Product sales data processing system

Abstract

To allow, without canceling transactions made halfway through with one item sales data processor, settlement to be completed with another item sales data processor.SOLUTION: An item sales data processing system includes: a first item sales data processor capable of performing settlement processing for transactions and corresponding to a first settlement method but not to a second settlement method; a second item sales data processor capable of performing the settlement processing and corresponding to the second settlement method; and transmission control means for allowing the first item sales data processor to transmit to the second item sales data processor takeover transaction information corresponding to the settlement processing performed by the first item sales data processor so that the second item sales data processor can perform the settlement processing taken over from the settlement processing performed by the first item sales data processor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A product sales data processing system is known that allows a user to specify a settlement device to perform settlement after the device has been specified, in order to cope with situations where it takes time for the specified settlement device to be able to perform settlement, for example (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-006856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, a customer may be making a payment (a concept that includes everything from product registration to settlement) at a fully self-service product sales data processing device that only accepts credit card payments, but then realizes midway through that they no longer have their credit card with them. In such a case, the customer must cancel the transaction and start a new payment at another product sales data processing device that accepts cash payments. Even in the above-described situation, it is preferable to be able to carry out the transaction at another product sales data processing device without canceling the transaction, in order to ensure efficient transaction processing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to enable a transaction that has been partially completed on one product sales data processing device to be settled on another product sales data processing device without having to be canceled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a sales data processing system having a first product sales data processing device that is capable of at least settlement processing as an accounting process corresponding to a transaction, supports a first payment method, but does not support a second payment method, and a second product sales data processing device that is capable of at least settlement processing as an accounting process and supports the second payment method, wherein the product sales data processing system is equipped with a transmission control means that causes the first product sales data processing device to transmit takeover transaction information corresponding to the accounting process that was executed under the first product sales data processing device to the second product sales data processing device so that the accounting process taken over from the accounting process that was executed under the first product sales data processing device can be executed on the second product sales data processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk operation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an issuance confirmation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk operation screen when issuing a receipt in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a start screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an issuance error screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a store clerk operation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payment operation screen in this embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an issuance confirmation screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payment operation screen when issuing a receipt in this embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a POS terminal set to full self-service mode in the present embodiment in relation to issuing a receipt. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure related to a transaction that is carried out by a POS terminal in this embodiment based on handover transaction information. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an unsettled list screen in a first modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <Embodiment> [POS system configuration example] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, a store controller 10, and a management device 30, all of which are communicatively connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0009] The POS system 1 can be introduced into various stores, but the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the POS system 1 is introduced into a convenience store.

[0010] The store controller 10 is installed, for example, in the backroom of a store and stores a product master. The product master is information in which product information for each product sold in the store is registered. For example, when performing product registration processing, the POS terminal 20 uses information such as the product name and price of the product registered using the product master.

[0011] The management device 30 stores, for example, transaction results for the POS terminal 20. The management device 30 may also execute control to realize predetermined functions of the POS terminal 20 and the store controller 10. The management device 30 may be installed in the store, or may be provided as a cloud server outside the store.

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

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

[0014] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card reader 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0015] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0016] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during the registration process, settlement information generated during the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0017] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Furthermore, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing instead of the RAM 203. Instead of the hard disk 204, a storage device such as an SSD may be provided.

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

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

[0020] The card reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and executing processing corresponding to payment. The card reader 208 is also capable of reading information from membership cards, point cards, etc. The card reader 208 of this embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least a card recognition unit.

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

[0022] The store clerk side display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, and displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk name tags.

[0023] Although the clerk-side scanner unit 212 is used when the clerk registers a product, the clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 210, the clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

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

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

[0026] [Overview of each operation mode] Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 has four operation modes (normal mode, full self-service mode, double scan mode, and semi-self-service mode). Note that the operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and do not include a counting mode for counting and inquiring about sales and inventory, a maintenance mode for store clerks or maintenance personnel to perform setup and maintenance work, a training mode for training new employees, etc. In this embodiment, the term "accounting" is a concept that includes, for example, from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered product. In the following description, as a separate approach from the classification of the above-mentioned four operation modes, the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process may be referred to as the registration mode, and the mode in which the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process may be referred to as the settlement mode.

[0027] [Normal mode] The normal mode is an operation mode in which the clerk side executes the registration process and the customer side executes the settlement process. That is, in the normal mode, the clerk side is in the registration mode and the customer side is in the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0028] In the normal mode, the clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the clerk side (clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the clerk (operation of the clerk side scanner unit 212, clerk side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0029] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208), etc.

[0030] The customer may wait until the registration process is completed by the store clerk (until the total amount is confirmed), or may insert money into the change dispenser 209 before the registration process is completed. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits during the registration process.

[0031] The store clerk may wait until the customer has completed the payment (until the customer has received the change and receipt), or may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while the payment is being processed. The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0032] Furthermore, if there is change, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispenser 209 to dispense the change and change notes to prevent the customer from forgetting to take the change. After a sensor or other device detects that the customer has removed the change and change notes, the POS terminal 20 controls the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt. This is also true in other operating modes. As described above, in normal mode (as well as double scan mode), a store clerk may or may not be present in front of the customer receiving the change. If a store clerk is present, the above-described control does not necessarily need to be performed (i.e., the dispensing of change and change notes and the issuance of a receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). Furthermore, the timing of dispensing change and change notes and issuing a receipt may be controlled depending on the current operating mode and the presence / absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence / absence of a store clerk is detected by a sensor).

[0033] [Full Selfie Mode] The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which the customer side performs the registration process and the settlement process. That is, in the full self-service mode, the customer side is in both the registration mode and the settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from the registration process to the settlement process.

[0034] In the full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer side scanner unit 206, customer side display unit 205). That is, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the customer's operation (scanning by the customer side scanner unit 206, touching the customer side display unit 205).

[0035] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or, in the case of credit card payment, operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0036] As described above, in the full self-service mode, the customer performs both the registration process and the payment process, but this does not mean that the store clerk cannot do anything. In other words, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, the store clerk code can be scanned using the store clerk scanner unit 212. Furthermore, even when the POS terminal 20 is operating in the full self-service mode, various information can be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. For example, during operation in full self-service mode, the clerk-side display unit 210 may be configured to display the same screen as that displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, depending on the registration process and payment process being performed on the customer side. In other words, the clerk-side display unit 210 may display a mirrored version of the content displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. This allows the clerk to understand what operations the customer is performing and the processing status of the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode.

[0037] [Double Scan Mode] The double scan mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is performed on both the clerk side and the customer side, and the settlement process is performed on the customer side. That is, in the double scan mode, both the clerk side and the customer side are in registration mode, and the customer side is in settlement mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 operates in the registration and settlement mode when viewed from the entire process from registration to settlement.

[0038] In double scan mode, the clerk registers the purchased items on the clerk side (clerk scanner unit 212, clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211), and the customer registers the purchased items on the customer side (customer scanner unit 206, customer display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items through operations by the clerk (scanning with clerk scanner unit 212, touching the clerk display unit 210, pressing the key operation unit 211, etc.) and operations by the customer (scanning with customer scanner unit 206, touching the customer display unit 205).

