 20 and 21, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0130] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, each component of the POS terminal device 20 shown in FIG. 21 will be described. The POS terminal device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a hard disk 204, a customer-side display unit 205, a customer-side scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change dispenser 209, a clerk-side display unit 210, a clerk-side scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, a communication unit 215, a camera 216, and a card read / write terminal 217. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0131] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal device 20 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 202. The various programs include a product sales data processing program according to the present embodiment. The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various information used by the CPU 201 including programs.

[0132] The RAM 203 is a memory that can be read from and written to, and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside and information generated in the process. This information includes, for example, registration information generated in a registration process for registering ordered products and settlement information generated in a settlement process for settling registered products.

[0133] The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 stores imaging results (such as videos) captured by the camera 216. The hard disk 204 may store various programs such as a product sales data processing program executed by the CPU 201, for example, instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, it may store information acquired from the outside or information generated in the process.

[0134] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer-side display unit 205 displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers and optically reads various information. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically reads barcodes (such as product codes) attached to products or codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on accounting tickets (registered trademarks). In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 may read codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on vouchers (product vouchers, coupon vouchers, discount vouchers) and various cards (for example, membership cards, point cards, etc.). Note that the registration of products is not limited to registration by reading codes by the customer-side scanner unit 206. For example, a preset key (a button for ordering a product) corresponding to the product may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, and the product can be registered when the preset key is operated (pressed) by the customer.

[0135] The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism using various cards (such as credit cards, prepaid cards like transportation cards, and point cards). The card payment unit 208 includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads information on various cards. The read information is used for paying for the purchased goods. Note that the card recognition unit can also recognize information to be used in the payment for the current purchased goods, such as when using the points held on a point card. Also, the card recognition unit can recognize information not used in the payment for the current purchased goods, such as when adding points to a point card.

[0136] Note that the card payment unit 208 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit, a display unit, and an operation unit, but is not limited thereto, and it suffices as long as it includes at least a card recognition unit. Also, the card recognition unit of this embodiment can recognize both contact-type cards (IC cards, magnetic cards) and non-contact-type cards (IC cards), but it suffices as long as it can recognize at least one of them.

[0137] The change machine 209 (cash payment unit) is a payment mechanism using cash. The change machine 209 faces the customer side and accepts various operations and cash input from the customer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the change machine 209 includes a bill insertion slot 209a, a coin insertion slot 209b, a change return lever 209c, a bill ejection port 209d, and a coin ejection port 209e. The change machine 209 calculates the total amount of bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 209a and coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 209b, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the total input amount and the purchase amount, and when it accepts an operation of the change return lever 209c, ejects the change from the bill ejection port 209d or the coin ejection port 209e.

[0138] The clerk-side display unit 210 is a touch display for clerks. The clerk-side display unit 210 displays various information to the clerk and accepts various inputs from the clerk. For example, preset keys (buttons for ordering products) corresponding to products are displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, and when the preset keys are operated (pressed) by the clerk, product registration is performed.

[0139] The clerk-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for clerks and optically reads various information. For example, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 optically reads barcodes attached to products and clerk codes attached to clerks' name tags. In addition to the above, the clerk-side scanner unit 212 may read codes printed on receipts, product vouchers, and various cards.

[0140] Note that product registration is not limited to registration by reading codes by the clerk-side scanner unit 212. For example, the POS terminal device 20 may be provided with a key operation unit, and keys corresponding to products may be arranged on the key operation unit, and when the keys are operated (pressed) by the clerk, the products may be registered.

[0141] The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various documents such as settlement slips (receipts, invoices, food tickets) and instruction slips.

[0142] The voice output unit 214 outputs voice. For example, the voice output unit 214 outputs voice guidance, notification sounds, etc. Voice guidance and notification sounds include sounds related to product registration and settlement, as well as sounds related to the issuance of instruction slips. The communication unit 215 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information with other devices (store controller 2 and other POS terminal devices 20).

[0143] The camera 216 is attached to the upper right of the customer-side display unit 205 as viewed from the customer side. The camera 216 is a camera that continuously captures videos or still images. For the camera 216, it is possible to use a CCD (charge coupled device) camera or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) camera. The camera 216 captures the operation status of the customer during the payment process. Specifically, the camera 216 captures banknotes, coins, change machines 209, and hand movements held by the customer.

[0144] The card reading / writing terminal 217 is a payment mechanism that performs payments using a contactless card (e.g., an IC card). The cards read by the card reading / writing terminal 217 are, for example, credit cards, membership cards Mc, prepaid cards, etc. The card reading / writing terminal 217 can, for example, read the cumulative number of points stored in the membership card Mc and write the updated number of points to the membership card Mc. In addition, the card reading / writing terminal 217 is provided with a display and an operation unit. The display displays the number of points. The operation unit accepts the number of points to be used.

[0145] (Operations in the self-checkout specification) Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the operations in the self-checkout specification of the POS system 1900 will be described. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operations in the self-checkout specification. Specifically, FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the process flow and the actions of people (store clerks, customers) in the self-checkout specification. In FIG. 22, the case where the POS terminal device 20-1 is in the registration mode (registered POS terminal device 20a) and the POS terminal devices 20-2 and 20-3 are in the settlement mode (settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c) will be described.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 22(A), the registered POS terminal device 20a registers the purchased items of the customer (previous customer) on the store clerk side. Also, when registering the purchased items of the previous customer, the registered POS terminal device 20a actively displays the previous customer transaction tab.

[0147] Also, when the previous customer holds a membership card, during the registration process, the previous customer (or the store clerk) causes the membership card Mc to be read by the card reading and writing terminal 217. When the card reading and writing terminal 217 reads the member information 401 from the membership card Mc, it displays the point number on the customer-side display unit 23 or the store clerk-side display unit 21, or accepts the number of points to be used. Also, when merchandise registration is being performed by the store clerk on the registration POS terminal device 20a, the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c are in a standby state.

[0148] When the registration process of the registration POS terminal device 20a is completed, according to the operation of the store clerk, as shown in FIG. 22(B), the registration information is transmitted to the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c. For example, the registration POS terminal device 20a accepts the designation of either one of the settlement POS terminal devices 20b and 20c (for example, the settlement POS terminal device 20b) from the store clerk.

[0149] When the settlement POS terminal device 20b receives the registration information from the registration POS terminal device 20a, it displays the total amount of the purchased goods and the like on the customer-side display unit 205. Then, as shown in FIG. 22(B), the customer (previous customer) moves to the settlement POS terminal device 20b and performs settlement at the settlement POS terminal device 20b. Specifically, the customer selects the settlement type, inserts cash into the change machine 209, inserts a credit card into the card settlement unit 208, or holds an IC card (electronic money) over the customer-side scanner unit 206 or the card reading and writing terminal 217 to perform settlement.

[0150] Also, the registration POS terminal device 20a can also accept the issuance of an accounting ticket in which the registration information is encoded and printed. For example, when the customer causes the settlement POS terminal device 20b to read the accounting ticket, the settlement POS terminal device 20b displays the total amount of the purchased goods and the like on the customer-side display unit 205.

[0151] When the registration POS terminal device 20a outputs (transmits or prints) the registration information, it writes the point information in which the number of points granted and the number of points used in the current transaction are updated to the membership card Mc. Then, the customer pays attention to the possibility of forgetting the membership card Mc held in front of the card reading and writing terminal 217 and finishes shopping. After that, similarly, the registration POS terminal device 20a starts the registration process for the purchased items of the next customer. When the registration POS terminal device 20a starts the registration process for the purchased items of the next customer, it actively displays the next customer transaction tab (see Fig. 22(B)).

[0152] (Regarding the case where points are not appropriately granted in Embodiment 2) Here, even in Embodiment 2, there may be a case where points are not appropriately granted. To explain this, the registration POS terminal device 20a can switch and process a plurality of transactions. For example, assume that during the registration process of the previous customer, the previous customer goes to the sales floor to pick up an item to be added. In this case, the store clerk starts the registration of the next customer. As a result, the registration POS terminal device 20a switches between the transactions of the previous customer and the next customer and processes them.

[0153] When the registration POS terminal device 20a switches between and processes a plurality of transactions, for example, if the membership card of the previous customer is held in front of the card reading and writing terminal 217, there is a risk of granting the points to be granted to the next customer to the previous customer. Therefore, there may be a case where the point information is written to the membership card Mc of a customer different from the customer who should originally be granted points. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail that the POS system 1900 according to Embodiment 2 enables appropriate point granting.

[0154] (Regarding the functional configuration of the registration POS terminal device 20a according to Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 2, the registration POS terminal device 20a includes each functional unit (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, input reception unit, holding control unit, transaction processing unit, writing unit, transmission control unit, display control unit, request unit) provided in the POS register 3 of Embodiment 1. Further, in addition to these, the registration POS terminal device 20a includes an instruction reception unit and a transmission unit. Also, the settlement POS terminal device 20b includes a reception unit and a printing unit. Each unit is realized by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20. That is, when the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 executes a predetermined program (product sales data processing program), the functions of each unit are realized. Further, the registration POS terminal device 20a includes a member information holding unit. The member information holding unit is realized by, for example, the RAM 203.

[0155] Also in Embodiment 2, similar to Embodiment 1, when the transaction of the customer being actively displayed by the display control unit becomes non-actively displayed, the holding control unit deletes the member information 401 read from the member card Mc from the holding unit if the member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit.

[0156] (Regarding printing the addition of points to the receipt at a later date) The transmission unit transmits information necessary for settlement to the settlement POS terminal device 20b. When the member information 401 is acquired by the second acquisition unit, the transmission unit transmits the information necessary for settlement and information indicating that the member information 401 has been acquired by the second acquisition unit. The information indicating that the member information 401 has been acquired by the second acquisition unit is, for example, information indicating that the member card Mc is not held.

[0157] The reception unit of the settlement POS terminal device 20b receives the information transmitted by the transmission unit. When the information received by the reception unit includes information indicating that the member card Mc is not held, the printing unit prints that fact. Specifically, as shown in the non-holding receipt 1801 of FIG. 18(B), the printing unit prints notification information 1812 indicating the addition of points at a later date.

[0158] (Regarding the timing of writing point information) The registration POS terminal device 20a sets the timing for writing point information to the membership card Mc as the output timing of the registration information. This will be specifically described below. The instruction reception unit receives an instruction to output the registration information. The output of the registration information is, for example, the output by transmission to the settlement POS terminal device 20b. The instruction reception unit receives an instruction to output the registration information, for example, by pressing the subtotal button or the transmission button. However, the output of the registration information is not limited to this, and it may be the output by issuing a receipt, the output to a storage medium such as a memory card, or the output by transmission to another device (for example, a smartphone).

[0159] The writing unit writes the point information to the membership card Mc when an instruction to output the registration information is received by the instruction reception unit. That is, in the second embodiment, the writing unit writes the point information to the membership card Mc before the completion of the settlement performed in the settlement POS terminal device 20b. Thus, in the case of self-settlement according to the second embodiment, points are not granted at the timing of settlement completion, but at the pressing timing of the subtotal button or the transmission button (the timing when the registration information is transmitted).

[0160] Note that the settlement POS terminal device 20b does not necessarily have to include the card reading / writing terminal 217. That is, it is sufficient if only the registration POS terminal device 20a has the card reading / writing terminal 217.

[0161] (Regarding the request for acquisition of member information 401) Before writing the point information, the registered POS terminal device 20a requests the acquisition of member information 401. This will be specifically described below. In the second embodiment, when an instruction to output registration information is received by the instruction receiving unit, point information is written to the membership card Mc. Therefore, when an instruction to output registration information is received, if the membership card Mc is not read by the card reading / writing terminal 217, the point information cannot be written to the membership card Mc. In particular, if the point information is not written to the membership card Mc and subsequently a customer requests such writing, the status will be returned to the registerable state (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "registration status"), which is troublesome for the store clerk. Hereinafter, in some cases, returning the status in a transaction to the registration status is referred to as "recall".

[0162] If the member information holding unit does not hold the member information 401 before the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to output registration information, the request unit requests the acquisition of member information. Specifically, the request unit requests the acquisition of member information by the first acquisition unit or the acquisition of member information by the second acquisition unit.

[0163] Here, assume that although the registration information is transmitted from the registered POS terminal device 20a to the settlement POS terminal device 20b, before the settlement is completed, for example, the customer requests that there is an additional item or requests to cancel a purchased item. In this case, the registered POS terminal device 20a performs a recall of the registration information. That is, in this case, the status in the transaction returns from the settlement status to the registration status again. If the registered POS terminal device 20a is performing the registration of the next customer, it will process by switching multiple transactions. That is, when the next customer transaction tab is actively displayed, it is possible to make the next customer transaction tab non-actively displayed and make the previous customer transaction tab actively displayed again.