[0039] When the registration process is completed, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer side display unit 205 and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change dispenser 209 or, in the case of credit card payment, operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0040] The store clerk may wait until the customer completes the payment (until the customer receives the change and receipt), or may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while the payment is being processed. The store clerk may also be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, the store clerk may finish serving the customer while the customer is paying.

[0041] [Semi-selfie mode] The semi-self-service mode is an operation mode for two or more POS terminals 20, in which the registration process is performed by the store clerk at at least one POS terminal 20, and the settlement process is performed by the customer at another POS terminal 20. That is, in the semi-self-service mode, one or more POS terminals 20 are in the registration-only mode, and the other one or more POS terminals 20 are in the settlement-only mode.

[0042] In the semi-self mode, the store clerk registers the purchased items of the customer on the store clerk side (store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211) of the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process of the purchased items by the operation of the store clerk (operation of the store clerk scanner unit 212, store clerk display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0043] When the clerk has completed the registration process, the customer moves to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk-side display unit 210, and settles the bill by inserting coins into the change machine 209 or operating the card reader 208. In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process according to the customer's operation (inserting coins into the change machine 209, operating the card reader 208), etc.

[0044] When the registration process is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, the customer moves from the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode, and the information necessary for the settlement process (such as the registration information generated at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode) is supplied to the POS terminal 20 to which the customer has moved.

[0045] The destination POS terminal 20 (the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that executes the settlement process) may be specified by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. Alternatively, a medium (a medium on which a barcode or the like for obtaining information necessary for the settlement process is printed) may be issued by the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, and the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode that reads the medium may be set as the destination POS terminal 20.

[0046] In the semi-self-service mode, after the store clerk has transmitted the registration information, the store clerk can register the next customer's purchase. Also, after the store clerk has transmitted the registration information, the store clerk may be absent.

[0047] [About accounting transfer] The POS terminal 20 of this embodiment can be configured to accommodate both cash payments (cash payments) and predetermined non-cash payments using, for example, credit cards, transportation cards, prepaid cards, etc. The POS terminal 20 can also be configured to be dedicated to non-cash payments, but not to accommodate cash payments. Furthermore, depending on operational circumstances at the store, the multiple POS terminals 20 installed in the store may be a mixture of, for example, POS terminals 20 that can handle both non-cash and cash payments (multi-payment compatible) and POS terminals 20 that are exclusively for non-cash payments (compatible with non-cash payments but not cash payments).

[0048] When a store installs a mixture of POS terminals 20 set to full self-service mode, including POS terminals 20 that support multi-payment as described above and POS terminals 20 that are exclusively for non-cash payments, the following situation may arise. In other words, a customer who does not have a card or other item that supports non-cash payments and intends to settle the bill in full self-service mode with cash payment may mistakenly start the checkout on a POS terminal 20 that is set to full self-service mode and is exclusively for non-cash payments (a POS terminal 20 for non-cash payments only / full self-service mode), and may then realize that they cannot settle the bill in cash, for example, while they are in the middle of registering a product or when product registration is complete and they are about to move on to settlement.

[0049] In the above situation, the customer can cancel the product registration that he or she has performed at the non-cash payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20. Then, the customer moves to a POS terminal 20 that supports multiple payments and is set to full self-service mode (a POS terminal 20 in multi-payment / full self-service mode). The customer can then start the transaction over again at the POS terminal 20 in multi-payment / full self-service mode that he or she has moved to. However, if a transaction is cancelled midway through as described above and then restarted from the beginning, the same transaction procedures will be repeated redundantly, which will take extra time to complete one transaction and is inefficient.

[0050] The same problem as above can also occur, for example, when a store has a POS terminal 20 that is only for non-cash payments / full self-service mode and a POS terminal 20 that is only for cash payments / full self-service mode, and a customer who intends to pay using non-cash payment mistakenly pays using the POS terminal 20 that is only for cash payments / full self-service mode.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, if the customer needs to pay at another POS terminal 20 that can settle the payment using the payment type desired by the customer because the full-self POS terminal 20 that has been used to handle the payment up until now is unable to do so, the information from the previous payment (product registration results) can be carried over and the payment can be made at the other POS terminal 20 as follows. In the following explanation, we will use as an example a case where a customer intends to settle the bill in full self-service mode with cash payment, as in the above example, but starts the transaction on a POS terminal 20 that is only for non-cash payments / full self-service mode, and then takes over the transaction on another POS terminal 20 that can handle cash payments.

[0052] A customer places the products they wish to purchase in a shopping cart at a store and then goes to the POS terminal 20 to pay. In this case, the customer does not have a medium such as a card that supports non-cash payments, such as a credit card, and intends to settle the bill completely by cash. However, the customer mistakenly started the transaction at the non-cash payment only / full-self POS terminal 20 instead of the full-self mode POS terminal 20 that allows cash payment. Before moving on to the settlement stage of the transaction (the stage from when product registration of the first product to be registered begins until registration of all products to be registered is completed and just before the settlement transition instruction operation is performed), the customer realized that the POS terminal 20 he was currently using for the transaction was the non-cash payment only / full-self POS terminal 20 and therefore could not make a cash payment.

[0053] In this case, the customer calls a store clerk to have the clerk come to the location where the cashless payment-only / fully self-service POS terminal 20 where the transaction has been carried out until now is installed. In this case, the customer may call a store clerk by calling a store clerk who happens to be nearby in the store, or the customer may perform a predetermined operation to call a store clerk on the non-cash payment only / full-self POS terminal 20 where the customer has been performing the transaction. The POS terminal 20, upon which a store clerk call operation has been performed, transmits a store clerk call notification request to, for example, the management device 30 (or the store controller 10).

[0054] In response to the clerk call notification request, the management device 30 controls, for example, a predetermined terminal in the store to notify the clerk that he or she has been called (clerk call notification). The terminal that issues the clerk call notification may be, for example, the store controller 10, a terminal installed at a service counter, the POS terminal 20, or a clerk mobile terminal carried by the clerk for business purposes. Furthermore, when notifying the store clerk call, information indicating the POS terminal 20 on which the store clerk call notification operation has been performed (for example, the terminal number assigned to the POS terminal 20) may be displayed. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 on which the store clerk call operation has been performed may notify those around it that a store clerk is being called by, for example, lighting up a display on a sign pole or the like.

[0055] In response to the clerk call, the clerk goes to the non-cash payment-only / full-self POS terminal 20 where the customer has been performing the transaction, and performs an operation to have the POS terminal 20 read the clerk's clerk identification information. There are no particular limitations on the manner in which the clerk identification information is read, but for example, the clerk may have the scanner unit (customer-side scanner unit 206 or clerk-side scanner unit 212) of the POS terminal 20 read the clerk identification information recorded as a code (barcode or two-dimensional code) on the clerk ID card held by the clerk. Alternatively, if the clerk ID card is configured to store the clerk identification information using an IC chip, RFID tag, or the like, the clerk may have the card reader 208 read the clerk identification information from the clerk ID card.