[0164] Note that when the registration information of a previous customer is transmitted from the registration POS terminal device 20a to the settlement POS terminal device 20b, the previous customer transaction tab becomes inactive and is deleted when the settlement is completed. However, when the registration information of a previous customer is transmitted from the registration POS terminal device 20a to the settlement POS terminal device 20b, the previous customer transaction tab is not limited to being made inactive, and may be deleted. In such a configuration where the previous customer transaction tab is deleted, the registration POS terminal device 20a needs to identify the registration information of the previous customer transaction in order to redisplay the previous customer transaction tab. For example, the registration POS terminal device 20a may receive the registration information of the previous customer transaction from among the registration information in the unsettled list, or may receive the machine number designation of the settlement POS terminal device 20b that is the transmission destination of the registration information, and identify the registration information corresponding to the machine number designation. Further, it is not limited to displaying the unsettled list. For example, a tab of "inactive unsettled" may be displayed, and when the clerk presses the corresponding tab, the previous customer transaction tab may be made active.

[0165] When the transaction tab that is actively displayed by the display control unit becomes inactive, the holding control unit deletes the member information 401 (member information 401 of the next customer) held in the member information holding unit if the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 acquired by the first acquisition unit. For this reason, when the transaction to be processed is changed among a plurality of transactions, it is possible not to assign point information to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where points are assigned to the membership card Mc of another member different from the member to whom points should originally be assigned.

[0166] When the registration process for a previous customer is performed by a callback, again, the instruction reception unit receives an instruction to output registration information. Further, when the instruction reception unit receives an instruction to output registration information, the writing unit writes point information to the membership card Mc. As a result, it is possible to update the point information already written before the callback. Specifically, a membership number is associated with the called-back transaction (transaction information). Therefore, by acquiring the membership number from the membership card Mc, it is possible to identify the transaction information to which points have already been awarded. Thereby, the number of points can be subtracted, and the finally determined number of points can be awarded. That is, since differential points can be awarded to a card to which points have already been awarded once, it is possible to prevent duplicate point awards.

[0167] Note that when the instruction reception unit receives an instruction to output registration information, the membership information 401 of the previous customer has already been deleted from the membership information holding unit. Therefore, the request unit may request the first acquisition unit to acquire the membership information of the previous customer. That is, after the membership information 401 is deleted by the holding control unit, when the transaction that has been inactivated and displayed by the display control unit is again actively displayed, the request unit requests the first acquisition unit to acquire the membership information. Thereby, even if a change occurs in the registration information before the settlement is completed, it is possible to award point information corresponding to the change to the customer.

[0168] (Each process performed by the registration POS terminal device 20a) Next, each process performed by the registration POS terminal device 20a will be described. Note that the registration POS terminal device 20a performs the same processes as the "new transaction start process" (see FIG. 7), "product registration process" (see FIG. 8), and "multiple transaction process" (see FIG. 9) shown in Embodiment 1, and does not perform the "settlement process" (see FIG. 10). Also, regarding the "point awarding process" (see FIG. 11), the registration POS terminal device 20a performs a process different from that in Embodiment 1. The point awarding process performed by the registration POS terminal device 20a will be described below.

[0169] (Example of Point Granting Process Performed by Registered POS Terminal Device 20a) FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a point granting process performed by the registered POS terminal device 20a. In FIG. 23, the registered POS terminal device 20a determines whether registration is complete (step S2301). Registration completion means that a button indicating registration completion (for example, a subtotal button) is pressed. Note that registration completion is not limited to pressing the subtotal button, and may be pressing a transmission button for transmitting registration information to the settlement POS terminal device 20b. Further, the transmission button may be a button that accepts both a function of accepting a subtotal and a function of accepting transmission of registration information.

[0170] The registered POS terminal device 20a waits until registration is complete (step S2301: NO). When registration is complete (step S2301: YES), the registered POS terminal device 20a determines whether member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit (step S2302). When member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit (step S2302: YES), the registered POS terminal device 20a determines whether the member information 401 is the member information 401 acquired from the member card Mc (step S2303).

[0171] When the member information 401 is the member information 401 acquired from the member card Mc (step S2303: YES), the registered POS terminal device 20a writes point information including the points to be granted this time to the member card Mc held over the card reading / writing terminal 217 (step S2304). Then, the registered POS terminal device 20a transmits the point information to the management server Sv (step S2305). Further, the registered POS terminal device 20a determines whether the settlement POS terminal device 20b, which is the transmission destination of the registration information, has been received (step S2306).

[0172] The registration POS terminal device 20a waits until it receives the settlement POS terminal device 20b that is the destination for transmitting the registration information (step S2306: NO). When the registration POS terminal device 20a receives the settlement POS terminal device 20b that is the destination for transmitting the registration information (step S2306: YES), it transmits the registration information to the settlement POS terminal device 20b (step S2307) and ends the point awarding process.

[0173] On the other hand, in step S2303, when the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is not the member information 401 acquired from the member card Mc (step S2303: NO), that is, when it is the member information 401 acquired from the management server Sv, the registration POS terminal device 20a does not write the point information to the member card Mc (step S2308). Thereby, even if the member card Mc of the next customer is held over the card reading / writing terminal 217, it is possible to prevent the member information 401 from being written to the member card Mc.

[0174] Furthermore, the registration POS terminal device 20a sets the unupdated flag to ON (step S2309) and proceeds to step S2305. The unupdated flag is a flag indicating that the point information stored in the member card Mc has not been updated to the latest point information. In other words, it is a flag for causing the point information to be updated to the latest point information in the next transaction using the member card Mc.

[0175] In step S2302, when the member information 401 is not held in the member information holding unit of the RAM 203 (step S2302: NO), the registration POS terminal device 20a makes a request to acquire the member information 401 of the previous customer (step S2310). In this acquisition request, the registration POS terminal device 20a issues a notification prompting, for example, the card reading / writing terminal 217 to read the member card Mc of the previous customer, or a notification to acquire the member information 401 from the management server Sv.

[0176] Then, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether it has acquired the member information 401 from the membership card Mc (step S2311). The POS terminal device 20 waits until it acquires the member information 401 (step S2311: NO). Note that if the card reading / writing terminal 217 does not read the member information 401 within a certain period after the POS terminal device 20 issues a request to acquire the member information 401, the POS terminal device 20 may end the point process as it is, that is, end the point awarding process without writing the point information. In step S2311, if the member information 401 is acquired (step S2311: YES), the acquired member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit (step S2312), and the process proceeds to step S2303.

[0177] (An example of the settlement process performed by the settlement POS terminal device 20b) FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the settlement process performed by the settlement POS terminal device 20b. In FIG. 24, the settlement POS terminal device 20b determines whether it is the start of settlement (step S2401). The start of settlement means, for example, receiving registration information from the registration POS terminal device 20a. However, the start of settlement is not limited to this, and it may be that the settlement start button displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 is pressed, or it may be that the accounting ticket is read.