[0056] In response to reading the clerk identification information, the non-cash payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20 displays a clerk operation screen on the customer side display unit 205. The clerk operation screen is an operation screen on which various operations other than those performed by a clerk in response to a normal transaction are performed. In the full self-service mode, the customer-side display unit 205 is the main display unit, and therefore it is more convenient for the clerk operation screen to be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205. However, depending on various situations, for example, the clerk operation screen may be displayed not only on the customer-side display unit 205 but also on the clerk-side display unit 210. Alternatively, the clerk operation screen may be displayed on both the customer-side display unit 205 and the clerk-side display unit 210 simultaneously.

[0057] 5 shows an example of the clerk operation screen. The clerk operation screen has an information display area AR11 and a button area AR12. The information display area AR11 is an area where predetermined information is displayed as appropriate in response to operations on the clerk operation screen. The button area AR12 is an area where various buttons operated by the clerk are arranged.

[0058] In this case, the clerk is called because the customer is unable to settle the transaction at the non-cash payment only / full-self POS terminal 20 where the customer has previously made the transaction. When called for such reasons, the clerk needs to be able to continue the transaction at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments, taking over the product registration results that the customer has made in the previous transaction flow. For this reason, the clerk operates the Receipt (registered trademark) button BT11 located in the button area AR12.

[0059] The Receipt (registered trademark) button BT11 is a button that is operated to instruct the issuance of a receipt. The receipt is a receipt issued for transfer of transaction data so that the product registration information from the previous transaction can be transferred to another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments. The receipt in this embodiment may be printed on a medium such as paper with information that identifies the transaction corresponding to the current transaction, in order to transfer the product registration information. The "transaction identifiable information" printed on the receipt may be transaction identification information assigned to the current transaction, or it may be member identification information if the customer is registered as a member of the store and has the non-cash payment / full-self POS terminal 20 read the member identification information recorded on the member card at the start of the transaction.

[0060] When the receipt button BT11 is pressed, an issuance confirmation screen WD20 is displayed. Figure 6 shows an example of the issuance confirmation screen WD20. The issuance confirmation screen WD20 in this figure shows an example in which it is displayed as a dialog window superimposed on the clerk operation screen. The issuance confirmation screen WD20 displays a message asking the store clerk whether or not to interrupt the current transaction and issue a receipt, and also displays a "Yes" button BT21 and a "No" button BT22.

[0061] If the store clerk wishes to issue a receipt, he / she operates the "Yes" button BT21, and if he / she does not wish to issue a receipt, he / she operates the "No" button BT22. If the "No" button BT22 is operated, the issuance confirmation screen WD20 is cleared and the display returns to the clerk operation screen. When the "Yes" button BT21 is operated, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt. At this time, the POS terminal 20 prints the contents of the receipt on paper using the printing unit 213 and ejects the printed paper.

[0062] Figure 7(A) shows an example of a receipt. The receipt consists of a header area AR1, a date / time / person in charge area AR2, a receipt display area AR3, a transaction details area AR4, and a code CH. In the header area AR1, header information indicating the store etc. where the product is available is printed. The date and time / person in charge area AR2 prints the date and person in charge corresponding to the transaction. When the POS terminal 20 is in the full self-service mode, the person in charge information in the date and time / person in charge area AR2 may be, for example, information about the store clerk designated as the manager of the POS terminal 20 (e.g., name, store clerk identification information, etc.), or information about the customer as a member (e.g., name, member identification information, etc.). The receipt marking area AR3 is printed with information indicating that the paper is a receipt. Note that the name "receipt" given to the receipt transfer ticket in this embodiment is just an example, and other names such as "receipt transfer ticket" may be used. The transaction details area AR4 prints the transaction details up to that point for the target transaction. The code CH is a printed coded version of transaction identification information (which may be member identification information) that can identify the transaction in question. In the figure, the code CH is shown as a barcode, but it may also be a two-dimensional code.

[0063] The receipt in the same figure also indicates the direction in which the medium should be inserted into the scanner unit when reading the code, in case the scanner unit of the POS terminal 20 is configured to read the code by inserting the medium into the medium insertion slot.

[0064] The header area AR1, the date and time / person in charge area AR2, and the transaction details area AR4 are also printed on regular receipts. In other words, the transaction ticket in the figure is an example of a receipt format.

[0065] Figure 7(B) shows another example of a receipt. In this figure, the same parts as in Figure 7(A) are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted. The receipt shown in the figure corresponds to a case where a coupon, gift certificate, etc. is used in addition to cash payment when settling. The receipt's transaction details area AR4 shows that the customer's cash payment is 246 yen, since the coupon was used to reduce the total amount of 276 yen by 30 yen. The contents of transaction details area AR4 are printed when the customer declares the use of a coupon on the POS terminal 20 at a certain stage in the transaction process.

[0066] In addition, the receipts in Figures 7(A) and 7(B) may be printed with information indicating that the corresponding accounting transfer is a change from settlement by non-cash payment to settlement by cash payment. The POS terminal 20 can also put a transaction on hold without continuing the transaction. For example, after a customer has started a transaction using the POS terminal 20, they may remember that they forgot to buy an item and want to add the forgotten item to the product registration for this transaction. In such a case, the customer (or a store clerk) performs an operation to put the transaction on hold. In response to the transaction being put on hold, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt (a held receipt) corresponding to the held transaction. A code indicating transaction identification information (which may be the member identification information of the corresponding customer) indicating the held transaction is printed on the held receipt. In this way, the reserved receipt has a format similar to the receipt ticket in that the code is printed on it. Therefore, the format, appearance, etc. of the receipt ticket may be changed so that it is easier to distinguish from the reserved receipt.

[0067] When issuing a receipt, the POS terminal 20 clears the issuance confirmation screen WD20 and displays the store clerk operation screen. At this time, the information display area AR11 of the store clerk operation screen displays, for example, "Receipt" as shown in Figure 8, to indicate that the receipt is being issued.

[0068] Once the issuance of the receipt has been completed, the display on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20 returns from the store clerk operation screen to the start screen (standby screen). 9 shows an example of a start screen. On the start screen in the same figure, for example, the word "self-checkout" is displayed to indicate that the POS terminal 20 is set to full self-service mode. Also, on the start screen in the same figure, a registration start (account start) button BT31 is arranged. A customer who wishes to start product registration using the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode operates the registration start button BT31. In response to the operation of the registration start button BT31, the POS terminal 20 set to full self-service mode begins accepting product registrations in response to the customer's operation.

[0069] In addition, as in this case, the start screen displayed by the POS terminal 20 dedicated to non-cash payments may display information informing the customer that cash payments are not available. Alternatively, in response to operating the registration start button BT31 on the start screen, a pop-up screen may be displayed to inform the customer that cash payments are not available. In this case, the pop-up screen may include a checkout instruction button that instructs the customer to proceed to cashless payment and a checkout cancel button that returns the customer to the start screen without making a checkout. If the customer wishes to pay by non-cash payment, they can operate the payment transition instruction button to move to a payment screen (for example, a product registration screen).Also, if the customer intended to pay by cash payment and would like to pay at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments, they can operate the payment cancellation button. Furthermore, in a multi-payment compatible POS terminal 20, the start screen may display that settlement is possible for both cash and non-cash payments. In this case, if there are card types that cannot be used for non-cash payments, a display indicating the card types that can be used or cannot be used may also be displayed. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 20 is in a mode where the clerk and customer face-to-face to complete the transaction, such as normal mode or double scan mode, the clerk display unit 210 may also display, like the start screen described above, a display indicating the support status for payment types and card types, etc. In this case, the clerk can also be made to be strongly aware of the support status for payment types and card types of the POS terminal 20, and can respond appropriately, for example, by confirming with the customer which payment type they will use before the transaction.