[0178] The settlement POS terminal device 20b waits until the start of settlement (step S2401: NO), and when the start of settlement occurs (step S2401: YES), it executes the settlement process (step S2402). In the settlement process, the selection of the settlement type and the settlement corresponding to the selected settlement type are performed. For example, when the cash settlement type is accepted, the settlement is made in cash, and when the credit card settlement type is accepted, the settlement is made by credit card.

[0179] Furthermore, the settlement POS terminal device 20b determines whether the settlement has been completed (step S2403). When the settlement is completed (step S2403: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b proceeds to step S2406. Note that when the settlement is completed, a notice to that effect (settlement completion notice) may be transmitted to the management server Sv. In this case, the management server Sv may manage that the settlement has been completed. Specifically, for example, when the membership card Mc is not held, the point number of the membership information 401 may be officially determined based on the completion of the settlement. Also, the settlement completion notice is not limited to being transmitted from the settlement POS terminal device 20b to the management server Sv, and may be transmitted to the management server Sv via the registration POS terminal device 20a.

[0180] When the settlement is not completed (step S2403: NO), the settlement POS terminal device 20b determines whether there is a request for a callback (step S2404). When there is no request for a callback (step S2404: NO), the settlement POS terminal device 20b returns to step S2403.

[0181] When there is a request for a callback (step S2404: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b transmits settlement interruption information to the registration POS terminal device 20a in order to perform a callback (step S2405). Note that the settlement interruption information may be transmitted to other devices such as the management server Sv or a transaction management device (not shown). Also, the entity that performs the callback is the registration POS terminal device 20a, but it may be a transaction management device (not shown). Also, when the settlement interruption information is transmitted to other devices, it is not limited to transmitting the settlement interruption information from the settlement POS terminal device 20b to other devices, and the settlement interruption information may be transmitted to other devices via the registration POS terminal device 20a.

[0182] Then, the settlement POS terminal device 20b determines whether the member in this transaction is a member who holds a membership card (step S2406). If the member holds a membership card (step S2406: YES), the settlement POS terminal device 20b issues a receipt for the member who holds the membership card (the possession receipt 1800 in FIG. 18(A)) (step S2407) and ends the series of processes.

[0183] On the other hand, if the member does not hold a membership card (step S2406: NO), that is, if the member does not hold a membership card, the settlement POS terminal device 20b issues a receipt for the member who does not hold a membership card (the non-possession receipt in FIG. 18(B)) (step S2408) and ends the series of processes. The non-possession receipt is printed with a statement indicating that points will be added at a later date.

[0184] As described above, when the transaction tab that is actively displayed becomes inactively displayed, the registration POS terminal device 20a according to Embodiment 2 deletes the member information 401 acquired from the membership card Mc from the member information holding unit of the RAM 203 if the member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit. Thereby, even if the registration process for the next customer is started before the registration process for the previous customer is completed, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the membership card Mc of the previous customer. Also, if the registration process for the previous customer is resumed while the registration process for the next customer is being performed, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0185] When the information received from the registration POS terminal device 20a includes information indicating that the membership card Mc is not held, the settlement POS terminal device 20b prints that fact. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the update of the member information 401 of the membership card Mc in the next transaction.

[0186] In addition, the registration POS terminal device 20a according to Embodiment 2 is configured to write point information to the membership card Mc by receiving an instruction to output registration information. As a result, it is regarded that the settlement is formally performed, and the point information can be easily written to the membership card Mc at the stage when the product registration is completed.

[0187] Further, the registration POS terminal device 20a according to Embodiment 2 is configured to request acquisition of member information when the member information 401 is not held in the member information holding unit before receiving an instruction to output registration information. Here, if it is assumed that a request is made by the customer to write point information after the settlement is completed, the store clerk will need to take time to search for the transaction of the customer. According to Embodiment 2, since points can be granted before the settlement is started, the time and effort involved in such a search can be suppressed.

[0188] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In the above-described Embodiment 2, the POS system 1900 in which the settlement POS terminal device 20b performs the settlement process (self-settlement) by the customer has been described. In Embodiment 3, instead of or in addition to such a configuration, a POS system 1900 in which the settlement process (face-to-face settlement) by the customer is performed face-to-face with the store clerk in the POS terminal device 20 where the store clerk performs the registration will be described. Note that in Embodiment 3, it is possible to use both face-to-face settlement and self-settlement. For example, according to the congestion situation, it is possible to transmit product information to the settlement POS terminal device 20b to perform self-settlement, or to perform face-to-face settlement with the POS terminal device 20.

[0189] (Operation in Face-to-Face Settlement Specification) Next, the operation of the POS system 1900 in the face-to-face settlement specification will be described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the operation in the over-the-counter settlement specification. Specifically, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of processing and the operations of people (store clerks, customers) in the over-the-counter settlement specification. In FIG. 25, the POS terminal device 20 operates in the operation mode of the over-the-counter settlement mode.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 25(A), the POS terminal device 20 registers the purchased goods of the customer (previous customer) on the store clerk side. Also, when the POS terminal device 20 is registering the purchased goods of the previous customer, the previous customer transaction tab is actively displayed.

[0191] Also, when the previous customer holds a membership card, during the registration process, the previous customer (or the store clerk) causes the membership card Mc to be read by the card reader / writer terminal 217. When the card reader / writer terminal 217 reads the point information from the membership card Mc, it displays the number of points on the customer-side display unit 23 or the store clerk-side display unit 21, or accepts the number of points to be used.

[0192] The POS terminal device 20 displays the total amount of the purchased goods and the like on the customer-side display unit 205. As shown in FIG. 25(A), the POS terminal device 20 performs the settlement process according to the operation of the customer. The POS terminal device 20 can also start the settlement process during the registration process. Specifically, the settlement process can be executed, for example, after one item is registered. Note that the settlement process may also be executable after the registration process is completed. In the settlement process, the customer selects the settlement type and makes the settlement by, for example, inserting cash into the change machine 209, inserting a credit card into the card settlement unit 208, or holding an IC card (electronic money) in front of the card reader / writer terminal 217.

[0193] When the settlement is completed, the POS terminal device 20 writes the point information updated with the number of points granted and the number of points used in the current transaction to the membership card Mc. Then, the customer finishes shopping while being reminded not to forget the membership card Mc held in front of the card reader / writer terminal 217. After that, similarly, the POS terminal device 20 starts the registration process and the settlement process for the purchased items of the next customer. The POS terminal device 20 starts the registration process for the purchased items of the next customer.