[0070] The POS terminal 20 that issued the receipt stores transaction information indicating the product registration results performed in response to the issuance of this receipt as takeover transaction information. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 that issued the receipt may transmit the takeover transaction information to the management device 30. In this case, the management device 30 stores the transmitted takeover transaction information.

[0071] For example, if the "Yes" button BT21 is pressed to issue a receipt, an error may occur because the paper for printing the receipt is insufficient and the receipt cannot be issued. In such a case, a print error screen WD40 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 10. The print error screen WD40 displays a message that the paper for printing has run out, guiding the user to load new paper, and also displays a confirmation button BT41. In this case, the store clerk operates the confirmation button BT41. When the confirmation button BT41 is operated, a store clerk operation screen on which a start screen button BT51 is arranged is displayed, as shown in Fig. 11, for example. The clerk can issue a receipt by pressing the reissue button BT12 located in the button area AR12 of the displayed clerk operation screen. After issuing the receipt, the clerk can press the start screen button BT51 to clear the clerk operation screen and return to the start screen.

[0072] If a customer calls a store clerk before issuing a payment instruction during checkout, the store clerk will display the store clerk operation screen as described above, and will issue a check by operating the displayed store clerk operation screen. However, when a customer performs a payment transition instruction operation and is about to proceed with payment, they may realize that they cannot pay by cash because the POS terminal 20 is in non-cash payment only / full self-service mode. In this case, too, the customer is required to call a store clerk. In addition, the store clerk who receives the store clerk call and goes to the POS terminal 20 in the non-cash payment only / full self-service mode also has the POS terminal 20 read the store clerk identification information recorded on the store clerk ID card, for example. In this way, when the store clerk identification information is read after the settlement transition instruction operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment operation screen instead of the store clerk operation screen shown in Fig. 5 etc. The payment operation screen is an operation screen on which the store clerk can perform various operations related to the payment of the price.

[0073] An example of the payment operation screen is shown in Figure 12. The payment operation screen in this figure has an information display area AR21 and a button area AR22. The information display area AR21 is an area where predetermined information is displayed as appropriate in response to operations on the payment operation screen. The button area AR22 is an area where various buttons operated by the store clerk are arranged. Also, on the payment operation screen, a close button BT62 is arranged.

[0074] In this case, the store clerk is called because the customer is unable to settle the bill at the cashless payment only / full self-service POS terminal 20 that the customer used to settle the bill. Therefore, the store clerk in this case operates the bill button BT61 located in the button area AR22.

[0075] When the receipt button BT61 is pressed, an issuance confirmation screen WD70 is displayed. Figure 13 shows an example of the issuance confirmation screen WD70. The issuance confirmation screen WD70 in this figure shows an example in which it is displayed as a dialog window superimposed on the payment operation screen. The receipt issuance confirmation screen WD60 displays a message asking the store clerk whether or not to interrupt the current transaction and issue a receipt, and also displays a "Yes" button BT71 and a "No" button BT72.

[0076] The store clerk operates the "Yes" button BT71 if it is OK to issue a receipt, and operates the "No" button BT72 if it is not OK to issue a receipt. If the "No" button BT72 is pressed, the issuance confirmation screen WD70 disappears and the payment operation screen returns to being displayed. If the "Yes" button BT71 is pressed, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt. The receipt issued may be similar to that shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(B), for example.

[0077] When issuing a receipt, the POS terminal 20 clears the issuance confirmation screen WD70 and displays the payment operation screen. At this time, the information display area AR21 of the payment operation screen displays, for example, "Receipt," as shown in Figure 14, to indicate that the receipt is being issued. After the receipt has been issued, the store clerk can operate the close button BT62 on the payment operation screen to return to the start screen.

[0078] Furthermore, if the payment operation screen in FIG. 12 is out of paper when the cashier operates the cashier button BT61, an issuance error screen similar to that in FIG. 10 is displayed. In this case, the clerk operates the confirmation screen of the issuance error screen to display the payment operation screen. With the payment operation screen displayed, the clerk can load paper and then operate the reissue button BT63 in button area AR22 in FIG. 14 to issue a new cashier ticket. After issuing the cashier ticket, the clerk operates the close button BT51 to close the payment operation screen and return to the start screen.

[0079] When the receipt is issued as described above, the customer takes the receipt and moves to a POS terminal 20 that allows cash payment and is set to a mode other than full self-service mode. In this case, the "mode other than full self-service mode" may be either normal mode or double scan mode. To continue the transaction that was originally being carried out at the POS terminal 20, the customer performs an operation to have the code CH printed on the receipt read by the POS terminal 20 at the new location.

[0080] In this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 that can take over the transaction is a POS terminal 20 that is set to a mode other than full self-service mode, and transaction handover is not possible for a POS terminal 20 that is set to full self-service mode. This is because a store clerk must confirm the transaction before handing over the transaction. As for "modes other than the full self-service mode," the normal mode and double scan mode are modes in which a store clerk may assist a customer and operate the POS terminal 20. The registration-only mode of the semi-self-service mode cannot be used as a transfer destination because settlement cannot be performed.

[0081] Furthermore, the semi-self-service mode's settlement-only mode is a mode in which the customer settles the bill without the assistance of a store clerk. However, if the transaction is interrupted, for example, when product registration is completed and a settlement transition instruction operation is performed at the POS terminal 20 from which the transaction was taken over, the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode's settlement-only mode may also be included in the POS terminal 20 in a "mode other than the full-self-service mode." In this case, for example, when settlement is being taken over by the POS terminal 20 in the semi-self-service mode's settlement-only mode, a store clerk may be present.

[0082] If the takeover destination POS terminal 20 is capable of cash settlement and is set to a mode other than the full self-service mode, it transmits a takeover transaction information request to the other POS terminal 20 in response to reading the code CH. The takeover transaction information request includes transaction identification information corresponding to the requested takeover transaction information. If the POS terminal 20 stores the same transaction identification information as that included in the received takeover registration information, it transmits the stored transaction identification information to the POS terminal 20 that sent the takeover transaction information request. In this way, the POS terminal 20 that sent the takeover transaction information request can obtain the takeover transaction information.

[0083] In addition, if the management device 30 stores the transfer transaction information, the transfer destination POS terminal 20 may obtain the transfer transaction information from the management device 30 by sending a transfer transaction information request to the management device 30 in response to reading the code CH. The transferee POS terminal 20 resumes processing (transaction processing) according to the transaction corresponding to the acquired transfer transaction information.