[0194] Also, as shown in FIG. 25(B), the POS terminal device 20 can process a plurality of transactions simultaneously in parallel. Specifically, the POS terminal device 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer even before the settlement by the customer is completed (before the change is taken out or the receipt is output). That is, the POS terminal device 20 can register the purchased items of the next customer during the settlement process in the device itself.

[0195] Note that the POS terminal device 20 sets the transaction of the next customer as the registration status and the transaction of the previous customer as the settlement status, and processes each transaction simultaneously in parallel. Specifically, in the settlement process of the previous customer, in the case of cash settlement, the "settlement completed" button becomes displayed (enabled) when the customer finishes depositing an amount equal to or more than the purchase amount. Therefore, even when waiting for the deposit, the membership information 401 is not discarded even if it is held in the holding unit during the deposit process. The same applies to non-cash settlement. Specifically, when the selection screen for the settlement method is displayed on the customer display unit 205 or when the settlement process screen of the previous customer is displayed on the customer display unit 205, the membership information 401 is held. On the other hand, when the settlement of the previous customer is interrupted (held in abeyance), the display screen of the customer display unit 205 switches to the registration information of the next customer. At this time, the POS terminal device 20 deletes the membership information 401 of the previous customer.

[0196] (Regarding the case where points are not appropriately granted in Embodiment 3) Here, even in Embodiment 3, point awarding may not be appropriately performed. To explain this, the POS terminal device 20 can process a plurality of transactions in parallel. For example, when concurrently processing the settlement process for the previous customer and the registration process for the next customer, if a cancellation of a product is received from the previous customer, the transaction for the previous customer will be changed from the settlement status to the registration status, and a cancellation (registration process) will be performed.

[0197] That is, the POS register 3 will process a plurality of transactions (the transaction of the previous customer and the transaction of the next customer) simultaneously. At this time, for example, if the membership card of the next customer is being read by the card reading and writing terminal 217, there is a risk of awarding the points that should be given to the previous customer to the next customer by performing the registration process for the previous customer. For this reason, points may be written to the membership card Mc of a customer different from the customer who should originally be awarded points. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail that the POS system 1900 according to Embodiment 3 enables appropriate point awarding.

[0198] (Regarding the functional configuration of the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 3, the POS terminal device 20 includes each functional unit (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, input reception unit, holding control unit, transaction processing unit, writing unit, transmission control unit, display control unit, request unit) provided in the POS register 3 of Embodiment 1. Further, in addition to these, the POS terminal device 20 includes a suspension unit. Each unit is realized by the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20. That is, when the CPU 201 of the POS terminal device 20 executes a predetermined program (product sales data processing program), the functions of each unit are realized. Also, the POS terminal device 20 includes a membership information holding unit. The membership information holding unit is realized by, for example, the RAM 203.

[0199] In Embodiment 3, the holding control unit does not delete the membership information 401 from the membership information holding unit when a transaction is displayed as inactive, but deletes the membership information 401 from the membership information holding unit when a transaction is suspended by the suspension unit. The following is a specific explanation.

[0200] The hold unit places one of a plurality of transactions by the transaction processing unit in a hold state. Specifically, the hold state is a state in which, when there are a plurality of transactions with a registration status, the registration process is temporarily put on hold. For example, when a clerk goes to the sales floor to pick up a product added by a previous customer, the clerk puts the previous customer's transaction on hold and starts the registration process for the next customer. The transaction tab that has entered the hold state is displayed as inactive. On the other hand, the transaction tab for which the registration process is being performed (the transaction tab that is not in the hold state) is displayed as active.

[0201] Here, during the settlement process, it does not enter the hold state. This will be specifically explained below. The POS terminal device 20 can perform the settlement process and the registration process simultaneously in parallel. When the settlement process for a previous customer is being performed while the registration process for the next customer is being carried out, the previous customer transaction tab is displayed as inactive on the clerk-side display unit 210. Also, when the settlement process for a previous customer is being performed, a settlement screen is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, and the settlement process is performed according to the customer's operation. For this reason, during the settlement process, it does not enter the hold state.

[0202] When a transaction is placed in the hold state by the hold unit, the holding control unit deletes the member information 401 from the member information holding unit if the member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit. Specifically, when the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit when a transaction is placed in the hold state by the hold unit is the member information 401 acquired by the first acquisition unit, the holding control unit deletes the member information 401 from the member information holding unit. On the other hand, when the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit when a transaction is placed in the hold state by the hold unit is the member information 401 acquired by the second acquisition unit, the holding control unit does not delete the member information 401 from the member information holding unit and keeps it as it is.

[0203] In addition, when the transaction is put on hold by the hold unit and the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information acquired by the second acquisition unit, the writing unit does not write the point information to the member card Mc.

[0204] In addition, after the member information 401 is deleted by the holding control unit, the request unit requests the acquisition of the member information by the first acquisition unit when the hold state of the transaction put on hold by the hold unit is released. The release of the hold state means that the registration process is performed again.

[0205] (Each process performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3) Next, each process performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Among the processes shown in Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 3, the "multiple transaction process" (see FIG. 9) is different. That is, the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3 performs the same processes as the "new transaction start process" (see FIG. 7), "product registration process" (see FIG. 8), "multiple transaction process" (see FIG. 9), and "settlement process" (see FIG. 10) shown in Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the multiple transaction process performed by the POS terminal device 20 will be described.

[0206] (An example of the multiple transaction process performed by the POS terminal device 20) FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the multiple transaction process performed by the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3. In FIG. 26, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether there is a transaction to shift to the hold state among a plurality of transactions (step S2602). A transaction to shift to the hold state is a transaction that is non-actively displayed among a plurality of transactions with registration statuses. The POS terminal device 20 waits until there is a transaction to shift to the hold state (step S2601: NO). Note that before the process of step S2601, the POS terminal device 20 may determine whether a plurality of transactions are in parallel. The parallel execution of a plurality of transactions means that, for example, the process for the previous customer (settlement process or registration process) and the process for the next customer (registration process) are performed in parallel.

[0207] The POS terminal device 20 may wait until multiple transactions are in parallel, and when multiple transactions are in parallel, it may start the process of step S2601. In step S2601, when there is a transaction to transition to the pending state (step S2601: YES), the POS terminal device 20 determines whether the member information holding unit holds the member information 401 (step S2602). When the member information holding unit does not hold the member information 401 (step S2602: NO), that is, when the customer corresponding to the transaction tab that has become non-actively displayed is a non-member, or when the held member information 401 has already been deleted, the POS terminal device 20 ends the multiple transaction process.