[0084] As a checkout process, if the transfer transaction information indicates that the settlement transfer instruction operation has not been performed, the transferee POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen on the customer side display unit 205. On the displayed product registration screen, the products registered in the non-cash payment only / full self-service mode POS terminal 20 before the transfer are reflected as registered products. Therefore, the customer can simply restart the product registration operation by registering any products that have not yet been registered. Then, when the customer has completed the registration of all products to be registered, the customer can perform a payment instruction operation to proceed to payment by cash. In this case, the POS terminal 20 executes a settlement process corresponding to a cash settlement as the accounting process. That is, the POS terminal 20 accepts the deposit inserted by the customer and dispenses cash as change if any. The POS terminal 20 issues a receipt indicating the accounting result of this transaction and ends the accounting process for that transaction.

[0085] As a transaction process, if the transfer transaction information indicates that a settlement transition instruction operation has been performed, the transferee POS terminal 20 displays a settlement screen on the customer side display unit 205. In this case, the customer does not register the product, but simply settles the payment by cash, and the POS terminal 20 executes settlement processing corresponding to the cash settlement.

[0086] For example, if a store clerk mistakenly causes a POS terminal 20 that is set to full self-service mode even though cash payment is possible to read the code CH of the receipt, the POS terminal 20 will not take over the transaction and will instead report an error, for example, by displaying a message. In this case, the store clerk may move to another POS terminal 20 that is set to a mode other than full self-service mode and that is set to cash payment, and have the code CH of the receipt read again. Alternatively, the store clerk may switch the mode of the POS terminal 20 that reported the error from full self-service mode to a mode other than full self-service mode, and then have the code CH of the receipt read again.

[0087] In this way, in this embodiment, a transaction can be interrupted at a POS terminal 20 in non-cash payment only / full self-service mode, and the transaction can be resumed at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments, taking over from the interrupted stage. This eliminates the need for a customer to restart a transaction from the beginning at another POS terminal 20 that accepts cash payments, thereby improving transaction efficiency.

[0088] [Example of processing procedure] An example of the processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 set in the full self-service mode in relation to issuing a receipt will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S101: The POS terminal 20 displays a start screen in a standby state. Step S102: The POS terminal 20 is in a standby state and waits for a product registration start operation to be performed. The product registration start operation may be an operation on the registration start button BT31 arranged on the start screen.

[0089] Step S103: In response to the product registration start operation, the POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen on the customer display unit 205. That is, the POS terminal 20 starts accepting product registrations in the transaction process. Note that a similar product registration screen may also be displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.

[0090] Step S104: While the product registration screen is displayed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a product registration operation has been performed by the customer. The product registration operation may be, for example, an operation in which the customer causes the scanner unit of the POS terminal 20 to read a code (barcode or two-dimensional code) attached to a product. The code attached to a product indicates a product code (product identification information) that identifies the product. Step S105: In response to the product registration operation, the POS terminal 20 executes a product registration process.

[0091] Step S106: After the process of step S105, if it is determined in step S104 that the product registration operation has not been performed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the store clerk identification information for displaying the store clerk operation screen has been read.

[0092] Step S107: When the store clerk identification information has been read, the POS terminal 20 displays a store clerk operation screen on the customer side display unit 205. Step S108: The store clerk performs some operation on the store clerk operation screen. When an operation is performed on the store clerk operation screen, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the operation was a receipt issuance operation. The receipt issuance operation is performed by operating the receipt button BT11 on the store clerk operation screen and operating the "Yes" button BT21 on the issuance confirmation screen WD20 that is displayed in response to the operation on the receipt button BT11. Step S109: When a receipt issuing operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt using the printing unit 213. At this time, the POS terminal 20 displays the store clerk operation screen of FIG. 8 as described above. Step S110: In addition, in response to the completion of issuing the receipt, the POS terminal 20 transmits transaction information (transferred transaction information) indicating the processing results of this transaction (results of the product registration process). The transferred transaction information may be stored in the POS terminal 20 itself, as described above, but here we will take the example of transmitting it to the management device 30. Once the issuance of the receipt and the transmission of the transaction information in steps S109 and S110 are completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0093] Step S111: If an operation other than a receipt issuing operation is performed on the store clerk operation screen, the POS terminal 20 executes processing according to the operation. Once the processing according to the operation is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0094] Step S112: If it is determined in step S106 that the store clerk identification information has not been read, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a checkout instruction operation has been performed. If it is determined that a checkout instruction operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S104, and the POS terminal 20 waits for the next product registration operation.

[0095] Step S113: When the payment instruction operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment screen on the customer side display unit 205. Step S114: With the checkout screen displayed, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the store clerk identification information has been read.

[0096] Step S115: If it is determined in step S114 that the store clerk identification information has not been read, the POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process. When the settlement process is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0097] Step S116: If it is determined in step S114 that the store clerk identification information has been read, the POS terminal 20 displays a payment operation screen on the customer side display unit 205.

[0098] Step S117: The store clerk performs some operation on the payment operation screen. When an operation is performed on the payment operation screen, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the operation is a receipt issuance operation. A receipt issuance operation is performed by operating the receipt button BT61 on the payment operation screen and operating the "Yes" button BT71 on the issuance confirmation screen WD70 that is displayed in response to the operation on the receipt button BT61.

[0099] Step S118: When a receipt issuing operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 causes the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt. At this time, the POS terminal 20 causes the payment operation screen of FIG. 14 to be displayed as described above. Step S119: In addition, upon completion of issuing the receipt, the POS terminal 20 sends to the management device 30 handover transaction information indicating the processing results so far for this transaction (product registration processing results and completion of product registration processing). Once the issuance of the receipt and the transmission of the transaction information in steps S118 and S119 are complete, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0100] Step S120: If an operation other than a receipt issuing operation is performed on the payment operation screen, the POS terminal 20 executes processing according to the operation. Once the processing according to the operation is completed, the process returns to step S101, and the POS terminal 20 displays the start screen and transitions to a standby state.

[0101] An example of a processing procedure related to a transaction that the POS terminal 20 performs based on the handover transaction information will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Step S201: The POS terminal 20 is in a standby state, waiting for the code on the receipt to be read. Step S202: When the code on the receipt is read, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the full self-service mode is currently set in the POS terminal 20.

[0102] Step S203: If a mode other than the full self-service mode is set, the POS terminal 20 transmits a request for taking over transaction information to the management device 30. Step S204: In response to the takeover transaction information request sent in step S203, the management device 30 sends the corresponding takeover transaction information. The POS terminal 20 receives the sent takeover transaction information.

[0103] Step S205: The POS terminal 20 references the transaction processing result indicated in the received takeover transaction information and determines whether the product registration processing has been completed for the transaction. Step S206: If the transaction is one for which the product registration process has not been completed, the POS terminal 20 marks the product registered in the received taking-over transaction information as registered, and then resumes the product registration process in response to the product registration operation. At this time, the POS terminal 20 displays a product registration screen that marks the product registered in the taking-over transaction information as registered, and starts accepting product registration operations. Step S207: If the product registration process in step S206 is completed and a payment instruction operation is performed, or if the product registration is completed in step S205 and a payment instruction operation has already been performed at the POS terminal 20 before movement, the POS terminal 20 executes the payment process.

[0104] Step S208: If it is determined in step S202 that the self mode is set in the own device, an error notification is executed.