[0208] On the other hand, when the member information holding unit holds the member information 401 (step S2602: YES), that is, when the customer corresponding to the transaction tab that has become non-actively displayed is a member, the POS terminal device 20 determines whether the member information 401 is the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S2603).

[0209] When the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S2603: YES), the POS terminal device 20 deletes the member information 401 from the member information holding unit (step S2604) and ends the multiple transaction process. On the other hand, when the member information 401 is not the member information 401 obtained from the member card Mc (step S2603: NO), that is, when the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 obtained from the management server Sv, the POS terminal device 20 holds the member information 401 as it is (step S2605) and ends the multiple transaction process.

[0210] As described above, when a transaction is put on hold, the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3 deletes the member information 401 acquired from the membership card Mc from the member information holding unit in the RAM 203 if the member information 401 is held in the member information holding unit. This can prevent the point information to be given to the next customer from being written to the membership card Mc of the previous customer even if the transaction of the previous customer is put on hold and the registration process for the next customer is started. Also, even if the registration process of the previous customer is resumed and the transaction of the next customer being registered is put on hold, it can prevent the point information to be given to the previous customer from being written to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0211] In addition, when a transaction is put on hold, the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3 keeps the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit as it is if the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 acquired from the management server Sv. This can prevent the member information 401 of the membership card Mc from being held in the member information holding unit even if the membership card Mc of the next customer is held up to the card reading / writing terminal 217. Therefore, it is possible to suppress writing the point information of the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer, and it is possible to appropriately give points to the previous customer.

[0212] In addition, when a transaction is put on hold, the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3 does not write the point information to the membership card Mc if the member information 401 held in the member information holding unit is the member information 401 acquired from the management server Sv. This can prevent the point information of the previous customer from being written to the membership card Mc even if the membership card Mc of the next customer is held up to the card reading / writing terminal 217. Therefore, it is possible to suppress writing the point information of the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer, and it is possible to appropriately give points to the previous customer.

[0213] In addition, when the hold state is released after the member information 401 of the previous customer is deleted, the POS terminal device 20 according to Embodiment 3 is configured to request the acquisition of the member information 401 of the previous customer. As a result, the member information holding unit can hold the member information 401 of the previous customer again. Therefore, the point information of the previous customer can be appropriately written to the member card Mc of the previous customer.

[0214] (Modification Example 1) Next, Modification Example 1 of Embodiments 1 to 3 will be described. In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3, in principle, a configuration has been described in which a transaction is performed with the member card Mc placed on the card reading / writing terminal 26 from the start to the end of the transaction. In Modification Example 1, a configuration will be described in which a declaration of whether the customer is a member or not is received at the start of the transaction, and the member card Mc is read by the card reading / writing terminal 26 and writing is performed only when the transaction is completed. In Modification Example 1, the POS register 3 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the POS terminal device 20.

[0215] In Modification Example 1, the POS register 3 is configured to receive a declaration of whether the customer is a member or not at the start of the transaction. The declaration may be received from the store clerk side display unit 210 or from the customer side display unit 205. Further, the declaration may be selected from one of the three options of "member", "non-member", and "member without a member card".

[0216] When "member" or "member without a member card" is selected (hereinafter referred to as "when a member declaration is made"), the POS register 3 may perform product registration processing and settlement processing while reflecting the member price. Further, when a member declaration is made, for example, the POS register 3 may cause the customer side display unit 205 to display the member price and the non-member price. For example, if milk with a member price of ¥190 and a non-member price of ¥200 is registered, the POS register 3 will display both prices.

[0217] In addition, when it is not proven that the customer is a member at the time of settlement, the POS register 3 may notify that the non-member price (i.e., the purchase price will be higher) will apply. The case where it is not proven that the customer is a member includes the case where the membership card Mc is not presented or the case where the membership information 401 cannot be obtained from the management server Sv. For example, even if a customer declares to be a member but is actually a non-member, the POS register 3 may notify that the purchase price will be higher.

[0218] When the settlement is completed, the card reading and writing terminal 26 reads the membership card Mc and updates the membership information 401. In the case of a "member without a membership card", when the settlement is completed, the POS register 3 may accept the input of a telephone number or the like and obtain the membership information 401 from the management server Sv.

[0219] In addition, the POS register 3 may not only accept a declaration of whether the customer is a member at the start of a transaction but also accept the membership rank. Thereby, the registration process and the settlement process can be performed at the membership price reflecting the membership rank. Also in this case, when the membership rank is not proven at the time of settlement, the POS register 3 may notify the price for a lower rank or the non-member price (i.e., the purchase price will be higher). That is, even if a customer declares to be of rank A but is actually of rank C, the POS register 3 may notify that the purchase price will be higher.

[0220] Hereinafter, a summary of the embodiments will be described. [Technical Field] A merchandise sales data processing apparatus, a merchandise sales data processing system, a registration apparatus, and a program The present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing apparatus, a merchandise sales data processing system, a registration apparatus, and a program. [Background Art] In recent years, in order to increase the frequency of customer visits to stores, services that offer benefits such as points have been provided at each store. For example, customers are given membership cards (point cards), and in transactions, customers are encouraged to present their membership cards, and points are added to the membership cards or transactions are made using the added points. As a related technology, a privilege point management method has been disclosed in which points can be accumulated by the customer himself / herself using a personal information processing device even after the customer purchases a product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, POS registers capable of processing a plurality of transactions simultaneously in parallel have become widespread. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-141405 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the prior art, when a plurality of transactions are processed simultaneously in parallel, points may be given to a customer different from the customer to whom points should originally be given, and thus, there has been a problem that points may not be given appropriately. For example, when the previous customer is conducting a transaction by presenting a membership card, if the next customer's transaction is started, resulting in a plurality of transactions being processed simultaneously in parallel, there is a risk that the points to be given to the next customer may be given to the previous customer. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of appropriately giving privileges to customers. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0221] (1) To solve the above problems, a product sales data processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition means for acquiring member information from a medium, a holding control means for causing the holding means to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition means, a transaction processing means capable of processing a plurality of transactions, and a writing means for writing privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when member information is held in the holding means when a transaction by the transaction processing means is completed. And a display control means capable of displaying each transaction with an active display indicating that a state is operable with respect to one transaction among the plurality of transactions and a non-active display indicating that a state is inoperable with respect to other transactions other than the one transaction. The holding control means deletes the member information from the holding means when the member information is held in the holding means when the transaction of the customer actively displayed by the display control means becomes non-actively displayed. A product sales data processing apparatus characterized by the above. According to the above configuration, even if the registration process for the next customer is started after the settlement process for the previous customer is started, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the membership card Mc of the previous customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0222] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, a second acquisition means for acquiring member information from a management device for managing member information for each medium is provided, and the holding control means causes the holding means to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means. When the member information held in the holding means when the transaction of the customer actively displayed by the display control means becomes non-actively displayed is the member information acquired by the second acquisition means, the member information may be held in the holding means as it is. According to the above configuration, even if the membership card Mc of the next customer is held up to the card reading / writing terminal 26, it is possible not to cause the membership information 401 of the membership card Mc to be held in the membership information holding unit. Therefore, it is possible to suppress writing the point information of the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer, and it is possible to appropriately give points to the previous customer.