[0105] <Modification> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be changed or modified as appropriate, for example, as in the following modified examples. In addition, the following modified examples can be combined as appropriate.

[0106] [First Modification] In the semi-self mode, when product registration for one transaction is completed at the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode, a store clerk performs a settlement instruction operation. The settlement instruction operation is an operation of specifying the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode to execute the settlement process, and then instructing the settlement at the specified POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. When the settlement transition instruction operation is performed, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode transmits the transaction information reflecting the product registration result to the designated POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. At this time, for example, the transaction information may be transmitted to the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode via the management device 30. The POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode stores the received transaction information until the corresponding customer starts settlement, and executes settlement processing using the transaction information in response to the customer starting settlement. A transaction corresponding to transaction information for which settlement processing has not yet begun is treated as an unsettled transaction, but in semi-self-service mode, a store clerk can operate the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to recall the transaction information of the unsettled transaction and correct the transaction information. Corrections to transaction information can include, for example, deleting a registered product, adding a registered product, or integrating the recalled transaction information with the transaction information of a transaction for which a product is being registered on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode.

[0107] When recalling an unsettled transaction, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode to display the unsettled transaction list screen on the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode. The store clerk specifies the unsettled transaction to be recalled from among the unsettled transactions presented as a list on the displayed unsettled transaction list screen, and performs an operation to instruct the execution of the recall. In response to the operation to instruct the execution of the recall, the POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode acquires the transaction information of the specified unsettled transaction from the POS terminal 20 in the settlement-only mode. The POS terminal 20 in the registration-only mode that has acquired the transaction information of the unsettled transaction corrects the transaction information in response to an operation by the store clerk.

[0108] In this modified example, a transaction that has been partially settled at the POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode that is the source of the transfer is also treated as an unsettled transaction. Then, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 at the destination of the transfer to recall the transaction to be handed over from the unsettled transaction list screen, so that the transaction can be handed over to the POS terminal 20 at the destination of the transfer.

[0109] In this case, the store clerk who receives the call will, for example, not issue a receipt, but will instead perform an operation to hold the transaction results performed at the source POS terminal 20 for transfer. In response to the operation to hold the transaction results, the source POS terminal 20 stores transaction information (handover transaction information) indicating the transaction results that have been held. In this variation, the transaction corresponding to the stored handover transaction information is treated as an unsettled transaction.

[0110] Next, the store clerk goes to the POS terminal 20 to which the data is to be transferred, reads the member identification information, and then performs an operation to display an unsettled transaction list screen on the POS terminal 20 to which the data is to be transferred. The list of unsettled transactions presented on the unsettled transaction list screen thus displayed includes unsettled transactions that correspond to the transfer transaction information stored in the POS terminal 20 from which the data is to be transferred. In addition, if there is a POS terminal 20 operating in semi-self-service mode, unsettled transactions in that semi-self-service mode are also included in the list of unsettled transactions.

[0111] 17 shows an example of the unsettled transaction list screen. The unsettled transaction list screen in the figure shows an example in which unsettled transactions corresponding to the transfer transaction information stored in the transfer source POS terminal 20 and unsettled transactions in the semi-self mode are presented as a list.

[0112] The unsettled list screen shown in the figure includes a list display area 601 and an individual display area 602, and is also equipped with a "Recall" button 603, a cancel button 604, a previous button, a next button, a sort button, a lump-sum settlement button, and the like.

[0113] The list display area 601 is a display area that displays a list of transaction information for multiple unsettled transactions. Specifically, the list display area 601 presents a list item corresponding to each unsettled transaction. The list items are arranged, for example, in order of registration time. In the list item corresponding to unsettled transaction 1, transaction information relating to the unsettled transaction is displayed, including the transaction time, transaction identification information, transaction points, total amount, member number (member identification information), elapsed time, and settlement specification details. The transaction time is, for example, the time when the corresponding unsettled transaction started. The transaction identification information is identification information that indicates the corresponding unsettled transaction. The transaction number indicates the number of registered products. The total amount indicates the amount according to the registered product. The membership number indicates the customer corresponding to the unsettled transaction, and is obtained by the customer having the POS terminal 20 read the membership number from the customer's membership card when making a payment. The elapsed time indicates the time from the transaction time to the current time. The settlement specification content indicates the POS terminal 20 in settlement-only mode in which the execution of settlement processing is specified in the case of an unsettled transaction in semi-self mode, and indicates that the transaction is the target of handover in the case of an unsettled transaction corresponding to the handover transaction information.

[0114] Specifically, the list item "1" in the first row of the list display area 601 in the same figure is a list item for unsettled transactions in semi-self mode. In the list item "1", the registration time "17:22:34", transaction identification information "TJ019", transaction points "27 points", total amount "2,558 yen", membership number "10302", elapsed time "00:00:26", and settlement specification "cash machine 1" are displayed.

[0115] Additionally, the list item "2" in the next second row is a list item for unsettled transactions that are subject to transfer. The list item "2" displays the registration time "17:21:05," transaction identification information "TJ018," number of items traded "6 items," total amount "525 yen," elapsed time "00:01:55," and settlement specification "Transfer." The settlement specification "Transfer" indicates that this is an unsettled transaction that is subject to transfer.

[0116] In the list display area 601 in the same figure, the list items of unsettled transactions are arranged in order of most recent transaction time, but by operating the sort button, for example, the items can also be displayed in order of oldest transaction time, largest or smallest amount, or largest or smallest number of transaction points. On the unsettled transaction list screen, the previous button and next button are buttons for displaying in the list display area 601 transaction information of unsettled transactions that are not displayed in the list display area 601. In other words, if there is transaction information of unsettled transactions exceeding the maximum number and the previous button or next button is pressed, all or part of the transaction information of the unsettled transactions displayed in the list display area 601 will be replaced. In the list display area 601 in the figure, an example is shown in which the maximum number of list items of unsettled transactions that can be displayed at one time (simultaneously) is five, but this is not particularly limited.

[0117] The individual display area 602 is an area for displaying detailed information about one of the unsettled transactions presented in the list display area 601 . In the individual display area 602, the transaction date and time, transaction identification information, registration device identification information (in semi-self mode), membership number, registered product information (product identification information, product name, price, etc.), discount information, etc. are displayed.

[0118] In the individual display area 602 of the figure, consumption bond information for the unsettled transaction "1" in the first row of the list display area 601 is displayed. Note that the unsettled transaction "1" in the first row of the list display area 601 has a large transaction count of 27 items, so only some of the registered product information is displayed in the individual display area 602. In this case, the store clerk can display the registered product information that is not displayed by operating the scroll button (the button with an inverted triangle mark) or the page button (the button with the next page mark).

[0119] Immediately after the unsettled transaction list screen is displayed, the individual display area 602 initially displays transaction information for the unsettled transaction corresponding to the unsettled transaction "1" in the first row of the list display area 601. The store clerk can select an unsettled transaction by, for example, touching the list item of the unsettled transaction in the list display area 601. Detailed information about the unsettled transaction selected by operating the list item in the list display area 601 is displayed in the individual display area 602.

[0120] The "Recall" button 603 is a button for instructing the execution of a recall of an unsettled transaction. The store clerk operates to select the list item of the unsettled transaction to be recalled from the list items of unsettled transactions displayed in the list display area 601. The store clerk then operates the "Recall" button 603. In response to the operation of the "Recall" button 603, the POS terminal 20 obtains transaction information of the unsettled transaction corresponding to the list item selected in the list display area 601.

[0121] When the store clerk performs the recall operation on the transferee POS terminal 20 as described above and causes the transferee POS terminal 20 to acquire the transaction information of the unsettled transaction to be transferred (transferred transaction information), the transferee POS terminal 20 displays the product registration screen or the settlement screen on the customer display unit 205 according to the acquired transfer transaction information. This allows the customer to carry out the transaction after inheriting the transaction results performed on the transferee POS terminal 20. In other words, in this modified example, even without issuing a receipt, the store clerk can simply perform the operation to call up the unsettled transaction from the unsettled transaction list screen, allowing the transferee POS terminal 20 to carry out the transaction inheriting the transaction results from the transferee POS terminal 20.

[0122] [Second Modification] The accounting handover of this embodiment may also be applied as follows to a product sales data processing system in which customers register products using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a store rental terminal, and then settle the payment for the registered products at a settlement device. In this case, the customer can register products by, for example, having a mobile terminal read the product code. Transaction information corresponding to the product registration results is sent to, for example, a management device (server). When the registration of all items is complete, the customer performs an operation to end the product registration. When the operation to end the product registration is performed, the mobile terminal displays a two-dimensional code (which may be a barcode) indicating the transaction identification information of the current transaction. The customer goes to the settlement device and has the settlement device read the two-dimensional code. The settlement device obtains from the management device the transaction information of the transaction indicated by the transaction identification information obtained from the read two-dimensional code, and displays a settlement screen corresponding to the obtained transaction information.

[0123] The customer intended to pay in cash, but when they tried to pay at the payment terminal that displayed the payment screen as described above, they realized that the payment terminal did not support cash payments. In this case, the customer called a store clerk.

[0124] The clerk who responds to the clerk call has the settlement device read the clerk identification information, display a payment operation screen, and issue a receipt by operating the payment operation screen. A code of transaction identification information is printed on the receipt. When the clerk or customer moves to a settlement device that can handle cash payments and is the next to take over, they have the new settlement device read the code on the receipt. The new settlement device obtains the transaction information corresponding to the read code and displays the settlement screen. This allows the customer to begin settlement by cash payment. Alternatively, the store clerk who responds to the call may hold the transaction for transfer without issuing a receipt. In this case, the customer displays the two-dimensional code of the transaction identification information on their mobile device again and has the displayed two-dimensional code read by the destination settlement device. The destination settlement device acquires the corresponding transfer transaction information and displays a settlement screen corresponding to the acquired transaction information. This allows the customer to begin cash settlement. In addition, for example, in the above case, the clerk may have a clerk terminal carried by the clerk communicate with the management device or the customer's mobile terminal to acquire transaction identification information for the transaction to be handed over and display a two-dimensional code of the acquired transaction identification information. In this case, the clerk may have the settlement device to which the transaction is to be handed over read the two-dimensional code displayed on the clerk terminal.

[0125] [Third Modification] The transaction handover of this embodiment may be applied as follows to a product sales data processing system that includes a registration device where a store clerk performs product registration operations and a payment device where a customer performs payment. In this case, the customer goes to the registration device with the product they want to purchase and has a store clerk register the product. Once the product registration is complete, the customer goes to the payment device with the registered product to begin payment. In this case, after starting payment, the customer realizes that the payment type they intended to use cannot be used at the payment device they are currently operating. In this case, the customer, for example, performs an operation on a payment device to call a store clerk. A store clerk is called in response to the operation, and the store clerk then goes to the payment device. The store clerk operates the payment device to hand over the receipt. The store clerk then takes the issued receipt and the customer to a payment device that can handle the payment type used by the customer and has the code on the receipt read. The payment device that reads the code then begins the payment process, taking over the process that was being carried out by the previous payment device. Considering security and ensuring a smooth transaction process, it is preferable that the transaction process (the process of issuing a receipt and the process of reading the receipt code) be performed by a store employee, as described above. In this case, the original settlement device may be configured so that the operation to issue a receipt cannot be performed unless a store clerk has the original settlement device read the member identification information. Also, the destination POS terminal 20 may be configured so that the code on the receipt cannot be read unless a store clerk has the destination settlement device read the member identification information. Alternatively, the settlement device taking over may select another settlement device that can handle the payment type that it cannot handle, and issue a receipt with a code that only the other settlement device can read. In this case, if the settlement device that has taken over is able to read the code on the receipt, the settlement process may be taken over and resumed, but if the settlement device is unable to read the code on the receipt, the settlement process may not be resumed and an error may be reported. However, if it is desired to prioritize, for example, reducing the time required to call a store clerk or reducing the burden on store clerks, the customer may be allowed to perform the transaction handover operation.

[0126] [Fourth Modification] In the above embodiment, an example is given of a case where a customer intending to pay in cash makes a transaction at a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode that does not allow cash payments, and the transaction can then be handed over to a POS terminal 20 that allows cash payments. In this modified example, in response to a case where a customer intending to make a non-cash payment such as by credit card makes a transaction at a POS terminal 20 in a full self-service mode that only allows cash payment and not non-cash payment, the transaction may be taken over at a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than the full self-service mode that allows non-cash payment by the above-mentioned non-cash payment. In addition, for example, in the case where a customer intends to make a non-cash payment using a specific point card and pays at a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode where the specific point card cannot be used, the payment may be transferred to a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than full self-service mode where payment using the specific point card can be made.

[0127] [Fifth Modification] As the POS terminal 20 capable of cash payments performs settlement processing, it may reach a specific currency storage state called near-full, near-end, full, empty, etc. In the change dispenser 209, currency is stored by denomination, and the maximum number of currency that can be stored (maximum storage number) is determined for each denomination. Near-full is a state in which the number of stored currency corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 has reached a predetermined storage number, which is considered to be close to the maximum storage number (full). The near-end state is a state in which the number of stored coins corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 is equal to or less than a predetermined number, which is considered to be close to empty (0 coins: empty). The full state is a state in which the number of stored coins corresponding to at least one denomination stored in the change dispenser 209 reaches the maximum number (full) that can be stored, and no more coins of the same denomination can be stored. The empty state is a state in which the number of coins stored in the change dispenser 209 that corresponds to at least one denomination has reached 0 (full), and no more coins of the same denomination can be dispensed as change.

[0128] The multi-payment-compatible POS terminal 20 in the above embodiment may also be used for cash payments, and may therefore be in the above-mentioned specific currency storage states. Therefore, in this modified example, the multi-payment-compatible POS terminal 20 may change its settings so that it is unable to accept cash payments and operates exclusively for non-cash payments when it is in at least one of the above-mentioned specific currency storage states.