[0223] (3) In the configuration of (2) above, when the membership information held by the holding means is the membership information acquired by the second acquisition means when the transaction of the customer actively displayed by the display control means becomes inactively displayed, the writing of the privilege information to the medium may not be performed. According to the above configuration, even if the membership card Mc of the next customer is held up to the card reading and writing terminal 26, it is possible to prevent the point information of the previous customer from being written to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the writing of the point information of the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer, and it is possible to appropriately grant points to the previous customer.

[0224] (4) In any of the configurations of (1) to (3) above, after the membership information is deleted by the holding control means, when the transaction inactively displayed by the display control means becomes actively displayed again, a request means for requesting the acquisition of the membership information by the first acquisition means may be further provided. According to the above configuration, the membership information 401 of the previous customer can be held again in the membership information holding unit. Therefore, the point information of the previous customer can be appropriately written to the membership card Mc of the previous customer.

[0225] (5) To solve the above problems, a merchandise sales data processing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a registration device for registering merchandise by an operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement of merchandise by an operation of a customer using registration information indicating the merchandise registered by the registration device. The merchandise sales data processing system includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring member information from a medium; a second acquisition means for acquiring member information from a management device that manages member information for each medium; a holding control means for causing a holding means to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition means or the second acquisition means; a transaction processing means capable of processing a plurality of transactions; a writing means for writing privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when member information is held by the holding means when a transaction by the transaction processing means is completed; a display control means capable of displaying each transaction with an active display indicating that one of the plurality of transactions is in an operable state and an inactive display indicating that the other transactions other than the one transaction are in an inoperable state; a transmission means for transmitting information necessary for settlement to the settlement device; the holding control means deletes the member information held by the holding means when the member information held by the holding means is the member information acquired by the first acquisition means when the customer transaction actively displayed by the display control means becomes inactively displayed; the transmission means transmits the information necessary for settlement and information indicating that member information has been acquired by the second acquisition means when member information is acquired by the second acquisition means; the settlement device includes a reception means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmission means; and a printing means for printing that fact when the information received by the reception means includes information indicating that member information has been acquired by the second acquisition means. The merchandise sales data processing system is characterized by comprising the above. According to the above configuration, even if the registration process for the next customer is started before the registration process for the previous customer is completed, it is possible to prevent the point information to be given to the next customer from being written to the membership card Mc of the previous customer. Also, even if the registration process for the previous customer is resumed while the registration process for the next customer is being performed, it is possible to prevent the point information to be given to the previous customer from being written to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given. Also, it is possible to prompt the update of the member information 401 of the membership card Mc in the next transaction.

[0226] (6) In the configuration of (5) above, the registration device may include instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to output the registration information, and the writing means may write the privilege information to the medium when the instruction is received by the instruction receiving means. According to the above configuration, regarding the settlement as being formally performed, at the stage when the product registration is completed, since the point information is written to the membership card Mc, the writing of the point information can be easily performed.

[0227] (7) In the configuration of (6) above, when the member information is not held by the holding means before the instruction receiving means receives the instruction, it may include request means for requesting the acquisition of the member information by the first acquisition means. If it is assumed that there is a request from the customer to write the point information after the settlement is completed, the store clerk will need to take the trouble to search for the transaction of the customer. However, according to the above configuration, since points can be given before the settlement is started, the trouble involved in such a search can be suppressed.

[0228] In order to solve the above-described problems, a registration device according to another aspect of the present invention is a registration device that registers a product by an operation of a store clerk, and a plurality of settlement devices that perform settlement of a product by an operation of a customer using registration information indicating the product registered by the registration device. The registration device of the product sales data processing system includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires member information from a medium; a holding control unit that causes the holding unit to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition unit; a transaction processing unit that can process a plurality of transactions; a writing unit that writes privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when the member information is held in the holding unit when the transaction by the transaction processing unit is completed; a display control unit that can display each transaction with an active display indicating that it is in an operable state with respect to one transaction of the plurality of transactions and an inactive display indicating that it is in an inoperable state with respect to other transactions other than the one transaction; and the holding control unit deletes the member information from the holding unit when the member information is held in the holding unit when the customer transaction that is actively displayed by the display control unit becomes inactively displayed. The registration device is characterized by the above. According to the above configuration, even if the registration process for the next customer is started after the settlement process for the previous customer is started, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the member card Mc of the previous customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0229] (9) To solve the above problems, a merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a merchandise sales data processing apparatus that registers merchandise by an operation of a store clerk and settles the merchandise by an operation of a customer, comprising: a first acquisition means for acquiring member information from a medium; a holding control means for causing the holding means to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition means; a transaction processing means capable of processing a plurality of transactions; a writing means for writing privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when member information is held in the holding means when a transaction by the transaction processing means is completed; a suspension means for suspending any one of the plurality of transactions by the transaction processing means; and the holding control means deletes the member information from the holding means when the member information is held in the holding means when the transaction is suspended by the suspension means. A merchandise sales data processing apparatus characterized by the above. According to the above configuration, even if the transaction of the previous customer is suspended and the registration process of the next customer is started, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the membership card Mc of the previous customer. Also, even if the registration process of the previous customer is resumed and the transaction of the next customer being registered is suspended, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately give points to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0230] (10) To solve the above-described problems, a program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer used in a product sales data processing apparatus to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires member information from a medium, a holding control unit that causes a holding unit to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition unit, a transaction processing unit capable of processing a plurality of transactions, a writing unit that writes privilege information to be given to a member to the medium when the member information is held in the holding unit when a transaction by the transaction processing unit is completed, and a display control unit capable of displaying each transaction with an active display indicating that a state is operable with respect to one transaction among the plurality of transactions and an inactive display indicating that a state is inoperable with respect to other transactions other than the one transaction. The holding control unit deletes the member information from the holding unit when the member information is held in the holding unit when the transaction of a customer actively displayed by the display control unit becomes inactively displayed. A program characterized by that. According to the above configuration, even if the registration process for the next customer is started after the settlement process for the previous customer is started, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the member card Mc of the previous customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0231] (11)In order to solve the above problems, a program according to another aspect of the present invention functions as a first acquisition means for acquiring member information from a medium by a computer used in the registration device of a product sales data processing system including a registration device for registering a product by an operation of a store clerk and a plurality of settlement devices for performing settlement of a product by an operation of a customer using registration information indicating the product registered by the registration device, a holding control means for causing a holding means to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition means, a transaction processing means capable of processing a plurality of transactions, a writing means for writing privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when the member information is held by the holding means when the transaction by the transaction processing means is completed, a display control means capable of displaying each transaction with an active display indicating that the transaction is in an operable state with respect to one of the plurality of transactions and an inactive display indicating that the transaction is in an inoperable state with respect to other transactions than the one transaction, and the holding control means deletes the member information from the holding means when the member information is held by the holding means when the transaction of the customer actively displayed by the display control means becomes inactively displayed. This is a program characterized by the above. According to the above configuration, even if the registration process of the next customer is started before the registration process of the previous customer is completed, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the next customer to the membership card Mc of the previous customer. Also, even if the registration process of the previous customer is restarted while the registration process of the next customer is being performed, it is possible to suppress writing the point information to be given to the previous customer to the membership card Mc of the next customer. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to the customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0232] (12) To solve the above-described problems, a program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer used in a product sales data processing apparatus that registers products by an operation of a store clerk and settles products by an operation of a customer to function as a first acquisition unit that acquires member information from a medium, a holding control unit that causes a holding unit to hold the member information acquired by the first acquisition unit, a transaction processing unit capable of processing a plurality of transactions, a writing unit that writes privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when the member information is held in the holding unit when a transaction by the transaction processing unit is completed, and a suspension unit that suspends any one of the plurality of transactions by the transaction processing unit. When a transaction is suspended by the suspension unit and the member information is held in the holding unit, the holding control unit deletes the member information from the holding unit. The program is characterized by the above. According to the above configuration, even if a previous customer's transaction is suspended and a registration process for a next customer is started, it is possible to suppress writing point information to be given to the next customer to the previous customer's membership card Mc. Further, even if a registration process for a previous customer is resumed and a transaction for a next customer being registered is suspended, it is possible to suppress writing point information to be given to the previous customer to the next customer's membership card Mc. Therefore, points can be appropriately given to a customer to whom points should originally be given.