[0129] [Sixth Modification] In the above embodiment, it may happen that, for example, a customer mistakenly reads a receipt issued by a POS terminal 20 dedicated to non-cash payments, and the other POS terminal 20 is also dedicated to non-cash payments, just like the POS terminal 20 from which the transaction was taken over. In this case, even if the other POS terminal 20 reads the code on the receipt and resumes the transaction, it will ultimately be unable to settle the account. Therefore, if the payment types that the POS terminal 20 that reads the code on the receipt can handle are the same as those of the transfer source, and the requested payment type cannot be used for settlement, the transaction may be treated as an error.

[0130] To determine whether or not the requested payment type can be accommodated, for example, the code on the receipt may include information indicating the payment types that the POS terminal 20 at the receiving end should accommodate (accepted payment type information). In this case, the POS terminal 20 that reads the code on the receipt may determine whether or not the requested payment type can be accommodated by determining whether or not the payment type indicated in the accepted payment type information can be accommodated. Alternatively, for example, each POS terminal 20 or the management device 30 may store handover setting information indicating the relationship between the POS terminals 20 that form the handover source and the handover destination relationship. The code on the receipt may also include terminal identification information that indicates the handover source POS terminal 20. When the POS terminal 20 reads the code from the receipt, it may refer to the handover setting information to determine whether it can become the handover destination of the handover source POS terminal 20 indicated by the read code. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 to which the transaction is to be transferred may use the code read from the receipt to determine whether it can handle the payment type specified in the transfer transaction information received from the management device 30.

[0131] [Seventh Modification] In some stores, POS terminals 20 capable of making transactions in accordance with the tax-free system and POS terminals 20 incapable of making transactions in accordance with the tax-free system are installed together. In such a case, if a foreign customer mistakenly makes a transaction at a POS terminal 20 in a full self-service mode that does not allow for transactions in accordance with the tax-free system, the transaction may be taken over by a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than the full self-service mode that allows for transactions in accordance with the tax-free system.

[0132] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device. [Background technology] A product sales data processing system is known that allows a user to specify a settlement device to perform settlement after the device has been specified, in order to cope with situations where it takes time for the specified settlement device to be able to perform settlement, for example (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-006856 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] For example, a customer may be making a payment (a concept that includes everything from registering products to settling the bill) at a fully self-service cashier that only accepts credit cards, but then realizes midway through that they no longer have their credit card with them. In such a case, the customer must cancel the transaction and start a new transaction at another cashier that accepts cash. Even in the above-described situation, it is preferable to be able to carry out the transaction at another payment device without canceling the transaction in order to ensure efficient transaction processing. This embodiment has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and aims to enable a transaction that has been partially completed at one accounting device to be completed at another accounting device without being canceled.

[0133] [Means for solving the problem] (1) One aspect of this embodiment is a sales data processing system having a first merchandise sales data processing device (e.g., a takeover source POS terminal 20) that is capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing corresponding to a transaction, supports a first payment method (e.g., non-cash payment), and does not support a second payment method (e.g., cash payment), and a second merchandise sales data processing device (e.g., a takeover destination POS terminal 20) that is capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing and supports the second payment method, and the sales data processing system is equipped with a transmission control means that causes the first merchandise sales data processing device to transmit takeover transaction information corresponding to the accounting processing that was executed under the first merchandise sales data processing device to the second merchandise sales data processing device so that the accounting processing taken over from the accounting processing that was executed under the first merchandise sales data processing device can be executed on the second merchandise sales data processing device.

[0134] According to the above configuration, the transferee POS terminal 20 acquires transaction information based on the results of the transaction process that was partially completed at the transfer source POS terminal 20. The transferee POS terminal 20 can then use the acquired transaction information to execute the subsequent transaction process. This allows the transaction that was partially completed at one product sales data processing device to be completed at another product sales data processing device without having to be canceled.

[0135] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing system as described in (1), wherein the first product sales data processing device includes a medium output means for outputting a medium (e.g., a receipt) on which identification information capable of identifying a transaction (e.g., transaction identification information or member identification information) is recorded, the second product sales data processing device includes a reading means (e.g., a scanner unit) capable of reading the identification information, and the transmission control means transmits the transfer transaction information to the second product sales data processing device in response to the transaction identification information recorded on the medium output by the medium output means being read by the reading means.

[0136] According to the above configuration, the transferee POS terminal 20 can acquire the transfer transaction information by the simple procedure of having the transferee POS terminal 20 read the receipt issued by the transferee POS terminal 20.

[0137] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing system as described in (1) or (2), in which the second product sales data processing device is capable of being set to a first mode (e.g., full self-service mode) in which accounting processing is performed in response to the customer registering products and settling the account themselves, and a second mode (e.g., a mode other than full self-service mode (e.g., normal mode, double scan mode) in which accounting processing is performed in response to the customer setting up the account without registering products), and the transmission control means causes the second product sales data processing device to transmit the transfer transaction information when the second mode is set, and does not cause the second product sales data processing device to transmit the transfer transaction information when the first mode is set.

[0138] According to the above configuration, it is not possible to have a transaction process carried out at a POS terminal 20 in full self-service mode where no store clerk is present as the transfer destination, but it is possible to have a transaction process carried out at a POS terminal 20 in a mode other than full self-service mode where a store clerk is present as the transfer destination. As a result, when a customer carries out a transaction at the transfer destination POS terminal 20, a store clerk will be present to assist, so the transaction can be completed accurately.

[0139] Note that programs for implementing the functions of the POS terminal 20, store controller 10, management device 30, etc. described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the POS terminal 20, store controller 10, management device 30, etc. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, and a dedicated line. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code executable on the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 POS system, 10 store controller, 20 (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) POS terminal, 30 management device, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 hard disk, 205 customer side display unit, 206 customer side scanner unit, 208 card reader, 209 change dispenser, 210 store clerk side display unit, 211 key operation unit, 212 store clerk side scanner unit, 213 printing unit, 214 audio output unit, 215 communication unit

Claims

1. A merchandise sales data processing system having a first merchandise sales data processing device installed in a store, which is capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing corresponding to a transaction, is compatible with a first payment method but not a second payment method, and executes accounting processing in response to customers registering products and settling the payment themselves, and a second merchandise sales data processing device which is capable of at least settlement processing as accounting processing, is compatible with the second payment method, and may be operated by a store clerk in response to the customer, the first merchandise sales data processing device and the second merchandise sales data processing device are installed in a mixed manner in a store, a notification means for notifying those around that a sales clerk is being called by turning on a display in order to call a sales clerk to the first sales data processing device when the transaction processing that was being executed by the first sales data processing device is taken over by the second sales data processing device; a transmission control means for transmitting, from the first merchandise sales data processing device to the second merchandise sales data processing device, takeover transaction information corresponding to the transaction process executed under the first merchandise sales data processing device, so that the transaction process taken over from the transaction process executed under the first merchandise sales data processing device can be executed by the second merchandise sales data processing device; A product sales data processing system comprising:

2. the first commodity sales data processing device includes a medium output means for outputting a medium on which identification information capable of identifying a transaction and salesperson identification information capable of identifying a salesperson are recorded; the second product sales data processing device includes a reading means capable of reading the identification information, The transmission control means transmits the transfer transaction information to the second product sales data processing device in response to the transaction identification information recorded on the medium output by the medium output means being read by the reading means.

2. The merchandise sales data processing system according to claim 1.

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