[0233] Note that all or part of each function (input / output, storage, processing (including determination)) in each of the above-described apparatuses (such as the POS register 3 and the POS terminal device 20) may be realized in another apparatus different from the apparatus described as the execution subject of the function.

[0234] Specifically, in the above description, the POS register 3 was described as having a configuration including a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, an input reception unit, a holding control unit, a transaction processing unit, a writing unit, a transmission control unit, a display control unit, and a request unit. Also, the POS terminal device 20 was described as having a configuration including these functional units, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a printing unit, an instruction reception unit, and a reservation unit. All or some of these functional units may be provided in other computer devices. For example, all or some of these functional units may be provided in the store controller 2, may be provided in the management server Sv, or may be provided in other computer devices such as a cloud server (not shown). Also, the computer devices in which these functional units are provided are not limited to multiple units, and may be one unit. For example, all of these functional units may be provided in one computer device.

[0235] Specifically, for example, instead of the POS register 3 or the POS terminal device 20, the store controller 2 or a cloud server (not shown) may store information (registration data) after product registration. Also, for example, instead of the POS register 3 or the POS terminal device 20, the store controller 2 or a cloud server may execute various processes such as point awarding processes (see FIGS. 11 and 23). That is, for example, in step S1104 of the flowchart in FIG. 11, the process of writing the member information 401 to the member card Mc, which was described as being executed by the POS register 3, may be executed by the store controller 2 or a cloud server.

[0236] In relation to the above, the POS register 3 and the POS terminal device 20 may function as so-called clients specialized for the input / output interface part with respect to product registration. That is, the POS register 3 and the POS terminal device 20 may receive various inputs (operations by an operator, detections by devices such as scanners), transmit input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to a cloud server, receive the processing results of the cloud server (update screen information, device control information, etc.) based on the input information, and perform various outputs (display on a display unit, device control).

[0237] Incidentally, a program for realizing the POS systems 1, 1900, the POS register 3, and the POS terminal device 20 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system and executed. Here, the "computer system" is assumed to include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or a storage device such as a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and holds the program for a certain period of time. Also, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

Explanation of Signs

[0238] 1, 1900... POS systems, 3... POS register, 20... POS terminal device, 21, 210... clerk-side display unit, 23, 205... customer-side display unit, 24, 208... card settlement unit, 26, 217... card read / write terminal, 31, 201... CPU, 32, 202... ROM, 33, 203... RAM, 36... drawer, 209... change dispenser.

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring member information from a medium; A holding control means for causing a holding means capable of holding one piece of member information acquired by the first acquisition means to hold the information; A transaction processing means capable of processing a plurality of transactions; A writing means for writing updated privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when member information is held in the holding means under the control of the holding control means; Comprising: The transaction processing means performs the processing including the registration processing of goods; When the registration processing of the next customer is started during the registration processing of the previous customer, the holding control means deletes the member information from the holding means if the member information is held in the holding means. A product sales data processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. Comprising a second acquisition means for acquiring member information from a management apparatus that manages member information for each medium; The holding control means: When the registration processing of the next customer is started during the registration processing of the previous customer, if the member information held in the holding means is the member information acquired by the second acquisition means, the holding means holds the member information as it is. The product sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. Comprising a determination means for determining whether privilege information to be given to a member is the latest privilege information when member information is acquired by the first acquisition means at the start of a new transaction; When the determination result by the determination means indicates that the privilege information to be given to the member is not the latest privilege information, the writing means updates the privilege information to the latest privilege information stored in the management apparatus. The product sales data processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. A computer used in a product sales data processing apparatus is made to function as: A first acquisition means for acquiring member information from a medium; A holding control means for causing a holding means capable of holding one piece of member information acquired by the first acquisition means to hold the information; A transaction processing means capable of processing a plurality of transactions; A writing means for writing updated privilege information to be given to the member to the medium when member information is held in the holding means under the control of the holding control means; And: The transaction processing means performs the processing including the registration processing of goods; When the registration processing of the next customer is started during the registration processing of the previous customer, the holding control means deletes the member information from the holding means if the member information is held in the holding means. A program characterized by the above.

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